November 2006
Wearing the Pants : A Conversation with Vivica Genaux
Alaska-born mezzo-soprano Vivica Genaux made a name for herself singing the lesser-known Baroque and Bel Canto roles. In the 10-plus years since beginning her career, Genaux has continued to expand her repertoire, adding six new roles this year alone. The young beauty sat down with CS writer Daniel Vasquez for this candid interview. Genaux discusses finally making the switch from soprano to mezzo, why she considers technique a movable foundation, and what it’s really like to check your gender at the stage door.
Certified Classical Singer ’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 sopranos Maryann Mootos, from the Professional Division, and Kenneth Wood, from the Emerging Professional Division.
Are You Up for Expanding Your Career Opportunities?
What stops you from creating your own career opportunities? Do you know what is standing between you and your willingness to start this process? Is it simply that you don’t know where to begin? Is it that you feel you already have too many things on your plate to start another project right now? Is it that you don’t feel you are ready? Are you waiting until you have everything in perfect order? Maybe you’re afraid to take a risk or afraid of making the wrong choice.
Awaken Your Body and Voice with Yoga
As singers we would not think of getting on stage in front of hundreds or thousands of people without warming up our voice. As we all know, this could greatly damage our instrument. Here’s CS’ yoga expert with a simple routine to help treat your body with the same respect as you give your voice.
Book Review : 'Beyond Talent: Creating a Successful Career in Music' by Angela Myles Beeching
Looking for sound ideas and solid career advice from someone who knows the business? Look no further. This recent book from the director of the Career Services Center at the New England Conservatory tells you everything you need to know for creating a “portfolio career.”
Antibiotics : Another Perspective
The orange, red, and gold leaves of autumn have mostly fallen from the trees as the weather turns cold. The onset of winter often means the onset of the cold and flu season as well. Before you start that next round of antibiotics, consider these words of advice from CS’ resident physician.
The Making of a One-Woman Show: : The Secret Life of Opera Singers
Opera singers’ lives are full of comedic and dramatic material. Imelda Franklin Bogue decided to capitalize on operatic experiences, creating a one-woman show based on the daily events of her life as an opera singer. Find out how Bogue is making her own performing opportunities, and introducing opera to the masses at the same time.
You May Be Playing Her Song… While You’re Reading My Book
Susan Dormady, while writing a novel, concocted the idea of having an actual song for her impassioned-soprano heroine to sing. Read how she made her crazy idea a reality—and consider commissioning your own song.
Shaping Your Own Musical Pathway
What happens when life leads you away from the performing life for which you’ve dreamed, planned, and trained? Even if the Met career you dreamed of doesn’t materialize, you can find satisfying—even lucrative—outlets for performing.
Inspirazione! : Techno-Singer: Music Notation Software
Are you looking for ways to transpose a favorite song that just isn’t in the right key? Or do you just need a new techno toy to occupy your time? Check out these two software programs that could save you considerable time while quenching your techno thirst.
Studying in Germany Courtesy of the U.S. Government : The Diva
Would harsh and berating language ever be appropriate, even called for, from a teacher? Jennifer Porto poses this question after watching a well-known and very successful singer use questionable methods in a masterclass.
Classical Singer Readers Share Their Memories
I was a student at Manhattan School of Music from 1996 to 1998 and participated in many, if not all, of the masterclasses that [Charlie Riecker] offered during that time.
Goodbye Charlie: : Remembering Charles J Riecker (1934-2006)
CS takes a moment to remember long time Metropolitan Opera Staff Member and beloved coach Charles Riecker. Not only was he an indisputable expert in the operatic field, Riecker loved singers and truly went above and beyond any call of duty.
Susan Stoderl: : A New Vision for Opera
Singer-turned-composer Susan Stoderl sits down with CS to discuss her first opera currently on stage in New York City. Read how she built her career by creating her own opportunities.
Editor’s Note : Creating Your Own Buzz
Several years ago I spent a particularly hot and humid summer in beautiful Verona, Italy. The nights were often as warm as the days, and in desperate hopes of generating
Bulletin Board
Rest in Peace, Astrid Varnay On September 4, 2006, renowned Wagner and Strauss interpreter Astrid Varnay died in Munich, Germany. She was 88 years old. The daughter of a tenor
Center Stage : Tichina Vaughn, Mezzo Soprano
Each month CShighlights 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 am writing to say how offended I am by something in the article “Making the Move” [September 2006]. It’s all fine and good for those who choose
Opera Up Close and Personal : Vertical Player Repertory Brings Storefront Opera to Brooklyn with Puccini's Il tabarro
A small opera company in Brooklyn, started by singer Judith Barnes, is finding great success and devoted audiences. Julie Halpern attended a performance of Il tabarro and reports on the reasons this company is flourishing.
The Singer as Entrepreneur : Executive-Producing Your Own CD for Commercial Release
In addition to lending credibility to your name as a singer and immortalizing your voice, recordings, when marketed commercially, can also be a potential source of income. Choosing the right repertoire, being smart about the recording and production process, and effectively distributing your CD are essential to ensuring its success. Danielle Woerner offers what you need to know to be your own Executive Producer.
Starting Your Own Company? : Tips From A Pro For Getting Started
Solange Sior seems to embody the entrepreneurial spirit. Not long after arriving in America from Canada, she started her own studio and booking agency. This soon led to bigger and better things—her own opera company! She sat down recently with CS’ Catherine Tully to share all that she’s learned about building a company from the ground up.
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