Opera is so much more than Viking horns and Valhalla. The traditional way that we talk about opera leads to gatekeeping and has limited our ability to see all that opera can mean to a community. Without joyful advocacy, opera's reputation for elitism and exclusivity will continue to drive away curious audiences. In this TEDxOldHickory talk, former opera singer and eternal Opera Hype Girl, Kerriann Otaño, talks about audience and artist advocacy through the power of authenticity. The connection between grief and gratitude, vulnerability and belonging, has played an important role in Kerriann Otaño's career shift from professional opera singer to Vice President of Engagement.

Kerriann began her international career at 17 with a tour of the musical Godspell in Ireland. She lived in Milan, Italy at 18, and received her operatic education at Indiana University and Mannes the New School for Music before embarking on a career that would see the young soprano take the stage at Washington National Opera at the Kennedy Center, Wolf Trap Opera, Opera Memphis, and even the Metropolitan Opera. When a mental health crisis caused her to reevaluate her priorities, Kerriann's passions turned to artist advocacy and empowerment. Kerriann prides herself on her ability to connect with diverse audiences, advocate for artists, campaign for state funding, and create a sense of belonging in the arts community that transcends age, race, education, or socioeconomic status. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx