4 minute read
Magnífico
Marie-Claire Giraud is a soprano, jazz singer, musical theater singer, songwriter, composer, playwright, and actor. Born on the island of Dominica and raised in The Bronx. Marie-Claire started her operatic training in Rome, Italy. The pandemic afforded Marie-Claire the luxury of time to reflect, and she overcame obstacles that were blocking her creative path. With her creativity freed Marie-Claire wrote her first musical, discovered her true voice of soprano. With the musical finished Marie-Claire has many more projects in the works, screenplays, novels, EPs, musicals and more.
source: https://marie-clairegiraud com/
Q. At what age did opera become an interest for you?
A. I became interested in opera at an early age via playing piano as a child, my mother says I sang before I spoke, but when I discovered it while sitting in the audience of a production of Mozart's, Don Giovanni I knew I had to sing this incredible, awe inspiring music microphone my whole world changed I truly hope everyone on this planet can experience what I experience every time I sing That night in that little obscure jazz club the audience disappeared, everything went quiet and God spoke to me and said, "This is it kid, you have found it". I have never looked back. Always moving forward.
Q. Was that the time you realized your voice was a gift?
A. I thought everyone could sing, especially since I started singing in the womb, according to my mom. My friends at my all-girls catholic school could sing, so I thought everyone could sing until I found that to not be true. So many people over the years have told me that my singing has touched them, changed them, and moved. However, nothing compares to the absolute joy I get when I sing.
Q Can you tell us about your first theatrical performance?
A. It was a musical, Rio Uphill, and it was fantastic I love more than just the performance I loved the work, the rehearsals and everything leading up to the performance on stage I even got thrown a new song a couple of days before opening night. I nailed it
Q. Who have you met that made you say WHOAH?
A. Patti Smith I was sing at Dantes on McDougal street and the iconic Patti Smith stooped in to listen to me. She cats with me. Asks for a photo with her and could she share it. I was like, OMG Pattie Smith, of course you can share it lol She proceeds to tell me I have a beautiful voice. She then shares it on Instagram, and that was a wonderful gesture I love this amazing woman. She is very motivating for me.
Q. What were the most endearing aspects of making your first, then subsequent recordings?
A. I recently finished recording my jazz EP CARAVAN, with Plaid Dog Recording, working with Mike Davidson. The experience was gorgeous. As the creator of my version.
I was listened to, seen and respected The only time other voices were offered was when it enhanced my project.
Q. How excited were you for you recent theatrical performance and your upcoming debut at 54 Below in NYC?
A. Playing Ms. Barnes was joy ride and I hope to play her again. When I submitted my self tape to the writer Frank Dunham Jr, he said I was obviously talented but too pretty to play Ms. Barnes. I wrote back and told him I deserved to read the script with the director I am so glad I fought for Ms Barnes After four call backs, I got the part
My debut at 54 Below on April 6 at 7pm is entitled From Harlem To Hollywood, the songs of Duke Ellington and Irving Berlin The set opens with Duke Ellington's Creole Love Call, setting the stage for an evening of timeless elegance, glamour and song I am Beyond thrilled.
Q. What is next for Marie-Claire in 2025 and beyond?
A. Movies, festivals, theater Just MORE!
Q. Words of encouragement.
A. Never give up. Share your bliss and follow your fantasy.
Marie-Clair Giruad can be found at: https://marie-clairegiraud com/
