Meet Abigail Raiford | Classical Soprano

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

Hi Abigail, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
It’s a family business! Both of my parents were classically trained singers and performing extensively in New York City throughout the 90’s and early 2000’s. I grew up loving things like the Ingmar Bergman film of “The Magic Flute” and the kids CD series “Beethoven’s Wig”, and could hear my parents practicing day in and day out. My brother and I were also carted along to numerous rehearsals and performances in some of NYC’s most beautiful musical venues. While it hasn’t been a smooth, easy path to travel, singing opera and using my voice in that classical way feels so natural. Any time that I’ve tried to picture my life without pursuing this career, my heart breaks.

Please tell us more about your work. We’d love to hear what sets you apart from others, what you are most proud of or excited about. How did you get to where you are today professionally. Was it easy? If not, how did you overcome the challenges? What are the lessons you’ve learned along the way. What do you want the world to know about you or your brand and story?
My parents told me when I was younger that the bare minimum for showing up to a rehearsal is that you know your notes, you show up on time, and you’re kind to your colleagues. I’ve kept that advice at the core of how I operate in professional settings, and it’s surprising how far that will get you. Having those things rock solid during the rehearsal process also gives me the mental freedom and comfort to be flexible and try out new concepts or ideas I hadn’t thought of before. Along with that foundation, I have found so much importance in being consistent in my practicing (whether it’s 15 minutes or an hour and a half a day) and allowing my sensitive emotionality to permeate my singing. I feel everything very deeply, and while that sometimes feels like a weakness, I think it allows me to naturally delve further into the phrasing of the music and what the words mean to me. In pretty much everything I sing, I try to think about how this character would be viewed through my lens of the world. It’s less about losing myself in a character for me; it’s about bringing my life experiences to what I’m singing.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I’m currently based in New York City, but when I did my latest gig in Atlanta, my dear friend took me to Ladybird for dinner and we had the best time! The food was delicious and comforting, the patio punch was exactly what I needed, and the whole vibe of the place made me feel like I could relax my shoulders and kick back for a while. We topped off the night at Butter & Cream, which was some of the best ice cream I’ve had in a while! So perfectly creamy with a wide and unique range of flavors. I really want to explore some more of the eateries and breweries along the Beltline the next time I’m in town.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
There are many impactful people that I hold near and dear to my heart, but Doug Han specifically has played a critical role in my development as a person and artist in recent years. I have immense respect for his wealth of knowledge in opera and beyond, his command of multiple languages, the way he communicates his ideas in coachings, and how he is able to make great friends with every Italian waiter he meets, among many other things. I’m always astounded and grateful for the way he holds space for the people he works with, and he is incredible at showering the people he cares about with genuine, meaningful praise and support. He has become a mentor to me and a dear friend. Grazie, Doughino.

Website: abigailraifordsoprano.com

Instagram: @abigailraifordsoprano

Facebook: Abigail Raiford, Soprano

Youtube: Abigail Raiford

Image Credits
PERSONAL PHOTO Micah Gleason Photography ADDITIONAL PHOTOS 1) Micah Gleason Photography 2-3) Shane Bevel Photography 4) Amanda Tipton Photography 5) Personal photo