NYC Profile: Emma

We have heard many times the saying "Never judge a book by its cover" but its not until you experience it first hand that you really get it.  Last summer I had the pleasure of meeting Emmanuelle Sirkis Bordas, or simply Emma  how we call her in our group of friends.  A mix of BBQs, concerts, birthdays and even the Super Bowl has made our friendship flourish.  What characterizes Emma is her quiet demeanor and sweet nature that could be borderline shy.  

Last Monday I was invited to attend Emma's Graduation Recital for her Masters degree in Voice Performance from Hunter College.  I knew Emma is an actress but didn't know she could also sing. The kicker? She is a soprano!  Not only she can sing but she did so in 4 different languages!  I'm still gagging...

I was a little afraid since last time I went to an opera I fell asleep and there was nothing in this planet that could make me stay awake. Oh it was on a date...with an opera singer...never saw him again.  

At the beginning, normal in any performance, she seemed a tad nervous when she opened with "Quando, Sperasti O Core Andante" but that was quickly left behind and I saw Emma transform herself from character to character in front of me.  Even though I didn't understand most of what she was singing, through her personifications I could relate to what the song was about.  This is where all her acting career, which even includes a spot on the soap Hope Hospital and many musicals, came into play.  The highlight for me was when she went back to her Puerto Rican roots and chose 4 songs of composer Rafael Hernández like "Capullito de Alelí" and "El Cumbanchero" and made them her own.  

It was a very special night that brought back many feelings from home but it was more interesting to see this quiet, shy girl transform into this great singer before my eyes.  This is one to watch because I know great things are coming her way.  And I am glad to be able to call her my friend.