Elena Greco—Music Bio

E l e n a G r e c o

Biography

I am a mezzo-soprano, and I sing a wide variety of genres and styles, from opera to Latin to folk to sacred music, both as a soloist and as an enthusiastic ensemblist; I am particularly dedicated to Spanish art song. My voice has a wide range of colors, and I always do my best to let the music shine through and, above all, to convey the essence of the music. I want the audience to experience in my music direct communication, truth and honesty, and to be moved emotionally and uplifted spiritually, whatever the genre. I am also a classical pianist, play the flute, was once a harpist, and occasionally compose.

I am interested in the use of the human voice as an instrument, that is, to sing without words, both in formal composition and through improvisation with other musicians. I have a keen interest in creative expression in all forms, as well as a fascination with, and support of, small or indigenous cultures, particularly in melding different cultures into new and vibrant forms of expression while keeping old traditions alive; I believe that there is much richness and meaning to be found in the cultural traditions of small but ancient cultures, particularly musical ones.

I also believe strongly that sharing our creative arts is a simple but powerful means of enhancing communication and understanding among cultures, and that expression through the creative arts drives human evolution and therefore deserves and requires our respect and support. I very much want to bring healing to people through music, which I believe is the most transformational and uplifting tool on the planet. I offer a Music Salon each month for musicians and poets in order to provide a haven for those who value the support of colleagues in their struggles and triumphs to create. In addition, I like to perform for charitable organizations and centers, particularly those which serve the elderly.

Kudos: In the past I sang for many years, in many places throughout the country, primarily as an opera singer, took a very long hiatus, and came back to the music world only a few years ago. I would not be the creative artist I am today without the guidance and support of a handful of truly extraordinary people. I am a very grateful student of Carol Castel, a master voice teacher of the sort you don't find any more, a teacher of saintly patience and focus who truly knows how to sing, who has helped me find freedom with my instrument so that I can use it creatively, and gives so much, so consistently. I work with Kathleen Calabrese, unique, brilliant, compassionate guide to the realms where my Artist lives, and healer of my soul; and with singer/director Hayden DeWitt, a transformational coach in awakening my inner performer. Thanks also to clairvoyant (and shoe designer!) Llorraine Neithardt for helping me years ago through her alchemy to learn to value myself and accept my destiny so that I could begin to express my gifts. And gratitude also to Bernardo Palombo, composer, musician, empresario and founder/director of El Taller Latino Americano, who brings the essence of creativity and freedom to whatever he touches; he gave me the inspiration to start singing again after 19 years of silence.

The image is an excerpt from "Festival of the Rosary" by Albrecht Dürer (Renaissance).