Performing Artist Spotlight: Andres Cladera
By Denton Turner
STEAMBOAT SPRINGS – Andres Cladera is the general and artistic director of Opera Steamboat. He has been involved in the performing arts community for over 38 years.
What is your favorite thing about the opera?
Opera has the ability to merge all art forms into a glorious creation. It’s not just singing, but all sorts of music, visual arts, dance, lighting, set design and carpentry, costumes, etc. They all join hands and elevate this theatrical art form to an experience that speaks to everyone.
How has Opera Steamboat adapted to continue performing during the pandemic?
We have pivoted all our programs to virtual. Last April we did our first pivot for our opera in the schools program, which was a true success with the Routt and Moffat county schools. In addition, we did virtual educational programs for young artists, performances in-person outdoors at the Yampa River Botanic Park, as well as eight different virtual programs, all of them free to the public.
How has COVID-19 and social distancing affected your ability to practice or rehearse?
Well, I have been able to practice my instrument, as I am a pianist and I own a piano. But, we have not been able to rehearse opera the same way we are used to. We have had to rehearse while socially distanced with masks, and hold each other accountable for quarantine procedures before and after our time together.
What do you miss most about performing before COVID-19?
I miss people. An in-person theatrical experience is a cathartic moment that elevates us all and bring us together. There is no other way to experience this crucial aspect of live performances.
How has your creative approach changed during COVID? Are you finding it harder or easier to be creative?
It has activated a new level of creativity, thinking outside the box, and finding ways to solve real life problems to be able to share music and joy with our audiences. It has not been easy, but it has been very rewarding to know that we are impacting the well-being of our community by sharing the joy of music. Personally, I have been drawing more and starting to dabble in watercolor.
What kind of an effect has COVID-19 had on your income?
It has impacted all artists – in particular performing artists. Fortunately, Opera Steamboat has been committed to my salary and to pay and help artists through the pandemic.
What are you using for inspiration during these times to keep up with your work?
Our inspiration is bringing the community the joy we are all hungry for now. Our programing has been diverse for different audiences and we have partnered with so many organizations. All these elements certainly help us continue to be inspired through challenging times.
What kind of an impact do you think COVID-19 has had on the opera industry?
It has changed the music business for sure. Many artists won’t return to the art form. But, we must all look at the possibility to change and innovate within our field. I think we will not only survive but thrive in the future from what we have learned from this time of hardship. I think there will be more virtual programming in the future, and a lot of meetings that will happen virtually. I also believe performing arts organizations will start to use more local artists, and partner with a lot more organizations moving forward to reduce costs and expand audiences.