Soprano Renée Fleming Presents the Healing Breath Initiative

Renée Fleming joins forces with actresses Christine Baranski, Audra McDonald, Kelli O'Hara, and Kristin Chenoweth, soprano Angel Blue, mezzo-sopranos Jamie Barton and Denyce Graves, tenor Lawrence Brownlee, singers Kurt Elling, Vanessa Williams, and Angelique Kidjo, music therapists Stacie Aamon and Tom Sweitzer, as well as neuroscientist Indre Viskontas to create a new health initiative.

"For most people, breathing is simple—an instinctual behavior we all take for granted. But for many who have experienced COVID-19, breathing is a challenge, one that can remain difficult after they recover from the most acute phase of the illness," the website reads. "And for people experiencing what is now called “long covid,” reduced breath capacity can continue, threatening both their health and their peace of mind.

For singers, healthy breathing is essential, and is dependent on a complex set of voluntary and involuntary muscles. Fleming, along with the additional singers and specialists, will share their breathing exercises that anyone can try to regain better breath after illness. The exercises focus on increasing the efficiency, stamina, and control of singers, allowing one to develop and strengthen the necessary muscles.

Fleming hopes that these exercises will help others in need. As with everything involving one's health, you should consult your physician before using these exercises.

To learn more about this new initiative and watch the other artists' videos, click here.