Andrew Hiers, 38, is an opera singer – a bass-baritone – and a car salesman in Cocoa, Florida. His librettos about cars, or to customers, have gone viral, all part of a larger plan to bring opera to the local community.
Morning routine and opera company plans
Today, Hiers woke up about 6.30, a little earlier than usual. He mentioned that his 18-year-old cat forgets when feeding time is and starts yelling at about 4.30.
He also returned an email to a young man finishing his conducting degree. They are trying to start their own opera company, with Hiers wanting something self-sustaining that generates revenue, unlike many opera companies that rely on donations and grants.
Lunch and video-making moments
For lunch, Hiers brought frozen food he can heat up. He noted that a customer he was taking on a test drive once said, "Oh, I'm taking you to lunch with some friends," which is not typical. One of them had seen his story and wanted to take his picture.
He makes his videos when the service people go home, shooting many of his big videos in the store, or when he makes a sale, singing a high note. Those videos have been doing well.
Sleep routine and living situation
Hiers normally goes to sleep at midnight or 1am, acknowledging he needs to be better about it. He mentioned that his partner, opera singer Chelsea Lehnea, tries to get him in bed closer to 11pm when she's in town.
He lives in an RV in his college roommate's front yard. He and his partner met right before the pandemic and quarantined together. After living with his parents for six months in West Palm Beach, she said, "I'm getting an RV. I'm going to renovate it. You can come with me or not."
He often takes baths with Epsom salts at his roommate's house because of aching joints. He tore his ACL years ago, the day before his first opera, and has never done an opera on two good knees.
