Veena Akama-Makia (she/her)

Get To Know Performer Veena Akama-Makia

1. What has been your favorite part of working on the Amplify Series thus far?

My favorite part of working with the LYNX Project has been through witnessing the different ways that our poets express their experiences and innermost thoughts through their poetry. Now that we have the music as well, I am excited to see how the composers have expanded upon the text.

2. How did you discover your passion for singing and what is the most exciting part about it?

I discovered my passion for singing through my older sister and church. The most exciting part about music to me is the initial rehearsal. To me, it's the moment when we see what we are working with as artists and in my opinion, we can only get better from that point. A close second would be the actual performance. Once I am in the actual performance I try to be as in the moment as possible and hope that my preparation for this performance has been enough.

3. How has this music differed from the music you perform more regularly, if at all?

This music is not too different from the music I have been singing as a Young Artist at Chicago Opera Theater. At Chicago Opera Theater we focus on new or rarely performed works and so performing new music written by living composers/librettists in the Amplify Series is something I am familiar with doing.