Angel Blue's Return to Domicile
Angel Blue, a renowned soprano and southern California native, recently returned to her alma mater, The UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music, after a 15-year absence. The acclaimed vocalist conducted a public masterclass featuring three members of the vocal program at UCLA, and later performed a recital that moved both audience and participants.
During the masterclass, Blue led the students through exercises designed to create a safe space and improve their technique. She encouraged each student to trust their own voice, prepare well, and be in the right place. Her coaching was met with appreciation, particularly from Sabrina Langlois, a second-year master's student at UCLA, who studied with Peter Kazaras and found Blue's guidance during the masterclass reassuring and liberating. Similarly, Abigail Hernandez, a second-year undergraduate at UCLA, was coached by Blue and found the experience empowering.
The recital, held at Schoenberg Hall, was a testament to Blue's versatility as an artist. Her performance spanned a wide range of repertoire, from Richard Strauss to Kurt Weill to African American spirituals. A highlight of the evening was Blue's emotional rendition of "Deep River," which brought her to recollections of her father. In a touching gesture, she dedicated two songs, Richard Strauss's "Morgen!" and "Cäcilie," to her father during the recital, who was present when she last performed in Los Angeles.
The performance was attended by a number of UCLA students, mostly sopranos but also some mezzo-sopranos. In a spontaneous moment, Blue invited these students to join her on stage for an impromptu ensemble performance of Puccini's "O mio babbino caro." Despite not asking for permission, the students enthusiastically accepted the invitation, adding a unique and memorable element to the recital.
Peter Kazaras, the director of Opera UCLA, has directed, supervised, or produced 44 productions since his arrival in 2007. He has instructed and mentored hundreds of students, including Angel Blue. In a show of gratitude, Blue expressed her appreciation towards UCLA for inviting her to perform at Schoenberg Hall.
Blue's homecoming was not just a performance, but a heartfelt reunion. Her return to Los Angeles was marked by a public masterclass and a recital that showcased her talent, versatility, and passion for music. For the students who attended, it was an opportunity to learn from a master, and for Blue, it was a chance to give back to the institution that played a significant role in her journey as an artist.
- In the wake of her homecoming, Angel Blue decided to invest time in lifelong learning, choosing to engage in online education and self-development focused on music.
- As a part of her lifelong learning, Blue delved into various home-and-garden projects, transforming her living space into a serene oasis, a sanctuary for creative expression.
- To continue sharing her knowledge and inspire future generations, Blue developed a lifestyle centered around education and self-development, often hosting workshops and seminars for aspiring singers.
- Following the success of her UCLA performance, entertainment productions featuring Blue began to pop up across various platforms, showcasing her versatility as an artist and expanding her fanbase beyond traditional opera audiences.
