January 2007
The Pasha of Diction : Nico Castel
Nico Castel is known far and wide as the definitive singer’s source for expert diction advice. Long before he made his name as a diction guru, Castel enjoyed a successful career as a character tenor, appearing on the stages of Santa Fe Opera, New York City Opera, and the Met. Now, in his role as staff diction coach at the Met and codirector of a summer program, he shares his wealth of experience and knowledge with up-and-coming singers and established professionals alike.
Certified Classical Singers ’06-’07
After three intense rounds of competition among more than 200 applicants, the judges of the AudComps 2006 named 13 singers Certified Classical Singers for 2006-2007.This month, read about soprano Joohee Choi and bass-baritone Kwang Kyu Lee, both from the Emerging Professional Division.
Using the Whole Body to Sing
As a singer, your whole body is your instrument—but how many of us really know how to use that to our advantage? OperaWorks summer program director Ann Baltz offers three great exercises to help you use your whole body when you sing. See more of Ann’s work at this year’s Classical Singer Convention in San Francisco, May 24-27.
You Are What You Think : Part II
In Part 1 of “You Are What You Think,” Lynnette Owens examined several financial thoughts that may be interfering with both your financial and singing success. She assigned you to start observing your financial thought patterns and taught you about affirmations as a method of changing those thought patterns. In Part 2, discover the singing thought patterns that may be negatively affecting both your singing and your financial success.
Making It When You Don’t ‘Make It’
Contributor Michelle Kunz begins a series this month introducing CS readers to several “older” female singers. These singers have agreed to share their ups and downs, struggles, and successes in an industry where everyone seems to be searching for the Fountain of Youth. Gain strength, insight, and support from the lives of these women, beginning this month with “Candice.”
Singing ‘The Grapes of Wrath’ : John Steinbeck's Classic Novel Reborn in Music
One idea to revive what some call the dying art form of opera is to produce new works with stories and themes that resonate with modern-day operagoers. Minnesota Opera and Utah Opera have joined to coproduce a new work by Ricky Ian Gordon based on John Steinbeck’s epic classic, The Grapes of Wrath. Read about the production process, including the challenges the singers are facing in bringing this new work to life.
The Heart Chakra
Our series on the seven chakras continues. This month read about the heart chakra and how balancing the fourth chakra can help you improve your relationships with others as well as enhance the emotion and heart with which you sing.
Inspirazione! : Disciples of the Pear Garden: Notes from a Chinese Opera
As the sleeping giant wakes, all of us will be learning more about China. If you’ve been wondering about Chinese culture and Chinese opera, here is a peek into this ancient form and the dedicated artists who have struggled to sustain it.
Studying in Germany Courtesy of the U.S. Government : Signing Off
In CS’ Fulbrighter Jennifer Porto’s final column about her experiences in Germany during the past year, she writes of the similarities and differences between the German and American singing scenes.
Ask Erda : Choral Gigging and Fair Compensation
Do you enjoy choral singing, but aren’t sure how to prepare your materials to make you a viable candidate in the professional choral gigging job market? Or have you done so many “freebies” that it’s now just expected that your performance is on the house? Then read on for Erda’s practical answers to both questions.
Not Just a Sore Throat?
The cold and flu season drags on, with no immediate respite in sight. Dr. Jahn comes to the rescue with more sage advice for knowing when a sore throat is really a symptom of a deeper problem.
Bulletin Board
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Letters to the Editor
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.
Editor’s Note : Navigating in a Teeming Profession
New York City cab drivers come in a variety of flavors. You meet all kinds: from those who talk on their cell phones non stop as they zip through the
Lied Austria : Rediscovering Lieder
A new program in Austria enjoyed its first season last summer. Read about this program, designed to help singers delve into the text and meaning of the poetry of German Lieder, and then find ways to express that vocally.
Summer Program Reviews
Practice, practice, practice. That’s what it takes to get to Carnegie Hall, right? It also takes experience, experience, experience—not to mention a lot of networking, connections, and luck. Pay-to-sing, pay-to-learn,
Summer Study at ‘Ecole France Langue’
Looking for a fun way to learn French? One school in Paris offers students a variety of options for a great language experience. You can start class on any Monday of the year and choose from a host of levels. What’s more, your classmates are from all over the world, and with French as your only common language, you’ll be speaking like a native in no time!
Grant Writing 4-1-1
Being a singer is expensive, from lessons to coachings to application fees—and that’s just the tip of the iceberg. Summer program tuition and travel expenses can be overwhelming—but grants and funds are available. Find out how to learn where the money is and how to write an effective grant proposal that will put your best foot forward.
Martina Arroyo Gives Back
Retired Metropolitan Opera star Martina Arroyo spends her energies these days providing opportunities for the next generation of singers. Read about her summer program, Prelude to Performance—which is looking towards its third season in 2007—and decide if this program might be something for you.
Operatic Utopia-Milan
Italians are known for their love of all things opera. Sarah Lobegeiger experienced it firsthand on her inaugural trip to the homeland of Puccini, Verdi, and Bellini.
L’Università per Stranieri di Perugia
Looking for a great, inexpensive way to learn Italian this summer? You may want to consider a university in Perugia. One singer shares her experience, which not only taught her Italian, but introduced her to a new culture to boot.
A Salzburg Summer
The University of Miami’s Salzburg program celebrated 20 years this past summer, and Kathleen Szalay gives a full report. From master clinicians to a well-organized schedule, this program has a lot to offer.
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