Ain't that the TRUTH??
Friday, November 2, 2012
Saturday, October 27, 2012
About last night...
Last night's Le Nozze di Figaro was somewhat an expected pleasure mixed with unexpected disappointment.
Sunday, October 7, 2012
Ah....October is the month of Cookie (with one bite to it)!
The legendary Dame, Marilyn Horn sings the "famous cookie aria" in Sesame Street.
As far as the audition goes, I'll be making my demo at Sean Swinney Studio in mid town. Sean (who is super nice) was recommend to me by two friends and other singers as well. At the moment I'm working on "o luce di quest'anima" to complete the list of repertoire, so there's still a lot to do! I think I might have a heart attack if I do somehow get accepted to the conservatory, since one of the greatest opera singers (to me) Anna Moffo studied there in the 40's...this is all very exciting but let's calm down and focus now =)
As far as the audition goes, I'll be making my demo at Sean Swinney Studio in mid town. Sean (who is super nice) was recommend to me by two friends and other singers as well. At the moment I'm working on "o luce di quest'anima" to complete the list of repertoire, so there's still a lot to do! I think I might have a heart attack if I do somehow get accepted to the conservatory, since one of the greatest opera singers (to me) Anna Moffo studied there in the 40's...this is all very exciting but let's calm down and focus now =)
Saturday, September 29, 2012
Greetings from the best season of all~
As explained in the title of this post, you can probably tell that I love Autumn. I love the brisk mornings and the scent of burning wood; the birds chirping for their friends flown south; and most of all, seeing my loved ones wrapped in the long scarfs that I knitted... The Fringe show was a great experience -- I was fortunate to work with a group of amazing and
talented singers, dancers and accompanist. It was also my first Sister
role, hoping to do more in the future.
Singing opera is hard, singing opera and have a life at the same time is even harder (though not impassible), even though opera as an art form comes form life, mythology and historical events. Opera is a serious business which especially requires tremendous skill from the singers. Often opera singers are perceived as "people who can sing", but the truth is so much more beyond just being able to reiterate notes on stage. A good opera singer is a conscious musician, a qua-lingualist; an actor and a hard working bastard. In this profession, no one will let you on easy, or care about your tears and personal issues -- the show must go on with or without you. Generally, opera singers must be able to sing Italian, German, French, English repertoires (hence the "Qua-lingualist"), more the better of course. In the older days, the requirement for the singer's physical appearance was a lot more forgiving, that is not the case today. With HD TV making its way into theaters, now audiences can see each and every flaw. The old fashion "big lady wearing Horn" phenomenon is no longer common on bigger stages (I guess the show never ends then?). However, since I am a coloratura, I will never get to wear the horn (darn it!). I'm one of the "inas" (Zarlina, Babarina, Gretelina (ha!)...etc.)
Bottom line, it's a tough business but people can still make it in today's world. A mother is willing to do anything for her children, so should the singers, who must treat their work with patience and passion, and most of all -- confidence. Never let anyone tell you that you "can't" do something (unless the conductor), just do it for yourself. My dear mother, a tough, independent woman (with wicked sense of humor) who raised a family all by herself, is working on getting her MD degree today, that is remarkable, especially when there was (and still is) so much resistance to this path. In the years of accumulative work, she never gave up just because someone or something is in her way. My field is not nearly as frustrating as hers (I still get to practice in the shower!), but the world can always use a good doctor and a good opera singer :)
So chin up and keep up with that breathing exercise and seemingly boring scales singers, they are the foundation to success!
What makes good opera singing? Dedicated to my fellow singers.
Singing opera is hard, singing opera and have a life at the same time is even harder (though not impassible), even though opera as an art form comes form life, mythology and historical events. Opera is a serious business which especially requires tremendous skill from the singers. Often opera singers are perceived as "people who can sing", but the truth is so much more beyond just being able to reiterate notes on stage. A good opera singer is a conscious musician, a qua-lingualist; an actor and a hard working bastard. In this profession, no one will let you on easy, or care about your tears and personal issues -- the show must go on with or without you. Generally, opera singers must be able to sing Italian, German, French, English repertoires (hence the "Qua-lingualist"), more the better of course. In the older days, the requirement for the singer's physical appearance was a lot more forgiving, that is not the case today. With HD TV making its way into theaters, now audiences can see each and every flaw. The old fashion "big lady wearing Horn" phenomenon is no longer common on bigger stages (I guess the show never ends then?). However, since I am a coloratura, I will never get to wear the horn (darn it!). I'm one of the "inas" (Zarlina, Babarina, Gretelina (ha!)...etc.)
Bottom line, it's a tough business but people can still make it in today's world. A mother is willing to do anything for her children, so should the singers, who must treat their work with patience and passion, and most of all -- confidence. Never let anyone tell you that you "can't" do something (unless the conductor), just do it for yourself. My dear mother, a tough, independent woman (with wicked sense of humor) who raised a family all by herself, is working on getting her MD degree today, that is remarkable, especially when there was (and still is) so much resistance to this path. In the years of accumulative work, she never gave up just because someone or something is in her way. My field is not nearly as frustrating as hers (I still get to practice in the shower!), but the world can always use a good doctor and a good opera singer :)
So chin up and keep up with that breathing exercise and seemingly boring scales singers, they are the foundation to success!
Thursday, September 6, 2012
Last rehearsal! Philadelphia Fringe Festival
Sephro The Vengeance (by Fantasy Weavers)
This will be my second Philly Fringe experience, this year I am both sister Samantha on stage as well as the graphic projection director for the opera. The photos below are from the final dress rehearsal, what a fun night everybody:) The opening is Saturday September 8th at 7pm; and Sunday, September 9th at 3pm (matinee).
The crew would like to thank Kate, John and Dorothy for creating and directing this opera; and a special thanks to my husband Steve, for helping the graphic projection :) Thanks you guys!
The crew would like to thank Kate, John and Dorothy for creating and directing this opera; and a special thanks to my husband Steve, for helping the graphic projection :) Thanks you guys!
*Tickets can be purchased here.
Thursday, August 30, 2012
What is your Fach?
RISD grad Seth MacFarlane and Anna-Jane Casey perform Seven and a Half Cents - BBC Proms 2012
I've always been very impressed with Macfarlane's vocal ability, whether it is him doing multiparty characters with total distinctive style on Family Guy, or belting something out like this live. Everyone should go and get a Placement exam, you might be surprised:)
Friday, August 17, 2012
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ESVA!
