Mezzo

2017, Breanna Sinclairé, English,

Director: Nicole Opper
Release Year: 2017

Synopsis:

In the realm of classical music and opera, the narratives of transgender individuals have often been overlooked or sidelined. However, the short documentary Mezzo by Nicole Opper shines a much-needed spotlight on Breanna Sinclairé, an African American opera singer and the first openly transgender woman to graduate from a major conservatory. Through her story, Mezzo explores the intersection of identity, art, and resilience in a world that has historically imposed rigid norms around gender and performance.

 

Breanna Sinclairé's path to self-discovery and acceptance has been filled with challenges and triumphs. Growing up in Baltimore, her early experiences in church music laid the foundation for her love of singing. "I was singing from a very young age," she recalls, highlighting the vibrant musical environment of her church.

 

Despite her talent, Sinclairé faced pressure to conform to traditional gender roles, with her family urging her to act more masculine. This conflict set the stage for a tumultuous journey of identity and expression. After being accepted into the Baltimore High School for the Arts, Sinclairé began to find her footing. Yet, it wasn't until a talent show at a Canadian Bible college, where she performed as Tina Turner, that she began to embrace her true identity as a transgender woman. The reaction from her peers and faculty was overwhelming, leading to a pivotal moment of self-realization. "When everyone wanted to know who that girl was, and they found out it was Bradley, there was such a ruckus," she reflects, recognizing the profound impact of that experience.

 

Transitioning in a traditional environment posed its own set of challenges. After coming out as transgender, Sinclairé faced estrangement from her family, a reality that resonates with many in the transgender community. "I got it coming at me twice," she notes, addressing the dual stigmas of being both African American and transgender. Following a period of homelessness in Manhattan, she eventually auditioned for the prestigious Cal Arts voice program, marking a significant turning point in her life. At Cal Arts and later at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music, Sinclairé’s talent flourished. Her voice teachers encouraged her to explore her upper register, which was a departure from the lower mezzo-soprano repertoire she initially performed. "I’d always had a very high voice," she explains, revealing the journey of embracing her authentic vocal range. As Sinclairé transitioned, her voice not only became a tool for artistic expression but also a means of asserting her identity in a predominantly traditional art form.

 

Breanna Sinclairé's presence challenges stereotypes within the opera community. Unlike the archetype of the "Wagnerian fat lady," Sinclairé embodies a fresh and eclectic aesthetic, often adorned in casual yet stylish attire, complete with faux fur booties. Her appearance defies conventional expectations, emphasizing the notion that opera is not limited to specific body types or gender presentations. "You might not ever know she was a classical voice major," the film notes, highlighting her unique place in the opera landscape. As one of the few, if not the only, trans singers currently studying classical voice at a major conservatory in the United States, Sinclairé has already garnered attention from notable publications like The Wall Street Journal and Out Magazine. Her narrative is not just personal; it represents a larger movement within the classical music world to embrace diversity and challenge long-standing norms.

 

In the film, Sinclairé also discusses her plans to fund her transition through performance. Her recital, humorously titled "Opera's Greatest Tits," combines her passion for music with a practical goal: to raise money for her surgical transition. This innovative approach not only showcases her vocal talent but also serves as a powerful statement on the intersection of art and personal advocacy. Sinclairé performs a range of repertoire, from classical arias to contemporary standards, using her platform to educate and engage audiences.

 

Looking toward the future, Breanna Sinclairé's aspirations extend beyond the conservatory walls. "After the Conservatory, I'd like to study in Europe and start my career there," she states with palpable excitement. Her dream to perform in prestigious venues like La Scala and Covent Garden reflects her ambition and determination to make her mark in the opera world. Sinclairé’s journey is a testament to resilience and hope. She openly acknowledges the hardships she has faced, yet emphasizes the importance of her music in navigating those dark times. "When nothing else made sense, I knew I had this voice and that eventually, it would take me places," she reflects. Her story is a beacon of inspiration for aspiring artists and individuals facing similar struggles.

 

Mezzo encapsulates the remarkable journey of Breanna Sinclairé, illustrating the intricate relationship between identity and art. Through her story, the documentary underscores the necessity of representation in the arts, particularly for marginalized communities. Sinclairé's voice is not just a means of artistic expression; it is a declaration of her identity and a call for acceptance in a world that often seeks to categorize and confine. As she continues to break boundaries in the opera scene, Sinclairé embodies the spirit of innovation and courage. Her journey from Bradley to Breanna serves as a powerful reminder that art has the potential to transcend societal norms, challenge stereotypes, and create spaces for inclusion and understanding. Through her music and advocacy, Breanna Sinclairé not only reshapes the narrative around transgender voices but also paves the way for future generations of artists to embrace their authentic selves.

via: kqed.org
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