“My fellow CLAVA resident artists inspired me every day. Being surrounded by such dedicated musicians pushed me to raise my own standards, not through competition, but through shared commitment to excellence.”
George Baolin and CLA Faculty Member, Raphael Fusco, during an open masterclass
When I reflect on my journey with Classic Lyric Arts, I am immediately brought back to my first encounters with CLA during the CLA Italy programs in Novafeltria in 2019 and 2022. Those experiences left a profound impression on me and played an important role in shaping me as both a singer and an artist. Through those programs, I gained tremendous experience, not only in vocal and musical development, but also in how I understand language, storytelling, and artistic communication. Each time I returned to CLA, I found myself growing in new ways, with deeper artistic awareness and a stronger sense of purpose.
In January 2026, I joined the CLAVA program as a Resident Artist. What makes this program so special is that the faculty does not simply train voice; they cultivate the complete process of becoming a professional artist. From the beginning, I felt that I was being challenged not only to sing better, but to think more deeply about language, character, and storytelling.
Working with Glenn Morton profoundly shaped my relationship with text and music. Glenn has an extraordinary ability to connect technical discipline with expressive freedom. Through his coachings, I learned that singing is not just about producing sound, it is about bringing language to life. Every phrase has direction, every vowel carries emotional color, and every consonant contributes to dramatic intention. This changed the way I approach my repertoire.
Working with Daniel Isengart was equally transformative. Daniel constantly pushed me to ask deeper dramatic questions: Why is this character speaking? What does he want in this exact moment? What changes because of these words? These questions challenged me to move beyond simply presenting beautiful singing and toward fully inhabiting a role. As someone deeply committed to becoming a true singing actor, this work was invaluable.
George and the cast members of CLA’s production ofGianni Schicchi
I also learned a lot from John Viscardi. John offered practical and honest insight into building a sustainable career in opera. His guidance helped us think strategically about auditions, professional identity, and long-term artistic development. In a profession where uncertainty is constant, that perspective was incredibly valuable.
One of the most meaningful parts of my CLAVA experience was the rehearsal process for their production of Puccini’s Gianni Schicchi. Working on this opera taught me so much about timing, listening, and ensemble storytelling. Puccini’s writing moves with incredible speed, and every reaction, gesture, and line matters. During rehearsals, I learned that comedy in opera is not simply about trying to be funny. It comes from precision, truth, and genuine interaction between characters. The process demanded constant awareness: listening carefully, responding truthfully, and trusting the energy of the ensemble. I also discovered how important stillness can be. Sometimes the strongest dramatic choice was not to do more, but to do less and allow the moment to speak for itself. That rehearsal process deepened my appreciation for how musical structure and dramatic instinct must work together.
George and CLA Founder & Artistic Director, Glenn Morton, during an open masterclass
But perhaps the most meaningful part of CLAVA was the community. Opera can be an intensely solitary profession. We spend countless hours practicing alone, refining details that few people ever see. CLAVA reminded me that opera is fundamentally collaborative. My fellow resident artists inspired me every day. Being surrounded by such dedicated musicians pushed me to raise my own standards, not through competition, but through shared commitment to excellence.
I am proud to be part of the CLA family and deeply grateful for the mentorship, generosity, and support of this community. Thank you, CLA, for helping me grow not only as a singer but also as an artist.