Chronic stress has other effects on our bodies, including poor metabolic health. Many of the contributing factors to stress in a performer’s life, from the physical demands of performing to the inconsistent sleep schedule and the sleep deprivation of late nights, contribute individually to illness. Consider your sleep schedule: have you ever had a gig or a concert that ended late at night? Or your food schedule: what do you eat before and after a performance?
The New York region is known for its scrappy, adventurous, and unique opera companies. Some come in like a lightning bolt electrifying the opera status quo before going dim (think Loft Opera), while some steadily grow and become a fixture on the New York opera scene (Heartbeat Opera). And still other companies arrive on the scene with a fresh perspective, creative staging, and a mission to make opera feel like a totally immersive experience, like On Site Opera.
Singers have a unique situation in caring for their instrument. Unlike other musicians, our instrument is part of our body. This can provide its own individual benefits as well as hurdles to overcome. One of those hurdles is maintaining a state of physical health that allows us to perform at our best. This can prove challenging, as most of us already know.
I am no psychic, but I am willing to bet I can recall a moment from your past. It’s Thanksgiving. You’re about to dive into a glorious pile of mashed potatoes when your mom’s cousin leans over and says, “So… how’s that singing thing going?”
Every year, the CS Music Convention gathers aspiring singers, industry professionals, and seasoned artists in a dynamic space dedicated to nurturing talent and fostering career growth. This highly anticipated event provides young artists with unparalleled opportunities to learn from and connect with esteemed professionals who have paved the way in the classical music industry. Among the distinguished mentors at this year’s convention is the legendary soprano Carol Vaness.
Our conversation was wide-ranging yet moored to the topic of working with students. In part one of this two-part profile on Leung, we’ll focus on Telly’s most recent work with students, with an eye toward how he hopes to engage with singers at the convention later this month. But first, a little bit more on NYC born and raised Telly Leung.
Sensorium Ex is a groundbreaking new opera by Paola Prestini that explores the intersection of AI, disability, and the arts, redefining what it means to have a voice. Premiering at the Common Senses Festival in Omaha in May 2025, the work features a predominantly disabled cast, including a nonverbal, non-ambulatory lead, and integrates cutting-edge AI tools to enhance creative expression for nonverbal individuals.
A new recording studio in New York City shares their approach to recording with CS readers.
Soprano and voice teacher Andrea DelGuidice has extensive performing experience in opera, opera directing, plus a robust voice studio, and leadership roles in programs of study and opera companies. It’s no wonder that she lends her creative flair and attention to detail to her home as well.
Two laryngologists collaborate to provide reliable recommendations related to vocal health.
I recently had the pleasure of performing with Mobile Opera in their production of Ghosts of Gatsby. Scott Wright, Mobile Opera’s General & Artistic Director, took some time to share with me some of the amazing things this company is doing for our industry, as well as tips for singers with the precariousness of work.
Dear Doctor Jahn,
Would you say that water is the closest thing we have to a “cure-all” when it comes to singing? I mean, I do a lot of singing in bars and clubs and I drink a LOT of water and I really haven’t had issues that other questioners have (hoarseness, sore-throats etc.)
-Gus
