Welcome to the inaugural column of “Inspirazione!” In Italian it means “inhaling” or “breathing in,” and each month this column will offer something for you to breathe in that will nourish, empower, and excite you. Topics will include books, recordings, physical techniques, the latest technology, as well as Lisa Houston’s own experiences as a working singer and voice teacher.
World-renowned singer Deborah Voigt has long been known for her commanding performances in the dramatic soprano repertoire. A master of the “big girl” roles, Ms. Voigt recently underwent gastric bypass surgery to ensure that distinction applied to her voice and not her figure. In this Classical Singer exclusive, Ms. Voigt shares her tips for finding the right voice teacher, making the move from young artist to professional, and knowing when to cancel due to illness. In addition, she talks about the difficulties of balancing a personal life and a singing career and why she no longer dreads recitals.
In the six years since Jay Meetze founded Opera Company of Brooklyn remarkable things have happened for the new company, culminating in a new recording project with American composer Thomas Pasatieri. Read how one man and his New York City-based opera company are working tirelessly to change the tide for the “dying” art form called opera.
We asked CS readers to give us their opinions about the importance of higher education, and the response was overwhelming. The answers are certainly varied, but some common threads emerge—from the importance of finding the right teacher to remaining flexible as a singer. The opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect the views of Classical Singer magazine or its publisher.
Moving to New York is a choice many singers make—and most consider—at one point or another. Three singers who have made New York their adopted hometown sit down with Classical Singer to disclose the secrets of their success, and the traps to look out for when making the move.
Having the opportunity to watch auditions can be an eye-opening experience! After having just such an experience, Erda shares her advice for the things to do and not to do at that next audition. If you have a question for Erda, e-mail erda@classicalsinger.com.
CS’ Fulbrighter departs temporarily from her accounts of her adventures abroad to answer readers’ questions about the Fulbright application process. Find out what the process entails, get great tips about the application, and decide if a Fulbright experience might be something that interests you.
Just a three-hour drive from New York City, Binghamton, NY, is home to Binghamton University, and Tri-Cities Opera. The shared hometown location of these two organizations has proved a fortuitous phenomenon for classical singers
Our series on chakras continues. Last month, you read about balancing the root chakra. Before moving on to the second of the seven chakras, Suzanne Jackson discusses the importance of being emotionally aware, both on and off the stage. She shares a meditative exercise to help you connect more fully with the person you are in real life—and the one you become when you step on the stage.
Known for more than cigarettes, Winston Salem, North Carolina, is home to the AJ Fletcher Institute, which works with the North Carolina School of the ARts to provide great opportunities for young singers
Many singers, whether they live in New York City or elsewhere, choose temping as a source of income because of the terrific flexibility it offers. Whether you live in New York or another metropolitan center, here’s all the information you need to determine if temping is right for you—and to land that first temp job.
When you think about the great state of Kansas, tornados, Dorothy, and Toto usually come to mind. But Kansas and its neighbor Missouri are home to University of Missouri Kansas City, Lyric Opera of Kansas City and University of Kansas, have joined together to help young artists.
