January 2006

To Thine Own Self Be True : An Interview With José Cura

Truly a modern-day renaissance man, José Cura continues to astound audiences, whether it’s from the podium or the stage. A self-described “rebel,” Mr. Cura has done things his way, from starting his own management and recording company to being a self-taught singer. He shares with CS readers how being an athlete before becoming a singer has influenced his view of singing, what he does to ensure that he does more than parent his two children via the phone, and what type of music he prefers to compose.

Words Make Music Too: : The German Lied

Lieder, perhaps more than other vocal music, require a complete understanding of the text for a truly great performance. Use this expert’s unique approach to guide your own interpretation of German art song.

Spotlight on the 2005-2006 Certified Classical Singers

Each month, Classical Singer highlights two of the 14 singers our panel of distinguished judges chose from more than 200 applicants at the 2005 AudComps for having a ready-to-go audition package appropriate to their Artist Division. This month we spotlight Robert Ian Weintraub and Jessye Wright from the Professional Division.

Winterize Your Voice!

Winter is upon us, and often, with the stress of the holiday season over, illness sets in! Don’t let winter slow you down vocally this year. Here’s Dr. Jahn, with everything you need to know to stay healthy until the blessed spring thaw.

Ask Erda : The Importance of a Name

Erda, the erstwhile earth goddess, shares her practical knowledge and words of wisdom with all who inquire. This month, she shares her wisdom on how to handle a name change and dealing with gaps in your résumé. If you have a question for Erda, write to editorial@classicalsinger.com.

Before You Sing, Sit! : A Meditation Primer for Singers

Ever heard the old adage, “Singing is 99 percent thinking?” If that’s true, then how effectively a singer uses the mind can be critical—but often emotions, thoughts, worry, and stress can clutter the mind. Consider this discussion of how singers can use meditation to improve their quality of life and their singing!

Bulletin Board

Why Do So Many Singers Gain Weight? A research study conducted by Dr. Peter Osin of London’s Royal Marsden Hospital says that the mere act of singing may predispose the

Center Stage : Lisa Anselmo, Soprano

Each month CS highlights one of its readers. If you’d like to take Center Stage in an upcoming issue of Classical Singer, visit www.classicalsinger.com/magazine/center_stage/. Tell us about yourself, and upload a picture. We want to know about you!

Letters to the Editor

Dear Editor: I love how the magazine continues to grow. Please keep including articles about singers who are parents. — Marianna Vagnini, Naugatuck, Conn. Look for the February issue of

Editor’s Note : More than Luck

By the time an issue of Classical Singer goes to press, I have usually read every article countless times. By the time the material becomes ink on magazine pages, I

Opera Comes to Hawaii

Transport yourself back in time to Honolulu, Hawaii on Feb. 11, 1854.

Ready, Set, Rossini! : My summer experience at the Internationales Studienzentrum für Oper

For one singer, two weeks in Austria meant much more than just learning the role of Rosina. Read about this small summer program in Kirchbach where every participant gets a lot of personal attention.

Beethoven and Birds of Paradise?

A new summer program in Hawaii offers singers a chance to combine learning with pleasure. Read about the inaugural 2005 program, what new things will be offered in 2006, and learn about the history of opera in Hawaii.

The Spoleto Vocal Arts Symposium

From gelato, to ancient ruins, to cobblestone streets, Italy is one of the most romantic vacation getaways
around. Summer programs abound in Italy, offering singers the opportunity to experience the culture and language. Take a closer look at what the Spoleto Arts Symposium has to offer.

If It Isn’t Baroque…

A singer shares her experiences at a highly specialized summer program focusing on music from the Baroque era. The program provided new insights into early music—and
lessons that apply to all styles of music.

Seeking the Complete Singer-Actor

This longtime summer program has undergone some recent changes, primarily after its founder and namesake passed away just two years ago. CS asked a recent participant to tell us how the program is doing now—and how it is continuing the great work started by Wesley Balk.

Ten Epiphanies About the Art of Song

Have you heard people say that the song recital is a dying art form? Are you worried they might be right? Dismiss the thought! Shush the naysayers! As this CS contributor learned last summer, the song recital remains in the land of the living. Here are 10 terrific tips to help you make your next recital performance truly unforgettable.

Bel Canto & Bell’Esperienza

On the brink of his college career, recent high school graduate Zachary Peterson-Bernhard wanted a
great summer singing experience. He found just that in the Catskill Mountains, at the Bel Canto Institute.
The program will find a new home in Florence, Italy this summer.

Renata Scotto Gives Back

Nestled in New York State, this relatively new summer program, created by a world-famous soprano and
top conservatory, offers training to a chosen few. Roberta Hershenson visited the program this last
summer and gives CS a full report.

Questions to Ask When Researching Summer Programs

Determine your goals 1. What is your ultimate goal? 2. What are the secondary goals that will be the stepping stones towards your ultimate goal? 3. What steps do you

Choosing a Summer Program that is Right for You!

Summer programs can offer marvelous opportunities to hone your skills, try those skills out on stage, and make valuable contacts helpful to your career. But with so many programs to choose from, and with more starting up each year, finding the right program—the one that will give you the most bang for your buck—can be tough! Being a good consumer is the key. Here are some helpful hints.