By Gaston Rivero, AGMA Soloist
As an immigrant who arrived in the US almost three decades ago and hasn’t stopped working in opera or on Broadway since then, I consider it an honor to share my story with you.
My life as an immigrant has not always been easy, but the support from so many amazing artists and institutions, mainly in New York City, allowed me to gain the international recognition I am privileged to have today. During my first five years in the States, I won over 30 vocal competitions and scholarships. The professional training and guidance I received from wonderful musicians and coaches such as Mto. Eve Queler, Mto. Eugene Kohn, Israel Gursky, Howard Watkins, my US manager, Robert Lombardo, and so many others brought me into the international spotlight, where renowned artists and directors kept me busy for more than two decades performing in prestigious venues around the world, with over 30 lead roles and 1100 performances under my belt.
While I feel loved, supported, and embraced as part of the ensemble of the Metropolitan Opera, I can’t help but remember my early days as a new immigrant in the United States when film director Baz Luhrmann auditioned and took me during the 2002-2003 season to join the team of La Boheme on Broadway in New York City, making my Broadway and Carnegie Hall debut during that very season.
New York City made me feel at home from the very beginning, recognizing my potential, knowledge, creativity, and adaptability. That recognition allowed me to support new singers and young students around the world, sponsoring concerts at the Berlin Konzerhaus, the Schumannhouse in the city of Leipzig as well as in the city of Dresden in Germany where Italian/US American pianist Sandro Russo (now Steinway and Sons artist) delivered several concerts, as well as Spanish pianist Miriam Gallego Lorente, eventually winner of the Lang Lang Competition. Several artists received my support and scholarships, including Ukrainian Opera singers, providing them with financial support and artistic opportunities.
The support I received upon my arrival as a new immigrant from the United States eventually enabled me to help an unlimited number of people. Bringing light to others while joining those who, like me, are aware of the necessity of the arts in order to illuminate the hearts and souls of audiences, whether it is through dance, movies, opera, musicals, or drama.
The United States of America, my beloved home.