Broadway Divas Tickets

Music

When you think of Broadway divas, names like Ethel Merman, Barbra Streisand, and to more recent stars like Idina Menzel and Sutton Foster come to mind. These women are known for their powerful voices and strong stage presences in the world of musical theatre. But what about their connection to classical music?

It may surprise some to learn that many Broadway divas have backgrounds in classical music or have performed in operas. For example, Merman began her career in vaudeville and became known for her soprano voice. She eventually transitioned to Broadway, but her vocal training and technique from her classical roots still influenced her performances.

Streisand also started her career with classical training, studying at the Erasmus High School in Brooklyn. She later showcased her classical chops in 1976 when she released an album of classical and art songs titled "Classical Barbra." The album was a commercial success and earned her a Grammy award.

Menzel also has roots in classical music, having trained at the renowned Tisch School of the Arts at New York University. She even performed in several opera productions before landing her breakthrough role as Maureen Johnson in the original production of "Rent."

Foster, on the other hand, had a more traditional journey to Broadway through dance. However, she incorporates classical techniques into her performances, particularly in her interpretations of classic musical theatre works.

These examples demonstrate that even within musical theatre, classical music influences and intersects with the art form. Broadway divas bring a sense of power, dynamism, and showmanship to their performances, and these qualities can be found in both genres.

Furthermore, watching a Broadway diva perform is not unlike attending a classical concert. Both require a high level of technical proficiency, stamina, and emotional depth from the performer. It’s no wonder that many classical musicians find inspiration in the world of musical theatre and vice versa.

In fact, some modern musical theatre works have incorporated elements of classical music into their scores. Shows like "The Phantom of the Opera" and "Les Misérables" employ lush orchestration and complex harmonies that wouldn't feel out of place in a Beethoven symphony.

Even modern hits like Lin-Manuel Miranda's "Hamilton" incorporate classical elements through its use of rap and hip-hop, styles that are often thought of as outside the realm of classical music.

In short, Broadway divas and classical music are not worlds apart. They share a passion for performance, musicality, and storytelling. So the next time you listen to a classic Broadway tune or hear an opera superstar hit a high note, remember that these women bring more than just their showmanship to the stage: they also bring a rich history of classical training and influence to their craft.