WATCH NOW
Watch on the app
Zuly Inirio: The opera “Artivist” who is championing diversity
On the latest episode of Blacktinidad, Dr. Zuly Inirio, a celebrated opera singer, talks about how she discovered her passion for opera at a pivotal age in ones growth. Her love for the opera was inspired by an experience she had when she first went to an opera, but her decision to go see an opera was ironically fueled by her love of the film Pretty Woman, starring Julia Roberts in which the character goes to see an opera something Inirio wanted to relate to the iconic movie.
Already a singer herself, when attended this first opera, it moved her especially the unamplified human voice resonating throughout the theater. “I was blown away by the power of the human voice that I could hear it all the way in the back with no amplification,” she recalls. The emotional depth of opera, she notes, transcends language, communicating universal themes of “pain, love, and sacrifice.”
Despite the lack of representation on stage, Dr. Inirio resolved to pursue opera. At 17, by the recommendation by her music teacher she studied the music library, hoping to find opera singers who resembled her. Discovering these role models fueled her determination. “I want to sound like this,” she stated, setting off on a journey of rigorous training and education. “I wanted to get the most training I could to be the best that I could.”
View this post on Instagram
Dr. Inirio’s enthusiasm for education shines through and through. She proudly labels herself a “nerd” and stresses the importance of accessible knowledge. She aims to share everything she’s learned, advocating for education in both music and activism. As an “artivist,” she combines her passion for the arts with activism, driven by personal experiences of racism, notably while living in Germany, where she encountered discrimination in healthcare. Recalling a time where she had shingled and it took her longer than 3 months to be properly treated while overseas.
Despite the challenges faced, Dr. Inirio became the first to sing in Spanish for her doctorate, questioning why more Afro-Latino opera singers weren’t highlighted during her education. This led her to found Afro-Latinx Song & Opera Project, an initiative promoting Afro-Latino representation in opera an achievement she holds dear to her heart.
For someone as successful in her endeavors as Dr. Inirio, what more could her goals be? Well she has a lot. For one, she wants to ensure future generations feel represented and inspired. Dr. Inirio’s dedication to diversity and inclusivity resonates through her work and advocacy. Through organizations like Afro-Latinx Song & Opera Project, she champions visibility and strives to reshape the opera landscape for the better.
View this post on Instagram
for the latest updates from LatiNation