October 2009
Helen Donath : From Lady Baritone to Lyric Soprano
In a career that has spanned nearly five decades, Helen Donath has left her mark on the operatic world in both recordings and performances worldwide. But such a career doesn’t happen without facing a few setbacks. After nearly destroying her voice at the hands of an incompetent teacher, Donath started from scratch to rebuild her voice. Find out why she now considers that a blessing in disguise, how she remembers a myriad of A-list singers with whom she has shared the stage, and what her trick is to still be singing at age 69.
Loosening the Purse Strings
In any assembling of singers, but perhaps especially in audition waiting rooms, purses and bags loom large in both number and size. But what exactly do singers keep in those significant satchels? Find out here.
Analyze This : Dramaturgy for Classical Singers
When learning music, digging deeper than just the notes on the page can make the difference between mediocre and truly great performers. Coaches and dramaturgs can greatly help singers in this area. Are there things singers can do themselves, and on their own time, too? Find out here.
The Tech-Savvy Singer : Ten Things Not to Do on the Internet
The social networking tools provide some incredible opportunities, but here are some common mistakes to avoid.
Singers : Is Jogging Good for You?
As temperatures cool and colored leaves make for great scenic views, fall is a great time to start a new exercise program. Jogging, with all of its benefits, just might be the right fit for you.
The State of Our Business Today : Young Artist Programs
This article begins a new series designed to address the changing economic climate and how it affects singers at every level of the business. Beginning with Young Artist Programs (YAPs), continuing on to opera companies of every level, and including summer festivals, concert work, and choral singing, this series will provide information to help you make informed decisions necessary to not only survive but thrive.
Inspirazione! : The Incomparable Judy Kaye
While in San Francisco performing her Tony Award-winning role as Florence Foster Jenkins in Souvenir, two-time Tony winner and all-around non-diva Judy Kaye held a masterclass, teaching alongside her husband of 21 years, actor and acting coach, David Green. Lisa Houston had the pleasure of both singing for the class and seeing Kaye perform. Here are a few bits of wisdom she picked up during this latest leg of Kaye’s amazing journey in the world of musical theatre.
Ask Erda : Life after Grad School
Do you find yourself treading water, making no real career progress, and watching the days turn to months with nothing to show for the passing of time? Stop treading and start swimming with 10 things you can do now to proactively make things happen for your singing career.
Acting Out or Acting Up?
Anyone who’s received audition feedback more than once knows that different auditioners have different ideas about movement in auditions. While the following interview responses may not definitively answer the question, they should give you some insight to the reasoning behind these varying opinions.
The $50 Week : The Winning Ticket
Going to the opera is an important part of every singer’s continued education, but it can also be an expensive endeavor. You can save some cash without passing up that next production with these terrific tips for scoring cheap tickets.
From Art Song to Opera
Lori Laitman writes gorgeous music that illuminates the heart of each text.
From the Editor : Less Is More
I am a procrastinator. In spite of my many efforts to change, I have spent years fine tuning this well honed tendency to put things off, wait until the last
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, Musings and More
Operalia Announces Winners of 2009 Competition On August 1, 2009, Operalia, Plácido Domingo’s worldwide opera competition, presented prizes to this year’s winners. Twenty-five-year-old Russian soprano Julia Novikova and 27-year-old Russian
Becoming an Actor Who Sings
Being an opera singer is no longer just about the singing—it’s also about the acting and your ability to move well on stage. Find out what directors see missing in singers, how their programs are striving to solve that, and what they recommend you can do now to hone these skills for yourself.
Collaboration, Creativity and Sheer Determination : How Singers Are Beating the Recession
As phrases like “tough economic times” and “the current economic situation” flood the airwaves, find out how three singers are not only surviving, but even thriving.
Holy Haydn, Batman! : Gotham Chamber Opera Takes New York by Storm
Inspired by the likes of Leonard Bernstein to leave his accompanying career behind and become a conductor, Neal Goren founded this New York City opera company eight years ago. The company continues to enjoy success, creatively finding new ways to thrive in less than ideal financial times.
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