Behind the Voice with Lisette Oropesa

I recently had the wonderful opportunity to sit down for an interview where we delved into the world of opera beyond just the notes on a page. I believe there's a whole person to discover behind the performer, and I was happy to share my personal approach to this demanding career. Growing up in a musical Cuban-American immigrant household, I was fortunate to have immense encouragement from my family, who valued education and happiness over financial pressure. Though I initially pursued the flute, the overwhelming enthusiasm from voice teachers at university, coupled with my innate vocal gifts inherited from my mother, steered me towards singing. My instrumental training, however, proved invaluable, making me a "smarter singer" with strong musicality.

In our conversation, we explored many fascinating aspects of an opera singer's life. I shared how preparation is truly the best antidote to anxiety, emphasizing the need to set realistic goals, put in 100% effort, and practice relentlessly, knowing my music inside and out before any performance. We discussed the concept of "marking," where singers rehearse at less than full effort to save their instrument, but I stressed the importance of full-voice practice daily to test boundaries and build confidence, much like an athlete training for a marathon. We also talked about coloratura, the ability of the voice to move quickly and precisely through many notes, which is a natural gift that can be refined. The influence of language on singing, for example, how French offers "a bigger box of crayons" due to its many vowels, was another insightful topic. For me, thriving in this career means embracing strict discipline—prioritizing rest, diet, and even 12 hours of silence daily—to deliver consistently high-level performances. If you're curious to hear more about the psychological skills, the rigorous training, and the dedication required to navigate the complexities of opera, I invite you to watch the full interview and uncover the stories behind the voice!

Watch the entire video here.