Artist Spotlights

Chauncey Packer: Career Endurance through Belief and Joy

Singers take many different paths in maintaining an opera performance career, and many factors contribute to success. In addition to the excellent musicianship skills and vocal artistry needed to remain competitive in the industry, more elements also play large roles. A singer needs a strong belief in themselves, drive to keep moving forward, and the ability to maintain physical and mental health to serve them as they continually challenge themselves as artists.

Dec 26 Penelope Shumate

Analisa Leaming : Innovating Transitions

Analisa Leaming is a brilliant and versatile Broadway performer who has translated her success into mental, emotional, and spiritual support for other artists through her podcast and coaching. In this interview, Leaming shares her thoughts on approaching transitions, the unexpected, and disappointments that artists of all levels must face in an uplifting way.

Dec 05 Victoria Davis

Admitting BIPOC Composers into the Canon

The musical “canon” of great works of the past is an important part of every singer’s training and core repertory of performance. Read on to learn how one singer has embraced the challenge of discovering and advocating for great BIPOC composers whose works have not previously been included into an expanded canon of master works.

Nov 22 Alex Guerrero

Art Song Recordings in Quarantine : Laura Strickling

What does it take to make an art song recording, including commissioning new works? Find out how Laura Strickling recorded two new albums while balancing family life during the pandemic.

Nov 15 Gregory Moomjy

Multi-faceted Music-Making with Andrea DelGiudice

Soprano, teacher, dramaturg/librettist, vocal consultant, and director Andrea DelGiudice epitomizes the “slash career” artist at a time when diversifying skills, talents and revenue streams is more important. By continually expanding her interests and exploring new avenues for creativity, DelGiudice is breaking the stereotypes and tropes of a classical singer who can only pursue one path in the music industry. She recently shared reflections on her journey from singer to Renaissance woman of the opera stage, and she offered wisdom for other artists, particularly women, who are looking to strive for a more varied and valuable career.

Nov 04 Jonathan Blalock

Spirit of Innovation: Bass Kofi Hayford Behind DictionBuddy App

Kofi Hayford has never been one to follow a traditional path – particularly when it comes to making music. While many budding vocalists find early footing in youth choirs or even youth theater programs, he spent his formative years immersed in the cultures of other countries. In fact, music didn’t even come on to the radar of the Ghanaian-American bass until he was a teenager.

Nov 03 Megan Gloss

Kelli O’Hara: Authenticity and Tools of the Heart

Renowned crossover singer Kelli O’Hara has maintained her authenticity as an artist in multiple genres throughout her illustrious career. Here O’Hara shares how she learned to pour her heart into her work and what singers can achieve in their university years. Read about her collaboration with classical and musical theatre composers, recording projects, and creating a musical home.

Oct 06 Peter Thoresen

Daniele Barioni: A Tenor for the Ages

Daniele Barioni’s career has included working with many of the icons in the industry. Read about his beginnings in Italy, how he cultivated a career in the U.S., and the memories he shares of his colleagues.

Sep 29 Tony Villecco

Suzanne Vinnik : The Diva Who Hustles

Opera singer turned fashion designer, CEO, stylist, and photographer—Suzanne Vinnik discusses her path to building her byVINNIK brand and why doing more than one thing can unlock your full artistic potential.

Sep 20 Eugenia Forteza

New Grooves with Voce Nova

Tenor Gilad Paz & Soprano Natalia Tsvi have created a new paradigm for vocal versatility and business savvy. The dynamic duo is known as VOCE NOVA, a genre-bending team who combine classical singing technique with crowd pleasing hits. They recently shared their story with Classical Singer Magazine, as they continue to reach new audiences with their unique style.

Sep 14 Jonathan Blalock

From Wotan to Wichita Grand Opera: Alan Held

Alan Held is one of the world’s leading bass-baritones. In May 2020, he took over as general and artistic director of the Wichita Grand Opera (WGO). What is it like

Sep 03 Lily Guerrero

Opera Singing Mamas : The Career (Part 2)

Following part one of an illuminating interview with six established opera stars whose individual experiences with the pregnancy, labor, and postpartum processes and the impact on their instruments were

Aug 12 Kathryn Leemhuis