All Articles – Page 252

In this issue about Young Artist Programs, we shine the spotlight on the Houston Grand Opera Studio. Read about the logistics of the program, and about the exciting new changes happening at HGO.

A former Cobra helicopter pilot and U.S. Marine Corps officer, Charles Robert Austin now makes his living on the operatic stage. After a difficult experience at the Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions, Mr. Austin saw first hand the difference a fine teacher and Young Artist Programs can make to the career of a young singer.

Young Artist Programs often combine outreach programs with some main stage work. Here’s one singer’s perspective on what outreach has to offer, not only to children and schools, but also to singers. Have a laugh at some of the crazy things kids say, and also find out if you’re cut out for the rigors of an outreach program.

Denver (and its surrounding areas) is home to several opera companies and Young Artist Programs. CS’ Maria Nockin visited Opera Colorado and its Ensemble participants in March and returns with a full report. With a stunning new facility, notable graduates singing in major opera houses, and a world premiere in 2006, the Opera Colorado Ensemble is quickly making a name for itself.

Opera America Honors Colorado Teacher Opera America’s 2006 conference in Seattle made a point of honoring Bennett, Colo. music teacher Tresa Waggoner at its May 6 closing session. When Waggoner

Each month CS highlights 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!

Dear Editor: Classical Singer has been a wonderful tool and great inspiration for me as a young singer. Some of the articles I appreciate most are the personal interviews with

One evening during the recent Classical Singer Convention a fellow singer recounted the details of her day. It began with her sore disappointment at not advancing to the next round

Visiting a foreign country is often touted as the best way to really experience a language—but that can mean mega dollars and isn’t always an option. The added strain learning a language can place on an already overextended pocketbook means the importance of language proficiency to a singing career is often overlooked. CS asked Greg Waxberg to review language learning tools and methods currently on the market. From using audio programs to learning on a budget, consider these language-learning ideas to give you that extra edge as a singer.

Often it’s through small and simple things that truly great things come about. Therefore, the constant pursuit of great performances and musical excellence often requires going back to the drawing board for a reevaluation of the basics. Here are some great tips to help you perfect the minute details of your repertoire and move ever closer to musical greatness.

Sarah Caldwell Dead at 82 On March 31, Sarah Caldwell, founder of the Opera Company of Boston, died of heart failure at the age of 82. As Boston’s director for

Dear Editor: I was gifted $20,000 to make a classical dramatic soprano arias CD with the Prague Radio Orchestra. [Joanne Corbett-]Barnes stated she had started negotiations with the orchestra and