Gratitude

Every opera engagement is an opportunity to make music. Making music is what we’ve worked so hard to achieve and when I am in the process of making music I find that, at least for me, I connect with something far greater than myself. I love when the stars align and you get to perform amazing music with great colleagues in a wonderful theater. The amount of time and energy we all invest is immeasurable, and yet, when we are on that stage, in the moment, it seems like the world is perfect.

I am writing this, because I needed to remind myself of those moments. I have been VERY blessed to be part of some very special productions and while they may not seem that memorable to others, they are tucked away in my heart constantly whispering to me as a gentle reminder of why I have sacrificed so much. It also reminds me that I am truly lucky to have those experiences. So, in the spirit of gratitude, I am acknowledging several things that have been in my heart and that I’ve wanted to express.

Today I thank all those who have hired me. There are thousands of choices out there and while I always believe I am the best person for the job in many instances, I know that selecting just one person can be one of the most difficult decisions those who cast can make. So to all of you who said “yes.” I say, “thanks!” I also want to thank those of you who said “no.” I realize that not everyone is going to love my talent, but I have decided to take each “no” as a “no, but keep working because you are great” or a “no, we love the voice, but we’ve decided to go in a different physical direction,” or “no, it’s not you, it’s us.” Whatever the reason for the “no,” I still am grateful because I was heard and if I am proud of my work, then I am doing well. Truth be told, it does take me several days to get beyond the initial sting of the “no.” But every artist hears it, even the greatest ones, so in truth, I am in pretty good company.

Today I am grateful for the wonderful, generous, and hilarious artists with whom I’ve had the pleasure of sharing the stage. Many of you inspire me whether it is your perfectly beautiful voice, your phenomenal acting, or your miraculous ability to light up a room with your personality. (I have been fortunate to work with folks who have all these elements in place!) I also thank those of you who have been kind enough to encourage what I am doing onstage or off and for those who, intentionally or unintentionally, have taught me more about myself. These people can seem like our worst enemy, but in truth often give up valuable insight into who we are as people, what we stand for, and what we believe about our art. To you all, I say a hearty thanks!

I want to show gratitude to the fantastic composers who have written such magnificent masterpieces that have stood the test of time. Beyond the spectacular music, are rich and interesting characters making unwise, unwitting and unwelcome decisions. But really, who wants to see a full-length opera where all the characters make good choices for four hours? I thank you all for your pleasures, your pains and most of all, your humanity. I find it cathartic to work through many of my own “things” through these great operas which range from romantic, bel canto, grand opera, verismo and contemporary.

Finally, I am grateful for the love and support of my husband, my family and friends and you, dear readers, who have been on this journey with me over the last few years. After writing about being back in the game for the last few years, I am now going to focus on changing the game. After taking six years off and being back for a little over five, I am no longer the Kimmy Schmidt who came out of the bunker trying to acclimate, but the Kimmy Schmidt who is surviving and finding that I am truly unbreakable!

But in the spirit of my last post "Evolution," I am going to move in a new direction. Know that I have a wonderful new concept in the works and I hope you, dear reader, will follow me as I launch Five Questions with Eric set to make its debut in the fall!

Peace,
Eric