Meet Ariel Andrew | Opera Singer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Ariel Andrew and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ariel, why did you pursue a creative career?
Opera was never part of the original game plan for my life. It caught me by surprise, but I have loved it ever since.

When I was younger, I loved music and wanted to sing, but I never thought it to be a possibility, so my life plan shifted and I decided to go to school and eventually become a neurosurgeon. Well less than a semester later, I decided that I wasn’t really about that life, so I jumped around from degree to degree hoping to find something that made me feel like I could make a difference. My first semester, I was in a music appreciation class and I looked forward to that class every day. I never deemed myself to be “smart”, but in that class I felt most of my inner voices vanish. I felt smart and almost as though I really could do anything. The teacher encouraged me to audition for the program (even though we were in the middle of the year) and I truly went in as awkward as can be. The department head asked me what I had to sing, and I told her the most polarizing pieces: Sebben Crudele and Ed Sheeran’s ‘The A-Team’. Let it be a miracle, but she really had some form of faith in me because I was accepted into the program (thank you for taking a chance on me Dr. Jung- you’re a real one).

Starting out, I wanted to be a MT performer (and this lasted for almost two years), but turns out that wasn’t for me. It was a weird feeling not being able to figure out why the repertoire wouldn’t feel right and I couldn’t get myself to sound “good” on it, but the best way I could describe it was just like a video game character stuck in a glitch. I’d try and try, but I was continuously stuck. I didn’t feel like I was improving, but I knew I could be better. It wasn’t until my junior year that my voice teacher at the time (Jerald Reynolds) encouraged me to step out of my comfort zone and try out some operatic repertoire. From the first moment I began to listen to the genre, I fell in love and never looked back.

From there, I knew I wanted to sing, but again, I was at a standstill. What did an opera career look like? How did I go about things? Well, luckily, over time, I gained a small community of singers, teachers, coaches, and mentors that were all about me being the best I could be. It hasn’t been until recently did I discover my why- I pursued this career for me. It has been a hard realization doing that because at times it feels very selfish to say out loud, but at the same time, I look back and remember younger me. She was angry a lot of the time- with the world, herself, everything. But once I began to sing I found a form of solace within myself. There has been a lot of doubt and even some wavering of “Should I?” and “Can I?”, however, what I have come to acknowledge is that as long as I keep singing for me, I won’t fail. This career isn’t a destination for me, but a journey that has been filled with amazing places, people, and music.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
As an opera singer, it is such a small niche and can be a extremely hard career, but it has been such a fulfilling one. Not everyone can say that they’ve traveled the world nor can people say that they get to dress up as a princess or even a frog for their job! I have had a lot of instances of doubt within this career, but by keeping the right people close to me, it has made all the difference.

So I got here thanks to so many people in my life, but I know that my own perseverance has made a huge impact in my career. I have received a lot more rejection than acceptance in this career and at first, it use to break me. I look back and I remember the times I couldn’t even get into a chorus at a small company and feeling like an absolute failure. Coming from a competitive background (I was a competitive rower for 4.5 years and before that did tennis), I wanted to always be the best and always be “first”. However, as I delved more into this career, I had to ask myself, what does that mean- to be the best? I realized I just wanted to be like the greats in this field- such as one of my idols Jessye Norman. However, I know she didn’t make her career overnight. She worked through trials and tribulations to become the household name she is today. As I have grown older, I’ve learned that success is not a linear track, but rather, a weirdly built roller coaster with a lot of loops and turns.

Throughout my career, I have dealt with a lot of naysayers. From people in my own classes looking me in the eye telling me to not sing anymore to auditions where I’ve been dismissed without a word. Things like this, well, they build up and can make your confidence waver. To believe that you aren’t worth being in the same room as other singers to cancelling auditions because you don’t want to waste anyone’s time all because of those negative voices and thoughts racing in your head. I am grateful, however, I was raised by such a strong woman that has encouraged me that if I’m going to pursue this career, to give it my all- 110%. My mom is one of the strongest women I know and I have watched her from childhood be a force to be reckoned with. It hasn’t been until recently that I found that fight within myself, but I am proud that I am making strides in this career. I may not be where I thought I would be, but I am so grateful to be where I am today.

If there’s anything I could tell everyone to inspire them to take that leap, it’s to try. That’s it- it’s to try. You may not be great at first, but keep trying. I didn’t open my mouth and start singing Verdi (as much as I wish sometimes I did because that would’ve been awesome), but I kept trying. I kept at it and were there a lot of tears? Absolutely! If this question was “how much did you cry during your journey to finding yourself as a singer?” I’d have a dissertation to write! Hahaha! But through all those tears and all the internal struggle, I learned that I was capable to do so much and be great. I wish I could say I wake up every day and say “I am the best!” but that’s not how it is and that’s okay. I have real talks with myself and on the days I don’t feel amazing, I’ve learned that’s okay. I am very lucky that the music I sing helps to remind me how amazing I can be and most days, it reminds me how amazing I am.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Chicago is one of the coolest places I’ve gotten to live so far. You’ll never be bored with all the activities to do. I love walking on the Lakefront trail which takes you all the way into downtown. One of my favorites places to go (which you can get to from the trail) is the Lincoln Park Zoo! For some reason, it has become one of my favorite places to go and just hang out at. I love exploring the different exhibits and walking around.

Now when it comes to food, Chicago has some excellent eateries! I have adapted a keen taste for Indian and Ethiopian food! I love going to the Tandoori House and Ethiopian Diamond, but I also love just exploring and finding new restaurants to eat at and explore.

The great thing when people come to Chicago is finding some place to have a great adventure! From the Shedd Aquarium to the jazz clubs in downtown, I know that I will always have a fun time.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Firstly, I want to shoutout someone who isn’t with us anymore- Jerald Reynolds. He was my voice teacher in undergrad and without him, I wouldn’t be the person I am today. He not only supported my journey as a singer, but as a person. He taught me lessons of life and for that, I am eternally grateful. From his patience to his humor to his talent, I was always in awe that I had someone so wonderful to carry me throughout the start of my career. I appreciated his words of encouragement with each new accomplishment and his words of wisdom as I waded through troubled waters. Thank you for everything Jerry- I hope I continue to make you proud.

Secondly, my current teacher, Alexandra Loutsion, has been a rock in my journey. She has taken me to the next level and for that, I am so grateful! She not only is a rockstar herself, but truly one of the kindest and compassionate people I have met in my life. I strive to be like her one day- kind, talented, and just such a radiant soul. Thank you Alex for literally being the voice of reason within my own journey; I am so grateful that you’ve taken the time to work with me and make me such a better performer and person.

Third, would be my family. They have witnessed EVERYTHING. The good, the out of tune, and the weird costumes! They have consistently rooted me on and for that, I am so grateful. From flying cross the country to see me sing, to calling and wishing me all the best when they can’t be there, it has been a journey and I am so happy I get to make them proud every day. Love you guys so much!

Lastly, I have to give a lot of love to my wonderful boyfriend. James has been an absolute rock in this career- he handles this career with grace and it is not easy. To have a partner that is flying and away for long chunks of time can be rough, but he is patient, kind, and one of the most loving people I have ever met. Thank you my love for everything these last 4 years. Your support and love mean the world to me.

Website: https://arielemmasoprano.wixsite.com/website

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Image Credits
Heather Bock Photography Rachel Tew Photography