Joyce DiDonato, a renowned American mezzo-soprano, is on a mission to bring opera to the people. The singer, known for her extraordinary vocal technique and signature spiky blond hair, has been touring the globe with recitals that showcase her impressive range.
DiDonato's passion for sharing music knows no bounds, and she has been working with inmates at Sing Sing prison in New York state for over a decade. Her work with prisoners has given her a unique perspective on the power of traditional opera to move people. She believes that opera is vital because it provides an outlet for physical expression and emotional release.
In recent years, DiDonato has become increasingly critical of the contemporary opera scene, which she feels has lost its way. She argues that opera's emphasis on complexity and atonality has pushed audiences away and that the industry has jumped ship from what it once was. "It feels like we've got to be relevant," she says, "but I don't think that's what opera is about."
DiDonato believes that traditional opera can be a powerful tool for healing and connection. She cites examples of hardened criminals moved by Handel's Giulio Cesare, and notes that opera provides an outlet for physical expression and emotional release that many people lack.
Her upcoming performances in Australia and New Zealand will feature her iconic song cycle Les Nuits d'Γ©tΓ© (Summer Nights) by French composer Hector Berlioz. The work is music that is "immediately emotional, beautiful, and identifiable," DiDonato says, which resonates with her own style of performance.
DiDonato's range has been key to her professional longevity and enthusiasm for the art form. She has worked hard to develop her voice and aligns herself with composers who are first and foremost emotional storytellers. "I don't know that my love is my voice," she says, "it's what I say with it that matters."
With performances scheduled in Tasmania, Melbourne, and Auckland, DiDonato is set to bring opera to the people of Australia and New Zealand. Her message of inclusivity and connection will resonate with audiences from all walks of life, and her passion for sharing music knows no bounds.
DiDonato's passion for sharing music knows no bounds, and she has been working with inmates at Sing Sing prison in New York state for over a decade. Her work with prisoners has given her a unique perspective on the power of traditional opera to move people. She believes that opera is vital because it provides an outlet for physical expression and emotional release.
In recent years, DiDonato has become increasingly critical of the contemporary opera scene, which she feels has lost its way. She argues that opera's emphasis on complexity and atonality has pushed audiences away and that the industry has jumped ship from what it once was. "It feels like we've got to be relevant," she says, "but I don't think that's what opera is about."
DiDonato believes that traditional opera can be a powerful tool for healing and connection. She cites examples of hardened criminals moved by Handel's Giulio Cesare, and notes that opera provides an outlet for physical expression and emotional release that many people lack.
Her upcoming performances in Australia and New Zealand will feature her iconic song cycle Les Nuits d'Γ©tΓ© (Summer Nights) by French composer Hector Berlioz. The work is music that is "immediately emotional, beautiful, and identifiable," DiDonato says, which resonates with her own style of performance.
DiDonato's range has been key to her professional longevity and enthusiasm for the art form. She has worked hard to develop her voice and aligns herself with composers who are first and foremost emotional storytellers. "I don't know that my love is my voice," she says, "it's what I say with it that matters."
With performances scheduled in Tasmania, Melbourne, and Auckland, DiDonato is set to bring opera to the people of Australia and New Zealand. Her message of inclusivity and connection will resonate with audiences from all walks of life, and her passion for sharing music knows no bounds.