Publisher David Wood, who founded CS—together with his wife, Carla Wood (a.k.a. CJ Williamson) —looks back on 20 years in the business.
In case you haven’t realized it yet, Classical Singer magazine completes its twentieth year of publication this month. For this special anniversary edition, we asked long time CS writer Kresha Faber to share with readers a bit of our history, from our start as The New York Opera Newsletter through the evolution to the Classical Singer magazine you see today. We hope you enjoy this special insider’s look at who we are and what we’re about.
The age-old issue of age has been a hot topic of discussion since the first days of TNYON and continues to be a hot topic today. CS’ editor-in-chief and senior editor in 1998 conducted a phone survey with opera companies, apprenticeships, and competitions to get the low down on age discrimination in the business. Their findings are reprinted here. In addition, we’ve included letters from readers on the topic (see pg. 65).
Many aspects of the singing profession haven’t changed much over the past two decades, but technology and how technology affects singers have changed dramatically. Here we take a nostalgic look at a few of the ways these changes are having an impact on the lives of singers.
The September 2002 issue of CS was devoted to the controversial topic of abuse in our industry. More than 400 singers participated in a Teacher Abuse Survey and shared their experiences on the Classical Singer forum. Here are excerpts from an article sharing singers’ experiences, discussing the cycle of abuse, and giving ideas for stopping the abuse. To read the full article and view the entire issue, visit the CS archives at www.ClassicalSinger.com.
Over the past 20 years, singers have shared their experiences—most often using their real names, but sometimes anonymously, or using pseudonyms—with other singers, first in the pages of TNYON and then CS. In this article an anonymous singer courageously shares how he ultimately pulled himself out of the dark days of addiction. In recent months, the issue of singers and substance abuse has been a hot topic in the news, showing that this article is as relevant now as when it originally appeared in December 2003.
CS compiled the following stories from contributions received through e-mail and phone calls for the July/August 1998 edition of TNYON. Names and details were withheld or changed where requested.
From the how-tos of fine singing to staying safe onstage, CS has tried to address every aspect of a singer’s career. In this article, reprinted from the last issue of The New York Opera Newsletter (July/August 1998), fight director Dale Anthony Girard shares his tips for playing it safe. Be sure to check out real-life stories from readers about not so safe moments on the stage (pg. 47). For more articles on safety, read the complete July/August ’98 issue in our archives.
How many times, while listening to one of the great singers, have you wondered, “How do they do that?” Over the years, the greats have shared within these pages many insights into the complicated answer to that question. Drink in these insights on vocal technique from those who know.
To celebrate Classical Singer’s 20th birthday, Cindy Sadler shares her top 20 jewels of wisdom. From owning your art to finding balance, Cindy delivers practical career advice in her typical Erda fashion.
Can you use the skills you’ve honed as a singer—becoming attuned to your instrument, your body, and how it works—to benefit other areas of your life? In this fourth installment of this five-part series on the relationship between singing and leadership, participants in Kay Kleinerman’s study explore this question.
Submit entries to the bulletin board by e-mail at bulletinboard@classicalsinger.com.
