CHICAGO — From the grandeur of international opera houses to the vibrant neighborhoods of Chicago, Rodell Rosel has spent over two decades using music to connect hearts across cultures. The celebrated Filipino-American tenor, who now calls Chicago home, recently shared how opera, identity, and community intertwine in his life.
“Opera is the Olympics of singing,” Rosel told CBS News Chicago. “Our instruments are inside our bodies.”
Rosel, who has performed with major opera companies across the U.S., says his passion began young — and that despite its reputation, opera is far more inclusive and emotional than people might expect.
Opera Without Translation Still Speaks to All
While many operas are sung in languages like Italian, German, or French, Rosel believes the emotion behind the music transcends words.
“Even though you don’t understand the words, the music envelops it,” he explained. “When someone is saying ‘My heart is broken,’ it’s stretched out musically. It doesn’t leave you quickly. It stays with you enough to feel the drama.”
For Rosel, the power of opera lies not in rigid structure but in emotional depth and human connection.
Embracing Identity: “You Have To Be Able To Embrace Everything About You”
Rosel, who is openly gay and married to his husband Steven Hunter for over a decade, is vocal about the importance of embracing one’s whole identity.
“To be fully rounded, you have to be able to embrace everything about you — both masculine and feminine,” he said.
Rosel speaks of his relationship casually and openly, seeing visibility as a form of quiet advocacy.
“I talk about it as regular as everyone else. I’ll say, ‘My husband and I are planning a trip,’ not ‘By the way, I have a husband.’”
Building Community Through Friendship and Pride
Beyond the stage, Rosel is active in Asians and Friends Chicago, a social group that provides a safe space for LGBTQ+ Asian Americans and their allies.
Founded in 1984, the group organizes dim sum brunches, pride parade floats, and community fundraisers. For Rosel, it’s more than just socializing — it’s about shared experiences and cultural exchange.
“It’s about our common interests and being able to open up and compare how we experience our lives in Chicago.”
A Lifelong Journey of Learning and Artistry
Even after 20 years of professional performance, Rosel insists opera is a never-ending journey.
“I would consider it continuous learning. Just like law or medicine, we have to keep working on our voice. We have to keep working on our artistry.”
Through his work, Rosel shows that opera isn’t just about performance — it’s about storytelling, self-expression, and building bridges between people.
Do you think opera still resonates with today’s audiences? Share your thoughts or recommend a local performer we should spotlight at ChicagoSuburbanFamily.com.
