Bel canto is to opera what pole-vaulting is to ballet.
There was something in the bel canto, not just opera, but a certain style of Italian singing that I responded to deeply.
The world's history is a divine poem, of which the history of every nation is a canto, and every man a word. Its strains have been pealing along down the centuries, and though there have been mingled the discords of warring cannon and dying men, yet to the Christian philosopher and historian - the humble listener - there has been a Divine melody running through the song which speaks of hope and halcyon days to come.
I want to be known by people who are knowledgeable about opera, who appreciate bel canto singing, people who have more sensitivity.
My voice is not so much 'bel canto' as 'can belto'.
I prefer it when the conductor follows me. It is more difficult to work with a conductor who does not listen - even if I understand that sometimes it makes sense when one person is ruling everything. But for bel canto, I have to have a conductor who listens and supports me.