Phrography by: Christer Hiort
Instagram: @christers_lens
Diversitá Opera Arts Company features one of our wonderful performers from our New Artist Development Program, Linda Hiort.
Diversitá Opera: Tell us a little about yourself and your background.
Linda: I have been involved in music my entire life. I started playing violin at age 5 after falling in love with Vivaldi’s Four Seasons. As I got older, I got more involved with choirs and started taking voice lessons. I learned my first aria in high school and fell in love with opera. After high school, I decided to get a degree in music and started studying seriously to become an opera singer. Since then, I’ve been lucky enough to perform in operas and recitals around the world.
Diversità Opera: What sparked your love for music, particularly classical music?
Linda: I’ve always loved music, but classical music has had my heart more than others. My mom would play us a lot of classical music growing up, particularly Vivaldi’s Four Seasons. I saw my first opera in middle school, and I was transfixed by the sound of the singers. It was then that I knew this was something I wanted to do.
Diversità Opera: When did you discover that you had a natural talent for singing?
Linda: Growing up I thought everyone knew how to sing. I didn’t think it was anything special. In elementary school, this was right around the time when Titanic had been released in theaters, we would all gather around my music teacher’s piano and sing My Heart Will Go On. One day, my teacher pulled me aside after class and told me that I have a very special gift. She invited my mom and I to speak with her and meet another voice teacher. I don’t remember what happened during that meeting, but since then I felt singing was a gift I was given and I have to share it.
Diversità Opera: Who helped cultivate your gift?
Linda: During my time studying, I’ve had a lot of mentors and teachers who have helped me along the way. But the biggest influence would have to be my mom. She has stood by me and supported me in every musical endeavor.
Diversitá Opera: What importance does the New Artist Development Program mean to you and other performers, particularly during the pandemic?
Linda: The New Artist Development Program has really been such a gift. In the opera world there are very few programs like this. Most companies want you to pay exorbitant amounts of money for some stage time and lessons. Getting to be a part of this program not only means I’m getting the performances I need for my resume, but also getting those local connections that are so important in the music industry. During the pandemic the entire opera world has had to adjust and try to work virtually with many singers, including myself, having to cancel performances. With the New Artist Development Program, we’ve been able to be involved in projects virtually so we still have things to put on our resume and things to look forward too.
Linda Hiort is definitely a shining star, and we look forward to the continued growth in her incredible music capabilities!
