What makes a great soprano? A lot more than simply learning to hit the right note! It requires a great deal of hard work and sacrifice, but the journey to your bow and receiving the applause from your audience is so rewarding. As a classical soprano, there is nothing quite like successfully executing a piece like Mozart's Queen of the Night. Your goal should not only be to give the audience goosebumps, but touch your own heart as well.

Joyce DiDonato discusses, not only the "how to" of singing, but the true meaning of being a singer. Covering the importance of both hard-work and finding the enjoyment in the art of singing, she shares her experience as an acclaimed mezzo-soprano with the students at The Julliard School. Art, in her opinion, is about immersing yourself in your craft, and seeking the strength within to allow yourself to create in a peaceful, loving headspace. Art isn't about being perfect and judging yourself up for your mistakes while growing. Life is art, and it is meant to be enjoyed. My philosophy is that art has to come from an honest place and should never be manipulative or contrived.

Be My Love by Ivan Tolbert

Here is another wonderful performance by African American artist Ivan Tolbert. An incredible voice from a great performer. A talent like this needs to be shared with the world.

Opera Noir celebrates and supports you, Ivan!

Ivan Tolbert singing On The Street Where You Live

I love this song. Opera Noir Emerging Artist, Ezekial McCarter did a fine performance of this number for the first Opera Noir Summer Intensive in 2011. I've had the pleasure of working with "Zeek" periodically over the past 2 years, and I am so pleased that he continues to evolve as an artist and a performer.

Zeek performs regularly at The Fillmore and the Boom Boom Boom in San Francisco. If your schedule allows, stop in and support this young "emerging artist!"

TOUR ALERT!!!!

The "Ladies Who Sing With the Band" Tour is in pre-production! Stay turned to find out when it will be coming your way!