Meet Debra Stanley - Soprano of Hip Opera

I had no idea Opera could be so cool. That is until I met Debra Stanley.

Admittedly, I've only been to one Opera in my life. It was in Strasbourg, France 11 years ago. Though very modern in costume and set design, I was bored out of my mind. I've never been into classical music too much. And in fact, I'm more drawn to instrumental classical music, especially piano, than I am to the singing. Since I was young, I've kinda made fun of that type of singing. Often imitating Adam Sandler's Opera Man on Saturday night live... Nippola Nippola Nippola Nippola!

A few months ago, I met Debra at a Paris Meet Up party. She is an American studying Opera at a Conservatory here in Paris.

Let me back up a bit: In the 11 years since my Opera experience, I started to sing again, no connection with the Strasbourg Opera. But I have since grown an admiration for what Opera singers can do with the human voice. Technically, they make the best use of it as an instrument, in my opinion. Even the best jazz, rock, folk singers could never dream of their range of octave, volume, power, precision of notes: the list goes on and on.

Debra is the first Opera singer I've ever met. I could tell right away she was a super cool chica. So we met a few weeks later at a small jazz concert her friends were giving. My first impression was correct. (not to brag) Debra was kind and down to earth and patiently answered all my millions of questions about her vocal techniques.

What I was even more surprised to learn is how similar our emotional temperaments are. And despite the different worlds of music we live in, how much we had in common as singers. She appreciated my style of singing, and was as curious I to learn more. I was even invited to sing Autumn Leaves with her roommates' band that night.

So the story continues this past week when Debra invited me to a concert she was giving. I listened to Mozart's Requiem to prepare and looked forward to seeing if I would respond differently now to Classical singing. I can't say I was completely optimistic, but I was hoping. Not only has music school been opening my ears to hear more than ever before: but there is such a strong tradition of classical music here in Europe. Where as rock, country and folk played incessantly in the background of my youth, it seems classical music, jazz and R&B are the norm here.

When Tuesday rolled around, I headed straight to the concert after a full day of school and work. I didn't have time to eat diner. As waited for the show to start, I was already wondering if it would be rude if I left just after the first half, anticipating that I'd be too bored and hungry to stay for the whole show.

First surprise was that is was truly her concert. She was the only singer, accompanied by a pianist. Debra Stanley, THE Soprano. The star of the evening in Paris. I felt privileged that she had left me a free ticket as her invitee!

Second surprise, maybe even bigger: The music was so hip I didn't want the concert to be over. It was concluded with six Rachmaninov's' and I lost count hoping each time it was not the last. I loved every minute of it!

When Debra walked on stage in a beautiful blue sparkly gown, hair pulled back in diamond clips, she brought a presence with her that was reverent and stunning. As she began to sing, the strength of her notes, the glow from her face, the soft and perfect touch of the pianist created an effect of pure joy.

The songs spoke to me, even the ones in German. The emotions were as strong as her notes, hers and mine! The music made me feel so much, and it was such an adventure.

Here was this young woman who is so down to earth in real life transformed into an absolute angel as she stood on stage and allowed the music to take over her body completely. To hit those notes, she was using every muscle down to her toes. As well as every intention of her soul. She was completely committed and nothing was stopping her from giving all she had to the music.

Imagine the courage it has taken for her to follow her dream to become an Opera singer though 14 years of studies. Now as she stands on the brink of the start of her professional career, every struggle she faced must make each note sweeter.

I can not guarantee that all opera experiences will be as great as what Debra can create. But I am now converted. I can say I really like Opera music.

And there is something really special about Debra. We had a drink last night at the Etoile Manquante and walked around the Marais, talking about both our experiences of the spectacle, as they say in french for concert.

Though she is humble and down to earth, she has a sensitively that lends itself to a great passion. And she has successfully channeled this passion with a determined dedication to develop her talent.

When she shares this gift with her audience, one can only be thankful. She is singing her dream come true. And to hear such an experience is rare and beautiful and inspiring. She crosses all barriers of style and taste and joins the leagues of truly talented musicians I've been fortunate enough to hear.

Best of all, she showed me how cool and accessible Opera music can be.

I'm certainly a fan as you can tell. And her career is just starting. She is receiving opportunities in Europe and American, so keep an eye out for this timeless star.