Soprano, Angela Candela Respiro Reflections 2016
Angela Candela participated in Respiro Opera, NYC in 2016. After our conversation last week, that adage “no grass grows under her feet” came to mind. In 2017 Angela traveled with a scholarship to France and Italy to participate in Glenn Morton’s Classical Lyric Arts program. She completed her Masters of Music Vocal Arts Performance at Manhattan School of Music in 2018. This summer Angela participated with International Vocal Arts Institute in both New York City and Montreal. Wanting to create a formal performance space for herself and her peers, Angela founded Underground Salon, a small group of singers who get together once a month to try out new repertoire. And Angela holds down two part time jobs and a church job on Sundays! She is indefatigable!
Angela came to Respiro on the recommendation of her MSM voice teacher, Ruth Golden. She wasn’t sure what she was getting into so she had no expectations for the program. She walked away with knowledge of the basics of breath and body and how they work in tandem.
Angela’s “ah ha” moment came when working with Alexander Technique instructor Bill Connington. For the first time she felt how her body lined up. She remembered thinking, singing felt so easy! Her take away from that experience was: it’s about following feeling rather than form, or in other words, making something happen. You have to allow the body to release tension and come into its natural alignment. Now, three years later, when something isn’t working, Angela goes back to the basics she learned at Respiro. Stop, check the breath, check in with the body. Start again.
Angela thought the ice breakers on opening night were a great way to break down self-conscious barriers from the beginning. From then on, the group was very cohesive. Between classes, the singers would discuss their body work sessions or what they covered at coachings. Not only were they learning about themselves, but also hearing about what worked for their peers. The vibe was definitely positive. Angela said these chats were like “a thread in the tapestry” and were an integral part of the program. I was thrilled to hear that this particular group of singers is still in close touch with each other!
Coming up this May, 2020 Angela will be singing arias and scenes with the Ridgewood Symphony Orchestra under the baton of Brent Chancellor. We wish Angela continued success in all her endeavors! Keep us posted!