singing

Afternoon Concert 18

This past week I was fortunate to perform with friends Christian Coleman’s chamber work “fALATIMI” as part of Afternoon Concert 18 which was supported in part by a grant from the Brookline Commission for the Arts, a local agency which is supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, and the Japanese Association of Greater Boston Women’s Group. Some may recall that this work is the soundtrack for short film Fate Scores and I had the good fortune to sing on the original recording. Below are a few of my favorite photos from the rehearsal and June 6 performance. … Continue reading »

A couple of weekends ago, I finally had the opportunity to watch The Audition, a documentary providing a behind-the-scenes look at the Metropolitan Opera’s National Council Auditions. I must admit I was a bit skeptical at first, thinking it would be more of a vanity video for the Met and the competition it supports á la Prince’s Purple Rain. However, I was surprised to find that Susan Frömke’s work attempts to provide an objective vision of what the National Council Auditions are to the competitors and the sponsors. Some of the interviews are hilarious and some are … Continue reading »

The Snowy Blahs

This morning I was inspired and excited to rehearse given the lovely snowfall blanketing the area. Snowflakes that drift slowly to the ground are magical and make the world seem a more peaceful place. It really is like being in a snow globe. From my practice room, I could see two dogs running and rolling and nipping at each other’s heels in play in the freshly fallen snow. However, upon singing the first few notes, I became wholly uninspired. Crummy voice can do that. Perhaps I didn’t get enough sleep last night, though I thought I had. I have been sneezing a bit, so I suppose my … Continue reading »

Non/Conformist

I am somewhat of a nonconformist. At the same time I am a rule-abiding traditionalist, believing rules are in place to provide structure, consistency, regularity and safety. This past Sunday, my good friend (and fabulous tenor) Julius gave me a kick in the pants.

“What I want to know is why you aren’t auditioning more. For singing, I mean.” he stated directly.

I reminded him of the various negative experiences and comments I’ve received from a variety of voice auditions, indicating that I find acting auditions to be much more open-minded and less judgmental … Continue reading »

Comfort and Consequence

You may recall that yesterday, I was questioning my music selections for a relaxed audition. Well, I met the organist yesterday morning–a lovely fellow he is. Friendly if a bit talkative. I told him I had brought a variety of music with me and seemed pleased, stating he had hoped I would do so. He suggested we go through the selections chronologically. We began with a John Donne text set anonymously in the 16th Century, followed by an opera aria by W. A. Mozart, Ophelia’s “Mad Scene” from Ambroise Thomas‘ Hamlet, and then some 20th Century art songs. We … Continue reading »

What to sing?

Today I have an impromptu audition of sorts. A friend suggested I sing for an organist, with whom he is also friends, and arranged a meeting between us. It’s my hope a recital or concert series could come of our meet-up. I’ve been preparing a variety of selections for the last week and now I find I’m second-guessing myself. Do I start with anonymously-composed early music that I’m interested in at the moment? Or a mid-20th Century opera aria that I know well? Mozart’s always nice, and it can showcase coloratura and … Continue reading »

Not Hot Stuff

A few day ago, I auditioned for a restaurant chain with a well-known, catchy jingle that may make a resurgence. The audition required singing and I knew this was the reason I was called. I was psyched to have a chance to sing for a commercial audition and wanted to do my best. I made a mental choice to not sing too well because past practice of the jingle illustrated thusly. Furthermore, I know of very few jingles sung in a classical style.

In the days prior to the audition, I learned and practiced the ditty, trying to stay true to the original while providing a bit of personal styling. I … Continue reading »