2006 – Page 13

The BBC Cardiff Singer of the World Competition, one of the more repertoire-intensive competitions around, hosts 25 singers every other year in Cardiff, Wales for seven days of fierce competition. Nicole Cabell, the first American ever to receive the title “Singer of the World,” talks about the road that led to her success at this competition and others, about how she managed to pack for both a week of competing and a two-week European tour, and how she prepares on the day before a competition. Singers interested in taking part in the 2007 BBC Cardiff Competition should e-mail cardiff.singer@bbc.co.uk.

CS attended Sari Gruber’s Alice Tully Hall recital last February, presented by the Naumburg Foundation. In the midst of a thriving career, this soprano shares why she doesn’t like competitions—and why she feels they’re important. Read how she creates a great look for a competition or recital, how she networked in her “pre-management” days, and why her relationship with her accompanist is truly unique.

Nestled in the middle of the Northeast Corridor sits the second largest city on the East Coast. Just a two-hour drive from New York City, Philadelphia is its own thriving cultural center—and the Opera Company of Philadelphia is at the heart of things. Robert Driver, the company’s general and artistic director, shares his views on the future of opera in America, on what he looks for in
singers he hires, and his views on appearance and age. Join both Robert Driver and OCP’s music director, Corrado Rovaris at the Classical Singer Convention 2006 in Philadelphia.

CS’ resident physician shares his expert advice, from handling asthma as a singer, to curing the common cold in record time, to the effects on singers of orthodontia. Be sure to join Dr. Jahn at the CS Convention in Philadelphia for additional expert advice on what’s ailing you. As always, if you have a question for Dr. Jahn,
e-mail him at jahn@classicalsinger.com.

A question like this can cause major anxiety for any singer. You may not be aware of a new group of specialists that can help singers find answers: the professional voice care team. Find out exactly who makes up the team, and when and if you might be in need of their expertise.

For more than a decade, Ellen Rievman has been changing the way singers view auditions by helping them find and express the full meaning and drama of the music. She’ll be sharing even more at this year’s Classical Singer Convention, at the Sheraton Society Hill Hotel in Philadelphia, May 18-20. Come and learn how to fully connect with the character and poetry to make your
performances—and your auditions—unforgettable.

In our February 2006 issue, Connie Barnett introduced us to a new word: “placematting.” In Part II, Ms. Barnett reports on the singers’ progress as they implement placematting in their careers. Placematting is helping singers at all levels—from college students to seasoned professionals—to accomplish more and find success. Join Connie Barnett at the 2006 Convention for one-on-one and group placematting sessions.

A beautiful voice is important—but it isn’t enough in today’s market. Acting, looks, image, résumé, recordings, all come together to make for an effective singer’s package. If you’d like to learn more about how to turn your talent and skills into a complete, marketable package, join Cindy at the Third Annual Classical Singer Convention in May. She’ll also be meeting with singers one-on-one for mini and full-length private consultations.

Even with the release of a new recording and the demands of an international career, this jet setting soprano still finds time to help those singers who will follow her. In this Classical Singer exclusive, Marquita Lister discusses how she finds fulfillment through her involvement with the “Negro Spiritual” Scholarship Foundation. Don’t miss Rudolph Cleare, president of the foundation, for his presentation on Spirituals as Art Song at this year’s convention.

Classical Singer’s 2005 Stage Director of the Year returns, with insights on role preparation to help you take your performance to the next level.

Houston Opera Announces Appointments Houston Grand Opera reports that Hector Vásquez has been named program director of the company’s Studio, and that next fall Kathleen Kelly will become head of

Each month CS highlights one of its readers. If you’d like to take Center Stage in an upcoming issue of Classical Singer, visit www.classicalsinger.com/magazine/center_stage/. Tell us about yourself, and upload a picture. We want to know about you!