키메라 (Kimera)

Kimera's music style is that of operatic pop. She has released nine albums to date, with her debut album, The Lost Opera, being the most successful. The Lost Opera, released in 1985, sold over 10 million copies. Her second album, Opera Express and same-titled single were released in 1986. 'Radio friendly' versions of the singles from Kimera's first two albums were also released, which edited down the continuous medleys found on their parent albums. While Kimera was predominantly successful in Europe, primarily in France and Spain, her debut single, The Lost Opera, also reached number 1 on the South African Springbok Charts in June 1985, charting for 19 weeks.

Called the blazing rebel of opera, Kimera blended two genres from opposite ends of the musical spectrum to create a new style of singing utilizing traditional operatic arias and a modern rhythmic pop beat. Kimera referred to her music as "Popera", or "Opera Rock". While Kimera found popular success, some critics, arguing for classical purity, claimed that she vulgarized opera, although the debate as to if opera singers can sing pop and vice versa is ongoing.^[1] One critic stated, "Mozart would turn over in his grave if he heard this." Kimera responded to criticism by saying:

"I do popera, which is dramatic and ravishing and I thought I should be like that too. Many people criticized me for 'destroying' classical music but now, I believe I actually bridged the gap between classic and pop music. The makeup represents my music and me and I think it is important to share my dreams, smile and music with fans."^[2]

Kimera returned to music after a 15-year hiatus with the release of With Love, Caruso (2008). The album was recorded in collaboration with pop musician Adam Lopez.^[3]

1. Orlando Gough. Can opera singers sing pop – and vice versa?, The Guardian, 28 July 2011.
2. Han Sang-hee. Singer Kimera Back Home After 20 Years, The Korea Times, 10 March 2008
3. From Kimera's Official WebSite Archived 2011-11-27 at the Wayback Machine, Kimeraweb