When Living the Classical Life first launched, it began as a small YouTube series with a mission in mind—to explore the idea of taking an in-depth look at the lives of talented classical musicians in a different, intimate way. 

As its popularity spread and its true potential unraveled, it transformed into something so much more.  Now, this award-winning, one-of-a-kind platform is a sacred place—a unique forum and space where guests—classical musicians— can open up and really talk. 

Living the Classical Life focuses on the inner world of classical musicians and the essence of music itself. When interviewed, all performers—at various stages of their lives and careers—can share exactly what living the classical life is all about. Musicians talk about fear, obstacles, passions, progress, and so much more with host and founder Zsolt Bognár—all in the name of educating viewers so they can experience music again, this time, from a heart-to-heart perspective. 

Of the myriad of soprano interviews that exist on Living the Classical Life (each offering a unique look into the lives of talented sopranos with diverse backgrounds), the Classical Post team has chosen the top four that we believe to be the most touching, inspiring, and exciting.

In this week’s edition, we’ve sifted through Living the Classical Life’s collection of interviews with dazzling, unique sopranos and chosen our top four favorites—Nadine Sierra, Ailyn Perez, Deborah Voigt, and Jennifer O’Loughlin. 

Nadine Sierra

A soprano who’s often praised for her vocal beauty and seamless technique, Nadine Sierra is, without question, one of the most promising, young talents in opera in our modern era. After a string of several successful, show-stopping debuts at venues like the Met, all Scala, Opera national de Paris, Teatro all Scala, and Staatsoper Berlin, she’s now considered a fixture at many of the top houses spanning the globe. In Nadine’s episode of Living the Classical Life, she opens up to Zsolt about failure, disappointment in past heroes, and the importance (for her) of belonging. 

Watch the full episode with Nadine Sierra.

Ailyn Pérez

One of the fastest-rising operatic sopranos, Ailyn Perez, is a vocal force to be reckoned with. Known for her “extraordinarily rich” vocals and “bewitching grace” onstage (Bachtrack), Ailyn is an in-demand artist at the world’s leading opera houses and cultural capitals. Having performed at acclaimed opera houses around the world, Ailyn’s combination of talents (commanding stage presence, major soprano vocals, dazzling performance skills, etc.) are often described as an embarrassment of riches, as she truly seems to have it all. 

Though her accolades and awards are too many to count (much less write about), her most recent accomplishment includes the 2019 Opera News Award for her artistry and for her commitment to mentorship in an underserved community. In her unique episode of Living the Classical Life, Ailyn discusses her own, personal concept of success, the importance of Hispanic voices and roles in opera, and the lurking dangers of committing yourself fully to a tragic role. 

Watch the full episode with Ailyn Perez.

Deborah Voigt

Lauded as one of the most emotionally revealing interviews on Living the Classical Life, Deborah Voigt masterfully navigates the realm of her long and acclaimed career. Deborah is a beloved soprano, notable for being one of the world’s most versatile singers as well as one of music’s most endearing personalities. While she’s internationally revered for her dramatic soprano performances in the operas of Wagner, Strauss, and more, she also boasts a wealth of other talents, as displayed through her extensive discography, mentorship dedication (she’s a full-time member of the voice faculty at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music), and published literature (her book, Call Me Debbie).  

In this interview, Deborah opens up about performance psychology, acting, and the difficulty of maintaining relationships while on the road—further, she speaks candidly about beautifully about her own struggles with addiction and with weight loss. 

Watch the full episode with Deborah Voigt.

Jennifer O'Loughlin

American soprano Jennifer O’Loughlin—who’s an in-demand presence in opera houses and venues in Europe, Asia, and America—is often described as bewitching, brilliant, and beautifully theatrical. Jennifer’s awards and accolades are too many to list, but of her most significant include her nomination for Best Female Lead by the Austrian Music Theater Awards and her 2015 win of the “AZ Stern des Jahres” for the best opera in Munich. 

In Jennifer’s 25-minute interview, she opens up about making a pathway in a life in music from a young age, learning how to adjust and prepare for roles, developing routines, and learning how to balance the pressure of reviews with grace. 

Watch the full episode with Jennifer O’Loughlin.

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