February 2010

It Doesn’t Have to Be Lonely at the Top : An Interview with Soprano Heidi Grant Murphy and Pianist Kevin Murphy

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.

Ask Erda : A Valentine to Yourself

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.

Inspirazione! : A Singer's Many Families

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 Up! : Discovering 200 Years of Italian Opera

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.

The Teacher’s Corner : The Best of Both Worlds

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.

Singers and Their Tonsils : In or Out?

When anything goes awry within the hallowed walls of a singer’s throat, panicked thoughts can ensue—the need for a tonsillectomy among them. Find out if there really is cause for concern when it comes to this routine procedure.

The $50 Week : Marrying and Babying Your Budget

Tying the knot and starting a family are never easy on the purse strings. There are ways to save, however, with a little ingenuity and forethought. Read how here.

Like Father, Like Daughter

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.

Feedback

Tell us how we’re doing. We’d love to hear your response and reaction to the articles published each month, as well as your view on the classical singing community. Contact us via e-mail at editorial@classicalsinger.com or by mail at Classical Singer magazine, P.O. Box 1710, Draper, UT 84020.

Bulletin Board : News, Tidbits, Musics and More

Soprano Elisabeth Söderström Dies at 82 The versatile and internationally renowned Swedish singer Elisabeth Söderström died on November 20. She was a fitting successor to her country’s long line of

From the Editor : Growing Your Dreams

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

Dating and the Singer

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.

Circle of Support

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.

Having It All

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.

All In The Family

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.

On the Road Again…. and Again

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.