October 2010 – All Articles

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The Baroque era gave birth to opera—maybe not quite as we know it today, but the art form nonetheless. So what happens when modern-day opera companies mount early opera? What approach do modern directors take and what do they look for in singers?

Text Messaging Garners Small Donations for L.A. Philharmonic Advertisements on the jumbo-screen at the Hollywood Bowl encourage viewers to donate $5 or $10 to the Los Angeles Philharmonic via text

Emma Kirkby discovered her passion for early music in the 1970s and has been introducing audiences worldwide to the music ever since. With over 100 recordings to her name and a recipient of the Order of the British Empire in 2000, Dame Emma is recognized as a consummate artist and veritable expert on early music. Read how this remarkable woman who began as an English major and school teacher and never dreamed of being a singer found her life’s path as she talks about singing, Baroque and Renaissance instruments, and the joy of making music in this Classical Singer exclusive.

Teacher Brad Jenks opines on the dangers of kneeling before the altar of technique and how teachers can best nurture their students in and out of the studio by keeping it simple.

Baroque opera expert Nicholas McGegan shares what he looks for in singers he hires, how he approaches writing cadenzas, and what type of voice he wants for both Handel and Mozart operas.

Is the pun of this title lost on you? Are you wondering just what is continuo and why should it be important to you? Then it’s high time to continuo your education. Read about the musical evolution of continuo and how learning this skill can help free you as a musician, tap into your creativity, and improve your collaborative skills.

With so many early music festivals dotting the land, how can you begin to know which one is right for you? As always, research, research, research. And this sampling of several first-rate festivals is the perfect jumping-off point to begin your search.

Composer vocalist M Ryan Taylor asks early music specialists, “With so much repeated text in Baroque and early music arias, how do you keep your characterization fresh?”

A countertenor who is quickly rising to the top discusses if indeed this voice type is strictly limited to the Baroque repertoire, how he discovered the never-before-heard repertoire on his new CD, and why he thinks early music is becoming a staple at many modern opera houses.

Under new management, early music continues to flourish at the Miller Theatre in New York City.

Ryan Turner began singing over 13 years ago with the group he now leads. Read about this unique ensemble made up of soloists like Turner who come together each week for the Sunday Cantata Series featuring the music of Bach and discover what Turner has in store for the ensemble in his new role as artistic director.