May 26, 2011: Oh, hello again

I find it hard to believe I haven't written on here in nearly six months. As with the last posting, I am in Wichita. For the fifth time. It's been a whirlwind spring, needless to say. First there was Madama Butterfly. Then there was The Merry Widow. Then the Gala, then La fille du Regiment, and three outreach concerts. There have been many wonderful colleagues, directors, stage managers, and of course music.

And to quote a line from the next opera I'm in, "on to tomorrow, each to her sep'rate goal." It's the beginning of summer, and most singers depart to one (or several) summer music festivals. I'll be heading down the the Ozarks for two months, four operas, and countless other concerts, masterclasses and events. It's always a little daunting to go to a new program, not knowing what exactly the scene will be. You always think you have your music memorized, but you never actually know until the first rehearsal.

Next is Le nozze di Figaro, which is always joyous and has some of the most charming and expressive music ever written. And then Little Women, which I'm learning more and more about the more I practice my part. It's an interesting take on a classical novel, with a lot of charismatic female characters and some truly lovely music as well.

Since I just reactivated my mobile broadband feature on my phone, I'll have no excuse not to give updates from the Ozarks...so, watch out!

January 1, 2011: A Grand New Years

Well, I'm in Wichita, Kansas, which may not be the first place that comes to mind when one thinks of grand opera, but here I am all the same. I ended 2010 and began 2011 in the midst of rehearsals for Madama Butterfly, which in spite of its tragic outcome is an auspicious way to ring in the New Year= I'm here with other young artists and professionals doing what we all love. We've staged the entire opera in three days, and watching the process has been fascinating.

Puccini will probably never be my favorite composer, but I can't deny the power of his soaring themes and lush love duets...and Butterfly's aria "Un bel di" is pretty much a perfect expression of that character's single-minded and naive faith in her love. I'm here covering the role of her maid Suzuki and also singing in the chorus. Unfortunately I've not had much time to explore Wichita- but will one of these days. It can be odd to spend most of the day in the basement of the performing arts center, only to emerge for food breaks, with no idea of the outside world.

Of course that's the beauty of opera isn't it? All-consuming for about 2.5 or 3 hours. And as our stage manager was telling us, it's much tidier than straight theater or musical theater because generally speaking, the composer has given you everything you need to know and we as artists just have to follow the directions....