Today we’d like to introduce you to Susanna Barasch.
Hi Susanna, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I’ve lived in classical music for as long as I can remember — it’s just who I am. I trained as a soprano rooted in the bel canto tradition, and early on I discovered that what lights me up is taking this repertoire beyond the opera stage. Over the years I’ve shaped a career as a touring recitalist, creating programs that feel intimate, atmospheric, and a little cinematic. I love curating performances that are as much an experience as they are a recital.
At the same time, teaching is a kind of alchemy for me — I get to refine technique at the highest level, but also help singers find their individuality and confidence. There’s nothing more rewarding than watching someone grow into their own voice.
And because I’m endlessly curious about other artists, I launched a podcast where I interview composers and performers whose work inspires me. The conversations are deep, personal, and often surprisingly revealing. It’s become a place where classical musicians can drop the polish and talk honestly about creativity, ambition, and the real life behind the art.
Altogether, performing, teaching, and hosting the podcast form one ecosystem for me. Each lane fuels the others. It’s a very full, very dynamic artistic life — and I wouldn’t want it any other way.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
No artist’s path is smooth, and I don’t think it’s meant to be. Classical music demands an extraordinary combination of discipline, resilience, self-belief, resources, and a lot of luck — and there were definitely moments where those weren’t in perfect alignment.
I’ve definitely carved my own path throughout my career. At one point, I built a thriving music-education business in Washington, DC. It grew quickly and successfully — but in that success came an unexpected challenge: I had to be present on-site all the time. That meant less freedom to perform, and for several years the stage had to take a back seat.
Then COVID arrived, everything moved online, and the entire landscape of music shifted overnight. For me, the silver lining was that my business no longer required me to be rooted in DC, and like so many artists, I suddenly had the space to reinvent myself. I had the rare opportunity to return to performing with a completely clean slate.
Coming back to the stage the second time felt different — better. I was singing for all the right reasons, without the weight of old expectations, without trying to build a career in a prescribed way. There was a new freedom, a clarity of purpose, and an ease in making artistic choices that came directly from having lived a larger life personally, outside the spotlight.
So no, it hasn’t been a smooth road — but I’m grateful for that. The struggles have sharpened me. They’ve made me clearer, more self-directed, and more intentional about my craft. And they’ve given me a kind of internal stability that makes the work feel richer and more meaningful. Sometimes everything truly does happen for a reason.
Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
The biggest lesson I’ve learned is: don’t seek permission. Not from the industry, not from gatekeepers, not from anyone. If you wait for approval to become who you want to be, or to do what you dream of doing, you’ll be waiting forever.
There’s incredible freedom in realizing you don’t need to fit a mold — you can build your own.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.baraschmusic.com
- Instagram: @susannasings
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@hellofigaro
