We had the good fortune of connecting with Dorothy Gal and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Dorothy, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
I’ll never forget the day my father sat me down and asked – “What do you want to be when you grow up?” I instinctively replied, “An artist!” A serious, almost solemn look flashed across his face. Carefully, he suggested that it’s perhaps best to find something a bit more stable. “Oh – then a singer!” And that was that.

From early childhood I was smitten by all things artistic – drawing, painting, ballet, theatre, ceramics, crafting and classical music. My musical interest began in the form of piano lessons when I was five years old and morphed into a professional operatic career, pieced together by what feels like a string of miracles. The first being – how did a retired opera singer end up as the temporary music director of Our Saviour Catholic Church in the sleepy beach town of Cocoa Beach, Florida?

While my personal path, as that of many, hasn’t been crystal clear, conventional, or sure, I think the reason why I actively pursue an artistic career each day is because I love the process as much as the product. The glow of a receptive audience feels fantastic. But so does that “aha!” moment in a lesson when a technical concept finally clicks. Or when you revisit a phrase years down the road with new life experiences and it makes you weep. These private moments comprise the majority of an artist’s life and is the hidden strength and depth behind that which the public consumes.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Something that sets me apart from others is that I don’t box up my creativity! So often I hear from colleagues that they are afraid of sharing their interests outside of music-making because they’re afraid they won’t be perceived as “serious”, “devoted”, or “successful” singers… Why do we perpetuate this absurd, archaic idea that a person can only “be” one thing at a time? During the pandemic I had the space and time to create outside of the little singer box I drew myself in the sand and realized that by following these artistic inclinations, I was exercising and nourishing different extensions of the same muscle. From this explorative period of time, my side hustle “Dorotka Designs” was born. When I’m in-between gigs and finished teaching voice lessons or practicing for the day, I’m watercolor painting and making quirky hand-built ceramic butter dishes to sell.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
While I grew up in Florida and often bounce between Houston, New York City, and California, my sister is a wonderful “Coloradan” guide as she and her husband recently moved to Arvada. One of my favorite spots is Red Rocks Amphitheatre. Pairing the gorgeous views with live music, it doesn’t get much better – unless you stop for a scoop of ice cream from Sweet Cow on the way! Some local Houston recommendations include Vinoteca Poscol, Hugo’s, Songkran Thai Kitchen, and Milk & Sugar.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
If it wasn’t for the love, mentorship, and encouragement of others, I would not be the artist I am today. My parents are two of the most kind-hearted and giving people I’ve ever known, and through their sacrifices of time, energy, and resources, allowed my sister and I to dream big dreams by providing a safe place to fall. If not for the innumerable teachers, coaches, and mentors that gave me the time of day when I felt unworthy of even a minute, I would be holding an empty work chest without a single tool. Today and for as long as I live, I thank my husband for giving me a reason to sing, as he fills our life together with the greatest love imaginable. He’s my soulmate and best friend wrapped into one and an endless fountain of support.

Website: www.dorothygal.com / www.dorotkadesigns.com

Instagram: @DorothyGal / @DorotkaDesigns

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DorothyGalSoprano

Youtube: SopranoDorothyGal

Image Credits
Jiyang Chen, Lynn Lane

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