​We met Dayven in our 2022 outreach and performance collaboration with Frank Sinatra School of the Arts High School. The program was part of our Tableaux of Amico Fritz and the Festival of New York, a decentralized citywide movement made up of cultural and social activations across the five boroughs. The festival aims to re-engage New Yorkers, drive tourism, and emerge stronger as a city, sparking creativity and cooperation across organizations and positive stories about New York City.

• When did you decided that you wanted to pursue a singing/performing career. How did this happen?

I decided that I wanted to pursue singing when I realized that people actually wanted to listen. As a child, and even now, I struggled with speech due to my stutter. My stutter did not allow me to form coherent sentences, phrases, and even words. But when I began singing, I discovered that my stutter magically disappeared with the addition of pitch rhythm, and dynamics. Singing gave me confidence, responsibility, and hope. But most of all, singing gave me a voice. After a while, I realized that singing was not just a love, it was a passion. This was when I discovered that I want to do this for the rest of my life.

• ​​Can you describe the impact that Tableaux and Festival had on you?

In April of 2022, Opera oratorio Workshop teacher of Frank Sinatra School of the Arts, Steve Kirby chose a group of students to audition in front of director Stefanos Koroneos for a future opera production. Out of the group of students, only six were chosen. I had the honor of being one of those students. My time in Teatro Grattacielo’s production of Giulietta e Romeo is an experience I will never forget. From the moment I walked in the room, I recognized the professionalism that was present amongst the company. This was my first ever experience in a professional Opera and I’ve learned much from it. The standard that was set by this production is one I will work towards for the rest of my life. I’m truly grateful to have been a part of such a wonderful organization.