tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1024899513575504223.comments2024-03-18T01:28:53.328-04:00Opera Singing in Germany and other adventures....Juliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12742039806015286388noreply@blogger.comBlogger106125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1024899513575504223.post-54754055118897013202017-09-16T14:58:27.647-04:002017-09-16T14:58:27.647-04:00Absolutely right! That's so true about rehears...Absolutely right! That's so true about rehearsal schedules being incredibly difficult and needing to learn at least Italian, French and German conversationally- so true! IPA is really only the beginning of what you need to sound like in order to be singing professionally- I totally agree! And I do think it helps too in with communicating with Conductors in Europe especially since in Italy, France and Germany in the smaller houses you'll be better off if you're speaking the language, though sometimes I think Conductors speak a different language altogether that only they understand ;) lol.Juliahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12742039806015286388noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1024899513575504223.post-77480609293147243932016-05-27T11:07:24.946-04:002016-05-27T11:07:24.946-04:00Hi Kasia!,
Totally- I totally agree with you. And ...Hi Kasia!,<br />Totally- I totally agree with you. And I think it's this kind of boring old repetition and predictability of performance that you're right- does make the audience members bored with our art. I mean, who wouldn't be? In all things we must evolve and change and most importantly, be true to our own experience of them. So, yeah- I'm SO glad that you feel the same way (being a fellow singer that I very much admire and appreciate in your artistry and opinions in all things musical and otherwise). :) <br /><br />Also, you're right- oftentimes people who are working in this business seem to relish the chance to put us singers down whenever they can in often very malicious ways. It's sad that we let them get away with this behavior all too often. We should take control of our power more in the industry as Singers- without us who'd do the singing? :) I hope we can all remember this more often- I know I am surely going to after this experience!<br /><br />As always, thank you dearest Kasia, so very much for your thoughtful and astute comments and taking the time to share your opinions. It helps myself and all the other readers so very greatly! :) Wishing you all the best!!Juliahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12742039806015286388noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1024899513575504223.post-70413539182515062592016-01-09T14:31:23.261-05:002016-01-09T14:31:23.261-05:00Yeah, listen to your instincts Julia - you are a f...Yeah, listen to your instincts Julia - you are a fine artist and at this point - trust in yourself. I completely agree that we have to make new, honest and original interpretations of all art songs - I mean, how many thousands of singers have already tried to copy the Fischer-Diskau approach for Christ's sake?? It's that kind of mindset that makes outsiders from the classical music world beg for musical theater (and I love musical theater too)! <br /><br />For many of these people at these not-for-profit organizations, it's the highlight of their year to sit in on auditions and tell singers how WRONG they are. It makes these people feel powerful and important. <br />Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02121741400421365161noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1024899513575504223.post-34280266825534229072015-11-06T13:52:41.790-05:002015-11-06T13:52:41.790-05:00Love it Julia! Wonderful assortment of advice and ...Love it Julia! Wonderful assortment of advice and so well written and explained. You should write a book! Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02121741400421365161noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1024899513575504223.post-50204548349284122842015-06-26T01:24:59.362-04:002015-06-26T01:24:59.362-04:00Hey,
Great information I got here. I've been r...Hey,<br />Great information I got here. I've been reading about this topic. I found it here in your blog. I had a great time reading this.<br />Regards<br /><a href="http://kimfranca.com/" rel="nofollow">Vocal Lessons Franklin TN</a>Alexhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10420271060669487692noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1024899513575504223.post-46976722326997221212015-03-04T21:46:44.571-05:002015-03-04T21:46:44.571-05:00Great interview! Love your blog and can't wait...Great interview! Love your blog and can't wait to read more :)Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1024899513575504223.post-14838007541146659562014-07-18T07:37:08.225-04:002014-07-18T07:37:08.225-04:00At the moment I'm singing nowhere permanently-...At the moment I'm singing nowhere permanently- such is the freelance singer's lot. I've got some potential engagments in the works for next year (concerts), and I'm applying like mad for everything that does seem to be appropriate. Why, do you have an idea of someone who could hire me? ;) If so, tell me more!! And, hope you're enjoying the blog and thanks for your comment! :) <br /><br />To update this particular post- the audition that I wrote about here was the first, and also last chorus audition that I have had in Germany, because for more times than I can count, I have sent in applications for chorus positions (in the professional choirs- BR, WRD, SR) and they've never invited me to audition. To which I was informed by a conductor and coach friend that I most likely never will be invited because my voice is too specific fach-wise (normally they're looking for lyric sopranos, apparently) and it's too unique sounding (so, it was a bad idea I guess to send an audio CD with sample tracks on it, lol) so it won't blend the way they'd need/like it to. So, that is the end of chorus jobs for me- it will be solely solo jobs from here on out! :) Juliahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12742039806015286388noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1024899513575504223.post-45729108860609973252014-06-08T13:24:01.075-04:002014-06-08T13:24:01.075-04:00May I ask... Where are you singing right now?May I ask... Where are you singing right now?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1024899513575504223.post-84056438093701634962013-04-14T10:35:37.782-04:002013-04-14T10:35:37.782-04:00#6 looks fabulous and will be remembered. It is a ...#6 looks fabulous and will be remembered. It is a perfect fit.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1024899513575504223.post-5557973707722201942012-09-12T05:10:50.885-04:002012-09-12T05:10:50.885-04:00Hi Taz! :) Really cute nickname by the way--I app...Hi Taz! :) Really cute nickname by the way--I approve, even if it doesn't really suit your personality :P<br /><br />Very glad that this resonated with you and wow- I've been reading about your adventures too on lj and your other older blog and wow- amazing! I can imagine it's hard to get a bit of 'distance' in that situation too, so- more power to ya for making it work and being able to enjoy it and consistently do your best--I know we performers always give a bit too much and then forget to recuperate afterwards so..yeah. :) Sending a big hug your way!!!Juliahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12742039806015286388noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1024899513575504223.post-56867692291753842262012-09-11T13:29:20.520-04:002012-09-11T13:29:20.520-04:00It's been a while since I've read your blo...It's been a while since I've read your blog...gotta catch up!<br /><br />I know exactly what you mean here. Thank you for sharing your adventures, personal and impersonal. I really enjoy that you can look inward and outward at the same time, and share that perspective :)Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1024899513575504223.post-81208539259593263212012-01-24T02:22:50.200-05:002012-01-24T02:22:50.200-05:00Interesting and. It important information is reall...Interesting and. It important information is really beneficial for us. ThanksSign Designhttp://www.valleysigninstallation.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1024899513575504223.post-14072544693032325702012-01-18T16:02:45.450-05:002012-01-18T16:02:45.450-05:00Another brilliant friend and internationally known...Another brilliant friend and internationally known Opera singer, Charles Reid, had the following to say in response to this blog post (also reposted from my FB page): <br /><br />In my experience, it's not really about the warm up (exercise), but about executing it well. Any warm up is dangerous when done incorrectly...or helpful for stretching when well. The same is true in a gym lifting weights. It's less about the exercise, more about the form. Singers who are giving back don't feel like they are being secretive. They are almost always giving advice along the way...for free. But I can see how it looks that way when you aren't coming into contact with them.<br /><br />Thinking about it more, usually when a singer won't offer advice, it's out of fear of messing someone else up. The greater skill is learning to filter the vast amounts of input that comes your way and choosing what to consider, and what to ignore.Juliahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12742039806015286388noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1024899513575504223.post-56585995061503537322012-01-18T15:15:10.326-05:002012-01-18T15:15:10.326-05:00To which I have the following to say to make us th...To which I have the following to say to make us think further about these interesting quandries Jorell brought up:<br /><br />It is definitely nowadays like you said Jorell, becoming more 'Corporate' and 'Mechanical: I can see evidence of that happening when I look at how few fans nowadays actually feel a personal connection to the performers of Opera. They simply do not care as much as they did when Callas and Sutherland were in their prime, it seems. And I think that is mainly because the artists are marketed in a too-lofty way. It is nearly impossible for an audience member to get a sense of the 'real person' behind the gigantic 'artist' image that the publicists and opera houses encourage and inflate on purpose. They seem to think that this will make us as 'artists' exclusive, therefore increasing ticket sales and intriguing the public to come see what/who we 'really are' when we perform. However, do they really see that when we 'perform'? No. To my mind, they see maybe only a very veiled version of our real selves, because we have to filter it through the 'concept' of each production as given to us by the stage director. And, by the nature of acting, we can never truly be ourselves- we must also be whatever version of the 'character' we feel we are portraying, otherwise, we'd be 'ourselves' but rather one-dimensional if we performed everything like we're singing the same role each time.<br /><br />Secondly, there are many times at which I have also thought, why didn't the singers before me talk about a., b., or c., about which I now have a question, and could use a good answer. For the most part, it seems to me that perhaps the questions we still have about the operatic career field itself are modern questions- ones that they may have never asked themselves, simply because the answer might have been more clear to them when they lived and sung. For example: it has probably been only a very recent phoenomenon that a singer (male or female) could even imagine that they'd have the money or the ability to take their families with them as they travel around the world for their singing engagements. Or, back then it also might have been easier to schedule 'vocal rest time' because people didn't expect them to sing so much during the year (in such drastically different places, and so quickly one after the other, and drrastically different repertoire night after night).<br /><br />One thing that I know you've hit on the head is that opera singers have always had the help of other people (family, friends, fans, teachers, musical colleagues, business colleagues) to make their careers and lives a success, and I think that that is still a very important way for us to go about living, even though many things have gotten easier nowadays in comparison to the past 100, 50, 25 and even 10 years in the career.<br /><br />I do think, though, that there will be a craft for us to develop into in the coming decades. It would probably take much more than a ton of relatively moral-poor people to snuff out something as great and worthy to be shared as opera and opera singing. Maybe that's my optimism talking, but you know, it's simply too important to too many people who really do care about it and do it with heart (like you and me, for starters) who honestly would probably jump in front of the figurative 'bus' before seeing that occur. OR, at the very least, write blog posts where we espouse higher views and hope that others will listen and care..... and change accordingly. ;)Juliahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12742039806015286388noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1024899513575504223.post-35520633975229279552012-01-18T05:51:49.304-05:002012-01-18T05:51:49.304-05:00Note: If you enjoyed reading the above, then you w...Note: If you enjoyed reading the above, then you will certainly enjoy reading the book more than you can imagine! Therefore, if you've not already purchased it, I'd suggest that you get a move on- although it's also available in Kindle format, it's not going to stay on the shelves forever, people! :) You can click on this link<br /><br /> http://www.amazon.com/Don-Juan-Hankey-Gale-Martin/dp/1935961403/ref=cm_cr_pr_pb_t<br /><br />to go directly to Amazon.com and purchase the book which Gale Martin has so lovingly and wonderfully crafted for those of us musical people who love opera, its plots, its intrigues and its insane characters!Juliahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12742039806015286388noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1024899513575504223.post-4408827133311340362012-01-15T05:41:24.488-05:002012-01-15T05:41:24.488-05:00My brilliant friend Jorell Williams had the follow...My brilliant friend Jorell Williams had the following to say (and I'm reposting his thoughts here from my FB page): <br /><br />I just fell in love again! We think alike, and it's just so interesting how our profession is slowly slipping into a "Corporate/Mechanical" type of Art Form. I wish there was a way to sneak into the hallway when the greats would warm up (Maybe it would help me figure out my high notes) or even have a conversation about how to manage a family full time while having a career FULL TIME! So many secrets out there, it's so unfruitful to our develpment and growth as artists. At some point, they will have to step out of the spotlight and watch us shine (hopefully). Will it take the "retirement" of these greats to reach the heights of knowledge that they have obtained? I am sure that they had help along the way. With our Generation full of Money Hungry, Machine driven, and (some) insightful ways of teaching, will there even be a craft for us to develop into?Juliahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12742039806015286388noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1024899513575504223.post-10478060663021820662012-01-15T05:40:14.616-05:002012-01-15T05:40:14.616-05:00@ Verunka: I agree- I love her too (because her pu...@ Verunka: I agree- I love her too (because her public persona is not so.....tainted somehow) and anyway, you're right- what a brave decision, but a wise one, I think too- to help others going through the same thing. A generous choice on her part. Thanks for bringing it up!Juliahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12742039806015286388noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1024899513575504223.post-63044510800662229272012-01-14T11:06:49.938-05:002012-01-14T11:06:49.938-05:00Julia, there is one singer who I love, Natalie Des...Julia, there is one singer who I love, Natalie Dessay, she has videos on YouTube of her going into surgery for her nodes. It is amazing that she chose to share it.:)Verunka Vlkovahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01125189110456069275noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1024899513575504223.post-86098675499828890992012-01-14T09:23:47.342-05:002012-01-14T09:23:47.342-05:00In response to two great comments that I got on th...In response to two great comments that I got on this post through my facebook account, I'd like to also mention the following posts and then give my thoughts on what they brought up as great points to this ever-expanding conversation.<br /><br />So, keep reading below!Juliahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12742039806015286388noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1024899513575504223.post-68894587460668270742011-12-12T03:52:34.322-05:002011-12-12T03:52:34.322-05:00Hi Daniel,
Of course, yes- no problem! There's...Hi Daniel,<br />Of course, yes- no problem! There's absolutely no rush.<br />Yours truly,<br />JuliaJuliahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12742039806015286388noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1024899513575504223.post-88936429554739979732011-12-11T17:49:54.494-05:002011-12-11T17:49:54.494-05:00Hi Julia, I like meeting fellow singers too but I ...Hi Julia, I like meeting fellow singers too but I don' t have concrete dates yet in Deutschland, I 'll let you know when my auditioons there take place and maybe we can meet in person, do you live there all the year long? Best Wishes <br />DanielAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1024899513575504223.post-83158023029992134282011-12-11T06:25:22.179-05:002011-12-11T06:25:22.179-05:00Hi Daniel!,
I'm glad that you have found some ...Hi Daniel!,<br />I'm glad that you have found some help in reading my blog for your singing experience- that is why I decided to create it in the first place- to help fellow singers who were interested in making a career out of opera.<br /><br />I wish you the best of luck, and I hope that if you're in Germany some time soon you will contact me and we can try to meet in person- as I like meeting fellow singers! Keep up the good work and toi toi toi!<br />Yours truly,<br />JuliaJuliahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12742039806015286388noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1024899513575504223.post-65082107093558896712011-12-10T16:42:00.120-05:002011-12-10T16:42:00.120-05:00Hellow Julia, I have just reading your wonderfull ...Hellow Julia, I have just reading your wonderfull post and I fond it very interesting, especially because I'm professional opera singer too (tenor), and I'm lookng for an audition for ZAV. Your post help me a lot! I' ll try to find you in facebook, my name is Daniel Rey-Grimau and I' m now living in Madrid Spain. Best regards, and thank youAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1024899513575504223.post-81403332887804483512011-12-02T07:37:13.572-05:002011-12-02T07:37:13.572-05:00That totally pisses me off, too, when people have ...That totally pisses me off, too, when people have no patience and lay on the horn or tailgate. Funny, I usually end up giving them the bird, too. It makes me REALLY mad when people can't be civil on the road. I don't know if I would've handled it any differently than you. Sorry you had to go through that.Gale Martinhttp://galemartin.menoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1024899513575504223.post-61311871795849155772011-11-29T12:15:48.964-05:002011-11-29T12:15:48.964-05:00Thanks Gale! ;) Your support is so wonderful, and ...Thanks Gale! ;) Your support is so wonderful, and I am so glad that you liked the photos---I will keep you posted on whether or not they're successful in getting me hired more frequently! ;) I have a feeling they're more me than my older ones though, so that's a good sign.Juliahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12742039806015286388noreply@blogger.com