Member Spotlight: Arlene Miatto Albeldas - mezzo-soprano

By AO News, Audition Oracle – Tue 8 Jul 2025 @ 15:54

 

This weeks member spotlight welcomes Italian mezzo-soprano Arlene Miatto Albeldas.
 
Gold and dark blue background. circle in the middle spotlighting a woman wearing bright red lipstick and fabulous long earrings
 

1. How do you describe yourself as an artist?

I am a versatile artist who loves exploring a wide range of repertoire. Deeply sensitive, I fully immerse myself in the music I perform, experiencing every emotion on a profound level. I don’t just sing—I feel every note in my soul, often to the point of being moved to tears during a performance (or rehearsal). My goal is to create authentic and deeply emotional connections with my audience, making every piece I interpret a truly heartfelt experience.
 
 

2. What other skills or passions do you have that help shape you as an artist?

It's hard for me to stick to a fixed routine, since I often move from one place to another for work. But over time, I’ve found small habits that help me stay grounded. A morning walk right after breakfast, for example, helps me feel more focused and energized throughout the day. I also try to get a massage at least once a month—especially on my shoulders and neck. It’s something I love, but also a way to take care of my body, which is our main tool as performers.

Dance is another big passion of mine. I once took a course that covered 15 different styles—from salsa to swing to contemporary—and I found it incredibly enriching. It gave me more awareness of my body, rhythm, and how movement can express emotion in so many different ways.

I also love photography and videography—capturing moments, editing, and telling stories visually is another creative outlet for me. And whenever I have time, I really enjoy sitting in a café with a cup of tea and observing people. I find it not only relaxing, but also an invaluable exercise in character study—watching gestures, dynamics, and energy.

I vividly remember our first day at NOS, when we were encouraged to take weekends off to experience life—visiting museums, discovering local culture—because if we don’t truly live, how can we authentically express life on stage? That idea stuck with me and has become my personal mantra. I try to live fully, savor every experience, embrace new adventures, and always look for the silver lining.
 
 

3. What has been the most memorable and rewarding experience you have had as an artist?

There are so many unforgettable moments—it’s hard to choose! Most of them are tied to the incredible connections I’ve built over the years, but three experiences stand out.
The first was my very first jump-in, a moment that proved to myself that I could rise to the challenge. It was a turning point in my journey, filling me with confidence and exhilaration.

The second unforgettable moment was when I performed Mahler’s Symphony No. 3 at Cadogan Hall. Sitting in the heart of the orchestra, listening to the final two movements, was an experience I’ll never forget. During one powerful crescendo, I felt the sound reverberating up my spine, overwhelming me to the point where my eyes welled up with tears. I had to hold them back, though, knowing I couldn’t let myself cry in front of the audience. It was a profoundly moving moment that I’ll carry with me always.

The third was during the final performance of The Queen of Spades at The Grange Festival, where I played Polina. Sondra Radvanovsky herself was in the audience, and after the show, at the farewell drinks, she crossed the room to personally congratulate me. She told me my voice was incredible and that I had a strong stage presence. Sondra Radvanovsky!! It was a surreal and humbling moment that I will never forget.
 
 

4. What role, company or performing situation would be a dream come true for you as an artist?

Being Italian, my dream is to perform in the many beautiful theatres that my country has to offer, with a special place in my heart for La Fenice and Teatro dell'Opera di Roma—especially as I was born in Padova and spent my childhood between Padova and Rome. And of course… La Scala—who doesn’t dream of La Scala? It’s one of those stages that feels both sacred and electrifying.

At the same time, London has become a second home to me, and the Royal Opera House (now known as the Royal Ballet and Opera) is deeply meaningful as well—artistically and personally.

And when I allow myself to dream really big… I imagine stepping onto the stage of the MET Opera, singing Octavian in Der Rosenkavalier, and sharing the stage with the incomparable Renée Fleming as the Marschallin and Erin Morley as Sophie. I know Renée doesn’t perform the role anymore—but that specific cast, that moment in time, would have been the ultimate dream come true.

 

5. What do you like most about being a creative artist?

What I love most about being a creative artist is the chance to live different lives beyond my own. Every time I prepare a role, I dive into research, uncovering historical details and fascinating curiosities. But beyond that, I often have to confront emotions and situations I’ve never experienced, which challenges me and helps me grow both as an artist and as a person.
I also love the unpredictability of this career—no two days are ever the same. Even though there are moments when I wish for a bit more routine, the constant change keeps things exciting and inspiring.
 
 

6. If you could go back in time and give your younger self one piece of advice, what would it be?

Trust yourself and take the leap, even when you don’t feel ready—because growth happens in the doing, not in waiting for the perfect moment.
 
 

7. Three words that are the pillars you shape your career by:

Flexibility, connection, fun
 
 

8. What have you been up to recently, and where can our folowers see and hear you next?

Yes! I recently sang my first Bach in my hometown, which was incredibly special and exciting for me. 

In May, I debuted the role of Bersi in Andrea Chénier at Teatro Regio di Parma, alongside the amazing Saioa Hernández, Gregory Kunde, and Luca Salsi—a lifetime experience to share the stage with them!

I will soon debut the role of Beppe in L'amico Fritz by P. Mascagni at Teatro Goldoni in Livorno. Can't wait to be back in a trouser role!