A native New Yorker who grew up partly in Paris, Sasha Lazard spent her childhood attending opera with her French father and American mother. After receiving her training in classical opera at the prestigious San Francisco Conservatory of Music, she went on to play the leading roles in some of the most distinguished operas around the world. In a rebellious break from the traditional path of a classically trained opera star, Sasha left her established career and went out on her own to pioneer an exciting musical fusion of opera, folk, rock and electronica.

Her debut CD, The Myth of Red, received both critical and popular acclaim, appearing on the Billboard Music Chart. She is now a highly-sought after performer for private events at venues including the Whitney Museum and Carneige Hall and for luxury brands like Bulgari and Louis Vuitton. Sasha recently launched The Myth of Red salon series in New York City and in December launched her monthly Myth of Red concert series on the 18th Floor of the Standard Hotel. Here, she answers a few important questions for ASMALLMAGAZINE.

How would you classify the music you make?

I am a classically trained opera singer, but I have always been drawn to many different styles of music. The quality of my voice lends itself not only to classical music, but also rock and world. I have created a style of music that is limitless in the types of songs I can cover or create, or the people I can collaborate with. I suppose commercially it would be called "classical crossover."

When did you first know you wanted to be a performer?

I was an extremely shy child. I auditioned for my school's glee club when I was 12 years old with the tiniest, shyest voice imaginable. I promised the choir I would bake lots of cookies for them if they let me in. Fairly quickly, I felt a voice growing inside me. In that first year, I auditioned and received a small solo in a school concert. At the performance, I stood up and sang and apparently stunned the audience with what came out of my mouth. I felt strength and a persona emerge that night. I could sing and be heard.

First job?

Hostess at Fiorella on the Upper East Side

Alternate path?

I would have pursued a career in journalism. My father and sister were in the business, and I spent many summers working at ABC News.

Career high?

Singing at Catherine's summer palace in St. Petersburg, Russia

Career low?

Auditioning for the part of Sleeping Beauty at children's theatre in high school, and getting cast instead as one of the 3 little pigs.

Influences and inspirations?

My one-year-old son inspires me every day. Growing up, my heroes were my sister, Janis Ian, Toni Morrison, Jane Fonda, Lauren Bacall and Frederica Von Stade.

Little known fact?

My real name is Dominique.

Ultimate goal?

Being able to have my own sound person on the road; being successful enough to be able discover new talents and really making a difference with the causes I care about.

Most humbling moment?

Entering into a duet project and realizing that I wasn't always right.

Guilty pleasure?

Innocent flirting and French caramels

Motto, or words to live by?

One I learned from my mother-in-law, Norris Church: "You never regret taking the high road."

Outside interests or hobbies?

Baking, yoga, travelling

Favourite musicians?

Radiohead, Teresa Berganza, Pink Martini, Dave Eggar, Rufus Wainwright, Bliss, Eva Cassidy, Odetta, Victoria De los Angeles

Favourite travel destinations

Maine, France, Vietnam

Ritual for performance?

I drink lots of water and herbal tea. I try and be alone as much as possible. I spend about one hour warming up my voice and stretching. I find getting my hair and makeup done before a concert incredibly relaxing.