Last month, the Harvard Gazette took a look at the role of visual information in assessing performance. In “The Look of Music,” the a study by Chia-Jung Tsay indicated that “nearly all participants—including highly trained musicians—were better able to identify the winners of competitions by watching silent video clips than by listening to audio recordings.”
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Feed the Flame
I used to think that having a career in the arts provided some level of immunity to burn out. When I would hit bottom (as I did regularly…), I dismissed it as a sign of weakness. After all, if I am fortunate enough to do what I love, and the work is itself a thing
Read MoreFinal Notice for Audition Applications for NYC, Philly & Chicago
One more reminder (because we hate the sad and frustrating discussions that ensue when folks miss the deadline…) Applications for early/mid October audition dates in New York, Philadelphia and Chicago are due on Monday (September 2.) Start here.
Read More2014 Auditions Deadline: New York, Philadelphia & Chicago
If you’re interested in singing for us this fall in NY, Philly or Chicago, you’ve got a week to apply. The deadline is Monday, September 2. LOCATIONS & DATES National Opera Center in NYC on October 5, 6, 7, 8 & 10 Curtis Institute in Philadelphia on October 13 Classical Symphony Hall in Chicago on
Read MoreAbundance
I am besotted with this opera written by a man in his 80th year. Verdi knew in his bones how difficult both life and art could be, yet he chose at the end to immerse himself in laughter. He had a palpable affection for this flawed knight whose appetites are laughably huge and whose self-confidence
Read MoreBut Wait… There’s More…
I thought I had caught up on July. But I missed reporting on the musical geeky goodness that was Lucky Thirteen! Jeremy Frank, pianist and opera coach extraordinaire, pulled together a free evening of music inspired by this lucky anniversary year of 2013. He and four singers honored composers born on the 13’s (Verdi, Wagner,
Read MoreStages of Healing
A Wolf Trap Opera summer seems to fly by at the speed of light, and in just 10-12 weeks, there’s little time to burn. But in the middle of the swirl of early July, three of our singers (Kiri, Andrea and Speedo) and I spent two afternoons at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in
Read MoreMusic & Art
Last Thursday took us offsite, to The Phillips Collection in Washington D.C. We’re in our sixth season of Vocal Colors – one-of-a-kind concerts in which our artists pair songs with artwork from the permanent collection of the museum. As is typical of these projects, last week’s performance featured composers from Debussy and Rachmaninoff to Paul
Read MoreSpotlight on the Studio. Where It Belongs.
Sunday afternoon brought a chance for the 2013 Studio Artists to shine. And shine they did. What a terrifically talented, generous and strong group of people. Bravi tutti. Il barbiere di Siviglia (Rossini) Act II Trio: “Ah qual colpo…Zitti ziti” Rosina – Grace Newberry / Almaviva – Brian Yeakley / Figaro – Brian Vu Così
Read MoreTraviata Liveblog (Laterblog): Rearview Mirror
Well, that happened. And it was better than it had any right to be. I’m still not quite sure how to talk about it without sounding insufferably enthusiastic. But it was a magical night, from all perspectives. We inhabit a long-standing, venerable and demanding art form. The pressure to hit all of the marks is
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