“CLA Vocal Academy… reminded me that opera is not only about individual artistry, but also about collaboration, generosity, and shared purpose.”
Alejandro De Los Santos & Glenn Morton
My time at CLA Berkshires in 2024 was truly transformative, and getting the opportunity to continue this work with the CLA Vocal Academy that same fall felt like a natural and necessary step in my artistic development.
One of the most impactful elements of the program was working with Glenn Morton, whom I coached with twice a week. His emphasis on resonance and diction redefined how I approach operatic performance, highlighting their essential role in communicating a character’s story with clarity and conviction.
Alejando De Los Santos & Sofia Durante in Il Tabarro
Alongside my work with Glenn, weekly sessions with John Viscardi helped me articulate my professional goals, identify my strengths, and build a strategic approach to my auditions.
At the same time, my work with Daniel Isengart, CLA’s Resident Stage Director & Performance Coach, brought my arias to life in a whole new way. Each session offered immediate artistic breakthroughs, especially in character development and stage presence, helping me grow into the creative and expressive performer I strive to be.
The 2024/2025 CLA Vocal Academy Resident Artists
Equally meaningful were the relationships I built with my fellow artists. Sharing this journey with such passionate, like-minded colleagues created a sense of community that enriched every aspect of the CLA Vocal Academy experience. The stories we exchanged, the laughter we shared, and the mutual support we offered each other are memories I will always hold close. These connections reminded me that opera is not only about individual artistry, but also about collaboration, generosity, and shared purpose.
Performing the role of Talpa in Puccini’s Il Tabarro (CLA’s first full production) this past spring was a profoundly rewarding experience. Sharing the stage with my gifted colleagues and the dedicated CLA faculty was both artistically inspiring and personally enriching.
The CLA Vocal Academy Resident Artists in Il Tabarro
I deeply value CLA’s unwavering commitment to artistic authenticity, especially its bold decision to present operas in their original languages without subtitles, as they did for Il Tabarro. This choice challenged me to move beyond the literal meaning of the text and instead convey the story through clear diction, emotional depth, and nuanced interpretation. It’s a demanding but invaluable process that continually sharpens my craft and strengthens my connection to both the music and the audience.