Today we’d like to introduce you to Renata Bueno

Hi Renata, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.

When I look back on my past, I see a path shaped by effort, persistence, and reinvention. To many, it may seem like a story of success, but few can grasp the challenges I overcame to get here.
My musical journey began like that of many singers: in a Protestant church. It was my way of expressing myself, but my shyness often held me back. As a child, I sang in a musical group, and one pivotal experience ultimately shaped my destiny. During the recording of a children’s album, I was asked to sing a solo. I was only nine years old, had no formal vocal training, and was overwhelmed by anxiety. My voice came out shaky and off-key.
In front of everyone, the music director bluntly said it was “horrible” and that I was “not cut out to sing.” Those words crushed me. I left the studio in tears, feeling exposed and humiliated.
That painful moment became a turning point. I asked my parents to enroll me in singing lessons, and at about ten years old, I began studying. It was through that process that I discovered my true potential, transitioning from gospel music to classical music.
Today, as an adult, I understand that the challenges of the past not only prepared me for the “yeses” I would receive but also strengthened me to face the “nos.” That painful experience became the foundation of my journey, transforming hurt into motivation to move forward and become the artist I am today.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?

As a conductor friend of mine once said, “The artist’s journey is sheer madness.” Indeed, it is a path filled with obstacles that test the resilience of anyone brave enough to pursue it.
One of the greatest challenges begins with seeking quality education. In the world of art, where technical excellence and deep knowledge are crucial, it is often difficult to find the resources and opportunities needed to gain proper training. Then comes the struggle for support—be it emotional, financial, or structural. Finally, there’s the constant tension between what we aspire to achieve and what we can realistically accomplish within the constraints of the industry.
The artistic reality demands that professionals remain vocally prepared, possess a marketable profile, and, most importantly, offer something unique to stand out. Beyond that, it’s essential to “break bubbles”—to transcend niche boundaries and connect with diverse audiences, thereby expanding the reach of one’s work.
Being an artist means balancing passion with the constant need to adapt to the demands of a competitive and often unforgiving market. It is a journey that requires talent, discipline, and, above all, perseverance.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?

I am a lyrical singer who performs in operas, operettas, and concerts, while also dedicating myself to mentoring young singers through teaching and sharing the knowledge I’ve gained throughout my journey. What sets me apart is the passion I bring to every performance and my courage to address topics that go beyond music, bringing authenticity to both my work and my life.
One of the achievements I am most proud of is the decision to live my truth and openly embrace my identity as a queer woman. For years, I feared coming out, especially in the world of classical music, which, where I am, still carries deep-rooted traces of structural machismo. Being a woman in this space already comes with inherent challenges—fighting to be heard, respected, and valued. When we assert ourselves with confidence, we often face resistance from fragile masculinity, which still dominates certain circles.
Despite these obstacles, my greatest pride lies in being recognized not only for my talent but also for my courage to speak openly about my sexuality, helping pave the way for greater diversity and inclusion. I believe that staying true to who I am inspires others to do the same, and for me, that is just as meaningful as any artistic accomplishment

If we knew you growing up, how would we have described you?

From a young age, I was often described as an incredible child—other people’s words, of course! (laughs). I always had a strong personality, and one of my peculiar ways of expressing myself included letting out high-pitched “squeals,” Mariah Carey-style, whenever I wanted to get attention. Music has been a part of my life since I was a baby. At the age of six, I started studying piano, although today I play it just for fun.
I was extremely dreamy and deeply sensitive, to the point of being easily moved by stories and music. My best friend was my inseparable companion, Erick, a rottweiler who joined me on all my little adventures. My passion for organization also emerged early on. I loved arranging everything around me, so much so that my mom often had to ask me to stop reorganizing things repeatedly.
This blend of sensitivity, creativity, and determination shaped who I am today—a person who lives for music, dreams, and the desire to make everything more beautiful, whether through harmony or organization.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/soprano.renatabueno/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sopranoRenataRBueno/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@RenataRibeiroBueno

Image Credits

Cecilia Gidali
Jussara Souza
Alessandra Augusto