Standing just shy of a meter in height and using a wheelchair to navigate distances, singer and actor Ana Karenža (car NA dzja) radiates strength and self-confidence, a characteristic that stunned the Slovenian public, and lead to her winning First Prize in the 2024 Lotte Lenya Competition, a unique theatrical singing competition that is held each spring at the prestigious Eastman School of Music.
Born in Slovenia, Ana began her career performing at music festivals and concerts, and later studied Global Theater at NYU Abu Dhabi, a vibrant center of culture and commerce in the Middle East. A strong advocate for accessibility in the arts, Ana was the first physically disabled student to be enrolled in Julliard’s acting program.
Ana was inspired to apply to Julliard after seeing a revival of Oklahoma which featured disabled actress Ali Stroker, the first person in a wheelchair to win a Tony Award. It was Ali’s acceptance speech for her Tony that was the impetus for Ana to explore the possibilities of disabled performers. Like her mentor, Ana believes that “disability is the ultimate gift to art, because there is a piece of truth that disability brings to audiences that is so vulnerable.”
Ana’s stage credits include Azdak in The Caucasian Chalk Circle, Maria in Wintertime, the Analyst in And Then We Were No More, Summer Shakes’ Twelfth Night, as well as many singing competitions and television programs including Slovenia’s Got Talent. Ana credits her success to her strong personality, her sincere love for life, an appreciation for details, and a powerful desire to live.
WXXI Classical promotes and supports inclusion for musicians of all abilities through programming and special events. WXXI’s Move to Include Initiative is made possible by a generous grant from the Golisano Foundation.
Music: Kurt Weill/Brecht: Bilbao Song from Happy End