Esther Goes to Weimar to Sing

People often ask me how I "got into" opera. It was only until recently that I could speak about it eloquently: Opera found me, I couldn't give you a specific moment, it just took hold and I let it take over. I've been singing for as long as I can remember, it's something I have never put down. I began studying with a retired opera singer named Rosalia Maresca at 13, and prepared myself to pursue a degree in classical voice performance and followed through and here I am almost on the other side of my undergraduate career with the same thirst I had and I believe will always have. This year I was given an amazing opportunity to take on a role for the first time. I was a character from the beginning to the end, I walked four acts in her shoes and experienced her gains and her losses. Laoula was my character, a princess, a naive young girl wrapped up in a confusing love triangle. A girl in love. I will never forget the moment where Laoula has her first entrance to sing...

This is me as the Princess Laoula (left), with King Ouf and Lazuli

The feeling of the people in the room, the energy they provided, the conversation we had in the hall. I knew in that moment that I am going to do everything I can to continue to experience such sensations. I am ready to never stop learning and changing. I don't know where I will be in three years, two years, six months, but I do know that I will be singing in whichever capacity is available to me.

This summer I have been invited to a music festival hosted by the Lyric Opera Studio in Weimar Germany. We will prepare and perform Die Fledermaus by Strauss. Through the audition process I have been offered a principal role, Adele, in this Opera.  As most summer programs the singers participate in the costs of the program and production.  My parents, and myself are saving as much as we can for this. I will need to send my participation by the end  of April.  I am very grateful for all the support that will come my way.  Thank you for supporting my passion.