Podcast Summary: Speaking Soundly – Episode Featuring Lisette Oropesa
Introduction
In this captivating episode of Speaking Soundly, hosted by David Kraus of Artful Narratives Media, listeners are treated to an intimate conversation with the renowned American soprano, Lisette Oropesa. Known for her electrifying performances and impeccable technique, Oropesa delves into her creative process, personal journey, and the delicate balance between technical mastery and artistic inspiration.
Balancing Technique and Inspiration
Lisette Oropesa opens up about the mental dynamics of her performances, emphasizing the importance of balancing technical precision with emotional engagement. She states:
“[01:06] Lisette Oropesa: A lot of singers say, oh, I'm totally in the moment and I'm just inspired. I never think about technique. Well, I'm 50 50. I've got a part of my brain that's recalling technical details. I have to remember the practical things when I'm singing, but the other side of my brain is totally focused on the moment and the text and the inspiration.”
This dual-focus approach ensures that her performances are both technically flawless and deeply moving, allowing her to connect authentically with her audience.
The Challenges of Performing: Self-Critique and Confidence
Kraus explores the inherent self-criticism that artists often experience. Oropesa shares her strategy for managing self-critique without falling into self-doubt:
“[06:21] Lisette Oropesa: No self criticism is meant for self harm. In other words, just because you're sitting there telling yourself, oh, that was out of tune, oh, that wasn't very supported. It's not. You're a crappy singer. You suck. You shouldn't be here. I don't want to sound arrogant in saying this, but I can criticize myself and not take it personally.”
This healthy perspective allows her to continuously improve while maintaining her confidence on stage.
Behind the Scenes: Lifestyle Choices and Vocal Health
The conversation shifts to the impact of lifestyle choices on vocal performance. Highlighting a humorous anecdote from a tour in Tokyo, Kraus asks about Oropesa’s awareness of her surroundings:
“[07:13] David Kraus: When we were in Tokyo... [07:52] Lisette Oropesa: She's about to sing, oh, bless your heart.”
Oropesa emphasizes the importance of maintaining vocal health by being mindful of her environment, explaining:
“[08:08] Lisette Oropesa: Everything goes to the throat. I wish it didn’t. I wish it went somewhere else.”
This awareness is crucial for preserving her instrument—her voice.
From Flautist to Opera Singer: A Musical Journey
Oropesa shares her early musical beginnings as a flautist and the pivotal moment when she transitioned to opera singing, influenced by her mother’s encouragement:
“[09:21] Lisette Oropesa: [My mother] said... I auditioned for the voice faculty at Louisiana State University... they were very enthusiastic about my singing.”
This transition marked the beginning of her illustrious career in opera, underscoring the blend of personal passion and external support.
Overcoming Economic and Personal Challenges
Growing up in Louisiana with limited financial resources, Oropesa discusses the challenges she faced in pursuing a career in the arts:
“[12:04] Lisette Oropesa: I had to have a lot of side jobs... I taught lessons for extra money. I worked in retail for extra money...”
Her resilience and the support from her community played a significant role in overcoming these hurdles, enabling her to participate in competitions and eventually secure a place in the Met program.
The Role of Physical Wellbeing: Running and Health
David Kraus, an avid runner himself, inquires about Oropesa’s approach to physical health. Oropesa candidly shares her initial struggles and eventual embrace of running as part of her weight loss and health journey:
“[16:27] Lisette Oropesa: It was awful. It was so difficult... But, yeah, I kept practicing. And hey, after a while, I can run for 10 minutes and not have to stop...”
This commitment not only improved her physical health but also enhanced her vocal performance by ensuring better breathing and stamina.
Carnegie Hall Debut: Preparation and Significance
A highlight of the episode is Oropesa's anticipation of her Carnegie Hall recital debut. She discusses the meticulous preparation required to align her repertoire with the season’s Latin American theme:
“[21:22] Lisette Oropesa: I wanted to highlight my heritage, which would be essentially presenting music in Spanish of Cuban composers and Spanish composers...”
Her debut signifies a milestone in her career, reflecting both her cultural heritage and artistic growth.
The Bliss of Performance: Achieving Artistic Excellence
Oropesa vividly describes the exhilaration of nailing a challenging performance element:
“[23:20] Lisette Oropesa: Dopamine, adrenaline, all those great things?... when I nailed it last night. That feeling is just like, yes, yes, yes...”
This pursuit of perfection fuels her passion, making every successful moment on stage profoundly satisfying.
Mutual Inspiration and Closing Thoughts
The episode concludes with mutual admiration between Kraus and Oropesa, highlighting the reciprocal inspiration experienced by artists:
“[24:40] David Kraus: I can't express it any better than you already did. Yeah, it's all the feelings.”
Oropesa returns the compliment, fostering a sense of camaraderie and shared dedication to their crafts.
Conclusion
This episode of Speaking Soundly offers a deep dive into Lisette Oropesa’s multifaceted life as an opera singer. From balancing technical demands with emotional expression to overcoming personal and economic challenges, Oropesa’s journey is a testament to resilience, dedication, and the relentless pursuit of artistic excellence. Her insights provide valuable lessons for aspiring musicians and enthusiasts alike, making this episode a must-listen for anyone passionate about the world of classical music.
Notable Quotes:
- Lisette Oropesa [01:06]: “I'm 50 50. I've got a part of my brain that's recalling technical details...the other side of my brain is totally focused on the moment and the text and the inspiration.”
- Lisette Oropesa [06:21]: “I can criticize myself and not take it personally...I have to take those as notes that I can improve on and not beat myself up over it.”
- Lisette Oropesa [21:22]: “I wanted to highlight my heritage...presenting music in Spanish of Cuban composers and Spanish composers.”
- Lisette Oropesa [23:20]: “When I nail it, that feeling is just like, yes, yes, yes.”
For more inspiring conversations with top musicians, subscribe to Speaking Soundly on your preferred podcast platform and follow Artful Narratives Media on Instagram at @peakingsndly.