Emily Zamourka
Emily Zamourka | |
|---|---|
| Born | Liudmila Grekova 1967 or 1968 (age 58–59) Moldavian SSR, USSR |
| Origin | Los Angeles, California, U.S. |
| Genres | Opera |
| Occupation | Singer |
| Instruments |
|
| Years active | 2019–present |
Liudmila "Emily" Zamourka (née Grekova; born c. 1967 – c. 1968)[1] is a Moldovan and American singer and musician. She came to prominence in late September 2019, after an LAPD officer filmed and posted a video of her singing a Puccini aria at Wilshire/Normandie station of the Los Angeles Metro Rail. The video subsequently became popular over social media.[2]
Overview
In 1991, Zamourka moved from Moldova to the United States and became homeless in Los Angeles for two years when she suffered serious health problems and had to pay for her medical bills. The artist, who taught lessons in piano and violin, was forced to take up numerous jobs. She also said she ended up in the streets two or three years ago after an unknown vandal stole and destroyed her violin and with it her means of making money.[2]
Five GoFundMe crowdfunding pages helped Zamourka get off the streets,[3] and get her a new violin surpassed $80,000 towards the goal of $85,000. Since her subway singing, Zamourka performed at the unveiling of the Historic Little Italy sign in downtown San Pedro on Saturday October 5, 2019 before a live audience that praised her with uproarious applause. She performed there only one song: the same Puccini aria she sang on the viral video.[4][5][6][7][8]
Recording offer
On October 3, 2019, two time Grammy nominated record producer Joel Diamond publicly offered Zamourka a recording contract.[3] Due to complications working with Zamourka, Diamond later withdrew his offer.[9][10]
See also
References
- ↑ "Homeless woman sings opera solo in the subway and it changes her life forever". See It Live. January 5, 2021.
- 1 2 Merrett, Robyn (October 3, 2019). "Homeless Subway Singer Meets Cop Who Helped Her Go Viral Amid Record Offer from Music Producer". People (magazine).
- 1 2 Brewis, Harriet (Oct 3, 2019). "Homeless LA subway singer offered record contract after viral video". The Standard. Retrieved Feb 17, 2021.
- ↑ Flynn, Meagan (October 1, 2019). "'Like a miracle': Homeless woman's viral subway opera performance may get her off the streets". The Washington Post.
- ↑ Reyes-Velarde, Alejandra (October 1, 2019). "Homeless singer has a viral moment on L.A. subway and, suddenly, new prospects". Los Angeles Times.
- ↑ Suter, Leanne (September 30, 2019). "LA's mystery subway singer tells her story after mesmerizing serenade goes viral". ABC7 Los Angeles.
- ↑ Lara, Jovana (October 1, 2019). "LA subway singer in viral video shares story of hardship and hope". ABC7 Los Angeles.
- ↑ "From Russia To The US: Subway Singer Tells Her Own Story". CBS News Los Angeles. September 30, 2019.
- ↑ "Viral Subway Singer Loses Recording Contract After Bailing On Performance With Pete Townshend". Yahoo Entertainment. 2019-10-30. Retrieved 2023-08-08.
- ↑ Johnson, Kelli (October 30, 2019). "Subway singer with 'angelic voice' declines recording contract". FOX 10 Phoenix. Retrieved 2026-04-26.