In our January issue CS featured an article on the Feb. 10 world premiere of a new opera, The Grapes of Wrath. Now we take the opportunity to talk with composer Ricky Ian Gordon and baritone Brian Leerhuber (Tom Joad) one month after the opera’s Minnesota Opera premiere and just prior to its Utah Opera opening.
The Fach system is often a source of grief for many singers. From knowing what Fach you belong to, to switching Fachs as a result of incorrect classification or a maturing voice, Rachel Antman addresses many of the challenges of Fach classification, and how to manage what can seem the overwhelming prospect of switching Fachs.
Tell us how we’re doing. Tell us about the articles that have helped you and articles you’d like to read. Share with us and our readers how YOU are doing and what you’re finding makes you a more successful classical singer. 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. The opinions expressed are not necessarily the view of Classical Singer magazine or the publisher.
Submit entries to the Bulletin Board by e-mail at bulletinboard@classicalsinger.com.
While attending several First Round Regionals of Classical Singer’s High School Competition this past spring, I heard some fine singing from well-prepared students singing age-appropriate repertoire—with a few exceptions. One
Great singers are globetrotters— it isn’t easy to pin them down, but Gil Carbajal managed to sit down with Eric Halfvarson while the bass was in Madrid to perform Hagen in Wagner’s Götterdämmerung at the Teatro Real opera house. Halfvarson discusses everything from the need to learn patience as a bass, the challenges of singing the “big voice” repertoire, and lessons he’s learned for tackling new roles.
Last year saw the passing of an icon in the classical singing world: Anna Russell. Most singers are memorialized for their beautiful voices—Anna Russell is remembered for precisely the opposite.
It’s the size of a laptop. You can take it out of the box, plug it in, press the record button, and voilà, you’ve got a CD. Can it really be that easy? Lisa Houston is your gear guinea pig for Superscope’s latest CD recorder.
A singer’s schedule can often wreak havoc on a regular sleeping routine. Late-night rehearsals and performances, long hours of travel, and weeks at a time in hotel beds can make it difficult to feel fully rested. Here’s a yoga technique that will help you get the rest you need. Join Suzanne Jackson on May 23 in San Francisco for a special, pre-convention, two-hour Yoga Nidra class. Learn more at www.classicalsinger.com/convention/yoganidra.php.
From cysts on the vocal cords, to managing severe allergies, CS’ resident physician has all the answers. If you have a question for Dr. Jahn, e-mail him at jahn@classicalsinger.com.
This month’s interview focuses on the challenges of living in the shadow of a singing parent, and on how parental expectations for a child can have long-lasting implications. It also explores chronic health problems and one singer’s resolve not to let anything hold her back from achieving her full singer identity.
Pursuing a singing career comes with a lot of expenses: voice lessons, coachings, accompanist fees, tuition for summer programs, and more. Learning to fundraise is critical. In a response to a singer’s recent inquiry on the topic, Erda offers great tips for fundraising, earning, and saving money. If you have a question for Erda, e-mail her at erda@classicalsinger.com.
