Mark Watson
The Trill Is Gone
A singer’s music education simply isn’t complete without mastering the once almost extinct skill of the vocal trill. First consider the history of this ornament, and then find six practical, hands-on methods for ensuring this is a tool in your own singer’s tool belt.
All-Encompassing Legacy : 40 Years of Music Theatre
New York City’s Encompass New Opera Theatre has been championing new works and singers for over four decades. Read their remarkable story in this interview with the company’s Artistic Director Nancy Rhodes.
A Time and Season: : Elaine Malbin
Soprano Elaine Malbin made her professional television singing debut at age 13. By the time she was 20, she landed her first full-length televised operatic role. That was followed by a succession of opera house engagements, Broadway tours, television shows, and major orchestral appearances in a whirlwind career that lasted another nearly two decades. Discover this remarkable woman’s rapid rise to success, what led her to leave it all behind, and how she feels about that decision now so many years later.
Wise Beyond Her Years: : Nadine Sierra
Up-and-coming soprano Nadine Sierra has taken the opera world by storm since becoming the youngest winner of the Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions. In the nearly seven years since her win, Sierra has gone on to sing at most of the major opera houses around the world. She credits her sudden rise to a terrific manager, a dream trio of teachers, and influential mentors who have opened doors for the gifted singer.
Into the Fray: : Jennifer Johnson Cano
Mezzo-soprano Jennifer Johnson Cano has had some lucky breaks—key mentors placed in her path at critical moments, a terrific scholarship to Rice University, placing at the regional level of the Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions on her first attempt and then later winning, and marrying an equally accomplished pianist to collaborate with. And, yet, as Cano discusses these accomplishments and others, it becomes immediately apparent that there’s much more than luck involved here. Hard work, thorough and complete preparation, and a level-headed yet passionate career approach are the real reasons for Cano’s rising star.
The Old & The New : Jason Tramm
Conductor Jason Tramm seems to be everywhere all at once in his roles as director of music at Ocean Grove Great Auditorium, assistant professor at Seton Hall University, and now artistic director of MidAtlantic Opera. Learn more about how Tramm juggles it all and his exciting plans for his new opera company, including a Young Artist Program starting in fall 2016.
It’s All about the Sound: : The Legendary Eve Queler
Conductor Eve Queler has forged a career as a true pioneer on so many levels—orchestra founder, female conductor, obscure-opera producer. Queler celebrated her 100th performance in Carnegie Hall in 2008, and here she shares the stories behind the years of thundering applause for herself, her orchestra, and her carefully selected singers in that great hall.
What David DiChiera Wants
What does a director who has been hiring singers for over 50 years look for and think about in an audition? Michigan Opera Theatre’s David DiChiera tells all here.
How’s Your Technique?
During audition season, the only feedback singers often get is a “Yes” or a “No.” Consider this vocal checklist for getting detailed and helpful feedback to more effectively evaluate your vocal technique.
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