Homeless singer returns to the stage after performance in L.A. subway goes viral

https://wgntv.com/2019/10/06/homeless-singer-returns-to-the-stage-after-performance-in-l-a-subway-goes-viral/

SAN PEDRO, CA (KTLA) — Emily Zamourka’s life has changed dramatically since a Los Angeles police officer shared video of her singing in the subway last week.

Video of Zamourka singing an Italian opera song has been seen more than a million times and has triggered an outpouring of support for the Russian singer, who’s been homeless for a couple of years.

Zamourka, 52, is a classically trained pianist and violinist and used to teach lessons and made money as a street performer. She told CNN affiliate KABC that a string of setbacks led to her becoming homeless.

Zamourka told the station she had health issues, someone stole her violin and smashed it and then she broke her wrist, which kept her from playing. She said she liked to sing in the subway because it feels like being on stage.

After the video went viral, she received an offer to return to the stage. Zamourka performed a brief concert during Saturday’s Historic Little Italy Sign Unveiling & Festa in downtown San Pedro, CA.

https://wgntv.com/2019/10/06/homeless-singer-returns-to-the-stage-after-performance-in-l-a-subway-goes-viral/

Homeless singer who went viral gets offer from Grammy-nominated producer

A homeless woman who dazzled the internet with her incredible opera singing in a Los Angeles subway station has been offered a recording contract. Grammy-nominated producer Joel Diamond caught wind of her viral video and now wants to take a chance on Emily Zamourka, he told CBS News.


Diamond has drawn up a letter for Zamourka with the hope of creating an "innovative classical/EDM [electronic dance music] crossover hit record for the subway soprano," he said in a press release. He talked to CBS News about his decision to find and sign her.

"I try very hard to think out of the box," Diamond told CBS News. "I saw her on this viral video like everybody else and I said to myself, 'You know something — and I felt it in my gut — there's not only a great story here, but also a great career here. And all she needs is an opportunity to help her fulfill her dream


https://www.cbsnews.com/news/opera-subway-singer-los-angeles-homelessness-emily-zamourka/