Singer Spotlight: Anna Christofaro

https://www.annachristofaro.com/

Tell us a little about yourself! Where are you from? What is your educational and musical background?

I grew up in Plymouth, MN and studied music at St. Olaf College for undergrad and received my Masters degree from the University of North Texas. I started studying opera and then began singing more early music and oratorio in grad school. I moved back to Minnesota and am based out of Minneapolis. I now make a living singing in professional ensembles across the world as well as soloing with orchestras doing concert work!

What is one thing you wish you had known as a young singer and why?

Opera (and a Young Artist Program route) isn't the only way to make a living doing music! There are many paths to making a living doing music!

Tell us about an obstacle you have faced during your career and how you overcame it.

I had a voice teacher that was very condescending and got to the point where I subconsciously was scared to sing in voice lessons because I never knew if it would be the "right" sound. My voice was not sounding as free and I struggled.

After I recognized this was toxic, I took time to learn my voice and trust myself and then found a different teacher whom I love! There is no "one and perfect" sound. Never let anybody else determine your self worth. Trust yourself! You are in control of your own voice and what makes you happy!

What is one role or piece you could perform over and over and never get tired of?

The soprano solo in Mozart’s Great Mass in C Minor.

If you could only give one piece of advice to a young singer, what would it be?

There are lots of ways to make a living doing music - be open to opportunities that arise and keep broadening your concept of what it means to be successful. Keep in contact with the people in your networking circle - the people that always have your best interest at heart and will give you HONEST feedback for you to be successful.

Is there anything you spent too much time stressing over that didn't end up being a big deal?

Getting into a YAP!

Where can we catch you performing next?

I'll be singing with Conspirare this October performing a world premiere by Nico Muhly and recording an album of this work! All my upcoming performances are listed on my website at www.annachristofaro.com.