Have you ever wished you could get inside a general director’s head in an audition and find out what he or she is really thinking? Well, here’s your chance. Stephanie Adrian reviews a recent Opera America Workshop where general directors shared their thoughts. She followed up two weeks later with Atlanta Opera General Director Dennis Hanthorn, asking more questions singers have always wanted to know from those who do the hiring.
How did someone who didn’t like to sing and felt no real connection to the classical music her teachers assigned her end up absolutely loving her life as an international opera super star? Soprano Linda Watson tells all, including taking a 15-year hiatus from singing while her “big” dramatic voice developed, how she found her true Fach, and why she now views singing as her most meaningful and rewarding pursuit.
CS’ favorite violinist returns with tales of conductors and his criteria for what makes a maestro great, and not so great.
A fundamental part of the online Classical Singer Community since its creation in 1998, the General Interest Forum is more than a resource. For classical singers and those interested in the art of singing it has become one of the most popular discussion panels available on the Web. Here are some quotes from some great moments this past month on the forum. Want to voice your opinion on something here or otherwise? Visit www.classicalsinger.com.
In our last installment (Nov. ‘07 issue), we delved into Chicago’s singing scene. This month we keep our mittens on as we bounce back over to New England for a stop in Boston.
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Vocal Pioneer, Instructor, Philosopher, and Prolific Author Feb. 7, 1911- Feb. 3, 2008
I used to live on the third floor in an apartment particularly lacking in good insulation. Even with my window tightly shut, my bedroom blinds would sway back and forth
Do you find yourself looking ahead to a summer with no set singing engagements, wondering how to make the most of the next four months before another audition season? Here’s the first part of a step-by-step, do-it-yourself, intensive summer program to help you improve your entire audition package—everything from sharpening your singing and acting skills to updating your headshot and résumé.
After three intense rounds of competition among more than 200 applicants, the judges of the AudComps 2007 named 13 singers Certified Classical Singers for 2007-2008. This month, we feature soprano Jan Cornelius and mezzo-soprano Jennifer Kosharsky from the Emerging Professional Division.
After three intense rounds of competition among more than 200 applicants, the judges of the AudComps 2007 named 13 singers Certified Classical Singers for 2007-2008. This month, we feature soprano Meredith Hansen from the Emerging Professional Division. Be sure to join us for the exciting AudComps Finals Concert at this year’s Classical Singer Convention to hear those vying for the title of Certified Singer ‘08-‘09.
Auditions are nerve-wracking enough. Factor in a pianist with whom you have never worked and the situation can become even more dicey. You can make your pianist’s job easier, however, and ensure that you both enjoy the audition experience. Laurie Rogers, assistant conductor with the Opera Company of Philadelphia, tells you how. Meet and work with Rogers at this year’s Classical Singer Convention.
