Greetings! I hope you’ve been enjoying a restful summer!
As the summer winds to a close and my 9th anniversary of landing in Canada draws near, I’ve been reflecting on my journey and I hope you’ll indulge me as I take a trip down memory lane.
On September 25, 2016, I arrived at Pearson Airport with just a suitcase and a few auditions lined up. I’d taken just one week in Wisconsin to swap out my Israeli summer clothes for autumnal leggings, packing up whatever music scores I thought might be useful, and heading out on a wing and a prayer. I had no plans beyond auditioning for as many opera companies as possible and starting to build a network in Toronto. I had a few contacts from previous opera programs I’d done in the States and Europe, but was basically starting from scratch (which could also be said of my winter wardrobe!).
Looking back on the past 9 years, there is no way I could have imagined what would unfold from that first day in Toronto.
From those initial subbing gigs and working with local voice coaches, I landed multiple choral lead positions and also earned roles in local opera productions. A fortuitous trip to a crystal store up the road from my apartment finally helped meditation “click” for me, put me on a fast track to spiritual growth, and introduced me to two wonderful friends – one of whom I would go on to host soundbath meditations with! Two weeks at the Stratford Academy in 2017 deepened my musicality and introduced me to my musical partner-in-crime, Suzanne, with whom I would give multiple concerts, start the Art Song Podcast, and be co-founders of an opera company (oh yes, don’t forget three years dedicated to Opera Sustenida!). COVID-19’s temporary kibosh on live performance also meant that I had to look for alternate sources of income. After years of eschewing teaching, I took the plunge into private music instruction. Now I can’t imagine my life without witnessing and celebrating my students’ weekly progress.
Most importantly (and to me, the most unforeseeable) is the fact that within 4 months of landing in Toronto, I met the person with whom I am building the rest of my life. It boggles my mind that if I had chosen any other city, apartment, or subbing gig, Dave and I might not have met each other. But thanks to all of those micro-decisions, I now have a wonderful partnership not only in my personal life but also in our music business, the home we are creating together, and the wonderful intersection of our friends and families.
This has been a pivotal year as I have assessed how far I’ve come and also where I want to go. In June, I decided to leave my church job as well as my teaching job in Etobicoke so I can focus more energy on performing. I’ve also invested in a business training so that I can finally have clarity in that part of my life. As part of that training, I’m currently creating an online sightreading course for amateur singers (you can read all about Savvy Singer here!).
As for my performing, I have only ever wanted to sing music that I loved without compromising the health of my voice. My wonderful teacher in Israel helped me create that foundation and the past 9 years of singing multiple genres means that I now feel more vocally confident than ever.
This fall, I am finally realizing one of my lifelong dreams, which is to cover the music of my favorite female artists.
I’m not talking about Alma Mahler or Lori Laitman, although their works have a special place in my heart. I’m talking about Ann & Nancy Wilson of Heart and Carole King, whose songs helped a lonely high-schooler feel connection. And Bonnie Raitt, whose “Luck of the Draw” album was a family staple growing up; I always felt happy and safe when those first few “oos” came out of the speakers. I’m also talking about Tori Amos and Kate Bush; introduced to me by my favorite “Music and Gender” professor in college, and whose raw lyrics opened my eyes to a world of possibility.
On October 3rd, “The Eternal Feminine” is going electric! My friend Érika Wood and I are offering a double-bill of “The Eternal Feminine: Plugged In” and Joni Mitchell’s “Blue” at Toronto’s Annette Studios. I am so excited to bring these two programs together in a true celebration of modern women and song!
I had the delight of seeing Érika perform “Blue” this summer; her soaring vocals blew my mind as they perfectly captured Joni’s clear melodies. I’ll be covering hits from Carole King, Linda Ronstadt, Heart, Bonnie Raitt, Kate Bush, and Tori Amos.
Keep an eye out for more concert details, including ways you can support our show even if you’re not in Toronto!
Thank you for letting me wax a bit nostalgic today! I hope you have a beautiful week and a smooth transition into September.
With love and gratitude,
Daniella 💕