Q&A with Horizon Artist, soprano Shafali Jalota
Q&A with Shafali Jalota
We caught up with Horizon Artist soprano Shafali Jalota about spine-tingling musical moments and the value art brings to society
“Stunning vocal technique and poised stage presence”
— Opera Today
Shafali Jalota, soprano
Shafali Jalota, soprano
“As Juno, soprano Shafali Jalota conjured a generous portion of Queen-of-the-Night vengeance, adding an apt dramatic edge to her otherwise ingratiating lyric soprano instrument.”
— San Diego Story
Mozart “Dove sono” - Shafali Jalota, soprano
“I’m inspired by art that tells stories and captures something deep about humanity.”
Giunone’s aria from Cavalli’s “La Calisto” - Shafali Jalota, soprano
“I’d like everyone to understand the value that the arts bring to society...Art is part of the fabric of our lives; it should be valued that way”
Q&A
How would your friends describe you?
My friends would describe me as quirky, fun, serious, ambitious, thoughtful, and a good listener. And also messy!
What are you reading at the moment?
I'm currently reading “1491” by Charles C. Mann. But I also love fantasy and recently finished The Broken Earth Trilogy by N. K. Jemisin (it's fantastic). I love when writers manage to create a world and then tear it down in front of you.
What’s your most memorable performance?
In 2018, I was in the chorus of Haydn's Creation at the Dartington International Summer School and Festival with Jane Glover conducting. In the very first chorus, after a whispered introduction the choir sings the word "light" with the whole choir forte and the orchestra going wild. I'll never forget the look on Jane Glover's face when we got to that part - it was inspiring and powerful and absolutely exhilarating.
Who or what inspires you?
I'm inspired by art that tells stories and captures something deep about humanity.
What would you change about the industry?
I'd like to see more paid opportunities and support for young singers. I'd like to see more good contemporary operas being performed that bring in voices from diverse backgrounds and perspectives. I'd like to see leaders of organizations grappling with big social issues on a deep level.
Most importantly, I'd like everyone to understand the value that the arts bring to society - not just a huge economic impact, but also harder to quantify ideas like empathy, understanding, catharsis, human connection, protest, and many more. Art is part of the fabric of our lives; it should be valued that way.
…and what makes you love it?
The telling of human stories through music. I love seeing an opera and having it resonate with me in interesting ways - I start to see the world with a slightly different perspective. And the music is so powerful. After so many years of learning how to sing and hearing other people sing, it still never ceases to amaze me that we're able to project the human voice into huge spaces. Music expresses ideas and complex emotions that words can't.
The other important part of this industry are the other people. I'm inspired by them every day, and especially over the pandemic I realized that I can't make music by myself. It's the act of trusting other people and collaborating that makes art. I have met so many wonderful people over the world through performing.
Song everyone should listen to?
“Wombo Lombo” by Anjelique Kidjo
“Pata pata” by Miriam Makeba
“Ch'il bel sogno di Doretta” by Puccini, performed by Montserrat Caballe
Got any recommendation for great social media accounts by musicians?
Rachel Willis-Sorensen
What is your favourite season?
Summer! I love flowers and sunshine and bright colours.