Gathering at a recital at Manhattan School of Music

I attended a Masters degree recital for Yun Xie, a soprano who studied at Xinghai Conservatory in GZ with Yang Yan, the Head of Vocal  Studies.  Yun Xie currently is finishing her studies at Manhattan School of Music.  She sang a lovely program and was very, very committed in her interpretation of her music, which was nice to see.

What was delightful is that several audience members, also students from as far away as Boston, were there to listen.  One had been a young singer in a chorus when I performed in Rossini's Cinderella in Shanghai several years ago.  Another was in a Masterclass that I gave in Taipei, Taiwan.  Others from GZ also remembered me from my MasterClass teaching, one even mentioning his studies with CHU Tai Li, one of my teachers in Verona.

It was fun to banter in English and (my bad) Chinese with the young people, and to see their support and enthusiasm for their classmates.

2016 Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions

I was able to attend the Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions for young singers on 6 March (semi-finals) and finals on 13 March.  I have many good feelings but also some pragmatic comments that I think are necessary to share.   

Many of the singers were very young.  In fact, I was surprised how young the singers were.  I remember that the winners were usually around 30 years old or more.  Indeed, this is why the competition has an age limit of 32, I believe.  Why is this?  Because the older you are, the better singer you are.  Young singers show talent, but most young singers are not able to jump into a career, especially if they are in their early 20's.

The finals were very stressful for the nine finalists because they must sing with the MET orchestra, but get very little rehearsal.  I thought some of the singers were very polished in their presentation.  But here are some important points:

1.  Only three of the 9 finalists at this time had enough vocal potential to develop enough to 
     sing in a production at the MET.  Only one, the Korean baritone, had the voice now to 
     sing at the MET.

2.  Of the five winners, four had the basic languages necessary.

3.  Of the five winners, four had the basic style necessary.

I liked the Soprano who won, because she is on the verge of having a great voice and is only 24.  The Mezzo had no ringing sound in her voice, so if she develops, then she can be very good.  The young tenor showed polish and style, just needs time to develop.  The counter-tenor has a nice voice, almost big enough, and good style.

The Korean baritone was older and because of this his voice was more mature, but unfortunately his languages and style were bad both at the semi-finals and finals; he did not improve.  In a week, and in a competition of this type, you MUST improve, and eliminate mistakes.  If you can't do this, it shows that you are possibly not caring, or not smart enough.  People who run opera companies hear a voice like the baritone has, and they give him a chance.  But they usually only get one chance to do things right.

 This goes for all of us.  In the West, you don't get many second chances; you produce a quality product or you die, so to speak!

Le Nozze di Figaro at Xi'an Conservatory

I was able to spend a most of one wonderful month in Xi'an at the Conservatory, helping them to prepare for performances of Le Nozze di Figaro by W. A. Mozart.  I am excited that they are taking on this big challenge which will benefit students and teachers.

Presenting an opera is a big project and takes cooperation from so many people.  The benefits are that over time as a school or Conservatory will have another way to evaluate their best singers and performers.  It gives the students to use their mind in a different way to create not only musically, but dramatically.  I guarantee that the students will figure out quickly how to act,, sing, and  perform.  As a teacher it is always gratifying to see students grow and understand that reaching for perfection is also very satisfying.  I am excited to see the performances in a few short weeks.

Master Classes in Kunming and Xi'an

It has been a busy two weeks with Master Classes in Kunming and Xi'an.  I must say that I have enjoyed both cities and the experience a great deal.  I was impressed with the lovely, helpful people, history, beautiful weather and food!  I was also very happy with the talent in both cities.

When I go to a city I always think, "can this city present an opera?".   The reason I think this is because I am a singer and want to spread Western Opera anywhere I can. I think if a city has an opera company or regular performances through the local university or conservatory, it gives students or local professionals a goal to reach. Through this goal they must keep working to improve their abilities. It gives them performances.  It gives them hope.

I was impressed with the local singers and pianists in Kunming: the university also has some very talented faculty.   I think the Conservatory in Xi'an is very forward looking and is committed, through their fine faculty, to truly support their students.  I enjoyed the talent level there and the interaction with the wonderful faculty.

I will go train singers in Italy next month for two weeks.  I enjoy very much mentoring and helping young students.  I hope through my experiences in China and my international experience that I can continue to try to find opportunities for them.

True Artists

In the past week I have seen two of the top mezzo sopranos singing today in concert; Joyce DiDonato in Hong Kong and Elina Garanca in Guangzhou.  What I have appreciated is not only their fine voices, but their style, musicianship, and how the characters they portray become so clear to us as a listener.

As young singers, and other mere mortal professionals, we worry about our sound, our technique, but are we truly understanding how many other facets of performing are also important.   Don't get me wrong, I love loud, healthy singing! But when we get a 'total package' of pianissimo, thundering high notes, a phrase properly on the breath and presented with feeling, understanding, and a committed choice of presentation, we then are listening to a true artist.

I was able to hear two such artists this week.