Claflin singer rocks the opera in Bulgaria

Claflin University Concert Choir member Corinthia Sims said participating in Varna International Opera Academy in Varna, Bulgaria, this past summer was her greatest experience as a performer.
In her fifth year participating with the concert choir, the senior from Detroit was the lone African-American in the four-week program that allowed her to perform at the State Opera House in Stara Zagora, Bulgaria. That gave her the opportunity to stand out as a representative of Claflin, she said.
"We had a lot rehearsals and the academy was very pleased with my attributes and performance," Sims said. "I came prepared to know my role, music, and the audience received me very well."
During her performance, people were standing, applauding, crying, screaming and throwing flowers on the stage, Sims said. "The audience was so shocked at the performance I gave."
She sang an aria from the opera "Gianni Schicchi" in titled O mio babbino caro. The aria is known all across the world.
"I worked with cast members from the United States and from Bulgaria," she said. "I stayed off of the Black Sea in a resort and it was nice to relax in my room after rehearsal and practices."
Sims said Varna's International Opera Academy reinforced that her teacher in the United States is doing a good job coaching her.
Sims' dream is to become a prominent opera singer.
"I want to bring my culture closer to classical music. Not many African-Americans are into this genre of music and I want to influence them," Sims said.
A quote she lives by is written by her favorite opera singer Leontyne Price. It is: "The ultimate of being successful is the luxury of giving yourself the time to do what you want to do."
Sims said she asks herself daily, "What does it take for you to pursue your dreams and how much time are you willing to put into that dream?" Another famous quote she lives by is: "Accomplishments have no color." No matter what race you are, you can accomplish anything in life, she said.