Dear Editor: The reality of Vinson Cole’s words regarding opera companies telling his management that “they would not have a black tenor singing opposite a white soprano” can be as
WHAT IS YOUR GROUP’S PURPOSE? Begin with people you already know in the industry and conduct an informal “needs assessment.” Brainstorm the different ways you could meet community needs. Read
Artists have been discovering greater fulfillment in their careers and their lives using The Artist's Way, since its publication in 1992. Described in its cover notes as "a course in discovering and recovering your creative self," the book was the culmination of author Julia Cameron's years of presenting workshops to people from all walks of life across the country. It presents readings and tasks for a 12-week time period, with each week focused on a different aspect of creative recovery.
Erda, the erstwhile earth goddess from Das Rheingold and Siegfried with knowledge of past and future, now visits CS readers with her knowledge, forsight and wisdom. To ask Erda, email your question to askerda@classicalsinger.com
Baritone Dwayne Croft has risen to the top ranks of the international operatic world with a brilliant career encompassing twenty-two roles, more than two hundered performances on the Metropolitan Opera stage, including seven telecasts, including the title role in Billy Budd, productions of Madame Butterfly, The Marriage of Figaro and Fedora.
9/11 Memorialized by New Home for New York City Opera? As the Lincoln Center renovation battle continues, things are looking up for NYCO. While NYCO has not announced anything official
Tenors who want help with their upper passaggio should spend time with these recordings.
I recently had the great honor of being part of the Kennedy Center Honors where Luciano was being given the award along with Julie Andrews, Jack Nicholson and others. He was humble when the applause was directed at him. Jack had to put his arm around him to comfort while the thousands in the audience stood and cheered in his honor. It was very moving to watch. This is a man who seems to say thank you to God each time he’s in the spotlight. His work in raising money for poor and war-torn children around the world is not a well-publicized fact in the operatic world, but it was highlighted that December evening in front of the President, the honorees and us. I’m glad that I experienced this after I had interviewed him and not before. That afternoon we spoke I was in enough awe—I didn’t need to tear up as well.
A review of Tchaikovsky’s and Rachmaninov’s Complete Song Texts by Laurence R. Richter, Leyerle Publications, $20.
It doesn’t do a lot of good to be the greatest singer in the world if you don’t get to share that talent with people. When you are starting your career, the job of getting the word out is on your shoulders. Here’s a thumbnail view of what to do.
Dear Editor: I enjoyed the review of Presser’s Sheet Music CD —I’d already purchased the CD. Three things—the first an error: Charpentier, not Massenet, wrote “Louise” and “Depuis le jour.”
Singers sometimes feel that they have to live in New York to have a career. Michele Baron is living proof that you can have a career anywhere in the world.
