Rehearsals with Orchestra!

Today is another historic day in my country, and since it's a musical event, I'll have the privilege not only of witnessing it but also of being a part of it. Richard Wagner's opera Parsifal has never been performed here in Venezuela before. This whole week has been very special. We've stepped outside our comfort zone, both vocally and from our usual routines like a cappella rehearsals or our regular rehearsal spaces. This week, we've literally joined forces with the symphony orchestra to become one great sound, and we've moved to what I consider the most glamorous theater in my country, the Teresa Carreño Theater in Caracas.

I think this is the first time in 2026 that we've had such close contact with the orchestra, and I mean continuous days and so many hours of rehearsal. We have to do something minimal together at least once a month, but sharing with them always strengthens our bonds, or at least for shy people like me who usually only have a polite "Good morning" for them since I barely know them 🤭 I took advantage of the week to take many photographs, boldly wandering among the instruments during breaks, or taking some from my position, right behind the trumpet players, as you can see in the first photograph.

The lighting in the Rios Reyna Hall of the Teresa Carreño Theater has always captivated me, especially the contrast with the ceiling, creating breathtaking effects. For us singers, the tablets we use illuminate our faces, and the orchestra has small lamps over their scores, making every moment magical for the audience. But this is all part of the rehearsals, which begin very early in the morning. Everything presented tonight will be a true spectacle: the best orchestra and choir in our country accompanying internationally renowned musicians as special guests and professionals knowledgeable in Wagner's music. I'm sure that passion will overflow from everyone who is part of this event.

The truth is, I've felt incredibly inspired all week. Throughout my career as a singer, I've had to perform short excerpts from Richard Wagner's operas, and I'm always musically satisfied, at least for the few hours it lasts. I enjoy it, since his works are often among the longest musical compositions. All that sound, combined with the inspiration of those who create the set design, makes for pure gold and an unforgettable experience. It should be for the audience, but when you love what you do so much, it's impossible to connect with everything else happening around you.

There's a peculiarity with this particular opera: the choir doesn't sing as much as we'd like. Almost the entire work focuses on the soloists; in fact, we don't sing even once in the second act, which causes some annoyance or distraction for the choir members. I can't say that everyone feels the same way about this production as I do; there are diverse opinions. But where I see a gap in my participation, I find another opportunity to harmonize with it, and part of that is these photos I'm sharing with you today, which are just a few that I loved from the many I took during the five days of rehearsals. Today is the concert, so I won't have another chance to photograph the beauty of the theater or the orchestra and conductor at work. Today is just a day to dress up and take selfies with friends 🤗 So, see you later! ✌️