For the faithful readers of my blog (and I DO thank you), and for the occasional visitors to it; I thought it might be fun to post a short missive on what really goes on in the wings of the stage and, in fact, on-stage or just behind the set…
Read MoreCange’s Corner
Acid and Angst!!
When I was first starting off in the opera business, I remember being impressed when I heard that a fellow singer had just flown in from London, Paris, San Francisco, or New York. So romantic it seemed; and I wondered if I would ever get the chance to be the…
Read MoreGiancarlo del Monaco…is he just misunderstood???
The last three and a half weeks here at New York's Metropolitan Opera have been interesting, to say the least. We have been busy staging Puccini's La Fanciulla del West, or technically speaking, "remounting" the production that was set forth some 20 years ago by sometimes "controversial" opera director Giancarlo…
Read MoreWhen the curtain comes down…
On October 23 2010, the first of my two contracts with the Metropolitan Opera for this season came to an end. The second contract is scheduled to begin on November 11 (the day after my birthday). So when the curtain comes down for the last time in the run of…
Read MoreFrom The Tales of Hoffmann, to the Hall of Fame
As I hit the mid-performance schedule of The Tales of Hoffmann here at the Metropolitan Opera, I find myself gratified by the large audience turnout, as well as their enthusiasm for this current cast. By all accounts, it is considered to be a better suited group than those represented last…
Read MoreFlawless On Day One!!!
This post is dedicated to the hard working administrators who are often confronted with issues that they know they must address and correct; and to their credit, eventually do. We artists thank you! Before we arrive to our first day of rehearsal at the Metropolitan Opera, we receive a very…
Read MorePat who?? Pat COOPER, that's who!!!!
As many of you know, my life in the performing arts, before settling into the operatic repertoire, was spent in the night club business: The Catskills, The Poconos, Atlantic City, Miami Beach, and other showrooms up and down the Eastern Seaboard....when such showrooms and night clubs still existed and thrived. …
Read MoreThe Sitzprobe…a lost art form!
Once upon a time, during the 20th century's Golden Age of Singing (roughly the 1950's and 1960's, respectively), The Sitzprobe was a hallowed day on the operatic production schedule. It was a day for the conductor, the singers, the chorus, and especially the orchestra, to all gather in a comfortable…
Read MoreFrom the Santa Fe frying pan, into the New York fire!
Seemingly as quickly as it began, the Santa Fe Opera 2010 summer season has ended. On August 28, the final performance of the somewhat controversial Tales of Hoffmann was rendered; an overwhelming standing ovation followed; a very nice end-of-season party was enjoyed by all (courtesy of the management); and the…
Read MoreMac Davis…and a magical night at the opera??
Among the many fine memories I have of my late brother (whose personage I rarely mention current day, since his untimely passing was over 30 year ago) was his love for a variety of music. I recall very clearly that Mac Davis was among his favorite singers in the popular/country…
Read MoreYoung Love….
With only two weeks left before we settle the 2010 Santa Fe Opera season, there are still a few surprises for audiences, and we veterans alike, to experience--namely the two Apprentice Scene Programs, the first of which was last night (Sunday, August 15), the next of which will be next…
Read MoreMid-Point, Santa Fe 2010 (Life's not worth a damn…)
The first week of August in Santa Fe can be nerve-wracking for some singers. "The reason", you may ask? "The World", would be my answer. The month of August, but this first full week specifically, is the point at which all the opera productions are now on-stage. Rehearsals have ceased,…
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