Sunday, February 27, 2011

Our Hats are Off To You, Reneta Scotto!

Why do we sing? Is it for the fame? Is it for the spot light? Nein, it is because we simply love to sing, whether in shower, or on stage. The spot light, however, is good for pushing you to prefect the technique...

Reneta Scotto is legendary in the world of opera singers and fans. She is simply...sensational. The night at Hunter college began with a series montage of her childhood, young adulthood, first performance to eventually singing and coaching at the Met. When she was an under study for Maria Callas, she already had a solid technique, needing for a break point. In one occasion, she did, and made the over night sensation among opera fans. Not everyone is a fan of opera, but it's very hard to not love Scotto as a person; she is daring-not afraid to express herself, and certainly not a stage stiff. She is saturated with charm, wit and down-to-earth-ness. On top of all that, she is funny. Of course, there were plenty of Scotto's family and friends thee to show support, plus Placido Domigo, who came up stage to chat with the women he sang many times on stage with. Together they shared memories, sentiments, as colleagues, fiends, peers,as well as tachers of each other. The audience shared several clips of Scotto's performance, including a audition recording of her very first audition, where she was told "you have a voice, but you should really go back to play with you dolls...". Luckily, she didn't, or we won't have these moments---
Otello, Ave Maria


La Bohème, Si mi chiamano Mimì

My current vocal coach,a lovely lovely person who gave me tremendous support,was the personal assistant for Ms. Scotto for years. She speaks very highly of Ms. Scotto, in terms of her high integrity and standard. I would die to see them working together again!

Friday, February 25, 2011

Hansel Und Suni!

Suni is singing as Gretel in "Hansel Und Gretel" by Engelbert Humperdinck in the upcoming NY opera studio in the Spring~~Yeeeah. After singing as one of the "dead" boys in "Die Zaubert Flote", I'm finally singing as a lady ( well, sort of.) What I really would love to sing is the Witch's part (always the best). So excited!

Thursday, February 24, 2011

Renata Scotto- Hunter college, NY

This weekend, the Metropolitan legendary soprano, Renata Scotto will "...be onstage to share rare video clips of her performances, including a new biography. She will discuss her life and career with Paul Gruber. A number of Scotto's fellow artists will join us in honoring this remarkable woman..."
Renata Scotto is one of my favorite sopranos, (it's obvious that I have many favorites :D). Scotto is full of life and emotion when she is on stage (off stage, as well). And she is just so down to earth, so giving to the opera world and young artists.
it's hard not to like her!!



Will report later about it!

Wednesday, February 2, 2011

"Nixson in China" Met premiere tonight


You can't really get much more "East meets West" than this. Written by American composer John Adams in 1987, the opera depicts President Richard Nixon's visit to China in 1972. At the time, China was still very hesitant to opening its door to the world. People lived simpler lives, wore plain color clothes, and wanted nothing to do with capitalism. Till this day, if you ask any Americans about China, they would probably tell you it's an old, big country and they love the food. Well, to really know a place, you have to go there, just as to really know a person, you have to get to the person. Nixon's visit was the first formal communication between the two countries. The opera is making its premiere at the Met tonight. I'm curious as to what the reviews will be like tomorrow, or late tonight.

ESVA!