The holidays are a time for feasting, celebration, and indulgence, but for us opera singers, balancing delicious holiday meals with vocal health can be a challenge. From rich holiday desserts to festive cocktails, how do singers enjoy the season without compromising our voice?
In my latest Podmas episode of Harbour for the Arts, I dive into the favorite holiday foods of opera legends, share tips for eating well while performing, and even give a few singer-friendly holiday recipes to keep your voice in top shape!
Listen to the full episode on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your favorite podcast platform to learn how to indulge like a diva this holiday season!
Opera Singers’ Favorite Holiday Dishes
Opera singers love food—and many legendary voices have had their own holiday favorites! Here are a few:
Luciano Pavarotti’s Christmas Pasta – The great tenor loved classic Italian holiday dishes, especially tortellini in brodo, a comforting bowl of tortellini in rich broth.
Plácido Domingo’s Spanish Feast – Domingo’s holiday table often featured cochinillo asado (roast suckling pig) and turrón, a delicious almond nougat.
Maria Callas’ Simple Elegance – Though known for her disciplined eating habits, Callas enjoyed traditional Greek holiday dishes like roasted lamb with lemon and herbs.
Want to bring some operatic flavor to your holiday table? Try adding one of these legendary dishes to your next feast!
How Opera Singers Eat Well During the Holidays
Singers love food, but we also have to protect our voices—especially during performance season! Here are a few tips for enjoying holiday meals without vocal strain:
Hydration is Key – Holiday cocktails are fun, but alcohol dries out your vocal cords. Balance every glass of wine with a glass of water!
Skip Dairy Before Singing – Eggnog may be delicious, but dairy increases mucus production, which isn’t ideal before a performance. Save the creamy treats for later!
Vocal-Friendly Holiday Foods – Warm soups, herbal teas, and lean proteins help keep singers fueled without heaviness or irritation.
Watch Out for Sugar & Caffeine – Too much sugar can lead to inflammation, and excessive caffeine can dehydrate the vocal cords. Moderation is key!
Singer-Friendly Holiday Recipes
Honey Ginger Tea
Recipe A soothing tea made with fresh ginger, honey, and lemon to keep your throat happy.
Ingredients
1 cup water
1-2 inches fresh ginger root, sliced
1-2 tablespoons honey (to taste)
1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional)
Instructions
In a small saucepan, bring the water to a boil.
Add the sliced ginger to the boiling water.
Reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 10-15 minutes, depending on how strong you want the ginger flavor.
Remove from heat and strain the tea into a cup.
Add honey and stir until dissolved. If desired, add lemon juice for extra flavor.
Enjoy your warm honey ginger tea!
Tips
For a stronger flavor, you can let the ginger steep for longer.
Feel free to adjust the amount of honey to suit your taste.
This tea can be served hot or cold, depending on your preference.
Warm Winter Soup
This delicious and nourishing Warm Winter Soup is packed with garlic, turmeric, and a variety of vegetables to boost immunity and soothe the voice. Perfect for cold days, this soup is both comforting and healthful.
Ingredients
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 medium onion, chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
1 teaspoon ground turmeric
4 cups vegetable broth
2 medium carrots, diced
1 bell pepper, chopped (any color)
1 zucchini, diced
1 cup kale or spinach, chopped
1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
Salt and pepper to taste
Juice of 1 lemon
Fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish (optional)
Instructions
In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
Add the minced garlic, grated ginger, and ground turmeric. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Pour in the vegetable broth and bring to a boil.
Add the diced carrots, bell pepper, and zucchini. Reduce the heat and let simmer for about 10-15 minutes, until the vegetables are tender.
Stir in the chopped kale or spinach and chickpeas. Cook for an additional 5 minutes until the greens are wilted and the chickpeas are heated through.
Season with salt, pepper, and lemon juice to taste.
Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley or cilantro if desired.
Enjoy!
This Warm Winter Soup is not only soothing for the throat but also a great way to support your immune system during the colder months. Enjoy a bowl to warm your body and spirit!
Opera Singer’s Smoothie
Blend banana, almond milk, a touch of honey, and cinnamon for a dairy-free energy boost!
Ingredients
1 ripe banana
1 cup almond milk
1 tablespoon honey (or to taste)
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
Peel the banana and break it into chunks.
In a blender, combine the banana, almond milk, honey, and cinnamon.
Blend until smooth and creamy.
Taste and adjust sweetness with more honey if desired.
Pour into a glass and sprinkle a little extra cinnamon on top if you like.
Serve immediately and enjoy!
Optional Add-ins
1 tablespoon of nut butter for added creaminess
1/2 cup of spinach for a nutrient boost
Ice cubes for a chilled smoothie
Listen & Support Harbour for the Arts!
Want to learn more about how opera singers indulge during the holidays? Listen to the full episode of Harbour for the Arts on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your favorite podcast platform!
Sponsor an Episode of Harbour for the Arts!
Are you a small business owner looking to reach an audience of opera lovers, musicians, and creatives? Sponsoring an episode of Harbour for the Arts is the perfect way to connect with engaged, passionate listeners who appreciate culture, music, and the arts.
To learn more about sponsorship opportunities, visit bricooper.net to contact me directly. Let’s bring your business into the spotlight in an upcoming episode!
How do YOU balance holiday indulgence with vocal health? Share your thoughts in the comments or join the conversation on social media!
How do YOU balance holiday indulgence with vocal health?
Hydrate
Avoid Dairy & Heavy Foods Before Singing
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