SEATTLE — With concert halls and theaters closed during the coronavirus pandemic, artists are finding new ways to reach their audience. One local opera singer is now performing mini concerts in his front yard.
Every weeknight at 5 o’clock, opera singer Stephen Wall captivates his east Ballard neighborhood.
“I am lucky I have something particular that I can offer and I hope people can think about what in particular they can offer,” said Wall.
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Wall has been a performer with the Seattle Opera for 40 years. He was looking forward to the final production of the season, which was also going to be his 100th production. During the stay-at-home order, Wall has been keeping busy teaching singing lessons online. But several weeks ago, he decided to take a break and belt out a few of his favorite tunes from his front lawn.
“I did about two or three songs and I finished with 'Nessun Dorma,' and in the eight minutes that went on, I’d say a dozen people stopped to listen, and I thought well this is interesting,” said Wall.
Wall had no idea his impromptu performance would be such a hit.
“A couple days later, people were out there at 5 p.m., and I sort of waved, and they said aren’t you going to sing, and it has been every weekday since then,” said Wall, “It has a raw quality, it’s an effort it’s not perfect, and they can see I am just trying to share not garnish huge accolades or applause.”
Now, it's a nightly treat that now draws people of all ages out of their homes to connect at a safe distance.
“The mother said this is the highlight of her child’s day, imagine that an 8-year-old, and she told me, she said to me 'mom set a timer (at) 5 o’clock,” said Wall.
Wall hopes to lift spirits during these challenging times, even if it’s just for 20 minutes, he believes it can inspire a movement of kindness.
“Mercy is specifically doing something for someone, something they can’t do, and I think we are going to see more of that,” said Wall.
Wall said when the stay at home orders are lifted, he will continue having concerts at least one day a week from his home with other musicians.
Click here to watch Wall’s performances.
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