It is so easy to forget that it’s hard. Almost impossible. We see their face; we see them smile and enjoy and we hear their voices. And it looks, oh- so easy. But behind that singer there are thousands of hours of preparation and no microphone to amplified them. That is the mark of an opera singer.

Chapter 1: Marketing has sold us the idea that anyone with a voice can be a star, an artist. It’s a lie. In all this programs, an empire and a merchant are behind the product. They will manipulate the talent they manage – because, yes, there is a lot of talent. They will shape it, pack it, create something they can sell, turn the mic and spotlight on and throw you in the ring. Suddenly, you will be their star. If they can’t sell their creation, they will dispose of it. They will turn you off, and search again.

Chapter 2: You can’t turn off the mic or spotlight of a real artist. The light is inside: the tenacity of recovering at each mistake. The nerves of steel of confronting the audience with nothing to protect them. The generosity of been extreme vulnerable in front of strangers. The gift of giving, even if they are hurting. The curiosity of a child. The discipline of an Olympian. They survive the training, walk on stage and shine. So, we think it’s easy. Trust me: it is not. They are fragile like crystal but manage to find the strength and will not run away in the storm.

Working again with them is a gift. Hard to describe what we can feel when they sing. So, we stay silent and in awe. And we listen and feel gratefull…

Image:@markusspiske