Meet Ariel Pisturino: Professional Opera Singer, Teacher, and Artistic Director of the unSUNg concert series

We had the good fortune of connecting with Ariel Pisturino and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ariel, we’d love to start by asking you about lessons learned. Is there a lesson you can share with us?
The most important lesson my career has taught me is to be my own advocate.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I love being the first person to perform a piece of music. I like the experimental aspect of going into unknown territory. I imagine it’s what it’s like to venture into space – only musically. I’m very proud of all the experimental opera that I’ve done in my career so far, and hope to keep doing once we’re able. Nothing is easy in the arts. It takes a lot of fortitude to pursue an arts career. I’ve overcome challenges by keeping my head down and moving forward towards my goals. You can’t dwell on disappointments, it holds you back.
The lessons I’ve learned are:
1. Always be on time
2. Always be prepared
3. Don’t compare yourself to others
4. Be your own biggest advocate because no one else will do it for you.

I want the world to realize how important the arts are in our societies. Can you imagine experiencing the pandemic without your favorite T.V. shows, books, music, movies, and podcasts? No one would have made it through. The arts enrich our lives every day without us realizing it. Support the arts in any way you can!
Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
There are so many amazing things to do in Los Angeles, but I would begin by leaving the city to go wine tasting in Solvang for a few days. Time away in this little German town is always a good vacation. There are many tasting rooms but I like to go to the actual wineries – one of my favorites being Rideau Vineyards, they make a great Viognier.

Then I would drive back to LA down the 101 for the ocean view and stop for fresh seafood at any of the local stands.

Biking between Venice and Santa Monica is a great way to see the sights and get a little exercise.

Catching a rooftop movie downtown

Exploring Huntington Gardens – I love the Japanese and Chinese Gardens the best and having afternoon tea at the tea house in the rose garden.

Speaking of tea, I love going to Chado in Little Tokyo. It’s my favorite location because of the atmosphere, and it’s fun to cross the street and explore the shops.

And lastly, I have to take everyone to one of my favorite restaurants, Cliff’s Edge. Driving by, you’d never guess there was a paradise inside. The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
There are many people who have contributed to who I am, but I’d like to give special thanks to voice teacher and conductor, Donald Brinegar. He showed me so much encouragement, and helped me to become the singer and teacher that I am today. His mentorship changed my life.

Website: www.arielpisturino.com and www.unsungconcerts.com

Instagram: @arielpisturino and @unsungconcerts

Linkedin: unSUNg concerts

Twitter: @ArielPisturino and @unsungconcerts

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/unsungconcerts

Youtube: unSUNg Concerts and Ariel Pisturino

Image Credits
Dawn Bowery