November 2008
A Modern Exponent of a Timeless Tradition : A Candid Conversation with Aprile Millo
Soprano Aprile Millo burst onto the operatic scene in 1984 when she made her Met debut, filling in for an ailing soprano in Simon Boccanegra. Hailed by the critics as a “true Verdi soprano” and the next Renata Tebaldi, Millo had big shoes to fill. In this exclusive interview, Millo talks about her rewarding, sometimes difficult journey over the past 20 years. She talks about her decision to leave the limelight for a time, how she defines Bel Canto singing, and why classical music, opera specifically, needs to be defended at all costs.
Certified Singers ’08-’09
From more than 200 applicants competing in three intense rounds of competition in the Classical Singer AudComps, the judges named the 12 top competitors Certified Classical Singers for 2008-2009. This month, we feature mezzo-soprano Cynthia Hanna from the Emerging Professional Division and soprano Melissa Fogarty from the Professional Division.
Pedagogy 101 : Getting to the Root of Healthy Vocalizing: Breath Management
In the first installment of the Pedagogy 101 series, we tackled the passaggio, with expert advice from some of the most sought-after vocal professionals in the industry. In this issue’s installment, we take a look at what many consider the most important aspect in all forms of healthy vocalizing: breath management.
Distant Voices : Listening to Singers of the Past, Pt 2
Many singers today listen to Renée Fleming for musical inspiration, but whose recordings inspire Renée Fleming? Find out here as Fleming and other opera greats—including Eric Cutler, Dina Kuznetsova, Nathan Gunn, conductor Stephen Lord, coach and accompanist Martin Katz, and others—share the whys and hows of learning from historical recordings.
Inspirazione! : At the Root of It: Muscle Tension and Emotional Memory
A relaxed tongue. An easy, fluid breath. You can’t have a free and easy sound without them. So what’s the big deal? Why does it take singers years of hard work to get certain muscles to cooperate? Maybe the trouble is that our muscles are already busy doing something else, like holding on to the emotional memories of the past. If so, then physical training is only part of the process and art of learning to sing.
Ask Erda : The Makings of a Singing Career
A series of serendipitous events cause Cindy to reflect on what makes a singing career—much of which includes thinking outside the box of a major operatic solo career.
A First Lesson in the Feldenkrais Method : With Master Teacher Maxine Davis
As we continue our look at the Feldenkrais Method, CS’s Jill Anna Ponasik takes readers step-by-step
through her first Feldenkrais lesson. Read how she becomes aware of her body and of what she is doing physically that creates mental blocks in her singing.
The Doctor Is In
Three singers query Dr. Jahn for advice on the effects of steam and smoke on the vocal cords, on combating acid reflux, and on how to recover from a near-death choking experience. If you have a question for the doctor, e-mail him at jahn@classicalsinger.com.
Woman’s ‘LB’-eration : Cindy Sadler's 'Fat Relocation Project'
CS readers know Cindy Sadler for her monthly columns. This month, however, Cindy joins CS as the subject of this article, rather than the writer, to discuss her recent remarkable weight loss of more than 100 pounds. Read about why she did it, how she did it, and her advice for others who want to do it.
Traveling the Road from Singer to Administrator
When Eric Dillner, the recently appointed general director of Skylight Opera (Milwaukee), first started out in the music business he never imagined he would one day be wearing an administrator’s hat. While Dillner was singing at New York City Opera, however, he discovered that he enjoyed being on the other side of the curtain. Find out how he made the transition from singer to administrator, and read his advice for others considering a similar path.
Editor’s Note : Make Change
I have always loved change, in all of its forms—a change in the air with the coming fall, the liberating feeling of a fresh change of clothes, or the jingling
Center Stage : Heather Knowles Korn, Mezzo-Soprano
Heather Knowles Korn Las Vegas, Nev. Mezzo-soprano Please tell our readers about your career highlights so far. In July, I traveled to Montserrat, West Indies to teach voice workshops for
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. 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.
Bulletin Board
Submit entries to the bulletin board by e-mail at bulletinboard@classicalsinger.com.
Insurance in Altissimo : Health Insurance and the Classical Singer
Health insurance is always a hot topic, and it’s even hotter in this election year. Take a look at the issue from a singer’s perspective, and get tips for finding affordable health care.
The Addiction of Singing – Part 3 : I Will Never Be Hungry Again
In our continued discussion of retiring from singing, Adria Firestone gets at the heart of the matter: determining why we sing, as well as our needs and wants on and off the stage. This is a must-read article for singers at every career level to start you on the road to emotional freedom and happiness.
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