Sometimes it feels like a job.

When I talk to people who have nothing to do with the classical music world and tell them I'm an opera singer, the response is often something along the lines of "sounds glamorous" or "what an exciting life that must be!" There's sort of an exotic appeal to it from the outside, as if we all live the life of a diva and get to do extravagant travel to far-off locales.

It's really nothing like that. Yes, it's an exciting life, and I've pursued it because of a passion for theater, singing, and classical music. But sometimes it's a real grind.

Last night was a performance of Die schöne Helena at my theater, Staatstheater Mainz. I found a way to enjoy it, but sometimes it really feels like, "Okay, got to go into the office now." I think every singer knows this feeling. We work so hard to get here, but after doing it day in and day out, eventually it begins to feel like a job.

What helps in these situations is my colleagues. I find energy from them. When my attention is wandering, I bring myself back to the people on stage who are giving everything they have in that moment. I come back to the present, and I try to give back what they've given me. It's a self-reinforcing circle.

And last night's Helena turned out to be a good one! But now, it's back to focusing on this week's premiere, The Fall of the House of Usher​.