All Articles – Page 253

CS’ Fulbrighter returns this month with more tales of her experiences studying abroad. After a performance of Barber’s “Hermit Songs,” Jennifer shares some important insights into what elements make the singer-pianist collaboration magical—and why working with a pianist is akin to going on a first date.

Lieder, perhaps more than other vocal music, require a complete understanding of the text for a truly great performance. Here’s one coach’s take on one of Schubert’s most famous Lied. Use his approach to guide your own interpretation of this and other German art song.

Steven Blier is not your ordinary coach. In addition to his private coaching, he is the co-founder and artistic director of the New York Festival of Song. Classical Singer is pleased to honor Mr. Blier as the 2006 Coach of the Year for his many contributions to the classical singing community. In this interview, he shares his process for
programming an unforgettable recital, how he got his start as a pianist, and why giving concerts is really a matter of trust, for everyone involved.

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

“Music is the invisible art, the only art that you can’t actually see. It’s all vibration. You have to remember that you’re putting a vibration into the world.” When Steven

Classical Singer was in attendance at the 2005 Concours Musical International de Montréal, a competition hosted in the historic city of Montreal, Canada. Each year the competition focuses on a different instrument, and 2005 was the year of the voice. The 2006 competition will feature violinists, but the 2007 Concours will again be for voice. Applications for entry are available for download now at www.jeunessesmusicales.com/en/concours/concours.asp.

Opera Company Founder Dies Bass-baritone Benjamin Matthews passed away Feb. 14, at the age of 72. He sang with a number of major opera companies, including the New York City

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: I just wanted to thank you for the issue [February 2006] devoted to singers with families. I gave birth to the most precious baby boy in November, but