Nixon In China (Opera): Act II Scene 2a

Act II begins with something really painful to watch...

Mickey Cartoons — Mickey's Grand Opera (Mar. 7, 1936)

Intermission comedy, please bring out the pop corn:)

Nixon In China (Opera): Act I Scene 3

I was five when *N*ixon in Ch*ina* first premiered at the Grand Opera in Huston,fifteen years after Nixon's historical visit to China. The opera seems depressed and dark, much different from Puccini or Verdi kind of loved-based stories. I haven't seem it on stage, hopefully I will get a chance to someday.

Nixon In China (Opera): Act I Scene 1 - News

Nixon in China (1987) is an opera with music by the American composer John Adams and a libretto by Alice Goodman, about the visit of United States President Richard M. Nixon to China in 1972, where he met with China's Chairman Mao Zedong and other Chinese officials...

2009's recital ended with a big blazer and warm welcoming.

My last volunteer recital ended with a long missed snow fall, a real blazer. Driving was definitely like going through a wild Safari in Africa. However, we got there only a few minutes late from the scheduled time. It was a blessing. We started out with the Italian arias, ended with Christmas carols. Some folks sung along and some just enjoyed the simple pleasure of listening, that's what the recital is all about.





Thais - Renee Fleming, Thomas Hampson - Confrontation scene (2/2) - "Je suis Athanaël"

I had some time to sort out quotes (Still a long list needs to be re-cultivated) by Thomas Hampson, during the Master class at Curtis. My hand writing is profoundly unrecognizable, even to me :P


"Fly in your heart, stay on your foot."-To a young soprano wearing high heel shoes.
"You can't, certainty shouldn't sing what you don't know."
"These heels? They are the highest heels you will ever going to wear."
"Why you sing is more important than how you sing."
"Air is not gasoline."
"It's not about turning it off, it's about turning it on"
"Samual Barber died thinking he wasn't very good."
"Get away from the piano."- Generally to all singers who habitually lean on the piano while singing.
"Voices don't project, voices Resonate."

(2)

The Radiocity-Rockettes Show!

Find something to do in this holiday season

Merry Christmas, merry Christmas! Planning on having a family fun night or a romantic exclusive with him/her? Consider this:





Where? Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts complex

When? November 27, 2009 - January 3, 2010
Schedule and pricing?

NATALIA DE ANDRADE-AO VIVO-NO PASSEIO DOS ALEGRES

One of the comments says "She is to make her Metropolitan Opera debut as BRUNNHILDE in 2012..." While that's clearly a joke, we can hardly deny that many modern singers seem to come out from the same mold. It's hard to be original and delightful; technically fabulous and still strike a soul with the stage presence, enduring the stage fright and wearing a tight gown all at the same time. It's indeed easier to say than to do, it's much easier.

Vedrai carino

Absolutely one of my favorite arias by Mozart.

Not just eye candy

Soprano Giuseppina Piunti in dress rehearsal

There is much to cheer about in the Metropolitan Opera’s phantasmagorical new production of Offenbach’s “Contes d’Hoffmann” (“Tales of Hoffmann”), which opened on Thursday night. <NYT>...

Happy birthday La Divina

Maria Callas (December 2, 1923 – September 16, 1977)

Renee Fleming-the swing

Hmmm...I still like her in opera better

Dragana del Monaco - The Phantom of the Opera

... ... This is truly a freak combination of two singers...And it's scary..

The Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions

The Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions

Saturday, December 5, 2009
10:00 AM until 5:00 PM
Field Concert Hall
The Curtis Institute of Music
1726 Locust Street, Philadelphia
No R.S.V.P needed, walk ins are welcomed!

About last night

Academy of Vocal Arts has put on yet another exciting opera for this season. Last night's "Falstuff" was marvelous both in the young singer's performance and compexed stage design. What I most enjoy was the

Giuseppe Verdi

Falstaff

November 13–23, 2009

Academy Of Vocal Arts






Image from http://www.avaopera.org/season/falstaff/

Maria Malibran,so young yet so strong

Cecilia Bartoli explains her Maria album concept - dedicated to Maria Malibran. Features performance and interview

Maria Malibran,so young yet so strong

Cecilia Bartoli explains her Maria album concept - dedicated to Maria Malibran. Features performance and interview

December Recital

A Chat With: Aprile Millo - Rare NYC Recital Nov. 17

Soprano Aprile Millo will present a Nov. 17 concert with the Opera Orchestra Of New York. Often likened to such greats as Tebaldi, Milanov and Ponselle, the “Golden Voiced Diva” will perform opera arias, lieder and Italian art songs....

A night with Aprile Millo at OONY--So...how did it go?

Image from http://aprilemillo.wordpress.com/

Ms. Millo's concert was full of wonderful, powerful singing, cheerful applause, flowers and warmth- And a little "accident" makes it perfect. I' will have to write more about the recital in the morning-need some time to digest and settle the excitement first, so good night for now :)

Thomas Hampson Master Class at Curtis

Recoding devices prohibited, so here is a fast sketch of what was going on in Thomas Hampson's Master Class at Curtis today. Wow, what an excellent instructor with such great sense of humor!
In the two hours of class, five selected students went on the stage and preformed various pieces of repertories. As each student sang their piece, Mr.Hampson, with his charming sense of humor and critical instructions, attacked (not the student) the common problematic areas from use of air, breathing, understanding the diaphragm, intercommunication with the repertoire to just how high of heels you should not wear. It was a mind opening master class :)

Beautiful and playful Cecilia Bartoli and Thomas Hampson performing a beautiful arrangement.

Cecilia Bartoli explains her Maria album concept - dedicated to Maria Malibran. Features performance and interview

Melancholy day

Oh lord--

WELL,WHAT ABOUT "MAURY??

Feed back time!

I really enjoyed the recital at the Emily P. Bissell Hospital this past weekend. The facility was bright and clean, the staff were so friendly, and the residents were happy to have us there. I will be including some English and American folk songs in my list of recital material in the future:) Next stop is the Wilmington Manor care, see you in Dec!

HURRY, PLEASE!

The Curtis Institute of Music Presents

A SPECIAL MASTER CLASS
CLICK TO RSVP VIA EVENTBRITE
Thomas Hampson, baritone
Friday, November 13 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Field Concert Hall

The class is free and open to the public. Due to limited seating, reservations are required.

LAST TIME I CHECKED THERE WERE STILL PUBLIC SEATINGS!

After a long busy weekend of endless amusement (Village Halloween parade, NY marathon...etc), we are finally back in practice:)

Watch Verdi: Falstaff - Act II, Scene I on Plushmusic

Oh~no, it's ON!

Folks, the new album by Cecilia Bartoli is OUT, as well as Joyce Didonato's Händel opera arias.
Joyce Didonato, who studied at the Academy Of Vocal Arts in Philadelphia, is now Met's leading mezzo soprano. Didonato is to be singing the premier of Il Barbiere di Siviglia this Saturday, Oct31, whereas, Bartoli is on tour in Europe until the end of this year. Friend of Suni revealed that certain audiences will be crashing in Joyce Didonato's New York apartment after the show, it's a Saturday after all! :)

Opera Star Charged With Disorderly Conduct After Restaurant Row

First of all, WOW. Who ever she is, and whether she could sing, she is undeniably hot. (For some ungodly reason I thought it was a picture of Danielle de Niese ) Apparently this seemingly "bad" publicity is going to kick her career up a notch. Good for you, super hot South America opera star!!

Also, a fine example of her doing "DON PASQUALE " .

OCT, NOV RECITAL(Arias only) IN DE

Walk-ins are welcomed in Emily P. Bissell hospital, but please, let me know if you are thinking of attending the concert, maybe you can tag along with us :)

Good examples of "Duetto di due gatti"

Remember when Montserrat Caballe did that "Duetto di due gatti"?

Opera Australia's Peter Grimes

Opera Australia's new production of Benjamin Britten's Peter Grimes directed by Neil Armfield opens at the Sydney Opera House.

Great production!

Diana Damrau,Sophie Koch Der Rosenkavalier

In another thought...

Renée Fleming’s broadcast performance as Marschallin

Ken Howard

“She was pretty but blank onstage back then, but Tuesday night’s opening performance found her too far the other direction, transforming the ironic, moody aristocrat into a Lifetime movie drama queen.” [NYP]
Tell me they don't look alike??

Tamerlano

Paul Potts-Britain's Got Talent

This was so heart touching. Asides from the fact that Paul Pott would not have reached that stage if he didn't have some raw talent. Some lump of coal he is!

Going gospel!

Suni is going to be singing with the Tabernacle church and help spreading the warmth of god every Sunday. (Ok, I'm Only there for the free cookies and coffee, and a chance to park on the street for free for two hours.) And, after all, I LOVE SINGING :)

Happy B-Day!

Luciano Pavarotti was born on October 12, 1935. He would have been 74 years old today.

Sadly...but inevitability...

It's not a modern drama! Soprano Angela Gheorghiu is divorcing her husband of 13 years, tenor Roberto Alagna---

Angela Gheorghiu wishes to emphasize that she has been separated from Roberto Alagna for the last two years. Her attempts to save the marriage in this period failed.Having initiated divorce proceedings months ago, she awaits the finalization of their divorce as soon as possible. Ms. Gheorghiu understands that Mr. Alagna is bitter about this situation. As for her part, contrary to his declarations, she would like to live her life now with peace and tranquility.

Hopefully that this is going to be an amicable procedure for both of them (that is, keep the personal complains against your-ex to your therapist, not your neighbors or your fabric store clerks). Although it's not uncommon for the party that didn't initiate the divorce to turn vindictive and hostile against the party that made the fatal move (we understand that there will be to be resentfulness, but there also should be a limit.) After all, things happen for a reason. After all, to ignore a marriage revealed to be a mistake is the biggest mistake, isn't it?

AVA Giargiari Bel Canto Operatic Competition on WRTI

Last night's Giargiari Bel Canto Operatic Competition was just unforgettable! AVA has all the amazing skilled young talent from all over the world. The audiences definitely experienced a great night of surprise and excitement at the Kimmel center!

NY Tosca al Met 2009- more videos

Curious about the new Met "Tosca"?

La Bohème en banlieue ( opéra filmé en direct de Berne- SUISSE) 1

Puccini's La Bohème performed love in the Gäbelbach low-income housing apartment complex in Bern.

Academy of Vocal Arts is putting on a Bel Canto Competition.

SO, What is "Bel Canto"?

Soprano Renee Fleming To Give Her First NYC Master Class on Tuesday, October 20 at Juilliard

From Julliard press release--
Soprano Renée Fleming returns to her alma mater to give her first master class in NYC on Tuesday, October 20 from 6 - 7:30 PM at Juilliard. Ms. Fleming rarely gives master classes and this special event is a benefit for Juilliard. The master class features performances by students from Juilliard's Vocal Arts Department and also marks the dedication of the School's Peter Jay Sharp Theater (155 West 65^th Street). Renovations to the theater have now been completed, and this will be the first opportunity to dedicate the space and thank The Peter Jay Sharp Foundation for their generous support.

Benefit tickets are available at $500 (priority seating and a post-event reception with Ms. Fleming) and $125 (priority seating). For information on benefit tickets, please call (212) 799-5000, ext. 329. A very limited number of popularly-priced tickets will be available beginning October 6 at the Janet and Leonard Kramer Box Office at Juilliard (155 West 65^th Street). For further information, go to www.juilliard.edu.

Renowned soprano and Juilliard alumna Renée Fleming charms audiences throughout the world with her vocal intelligence, musical grace, and liquid voice. Her superb artistry has garnered praise and worldwide respect for her operatic and recital performances, and her best-selling recordings. Ms. Fleming performs on opening night of the New York Philharmonic with conductor Alan Gilbert (also a Juilliard alumnus) on September 16, 2009. She returns to the Met Opera in October 2009 in Strauss' Der Rosenkavalier and again in January 2010 in the same work. In April and May 2010, she appears in Rossini's Armida at the Met (a Met premiere). In the past few seasons, Ms. Fleming has begun hosting broadcasts, including the Met's HD series for movie theaters as well as television, and Live From Lincoln Center on PBS. A two-time Grammy winner, Ms. Fleming's most recent CD, Strauss: Four Last Songs, conducted by Christian Thieleman, was released in fall 2008. She received an honorary doctor of music degree from Juilliard in 2003 and was commencement speaker at that ceremony.

Juilliard's Vocal Arts Department has a busy 2009-2010 season. Juilliard Opera presents Handel's Ariodante on November 11, 13, and 15; a concert version of Copland's The Tender Land on January 30; Conrad Susa's Transformations on February 15, 17, and 19; and Poulenc's Dialogues of the Carmelites on April 21, 23, and 25. On Thursday, November 19, soprano Susanna Phillips makes her Alice Tully debut as recipient of Juilliard's annual Alice Tully Vocal Arts Debut Recital. Juilliard and the New York Festival of Song, with artistic director and Juilliard faculty member, Steven Blier, co-present Killer B's: A History of American Song from Amy Beach to the Beach Boys on Wednesday, January 13. Juilliard's annual Vocal Arts Honors Recital takes place on Thursday, March 18. In addition, Juilliard's Liederabend and Songbook series, which showcase singers from the Department in performances of song literature, take place throughout the year. For further information on these events, please call (212) 769-7406 or visit www.juilliard.edu.

About Juilliard Vocal Arts

One of America's most prestigious programs for educating singers, Juilliard's Department of Vocal Arts offers young artists programs tailored to their talents and needs. From bachelor and master of music degrees to advanced artist diploma programs in voice and opera studies, Juilliard provides frequent performance opportunities, featuring singers in its own recital halls, on Lincoln Center's stages, and around New York City. Juilliard's opera department has presented numerous premieres of new operas, as well as works from the standard repertoire.

Juilliard graduates may be heard in opera houses and concert halls throughout the world; diverse alumni artists include well-known performers, such as John Aler, Faith Esham, Simon Estes, Renée Fleming, Anthony Dean Griffey, Barbara Hendricks, Hei-Kyung Hong, Audra McDonald, Leontyne Price, Florence Quivar, Neil Rosenshein, Rose Stevens, Tatiana Troyanos, Shirley Verrett, and Robert White, among many others.

In 2010-2011, Juilliard begins its new collaborative education program with the Metropolitan Opera to identify and train the finest young opera singers and accompanists, preparing them for careers in the world's great opera houses. Met Music Director, James Levine, will serve as the program's Artistic Director, and Brian Zeger, Artistic Director of Juilliard Vocal Arts, will serve as Executive Director.

The importance of bad art

Image from http://parterre.com/2009/09/27/the-importance-of-bad-art/#more-5583

To cut to the chase: the creation of art is a risky business. There are few guarantees of quality, of...By La Cieca

Academy Of Vocal Arts New Student Recital

Well, this is not exactly the right image, but you got the idea. The new student recital on September 22,09 marks the beginning of the 2009-10 season of Academy Of Vocal Arts. The recital gave the patrons both a close look of the rising stars they are supporting as well as a exciting night before the Bel Canto Competition.

AVA 2009-10 Season Program

Giargiari Bel Canto Competition Oct 6, 2009	VERDI Falstaff Nov. 13, 17, 19, 21 and 23, 2009	An Evening of Russian Romances Dec. 15 and 17, 2009	Operatic Masterpieces Jan. 29, 30, and Feb 2, 2010
R. STRAUSS Capriccio Feb. 20, 23, 25, 27 and Mar. 2, 2010	Jubilate! Concert Mar. 7, 13 and 14, 2010	BrAVA! Philadelphia 75th Anniversary Concert Mar. 31, 2010	PUCCINI La bohème May 1, 4, 6, 8, 11, 13 and 15, 2010

*http://www.avaopera.org/season/
All rights reserved by Academy Of Vocal Arts

Thank god she has the voice...!

A taste of the new "Tosca" 09.23.09

What a scene without Franco Zeffirelli!

Expected article from an unexpected source...
"If the Metropolitan Opera wanted to replace Franco Zeffirelli's iconic..."by Heidi Waleson WSJ

Here's another article on the new "Tosca" from <>

'Tosca' as torture

TOSCA Met Opera Opening Season Debut

"Still, the booing, if a little unfair, was understandable...."<N.ew York Times>
An artical on New York Times reveals the audience's fresh reaction to the Met's 2009-10 opening season debut. The director of Tosca, Luc Bondy, received both steady cheers and boos from the audience. Despite the delightful dress rehearsal, with Karita Mattila 's passionate performance and magnificent voice, there might be something else that your everyday Tosca fans just couldn't digest. What is it? We shall find out about that next week :)

unnatural acts of opera

I don't usually listen to pod casts, but this is given an exceptional grand. I love the voice, it reminds me something from "The Incredibles", your guess is as good as mine! (:D

Semiramide (Rossini) Act 2 (most recent pod cast, click to listen)

Joan Sutherland (Semiramide); Giulietta Simionato (Arsace); Wladimiro Ganzarolli (Assur); Gianni Raimondi (Idreno); Ferruccio Mazzoli (Oroe); Giuseppe Bertinazzo (Mitrane); Manuela Bianchi Porro (Azema); Antonio Zerbini (L’ombra di Nino). Orchestra e coro del Teatro alla Scala; Gabriele Santini. Milano, Teatro alla Scala, 17 December 1962.
*http://www.parterre.com

TOSCA

Dressed rehearsal of "Tosca" at the Met

Once again, ladies & gentlemen, Katherine Jenkins...!

I've read many articles about Katherine Jenkins since she became one of the massively hit targets on Youtube. Most people hold critically negative opinion about Jenkins's vocal skill, while the rest think she is fortunate to processed such talent(and being so hot). Watch the clip and you'll be the judge of it.

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*Recital event update (November,2009):
Emily P. Bissell Hospital
Manor Care Health Service
Thank you for booking with Echo's volunteer recital program!

BrAVA

I guess this means I'm spending my next birthday in Philadelphia..? ;)

"FAMILY GUY"!

Ok...This is really funny! I think "Family Guy" is hilarious, well, most of the time. (Sometimes they are just flat out inappropriate.) Let's hope Meg is NOT talking out a tape on "Echo's recital";p

Diana Damarau performing "Glitter and be gay". I love her stage presence! So cheerful and so confident!

Jonas Kaufmann web site

Another point of view

Another point of view

"Katie and Pitark", leaving so soon...!

Quinn Composition 2009 production "Katie and Pitark" is going to put on the last show next week at the Rotunda. Kate (the real Kate) is preparing her next full length opera for the 2010 Fringe Festival. Meanwhile, wanna take a guess at what her opera is going to be about? Science Fiction! :)

Tonight's recital

My recital went awesomely today :) The residents enjoyed the songs and were all so encouraging! Thanks to my lovely assistant, couldn't have done it without you! Although I was nervous at first, it took just a few minutes to find the support I needed.

Few things I have learned from the recital:
1. Always check your sheet music book in case there is a missing page.
2. Remember to press the "record" button if you brought your recorder.
3. A good pianist is vital.
4. Take some time and put yourself in the role before starting each aria.

My second recital is coming up soon, I will try to remember to record the singing next time :p

Cecelia Bartoli & Renee Fleming - Le Nozze di Figaro - Sull'aria

Just sublime!



Talking about support! I know it is sometime hard to watch Bartoli performing, because she's made so much use of her facial muscles. I am always told NOT to do the something. I think whatever works for an artist is whatever she/he outta do :) Like what Larry David says "whatever works!"

Così fan tutte on water??

Delaware Valley Company!

I'm auditioning for Delaware Valley Company!

Definitively keep this date in mind.

Dear friend of mine, kate and John will be performing "Katie and Pitark" next week, be there to support the local artists! The ticket proceeds will be donated to Fox Chase Cancer Research Center.

New subscriptions!!

Giulio Gari Tribute-La Traviata

Lucia Evangelista passed away in 2000. Her beautiful singing and elegant appearance will remain in people's heart.

Hildegard Behrens Dies.

Photo source-http://parterre.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/08/hildegard_behrens.jpg

Hildegard Behrens Biography

Hildegard Behrens was born in Varel, Germany. She graduated from the University of Freiburg as a junior barrister before becoming serious about her talents as a singer, studying at first with Ines Leuwen at the Freiburg Academy Of Music.

Her debut was as the Countess in The Marriage of Figaro in Freiburg in 1971 and the following year she became a member of the Deutsche Oper. On 15 October 1976 she made her American debut at the Metropolitan Opera in New York as Giorgetta in Il tabarro.

She began her musical career singing small roles at the Deutsche Oper am Rhein in Düsseldorf where she stayed for six years during which she graduated into bigger roles. Then in the 1975-76 season, while rehearsing Wozzeck, she was "discovered" by Herbert von Karajan, who was then looking for his new Salome. She was summoned to Berlin to audition for the role. Karajan liked what he heard and invited her to portray the role at the 1977 Salzburg Festival.

Behrens was the recipient of many awards - among them the highest civilian honors given by the Federal Republic of Germany (Bundesverdienstkreuz or Order of the Merit Cross of the Federal Republic) and by the state of Bavaria (the Bayerischer Verdienstorden), and the titles of Bayerische Kammersängerin and Österreichische Kammersängerin bestowed by the Bavarian State Opera and the Vienna State Opera respectively. In 1998, she received Denmark's most prestigious Leonie Sonning Music Prize and in 1999 the Vienna State Opera honored her with the Lotte Lehmann Ring, bequeathed to her by the late dramatic soprano Leonie Rysanek.



Hildegard Behrens died of an aortic aneurysm aged 72 in hospital in Tokyo, Japan.
Text source-http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hildegard_Behrens

Leontyne Price in Interview 2008 all four clips.

I hope this is helpful for people who are fond of Leontyne Price, and are looking for her 2008 interview. Price went through many difficult time. In spite of her skin color, her background and what people's general stereotypical view of a southern black woman was, she persevered and went on to a fabulous career. She destroyed those who wanted to see her fail, by excelling in her operatic and human skills.

Part 1


Part2


Part3


Part4

Be hold! I present you---

The forever angelic--Su mi Jo!

Leontyne Price in Interview 2008 2/4

I think she was 80 years old at the time of the interview, what an amazing spirit!

Best kept secret on Netflix!

Did you know Netflix has a HUGE selection on operas on DVD? You get to study the discs for as long as you need, then return it for a new opera in queue. I love the quality of the DVD because they are much less used and damaged. Netflix also provides many old documentaries of singers, composer and conductors, it's very inspiring!

Leontyne Price in Interview 2008 1/4

Leontyne Price in Interview 2008 1/4, this is the first part of the series. I found this quite helpful, maybe not on the technical point of view but it is certainly encouraging to emerging singers.

Rock Mozart!

Found this on Youtube, thought it is interesting:0

Keep the Date:

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*All recitals are organized as volunteer service to selected facilities. If you are interested in learning more about the volunteer recital program please email your contact information to:

dengsuni@gmail.com

Thank you!

Queen of the Night!

Diana Damrau in Die Zauberflöte as Queen of the Night.
She is actually quite attractive off stage!

A not-so-flattered sketch of Diva Sutherland. Forgive me, I just couldn't resist!

Beverly Sills, one of the few American sopranos made successful careers in Europe. Her god sent voice was one of the sources that inspired me to peruse a vocal career.

Il Mondo Della Luna!

Diane Paulus & "Il Mondo Della Luna" New Opera Production

"Il mondo della luna will run from January 19 – 28, 2010 at the Hayden Planetarium in the Rose Center for Earth and Space at the American Museum of Natural History." Information Source:http://parterre.com/

Joseph Haydn's Il mondo della luna

Remeber this? Classical meets digital!

The footage from "The Fifth Element"



Laura "disneydiva7" sings the song without digital manipulation. I am sure my instructors will shack their heads on this, but just a little fun maybe?

Renata Scotto "O Mio Babbino Caro"

Renata Scotto did the best "O Mio Babbino Caro"I have ever seen, although I haven't seen enough :) She is hilarious!

OPERA INFOMMERCIAL

Florence Foster Jenkins--If only I had her courage...

Florence Foster Jenkins, I think we all can learn something from this lady, especially in on-stage performance. She actually had annual recitals and preformed at Carnegie Hall. Was her "career" a joke? Or did she make it as a entertainer? The only thing I can tell is that she was completely confident.

"people may say I can't sing, but no one can ever say I didn't sing"

--Florence Foster Jenkins (1868-1944)

September Recital

Welcome! I will be putting my recital dates and related things on this blog from now on. My first recital is set (for now) in late August, there will be another recital in September. I don't have a time for either recital yet.