Her recordings, too, have garnered acclaim, from such classical outings as “Obsessions: Wagner & Strauss Arias and Scenes” and “Wagner Love Duets” with Placido Domingo, to her second solo CD “All My Heart — Deborah Voigt Sings American Songs.”

During her undergraduate days, Voigt san in operas, including “Suor Angelica,” “La Traviata” and “Don Giovanni.” Dean Hess, emeritus professor of theatre and dance, directed the productions and recalled, “She had a glorious voice. Whether or not it would be world-class that it is, I had no idea — I'm not trained to tell. All I knew was that I could listen to her any time, all the time.”

Although not raised on opera, Voigt was open to it. “I think it was really curiosity more than anything else. I didn't have any idea what it was all about, so I didn't think of it as being an antiquated art form of another culture. Quite frankly, Jane could have asked me to sing the them song from “Gilligan's Island” and I would have done it — she's a very persuasive woman.”

The two have maintained close ties through the years — Paul served as Voigt's maid of honor. “The marriage didn't last, but our friendship has,” laughs Voigt.

Paul also has traveled to New York, Europe and San Francisco to see her former protogé on stage and is clearly proud of Voigt's achievements.

“We saw her perform in her first “Tristan und Isolde” in Vienna, and it was so exciting, because she got a 23-minute ovation. At the end of her big soprano solo, it was quiet at first; just as quiet as could be. And then the applause started and it grew and it grew. It was wonderful!”   continue »