April 2009 – All Articles

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.classical-singer.com/magazine/center_stage/. Tell us about yourself, and upload a picture. We want to know about you!

Tell us how we’re doing. Tell us about the articles that have helped you and articles you’d like to read. We would like to publish your comments, received either by e-mail at editorial@classicalsinger.com or in the mail at P.O. Box 1710, Draper, UT 84020.

Submit entries to the bulletin board by e-mail at bulletinboard@classicalsinger.com.

Musical theatre roles offer classical singers a host of additional job opportunities—but how do you make yourself competitive as a crossover artist? Two teachers who are also singers living and working in the heart of the musical theatre industry tell all.

Charisma, stage presence, star power, the X Factor. These terms all describe that elusive quality that draws people to a performer or a work of art. Everyone wants it. But is it something you either have or don’t have, or is it possible to learn? Read what four industry professionals, all of whom will be at the Classical Singer Convention in Chicago this May participating in the Audition Feedback Experience, have to say on the topic.

After an unforgettable introduction to early music from her public high school choir teacher, Ellen Hargis was “hooked.” She now leads an international career, performing this music in concert and opera settings worldwide. Find out how she got her start in such a specialized niche and read her advice for singers wanting to delve into this repertoire. Then be sure to join Hargis and your fellow singers at the Classical Singer Convention in Chicago this May.

Read what two managers, Robert Mirshak and Kristin Cowdin, have to say on how to get and keep management, how the current economic climate is affecting singers, and how you can do your part to get hired and rehired and make your management work for you. Mirshak and Cowdin join singers at the Classical Singer Convention this May to share even more insight on this often enigmatic subject.

In light of the uncertain financial climate, we bring you a new series: how to live on $50 a week. Each month, writer Olivia Giovetti will give terrific, practical tips for saving money in the areas that affect you most as a singer. This month: travel, including finding great travel deals abroad, at home, and while in Chicago for the Classical Singer Convention.

As CS prepares to hit the Windy City next month, our Tech-Savvy columnist takes a look at how Chicago Opera Theater is making the most of Internet tools to better reach and serve its audience. Find out how the company’s director of marketing views such social media and read about general director Brian Dickie’s blog, one of the first in the business. Then be sure to join CS and Dickie next month at the Classical Singer Convention.

CS joins Dr. Anthony Jahn in welcoming otolaryngologist Dr. Robert Bastian as a guest contributor to this issue and presenter at the Classical Singer Convention in May.

Last month Rachel Antman brought readers an interview with Donald Palumbo, chorus master of the Metropolitan Opera. This month, Donald Nally, chorus master of the Lyric Opera of Chicago, tells what he looks for and what a singer can expect when auditioning for him.

Stage director James Marvel will join CS in Chicago this May to present two masterclasses on auditioning. Read some of his tips for taking your audition to the next level, including how to take control of the audition room. Then join Marvel at the Classical Singer Convention in Chicago to learn his step-by-step approach for making every audition piece unforgettable.