The idea for DivaGrams Entertainment all started from singing for friends special celebrations and one horribly sung singing telegram that I received for my birthday. For example, I was asked to sing in my dear friend, Broadway veteran, Liz McCartney's wedding. We met while working together in THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA on Broadway. Singing along side me was Broadway stars, Norm Lewis, Euan Morton, David Benoit, Thom Culcasi, and soprano Christine Goerke, opera diva from The Met. This magical musical moment completely transported the guests and elevated the entire evenings celebrations. I thought, "Wow, what a difference, everyone needs access to these amazing performers." And DivaGrams was born. Through DivaGrams, I have created a company that knows all about the art of celebrating and offers extraordinary musical and theatrical moments for special celebrations.

DivaGrams Entertainment has two divisions.

DivaGrams Celebrations are simply the most beautiful and theatrical singing telegram you will ever hear delivered by Broadway and Opera professionals. Book a lasting New York memory, an award-winning DivaGram! Our Divas and Divos deliver personalized "High C" serenades that ring to the rafters and elevate any special occasion. Perfect for birthdays, anniversaries, or milestone moments. Closer than front row seats to your favorite Broadway show- a private performance by an Opera or Broadway star!

DivaGrams Weddings/Events offers magnificent soloists and elegant instrumental ensembles for extraordinary weddings, corporate and private events. Our goal is to produce entertainment that exceeds your expectations each and every time. Special Attractions include: Vocal artists from the Opera and Broadway stages (solo acts, duos and ensembles) and Musicians from jazz clubs to classical concert halls (solo acts, duos, ensembles). DivaGrams books the highest quality entertainers for sophisticated show-stopping performances each and every time. Let the Music Make the Moment!

So what we offer is access to world renowned performers who deliver the most entertaining, theatrical and musical experience for any special event.

As one of many alumni of Broadway's THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA, do you have any special memories of your time with the company and would you re-join the show if asked?

I am very proud to be a part of the PHANTOM family of alumni. After spending six years as a Swing in both National Tours and Broadway, one can rake up a lot of memories. But the one memory that really stands out comes from a little help from above.

Both my mom and I shared the gift of song. We were a Mother/Daughter Team, performing together for many years in the Chicagoland area at Women's Clubs, Civic organizations, Church groups, Music Societies, and anywhere we could perform for our community. When I moved to New York, mom always encouraged me to "get into that show, The Phantom of the Opera they need opera singers, right?" I would audition and audition and never get the job. For several years mom continued to wonder "why" they never hired me. In fact, whenever I went home to Chicago for a visit, if PHANTOM was in town, Mom had to take me to see it. She'd say "YOU'RE PERFECT FOR THAT SHOW! YOU JUST DON'T KNOW THE RIGHT PEOPLE."

Then on May 12, 1994, Mom passed away suddenly in her sleep at the early age of 68 yrs. The shock was devastating to me, as mom was my best friend and beloved fan.

But as I recalled, she always told me she'd be my guardian angel throughout my life. So with Mom's help, I finally knew the right person. After 6 yrs and 10 auditions PHANTOM finally hired me to join their company. I was hired as a Swing (understuding seven roles). It meant tons of rehearsals for several weeks. Eager to get on the stage, I asked the Stage Manager "When will I finally make my debut?" He felt it was TIME and told me "Next Friday, no matter what". The date of my debut would be May 12, 1995, the one year anniversary of my mother's death. I knew this was her way to tell me - she helped me get this job, you know, she always wanted me to be in "that show!"

So May 12th arrived, I cried, I laughed, and upon making my grand entrance, I looked way up into the audience and thanked my new guardian angel for pulling those heavenly strings from above.

Would I rejoin the show? Absolutely!

You've also coached many singers at your NYC studio. What are your best tips for selecting songs for an audition?

After teaching and coaching voices for the past 25 yrs and conducting many master classes on audition techniques, I’ve racked up a few tips for auditions:

CLOSING WORDS OF WISDOM

An audition is really a PERFORMANCE. There is not one rule for performing and another for auditioning - all we want you to do is share yourself musically and emotionally. It is not a test, and we are not a jury.

It’s an opportunity to let people know who you are, what your talent is like, what your strengths are, and what is wonderful about you. So -- Breathe, Be Brave, Be Daring, and most of all Be Alive!

Speaking of song selection, your CD, LET MY SONG FILL YOUR HEART, has some particularly lovely tunes. What was your approach to choosing songs for the CD?

I think most recording artists carefully plan out their song selections, how they want to be perceived and ultimately enjoyed by their listeners. Crossing over from opera to broadway/cabaret gave me a great opportunity to celebrate the golden period of American Musical Theatre.

I choose standards and lesser known tunes that allowed me ample vocal freedom and expression, and songs that held a strong personal significance to me or were just plan fun to sing. My niche as a vocal artist embraces all vocal styles from opera to jazz. I love breaking the mold of a standard showtune or jazz standard and seamlessly interweave an operatic/jazz twist into the arrangement. This allows me total vocal expression, brings the drama front and center and the listener wondering what's next. Or combining an old operatic song like Indian Love Call with Brenda Russell's pop hit Get Here. Exploring all the possibilities for creative vocal expression is my motto. If this is your gift, then it has to be shared.

Will you be performing again any time soon?

Yes, yes, yes, my musical director, David Lahm and I have been doing lots of cabaret from Chicago to Maine to Long Island this past year. Our new show, Hearts Desire, will be coming soon to NYC, so keep posted.

Learn more about Leslie and her projects at the following websites:
www.divagrams.com
www.lesliegiammanco.com