From the how-tos of fine singing to staying safe onstage, CS has tried to address every aspect of a singer’s career. In this article, reprinted from the last issue of The New York Opera Newsletter (July/August 1998), fight director Dale Anthony Girard shares his tips for playing it safe. Be sure to check out real-life stories from readers about not so safe moments on the stage (pg. 47). For more articles on safety, read the complete July/August ’98 issue in our archives.
The age-old issue of age has been a hot topic of discussion since the first days of TNYON and continues to be a hot topic today. CS’ editor-in-chief and senior editor in 1998 conducted a phone survey with opera companies, apprenticeships, and competitions to get the low down on age discrimination in the business. Their findings are reprinted here. In addition, we’ve included letters from readers on the topic (see pg. 65).
As we look back on 20 years of Classical Singer magazine, CS’ resident physician looks back on singer health over the past 20 years. Scientists, doctors, and laryngologists have played a critical role in helping singers stay well, but Dr. Jahn gives most of the credit to singers themselves, who are taking more ownership for their voices and their health.
The General Interest Forum has been a fundamental part of the online Classical Singer Community since its creation in 1998. The Forum is more than a resource; it has become one of the most popular discussion panels available on the Web when it comes to classical singers and those interested in the art of singing. Forum moderator, alias Vagabond, shares his thoughts on this important resource and shares insightful, educational, and humorous quotes from forumites.
In case you haven’t realized it yet, Classical Singer magazine completes its twentieth year of publication this month. For this special anniversary edition, we asked long time CS writer Kresha Faber to share with readers a bit of our history, from our start as The New York Opera Newsletter through the evolution to the Classical Singer magazine you see today. We hope you enjoy this special insider’s look at who we are and what we’re about.
The September 2002 issue of CS was devoted to the controversial topic of abuse in our industry. More than 400 singers participated in a Teacher Abuse Survey and shared their experiences on the Classical Singer forum. Here are excerpts from an article sharing singers’ experiences, discussing the cycle of abuse, and giving ideas for stopping the abuse. To read the full article and view the entire issue, visit the CS archives at www.ClassicalSinger.com.
Over the years, Classical Singer has brought you interviews with many of the legendary greats, such as Roberta Peters, Martina Arroyo, and Lucine Amara, who we featured in this interview reprinted from the October 1998 issue. In addition to speaking candidly about her long dispute with the Met over age discrimination and how she ultimately won, she also shares hilarious anecdotes and terrific tips for the next generation of singers.
In 1994, TNYON asked its readers if they lie about their age. In an overwhelming response, singers shared stories about lying, or not lying, about their age. The letters below appeared in March 1994. Is ageism worse now than it was then? Do you feel pressured to lie about your age? Write and tell us at editorial@classicalsinger.com.
Laugh with us—and at us—in a variety of humorous moments from the last 20 years.
Since it is the holiday season, a season to be thankful and celebrate that which we are given, let us look at the subject of gratitude. Like last year’s holiday column, “Opera’s Most Generous Moments” (see December 2006), this month we take three examples from the operatic literature and mine them for wisdom on this all-important topic. What is gratitude? How do we express it? How can practicing it change the way we feel about the world and our singing?
A soprano who shared the stage numerous times with Luciano Pavarotti remembers him for grand musicianship, deep love for family and friends, and fear of flying.
Susan Graham’s clarity of sound, superb technique, and in-depth character portrayals have made her one of the world’s most acclaimed modern mezzo-sopranos. In this edition of Classical Singer, Graham talks about her all-American upbringing in New Mexico and Texas, her road to success, her wide-ranging repertoire choices (which span various centuries and styles), her interest in new American works, and her masterclasses. In addition, she speaks briefly about stage directors and offers some valuable advice to young singers.
