Patricia Grisafi
A police officer discovered a homeless woman singing Puccini in the Los Angeles subway, filmed her performance, and posted it on the LAPD Twitter account. Now, the footage has gone viral and folks are trying to get her back on her feet.
4 million people call LA home. 4 million stories. 4 million voices...sometimes you just have to stop and listen to one, to hear something beautiful. pic.twitter.com/VzlmA0c6jX
— LAPD HQ (@LAPDHQ) September 27, 2019
“4 million people call LA home. 4 million stories. 4 million voices…sometimes you just have to stop and listen to one, to hear something beautiful,” reads the caption.
The woman with the gorgeous voice, Emily Zamourka, is originally from Russia and came to American at age 24. Classically trained in both voice and violin, the now 52-year-old worked in nursing homes, restaurants, and as a music teacher before her $10,000 violin was stolen and broken. Then she injured her wrist. Medical bills started piling up, and soon, Zamourka found herself homeless.
“That’s when I became homeless. When I could not actually pay any of my bills and could not pay anymore of my rent,” she told KABC.
After the LAPD video went viral, Zamourka was dubbed the “Subway Soprano” on social media.
“You know why I do it in the subway? Because it sounds so great,” Zamourka said.
The response to Zamourka’s singing has been overwhelming, with folks sharing support and even starting a GoFundMe campaign, which has raised over $48,000 so far.
I’ve seen her for years on the Metro. I heard her once singing “Ave Maria” and thought it was a radio at first. Everyone has a story…this woman does too. I don’t know why she’s been homeless all these years, but she’s a human being…that’s all that matters
— Kara Miller (@Kara37078289) September 28, 2019
I love this so much. Let’s find out how we can help ✌️
— melissa (@melissalvla) September 28, 2019
beautiful! can we find this angel and help her please? 🙌🏼
— marietweetss 🇺🇸🇮🇱 (@marietweetss) September 28, 2019
Los Angeles Councilmember Joe Buscaino said that his office is trying to find housing for Zamourka. She has also agreed to perform at a concert being hosted by the Little Italy of Los Angeles Association this upcoming Saturday.