Soprano Phoenix Gayles is the mastermind behind the Boulder Opera singing Telegrams that were launched during the pandemic lockdown. Executive Director Dianela Acosta had a zoom interview with Phoenix to ask her about The Singing Telegrams:
Q: Phoenix, What have you been doing since the pandemic hit the world?
A: Staying alive! I keep teaching voice lessons but now it is fully virtually on zoom or Facetime, I have been doing virtual concerts, and most recently singing Mimi in Boheme with the Boulder Opera. I am trying to stay motivated to keep practicing..
Q: How do you stay motivated?
A: By having things to look forward to, I have been experimenting with new vocal pieces and other genres. I especially enjoy singing musical theatre, and I am learning new roles. Right now I am studying the role of Turandot and Tosca.
Q: What's your favorite aria?
A: For the longest time I loved singing Gavotte from Manon by Massenet, but since I finished the Boheme run with Boulder Opera recently now my two favorite arias are Mi chiamano mimi and Donde lieta (see video attached)
Q: How did the Singing Telegrams come about?
A: The idea really came from the virtual concerts iI was doing at the beginning of the pandemic, and i thought that we could break up the content and offer just a small version of it to bring to people's homes and make it very personal. It's your own special mini concert at your own house.
Q: How does it work?
A: On the Boulder Opera's website, you get to choose a singer for your Singing Telegram, the occasion and the piece. You can even request your own favorite piece, although it might take more time to deliver.
The idea is to make someone's special celebration extra special with a personalized message and dedicated song.
It can be a pre-recorded video or over zoom or even request an in-person performance at your driveway or backyard. During these times we are so cut off from social life, and there's so much fear and uncertainty that a Singing Telegram can bring people closer in feeling.
A: Thank you!