The Impact of Digital Technologies on Singing

The Impact of Digital Technologies on Singing

The impact of digital technologies on opera singing is a subject of debate that reflects the encounter between the tradition of opera and the technological innovations of our time.

A blog by Imogen Streul
https://www.facebook.com/imogen.streul

Opera singer, German coach at the KCB in Brussels and singing teacher at the ESAHR.
Graduated from the IMEP in 2018 (opera singing) and 2024 (opera art).
She began her musical career through participation in the children’s and youth choirs of La Monnaie.
She also participated in the MMacademy during her studies and, later, in the international competition of Marmande 2023

While opera singing has long been perceived as an art frozen in time, reserved for an elite, digital technologies have opened up new perspectives, changing the way this art is disseminated and preserved. This article aims to explore these transformations from different angles, examining both the benefits and the challenges posed by these innovations.

Learning opera singing in the digital age

One of the first revolutions brought about by digital technologies in opera singing concerns learning. Traditionally, opera singing was taught exclusively in person, initially in private lessons and then in conservatories and colleges with recognized teachers. Today, online learning platforms, such as YouTube, or specialized sites have been added, providing access to high-quality music lessons around the world. These platforms have democratized access to learning opera singing, allowing singers of all levels, even in regions farthest from major cultural centers, to improve their vocal skills.

Mobile apps and vocal training software have also played a crucial role in this evolution. Tools like VocalEase, Yousician, and more specialized apps offer singers ways to practice daily, with immediate feedback on pitch accuracy, breath management, and other essential technical aspects. These technologies do not replace traditional teaching, but they complement it by offering increased flexibility and accessibility.

Artificial intelligence (AI) is another major innovation in opera singing training. AI systems can analyze vocal performances in real time, providing precise feedback on diction, pitch, and even the emotion conveyed. This allows singers to immediately correct mistakes and refine their technique, benefiting from near-instantaneous feedback. However, these tools also raise questions about the very nature of opera singing training, an art where subjective interpretation and human connection play a central role.

Opera singing performance and technology

The second aspect of the impact of digital technologies on opera singing concerns performance.
Online streaming has opened up new possibilities for opera singers and opera productions. Streaming platforms, such as YouTube, OperaVision, and other specialized services, now make it possible to broadcast performances live and recorded for a global audience. This has been particularly visible during the COVID-19 pandemic, where with concert halls closed, many artists have opted for virtual concerts, reaching a wider audience than ever before.

Another significant innovation is the use of virtual (VR) and augmented (AR) reality in opera productions. These technologies offer new possibilities for directors to create immersive environments that enrich the stage experience, transforming the interaction between the singer and the audience. Experimental productions using VR and AR have shown that these tools can not only attract new audiences, but also redefine the boundaries of what an opera performance can be.

Preservation and dissemination of lyrical heritage through digital technologies

This third axis is for me the most important at the moment in my career.

One of the major contributions of digital technologies in this field is the possibility of recording and archiving performances in a sustainable manner. While physical recordings are subject to deterioration, digitization allows these works to be preserved for future generations. In addition, large numbers of digital archives are accessible to a global audience, thus allowing a wider dissemination of the lyrical repertoire.

Online communities and sharing platforms have played a crucial role in the dissemination and preservation of opera culture. Forums, social media groups, and YouTube channels dedicated to opera singing help create global communities of enthusiasts and professionals. These digital spaces foster the exchange of knowledge, constructive criticism, and performances, enriching the collective experience of opera singing. Young talents can become more easily known, and debates on specific interpretations can emerge, offering new perspectives on classical works.

Opera stars like Lisette Oropesa have taken advantage of social media to connect with their audiences and share exclusive moments of their lives as artists. On YouTube, Lisette regularly posts vlogs where she takes her fans behind the scenes of her shows. For example, she has shared videos documenting her preparation for iconic roles like Gilda in Rigoletto or Violetta in La Traviata , offering a rare glimpse into rehearsals, adjustments with conductors, and the challenges specific to each production.

She also made a vlog detailing her daily routine while attending the prestigious Salzburg Festival, showing how she balances intense rehearsals with moments of relaxation and discovery of the city. The videos often show Lisette warming up vocally, explaining the importance of each exercise, or discussing her approach to getting into the skin of a complex character.

On Instagram, Lisette Oropesa uses “reels” to capture shorter, more spontaneous moments of her life as an artist. For example, she’s shared quick videos of her morning warm-ups while on tour. She also posts reels of her fitness sessions, where she emphasizes the importance of physical fitness to maintain the power and clarity of her voice.

Another notable example is a series of “reels” she shared during a residency at the Metropolitan Opera in New York. These videos showed not only behind-the-scenes footage of the production, but also moments of complicity with her fellow singers and musicians, as well as more personal moments such as her mental preparation before going on stage. Lisette also shares moments from her daily life, such as cooking sessions where she talks about her eating habits as an opera artist.

These contents offer her followers a window into her life beyond the stage, making opera more accessible and showing the discipline and passion that underlies her performances. Through these platforms, Lisette Oropesa manages to create a community of engaged fans who not only appreciate her art, but also feel connected to her on a personal level.

For these artists, Instagram is not just a promotional tool, but an extension of their personal brand. They must juggle between showing their technical skills, their artistic commitment, and their daily lives in order to remain relevant and engaging. By using popular hashtags like #OperaLife, #ClassicalMusic, or #Vocalist, they expand their reach and reach new audiences, while reinforcing their positioning as modern and accessible artists.

Finally, to get hired, it is crucial that these artists interact with their audience. Responding to comments, participating in online conversations on relevant topics, and collaborating with other artists or influencers not only helps to strengthen their online presence, but also shows that they are connected and engaged artists. Casting directors and opera houses are increasingly paying attention to these aspects, as a strong online presence can often be a deciding factor in choosing an artist for a role.

In short, to stay relevant and get hired, today’s opera artists must master the art of marketing themselves on Instagram, using the platform not only to promote their work, but also to build authentic connections with their audiences and showcase their versatility as modern artists.

These platforms also play a vital role in the visibility of opera productions, especially for emerging artists who do not yet have access to major international stages. Online broadcasting allows these artists to reach a global audience, create professional networks, and insert themselves into the opera world in a more autonomous way. This transforms the way opera is perceived and appreciated, making it more accessible and more diverse.

Social media is playing a crucial role in opera’s revival, helping to fill concert halls by attracting younger audiences. Traditionally seen as an elitist art form reserved for older audiences, opera is undergoing a transformation thanks to platforms like Instagram, YouTube, TikTok, and Facebook, which are helping to make the art form more accessible and appealing to younger generations.

One of the most effective ways social media is attracting a young audience is through the democratization of content. For example, short video clips on TikTok, where artists sing famous arias or participate in musical challenges, captivate an audience that might not have considered attending an opera. By transforming classical pieces into viral content, social media makes opera relevant and accessible.

Modern opera singers, with their charisma and modern approach, manage to break the stereotypes of opera by showing that it is a living, dynamic, and relevant art for everyone, including young people. By following these artists on social media, young people discover opera through personalities they can identify with.

In addition, targeted social media marketing campaigns allow opera companies to segment their audience and tailor their communications to reach a younger audience. By using Facebook and Instagram ads, for example, opera houses can promote specific events, themed nights or special offers for young people, making the experience more engaging and affordable.

Social media, as explained above, also allows for direct interaction with artists. Young audience members can ask questions, comment on performances, and even participate in live sessions with their favorite opera singers. This interaction makes opera more accessible and less intimidating, creating a sense of community that encourages young people to become more engaged and attend live performances.

Finally, social media facilitates the discovery of innovative initiatives, such as open-air operas, free screenings or participatory concerts, which are often designed to attract a younger audience. Young people are more likely to explore these new forms of representation when they are presented in an attractive way on the platforms they use daily.

In short, social media has revolutionized the way opera is perceived and consumed, making this art more accessible, relevant and attractive to younger generations. Thanks to an active presence on these platforms, opera manages to fill its halls with a diverse audience, revitalizing an ancient tradition for a new, enthusiastic audience.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the impact of digital technologies on opera singing is profound and multifaceted. They have not only transformed the learning and performance of this art, but have also opened new avenues for the preservation and dissemination of the opera repertoire. These innovations, while posing challenges, also offer unprecedented opportunities to renew interest in opera singing and make it accessible to a wider audience. However, it is crucial to maintain a balance between technological innovation and the preservation of traditional values ​​that are the essence of opera singing.
The future of this art probably lies in this harmonious interaction between tradition and modernity.

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