All Articles – Page 272

Despite all of the publicity generated by influenza, the common cold is, well, more common, hence a more practical topic for this column.

Ian Vayne went to enjoy a performance of Carmen from the audience. He ended up performing the second half.

This is the story of a 50-year-old soprano's encounter with the vocal change of life.

Singers have to retire at some stage of the game—but should it be at age 40, 50, 70? Many men seem to go on until they are in their 70s and beyond. Why should it be any different for women? The difference is hormones, which bcan begin to cause problems as early as age 40. Here is one soprano who at age 56 had almost her ability to sing, but found it again.

Finding published information about how female singers should deal with the effects of menopause can be challenging. Here is a voice teacher with some suggestions.

Christina Ludwig, Evelyn Lear and other famous artists speak of "the horrible vocal indispositions" of menopause.

Insurance—it’s one of the most common topics of discussion among singers. Classical Singer is grateful to April for sharing what she has learned about this important subject—and we look forward to hearing from more of you throughout the country. Please go to the general interest forum at www.classicalsinger.com and let us know what you have discovered about insurance for singers.

Part 2 of this two-part article discusses the components of an exercise regimen, collaboration with a trainer, and aesthetic and dietary issues.

As you gear up for tax season, start dragging out your receipts and thinking about how to make the most out of your deductions as a singer.

Hailed as history’s most recorded bass, Samuel Ramey is one of the music world’s leading interpreters of the bass and bass-baritone operatic and concert repertoire. His career spans three decades and an astoundingly versatile range, covering practically every musical style, from Handel to Rossini, Bellini, and Donizetti; from Mozart to Verdi; from the Russian and French repertoire to Puccini’s Scarpia and Gianni Schicchi. His most performed role is that of Mephistopheles in Gounod’s Faust, with more than 200 performances to his credit. It is one of the several devil or villain roles that have become one of Mr. Ramey’s calling cards, resulting in his successful concert program: A Date With the Devil.

La Scala Reopens with Gala Performance Milan’s Teatro alla Scala began its 2004-2005 opera season with all the pomp and circumstance befitting the reopening of the world’s most renowned opera

Dear Editor: Should I go from Europe to New York to take part in your competition/audition? Do I have a chance to get some kind of job from this audition,