Stephanie Rivero is a native of Long Island, New York.

Share with us a unique experience for you in the opera world. How did it inspire you and what did you learn from it?

A unique experience for me in the opera world has to be my role as Erste Dame in Die Zauberflöte with Lyric Opera Studio Weimar in 2021. Considering it was my first fully staged role, I would say LOSW taught me how to prepare and execute a role in one month. I learned that the music, as crucial as it is, is only the foundation for many other elements to bring the opera and it’s characters to life. I felt at home on the stage, and the art we created still inspires me today.

Do you think opera should be accessible to everyone? How do you think this could be done?

Of course, opera should be accessible to everyone! Outside of learning classical techniques of singing and music history, I think encouraging the youth to learn how to compose would be an incredible tool for self expression. The skill could compare to journaling, providing catharsis and telling one’s story creating inspired future authors, or composers.

Do you feel that your work as an opera singer helps you to use your creativity to serve your community? What do you enjoy the most about it?

I feel my work as an opera singer helps me connect with my community. I have performed arias at private events, special needs and assisted living homes all over Long Island. I love that I bring the opera to wherever I stand, and the joy my performances bring people inspires me.