From the stage to the page, and from the judging panel to the coaching chair, Diana Elizabeth Martinovich’s journey is one of the most remarkable achievements. A celebrated singer and vocal coach, she brings a wealth of experience to her role as both Jury member and Project Manager of the International Voice Competition Boris Martinovich, ensuring its continued success. This is complemented by her insightful books, which offer guidance on both artistic mastery (The Art of Bel Canto) and personal fulfillment (A Mindset for Happiness). Diana’s story is an inspiration, illustrating the power of pursuing multiple passions with unwavering dedication. This interview unveils the strategies and philosophies that have shaped her exceptional career.
Q: Your website hints at a diverse range of creative endeavors. Can you tell us more about your writing and what inspires your work?
A: Ever since I was a little girl in elementary school, I loved to write stories, poems, and to sing. I can't explain exactly what drives me to write and why I need to write about everything I see and do. I think each of us is given a talent pack, and with those talents, we receive the spark that inspires us and pushes us to create. It is the need to sing, to write, and to create, and this need goes beyond logical and material explanation. I think it's a sin if you don't work on your talents. Every day of my life is filled with stories and music. I find them in all the things and phenomena that surround me, so I can say that my environment and the life I live inspire me the most to work and create.
Q: You play a significant role in the International Voice Competition Boris Martinovich, serving as both project manager and jury member. What are some of the biggest challenges and rewards of this position?
A: Vocal pedagogy is my great love. Within my 20 years of experience working as a vocal teacher, I have often found myself in the role of organizer of concerts and various competitions for young singers, often having the role of a career advisor for my students too. From that experience, the idea came up to create a contest that bears my husband's name. The International Voice Competition Boris Martinovich, which is currently accepting applications for this year's edition, was created during the corona pandemic, when all theaters and concert halls around the world were closed, and performances and competitions were canceled. The world has begun to experiment with digitization in concert and opera productions, and our competition was an attempt to find a new way of performing and competing that is held online. The Boris Martinovich International Competition is the first online competition and unique in the world in terms of new ways of functioning of the competition, which is not only reflected in the online performance, but also in the promotion of singers. It is open to all nationalities and without upper age limitations. I am enjoying my role as the project manager of the competition, because the general idea was mine and my husband had confidence in me developing the project the way I like. We have a team of great young people who are working with me to deliver the competition in the best way possible. I would say they are doing a great job.
We are also blessed to have truly remarkable opera singers, directors and professional in the panel of the Judges, which gives an honor and great opportunity to each singer participant to be heard and to become a step closer to achieving their career goals.
Q: For aspiring singers and artists facing challenges in their careers, what advice would you offer based on your experiences and insights gained through writing your books?
A: The basis that is necessary for every singer to pursue career in the field is a high-level vocal technique. My advice to singers is to choose vocal pedagogues who are proven to be great vocal teachers. Don't go to vocal professors only because they were once famous singers or just because they are big names in the opera world. Sometimes great opera singers are not good vocal pedagogues and vice versa. It's best when the teacher has all: stage experience, vocal pedagogy skills and knowledge.
My second advice is: nurture your personality, live a healthy and positive life, nurture your mental health and educate yourself not only in music but also in marketing. I think marketing is crucial for a lot of great singers and great marketing is necessary for a singer to become a big star. We live in an era of social media expansion. Connecting with an online audience is beneficial in so many ways.
Someone told me a long time ago that the singers on stage are transparent. Everything including the degree of their morality and the image of their souls can be heard through their voices. I remembered that sentence. My last piece of advice would be to cherish the morality and beauty of your soul, because it is reflected in the beauty of the voice.
Q: Your entrepreneurial spirit is evident. Can you share a bit about your business and what drives your success?
A: By nature, I am a person who has a lot of ideas for starting various projects and businesses, so some of my business ventures were created, such as the AVY Health & Beauty brand of organic vitamins and supplements, and cosmetics, as well as the launch of an online magazine that covers topics of healthy and happy living. I see the same entrepreneurial spirit in my daughter Nina and my son Viktor, and I look forward to their growing up and doing our projects together. I always wanted to have a line of cosmetics, so my husband fulfilled that wish. Today we operate successfully in the United States, and soon we hope to expand the business to the rest of the world. Everything I do in life is somehow for the purpose of improving people's lives, health and happiness. I love nature. Sometimes it's hard for me to stay in cities for a long time. I need nature to be able to function peacefully and successfully.
Q: Your books, A Mindset for Happiness: How to Release the Past and Embrace Your True Potential, and The Art of Bel Canto: Where Science and Spirit Meet, co-authored with Boris Martinovich, explore fascinatingly different yet potentially complementary themes. Can you discuss the genesis of each book, the unique challenges of writing them (especially the collaborative aspect of The Art of Bel Canto), and how your personal experiences informed their creation?
A: A few years ago, I became interested in the phenomenon of human energy, the human energy field and Nikola Tesla's invention when it comes to vibration and energy. It was then that I began to study the phenomenon of the energy field of sound and the human voice - singing and its influence on the environment in the context of vibration and energy. The result of my research and long-term collaboration with my husband Boris Martinovich as a singer and vocal pedagogue was our joint book: The Art of Bel Canto: Where Science and Spirit Meet. With this book, we wanted to pay homage to one of the most beautiful techniques of "beautiful singing", while at the same time taking a step forward in exploring the energy and vibration of human sound, as well as a chapter dealing with lessons in marketing and self-promotion for solo singers. The book proved to be a great success. It was a pleasure to work with my husband on this project and I am extremely honored to have had the opportunity to work with him in this way too.
So far, I have published several non-fiction books that deal with various aspects of human functioning, from the mental ability to overcome various challenges in life, to parenting, finances and entrepreneurship. The book "A Mindset for Happiness: How to Release the Past and Embrace Your Full Potential" offers a comprehensive guide to achieving happiness and fulfillment in your lives. I emphasized the importance of cultivating a positive mindset, letting go of limiting beliefs, and embracing creativity to unlock reader’s full potential.
The book provides practical tools, exercises, and real-life examples that readers can use to develop a more positive and empowering mindset. By doing so, readers can release the past, overcome challenges, and unlock their full potential, leading to a more joyful, creative, and fulfilling life.
Happiness is not a destination, but a journey that requires continuous growth and self-discovery. Therefore, we must stay committed, stay positive, and stay true to ourselves, as we navigate through life's ups and downs. By embracing our uniqueness and expressing our true selves, we can unleash our full potential and live a life of happiness and fulfillment.
We are all capable of achieving great things and living a life filled with joy, love, and fulfillment. It is up to us to believe in ourselves, act towards our goals, and continue to grow and evolve as individuals. By doing so, we can create a life that is truly worth living.
Q: What advice would you offer to young women pursuing multiple passions and ambitions?
A: Stay true to yourself, your values, and your attitudes, and never give up on your dreams!
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