“Definitely Douglas Susu-Mago.
On a period where I was facing a lot of vocal doubts and problems and even thought on quitting my career, I’ve found Doug. I never seen or met anyone so interesting, intelligent, intelectual, funny, and so on.. I could write an essay about this Man and still be far from what he is, how he is and what he means for me.
Everything I know is thanks to him, everything I’ve done so far i owe it to him.
He not only saved my voice and my career, as he is my inspiration as a singer and as a human being.
Well I don’t have a philosophy of teaching I must admit.
I just try to help anyone who seeks for help. In masterclasses that I have been invited for when singing around the world I just try to make people realize how the voice is the result of a system of muscles and not only something you’re naturally born with. One can be born with a so called “ natural talent “ and work that talent , but that’s nothing compared to what she/he can achieve with proper work.
And proper work is not manipulating the sound but developing the muscles that create the sound.
Those are always the next ones.
I started singing very early and did my first recital at the age of 16, still a kid.
10 years after I had the privilege to perform in great halls or festivals and that for someone seeking fame can be something special.
I try to improve my artistry, concert after concert and not focus that much if I’m singing in a great opera house or festival or in a total unknown place.
So if I had to answer that question I would say that I just recorded my first Cd and I was proud to realize how much my interpretation of Schumann’s Dichterliebe changed over the years. That is something I’m proud of because it makes me realize that I’m growing up as an artist and have more to give to the audience that hears me and also to the pieces I perform.
I don’t think there’s a day that I don’t hear a Karajan’s recording.
I love everything about him.
But if I should focus more on singers, I definitely must name Di Stefano, Macneill, Dieskau…
Well that’s a tough question as there are so many.
When I was a kid I dreamed on being so famous that i would give concerts to gather a big amount money and end with hunger.
But if I had to choose one today I’ll probably would go to human traffic.
Hoping that I’ll have a desert island one day, I wouldn’t move without Karajan’s recording conducting Tchaikovsky Symphonies with the Berliner Philharmoniker, Maria João Pires complete solo recordings and the Sinatra/Jobim album to cheer up the spirit.”