Music
For
nearly all of Alecia’s life, music has been ever-present. "I
remember dragging my parents into the playroom so that they could watch
me sing along with my 'Original Broadway Cast Recording' of
Annie for the umpteenth time," she recalls. "And I was only
three!"
Alecia graduated from the playroom to the stage by age five, performing in her first oratorio as Head Angel. After that, piano lessons, choirs, musicals, chamber ensembles, recitals and operas abounded. "I think I sang in just about everything that was available to be sung, no matter the medium," laughs Alecia fondly.
"It is always important to me that I communicate the meaning of what I sing, no matter the language." she notes. "That's why I own ten dictionaries." Texts are the root of music for Alecia and she begins the study of any song or aria by completing the translation herself. "No singer should rely on another person's translation of any piece they will be singing. how will the song have any meaning for them if they do?" she inquries adamantly. Alecia also researches the specific history of the composer and the details of the period in order to inform her performances—and her audiences.
Alecia earned her Bachelor and Master degrees in Vocal Performance, attending The University of Texas at Austin (UT) and New England Conservatory of Music, where she was the recipient of a merit-based music scholarship. She has studied with internationally-acclaimed soprano Darlene Wiley and teaching powerhouse Helen Hodam. Alecia has been the recipient of many awards, including "Outstanding Soloist in Texas", and "Best Soloist" at the National Festival Competition in New Orleans.
Recently, in recital, Alecia presented the Boston and New England premieres of The Poetry of Donald Rumsfeld by composer Bryant Kong. Weekly, Alecia can be heard as a soprano soloist with the Sanctuary Choir at Old South Church in Boston, Massachusetts, one of the most critically and historically influential churches in United States history. She also performs with various chamber ensembles.