February 2010 – All Articles

Nearly 30 years ago a mother of six and single mother of two, new neighbors that had become fast friends, sat discussing their goals and future plans. Beverly, the mother

Collaboration is something that this husband-and-wife team has done and continues to do on a myriad of levels. From the beginning of their relationship when Kevin played for Heidi’s voice lessons in college to marrying to rearing four kids, the two have honed the art of working together. As Heidi celebrates 20
years at the Met and continues to pursue an international singing career and Kevin steps into his new
role as music administrator at New York City Opera, both agree that what keeps them grounded is
their commitment to each other and their family.

As the calendar turns our thoughts to Cupid and love, consider some ways to love yourself so that you can then, in turn, better love those around you.

Family can be so much more than simply those to whom you are genetically tied. Be inspired by the powerful, unifying effect of music making that can create family ties among the most different of people in a whole host of settings.

Read what a new book about the history and making of Italian Opera over the last 200 years has to offer opera lovers and artists alike.

How do you meet people when you are always on the road? How do you pursue a relationship when you’re never in the same town for more than a few months at a time? Is it best to date other musicians or non-musicians? Four single singers share their experiences and advice.

Sometimes your family, for whatever reason, doesn’t provide the support or understanding you need as a singer. Looking to your fellow singers, in formal or less formal groups, is a great way to find the encouragement and support you need.

Many singers often think of teaching as a more family-friendly career path. One singer, who chose to teach for this and other reasons, shares how he has found balancing career and family in his first few years of university teaching—including a few less-than-family-friendly surprises along the way.

A singer, mother, teacher, and more tells how she has found success in her own unique career path. She shares why choosing her family before her career really isn’t a sacrifice at all and how she continues to find her own voice in the noise around her.

The Trapps might be the most famous singing family, but they are not alone. The operatic world has a long history of husbands, wives, sons, daughters, brothers, and sisters sharing not only genes but professions too.

Tenor Brian Stucki is in the throes of an international career, including his recent successful performance in the Warsaw premiere of Philip Glass’ The Fall of the House of Usher. And who was there to witness the entire process, from the first rehearsal to closing night? Stucki’s wife, Ann, their toddler son, and baby daughter. The couple decided long ago that whenever possible they would travel together, for the duration of the gig. They candidly discuss this decision here—first Brian’s take, and then Ann’s.

What would it be like to go into an audition and before you can even sing a note, the audition panel asks, “Is your father . . . ?” Two singers who have had just such experiences share what it’s like following in their famous fathers’ footsteps.