Tell us a little bit about yourself?
I have dual nationality, Dutch-American; I was born in Washington DC, my parents came from The Netherlands.
I went to the French International School in Washington DC, then continued to study in Canada, The Netherlands and Italy.
I truly feel like a citizen of the world! I feel at home in many countries!
I love to speak and learn as many languages as I can, and spreading love and good vibes through music is my passion.
I feel like music is a portal to another dimension … an awakening to Love, our Essence and to our Oness.
Music and Art in all its shapes and forms have this amazing power to help us feel alive and connected to everything!
When did you develop a passion for music?
At a very early age. I always knew I wanted to sing.
My mother first took me to voice and piano lessons when I was 10 years old.
I sang in many Musicals at a young age like “Annie”, “The King and I”, “Hair”, “Cats” and so many more.
I then went to study at Mcgill in Montreal, the Royal Conservatory of the Hague in the Netherlands and in Milano at the Conservatory in Italy.
My career started in Rome when I jumped in for a Benefit Concert for the Food and Agriculture Organization of the UN (FAO) at the Vatican with Andrea Bocelli and José Carreras, Live on World TV.
For that moment on, I fell in love with Italy and Italian Opera, and sang over 35 Major roles including Aida, Tosca, Lady Macbeth, Madama Butterfly …”
Which artists did you listen to while growing up?
I grew up listening to a lot of different singers and music like Barbara Streisand, Cher, Kate Bush, Freddy Mercury, Michael Jackson, Eagles, Elton John, Olivia Newton John, ABBA, Fame … Flashdance!…
But also a lots of Classical Music and singers like Callas, Tebaldi, Jessye Norman, Caballé, Di Stefano…. I always loved both kind of music.
How would you describe your music to someone who hasn’t heard you before?
For me, Music and Singing are the most powerful remedy for healing the Mind, Body and Spirit.
This album was conceived during a time of great pain. I lost my mother abruptly. The shock and loss changed my life forever.
Christian Catena of IMR Classics and Davide Spurio wrote these songs for me during that time, and I am so grateful for this.
These Songs, to me, bring Hope and Inspiration. They are a bridge between two different worlds, Opera and Pop.
The Album blends the best of both universes, creating a unique and engaging musical experience.
The first song, “My Life”, has just been released. It invites you to always look forward, that your pain is not forever and that it can be your strength. You should always believe in your dreams and trust in your journey, for life is full of beautiful surprises. After the rain… the rainbow.
What music have you recorded to date?
Operas:
• Zandonai’s Conchita
• Leoncavallo’s Zaza
• Monleone’s Cavalleria Rusticana
• Monleone’s Il Mistero
• Monleone’s Ines de Castro
Melodies:
• Ave Maria’s
• Vieni amor mio: Italian Aria’s
• Catalani melodies
Which artist do you enjoy listening to at the moment and do they influence your work?
My life is always filled with music, usually the music that I am learning at the moment.
These days I am diving deep in Elektra and Salome of Richard Strauss, music that is challenging vocally, musically and physically but breath-takingly beautiful.
I love relaxing and ambient jazz, anything that sounds like being in a café atmosphere.
I also adore Walt Disney’s songs and I would love to be part of a music soundtrack someday ! In the album, I had the pleasure to sing Ennio Morricone’s famous melody “Ones upon a time in the west”.
Who would your dream collaboration be with?
I recently discovered Dimash Qudaibergen ! I love his energy and his way of singing. His wide range of emotions and vocal capacity which to me is unique.
I also would be so honored to create and sing with Sting. He has such a powerful way of transmitting powerful messages in our fast changing world today.
I admire Celine Dion for her strength and courage, she is such an inspiration. It would be heartwarming to sing with her.
What are your plans for the future?
I am working on a whole new repertoire. Salome and Elektra is a new exiting chapter in my career and also diving into Wagner’s music.
Upcoming, I am so happy to be singing Tosca in L.A. this may with Mission Opera. And we will see what the future holds with this new album !
Where can we see more about you?
Youtube: https://youtube.com/@lisahouben8376?si=zin9AXoJbdJRftPe
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/caruso.amore/
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/intl-fr/artist/0EJrADblx57af00KzhKvtK?si=nhmNbn-6RjmgjM37NMdrLw