"Gave me perspective... inspired me to take risks"

“I’m working on repertoire that’s (finally) suited to my voice and it’s driving me (happily) to the practice room every day. I’ve realized how much Spotlight has influenced me far more in the past few weeks and months than in the immediate time after the program ended. Particularly, it gave me the perspective to realize everything I wasn’t getting from my university and it gave me the courage to move forward and aggressively pursue the things I want to change. It also inspired me to take risks, as it was the first place where I was encouraged to do so and I am keeping that with me forever! I’m also auditioning for chorus in Aida. Because of Spotlight, that opera has become beloved to me, and I would die to do it on the stage. All the things!”

-Julie Query, Soprano, Spotlight 2019