For our next installment of the Alumni Interview Series, we chatted with Gabriela Flores, who attended CLA France in 2019. Gabriela, fondly known to the CLA family as Gaby, is originally from Mexico and moved to the United States in 2017 to study as a Resident Artist at the Academy of Vocal Arts. Today, she trains and performs as a young artist with Los Angeles Opera.
For Gaby, the CLA experience was about gaining confidence and reigniting her musical passion. It was surprising to hear that a singer of Gaby’s ability can falter in confidence. Among her busy schedule of lessons, coachings, and auditions, the joy of singing had faded - until she arrived in France. Gaby shared how CLA rekindled her musical spark.
“I left more confident in myself, in my singing, and in my abilities. I felt more balanced. CLA helped me realize that I can do more than I thought I could. I lost my fear of the French language and learned not only how to enjoy it, but how to love it.”
As a testament to her newly acquired authority in French repertoire, Gaby went on to win the Meistersinger Competition at the American Institute of Musical Studies in Graz, singing Charlotte’s famous letter scene from Werther. You can hear her competition-winning performance here.
Gaby added that CLA France’s deep integration of French culture was paramount in her personal and artistic growth.
“CLA is not only an extraordinary language and music program, but an amazing cultural experience. You get to live in France for three weeks, eating and drinking French cuisine, speaking and singing French, surrounded by French people, working with French coaches, conductors, teachers, and of course working with the amazing Glenn Morton. I learned how to balance my human side with my singer side. It’s impossible not to fall in love with France and its culture.”
In addition to cultural enrichment, Gaby flourished from the tight-knit community that CLA offers. She formed a musical family with the singers, pianists, and faculty. When asked to share her favorite memories, Gaby recalled playing soccer and pétanque with new friends, dancing salsa, and celebrating her birthday at a surprise party organized by her fellow singers.
Striking a balance between professional aspirations and personal pleasures became a priority for Gaby after leaving France. She encourages herself and her peers to seek out pleasure wherever possible.
“Remember why you picked this career. Remember that you actually like to sing. Live every experience at its maximum: enjoy the places you visit, try every food, drink the wine, jump into the pool, dance, and laugh. Remember, you are not only a singer, but also a human.”
Like all singers, Gaby has been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. However, after years of living abroad, Gaby is no stranger to feeling disconnected. She shared how she is making the best of this challenging time.
“I am using this time of isolation to get to know myself better. I am trying to channel my anxiety into new activities, like embroidery, reading, learning German, and cooking. I also understand that if I don’t feel like doing anything, that’s okay.
I am also focusing on my technique by looking in the mirror and observing my tensions. At the LA Opera Young Artist Program, we haven’t stopped working. We have online coachings, voice lessons, language classes, and livestream recitals.
I have been away from my family for a couple of years now, and I have had friends living very far away, but I have realized that when you want to stay connected you can. So, it’s on us.”
Thank you to Gaby for taking the time to talk with us about your journey before, during, and after your time at Classic Lyric Arts.
If you want to hear more of Gaby, check out her “living room concert” with LA Opera.
If you would like to learn more about CLA Alumni (and hear their beautiful voices!), visit our Songs of Gratitude webpage. You can also read our previous Alumni Interview Series with Dorothy Gal.