I’ve been meaning to link to this for a while: a post on Sequenza21 titled The Conservatory. It’s on my mind these days as we listen to auditions for the Wolf Trap Opera Studio. I’m one of those oddballs who believes that (for most people), conservatory is not the best choice for an undergraduate. We
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2008 Tour: Houston
Making It Before we begin, I must point you to this. Whether you want to be a professional singer or you simply know someone who aspires to such a career, this is required reading. A huge thanks to my friend Nick for his insight and honesty. And if you have opinions of your own, take
Read MoreOverstuffed Philadelphia
The number of people who want to sing for us in New York City is always huge. No surprise. We’ve expanded our NY stay to 6 days but still have to turn lots of people away. But in addition to New York, each year there’s a different city that blind-sides us with its overwhelming turnout.
Read MoreIt’s Drew’s Fault
OK, so I’ve been getting Facebook invitations recently from other old folk like myself… and Adaptistration pushed me over the edge. (Not that Drew is an old guy…) Well, I’m now on Facebook, immediately wondering if it was a good idea. I sat down for 15 minutes to create a profile and dump my address
Read MoreThe Longest Short List
Some brainstorming about 2008 repertoire possibilities, completely in the abstract. When we begin auditions (in less than a week!), the list will quickly be winnowed. The Return of Sir Benjamin to The Barns Midsummer Night’s Dream, The Rape of Lucretia The Perennial Handel Wish List Agrippina, Alcina, Ariodante, Flavio, Giustino, Hercules, Partenope, Rinaldo, Semele Mozart,
Read More"HiLadyWatchBagGucci"
These words seem to be the most important ones that entrepreneurial Shanghai street merchants need to learn. It’s impossible to walk down the street without being accosted dozens of times. I, with my charming middle-aged white American woman looks, must look to be a particularly easy target. I’m not sure where all of these bargain
Read MoreChicken Feet for Breakfast
The hotel food in Singapore is plentiful, savory, and endlessly fascinating. Particularly noticeable when I put on my concert duds last night and realized that Weight Watchers points actually do count in Asia, too. Sigh. OK, the first round of pre-audition tour numbers for those who are interested. If this kind of information messes with
Read MoreSometimes I Think It Would Be Simpler To Just Let Everyone Sing….
Well, the audition notifications have starting going out, and I had a chance to check the online chatter. There’s general confusion and consternation about who’s getting tapped for an audition this year and who’s not. We’re also receiving email inquiries (and a few rants) about our screening policy. I’m in Singapore right now (to play
Read MoreLearning from the Past
Let’s kick off this audition season by taking a look back at previous audition tour posts. My rambling entries tend to cover multiple topics, which is either maddeningly or refreshingly, depending on your point of view. Realize that you may need to scroll down to find what you’re looking for. Aria Frequency Lists: Who’s offering
Read MoreBack to the Equation
This time of year brings lots of difficult decisions. But before I get to them… a re-run of my audition season post in the fall of 2005: S = (R + T) x LF My son is the mathematician in the family. But even though my fling with math is decades in the past, I
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