B y L a u r a M a r s // P h o t o s B y G r e g o r y C h e r i n
Celebrating Cabaret
SINGER SAMANTHA TALORA MAKES MAGIC HAPPEN IN THE BERKSHIRES
When vocalist Samantha Talora returned to the Berkshires 12 years ago, singing was not on her mind. She was ready to return to the hospitality career she cultivated at Canyon Ranch Lenox after stepping away for two years to be with her brother who was dealing with a serious illness. But life had other plans, and today Talora is not only programming specialist at Canyon Ranch, but also singing her way through the Berkshires, deeply touching audiences as only her brilliant voice and cabaret style can. The operatic soprano has performed at Canyon Ranch, Studio 9 at The Porches in North Adams, and in the Berkshire Music Salon Series at Lenox Library. She was featured at the Savannah Voice Festival this summer and chosen by film and theater composer and songwriter David Friedman to interpret his songbook. What caused her to dial up her singing career, while working full time? Serendipity. At a chance meeting in 2013 with performer, vocal coach, and music director Ron Ramsey, they discovered that they both just came back to the Berkshires, ready to start a new life chapter. Realizing the strength of their musical connection, the Talora and Ramsey duo was born. The healing power of music was evident at their first performance in April 2014 at Canyon Ranch, not only for guests, but also for Talora.“ You can’ t ignore those things,” says Talora, who grew up in Cheshire and now lives in Windsor.“ What is meant for you will find you.” Connecting with Ramsey, coupled with the untimely death of her brother, made her realize that life is too short to ignore what makes you feel fully alive. Talora and Ramsey have been singing together ever since. One of their regular gigs is at Canyon Ranch several times a month.“ The great thing about working with Ron for so long is that we have a large catalog of music,” says Talora.“ We have an intended set and then realize that ' s not who ' s here tonight. Guests come to Canyon Ranch for a variety of reasons from processing trauma to a weekend with girlfriends. If guests are celebrating, we ' ll go into classic Broadway, or James Taylor, or The Beatles.“ We love connecting with audiences, reading the room and giving
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MAGAZINE August Fall 2025 2025