Turning 50 is a milestone in every person’s life. However, I do think that it is different for women than for men. I turned 50 in 2020---during COVID! I had a big party planned on a rooftop in NYC with a band and the whole works! I even had a 50th Birthday trip to the South of France planned with my dear friend who was also turning 50. Unfortunately, the trip and the party had to be put on hold and my milestone birthday came and went with almost no fanfare. Fortunately, the following year, I was able to do the trip and have the big blowout, which I titled a 50/51 party!
My experience of turning 50 was almost akin to a reset button-partly because it came during a time when the whole world was taking stock and hitting reset! So far, there have been no big revelations and no mid-life crisis. I have always known what I wanted to do with my life—be an opera singer and perform! But I think I began to feel a shift in my values and views in my late 40s. Now that I am in my 50s, I feel those shifts have now become firmly established in me. My goals and priorities have become clearer and more defined. I have firmly put myself in the forefront of my own life. I take on projects that appeal to me and give me the artistic satisfaction that I am looking for. I maintain relationships—both personal and professional—that fulfill and support me. I have begun to say “no” a lot more often. People talk about a quiet confidence that happens, and that’s really true! There is no longer a need to “one-up” everyone or shout my accomplishments from the rooftop! That is not to say that I am not proud of what I’ve accomplished thus far or that I don’t promote myself—quite the opposite! But it is done in a different way with different goals in mind. I also believe that as you get older, your definition of success changes and evolves. What was once important in your 20s and 30s may no longer be relevant now. I believe that type of confidence comes as a result of life experience and really knowing who you are at your very core.
So the reset came more in the form of a question: “How do I want to spend the 2nd half of my life?” On a grander scale, I plan to continue singing and performing. I would like to spend more time overseas. I have a strong philanthropic bent and enjoy non-profit board service to organizations that fall under the pillars of Arts or Animals. I hope to eventually get back to a more robust schedule of teaching voice and giving Masterclasses. On a smaller scale, I believe that curiosity and a desire to learn keep everyone young! I like learning languages and would like to work on a few more! I’d love to paint more, learn to tango, go on safari, better my Pilates skills, and deepen my knowledge about wine and champagne.
In the immediate future, I will be giving my 3rd vocal recital at Carnegie Hall on November 15, 2022. Afterwards, I plan to do a cabaret show and a recording of the Schoenberg Cabaret Songs for the Schoenberg institute in Vienna. Then an all-Spanish recital is on the horizon.
I have taken pride in the fact that I have always been known as classy, gracious and elegant; a sharp dresser; and that I radiate an optimistic and sunny disposition. Perhaps it is the performer in me, but I do not think others should underestimate the power that any of these can give to your sense of self-worth and confidence. It puts you on a different level all together.
I have been fortunate enough to have 3 wonderful examples in my life of women over 50 whose ways of life, views, and qualities are all things I want to aspire to. It is my hope that one day I can be that example for other women.
While I cannot know for certain what the future holds, I do know that I am firmly in the driver’s seat steering my ship wherever I want to go!
Please join me at my next performance:
Carnegie Hall: November 15, 2022
www.carnegiehall.org