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New York State of Mind, Part 1
As everyone in my life knows, I am mad for opera…whether singing opera or attending opera. This started when I was about 13, and was taken to my first opera, Puccini’s Tosca, by my beloved Aunt Jeanette and Uncle Ross. I will never forget that experience, at the Fox Theatre in Atlanta, back when the Metropolitan…
Read MoreStudio Winners
On Saturday, April 15, my student soprano Kelly Collins, a senior at the Derryfield School in Manchester, NH, won second place in the state-wide NATS High School Festival Competition. Kelly has studied voice regularly with me since her sophomore year, and her vocal technique, knowledge of repertoire and language, and – most important – her expressiveness and…
Read MoreThe Next Best Job in Opera if You’re Not Onstage
Last weekend, I heard a very interesting piece on WNYC ‘s informative program, “On the Media”. This episode was part of their “Day Jobs” series. I tuned in halfway through the program and was entranced by a young woman’s beautiful voice speaking about opera. Thanks to online streaming (!), I was able to listen to the entire 9…
Read MoreThe Quilting Bee
This may come as a big surprise to many of my friends and acquaintances, but I love quilting. I have always enjoyed various crafts, mainly involving textiles…long, LONG ago, I did decoupage (messy); then cross-stitch (tiny Christmas ornaments and finger towels – basically useless); yarn crafts (no, not knitting…never picked that up – I’m referring…
Read MoreIt’s that time again…Met HD broadcast of Dvorak’s “Rusalka” on 2/25
Here I am again, nagging everyone to take advantage of the so-enjoyable Live in HD Met broadcasts. This Saturday, 25 February, is Dvorak’s Rusalka, which is “roughly” the story of The Little Mermaid, a water sprite who falls in love with a human prince and appeals to a witch to turn her into a mortal human. This…
Read MoreLegendary Soprano Leontyne Price Turns 90 Today
Leontyne Price is considered one of the greatest operatic sopranos of all time, and indisputably the most accomplished black woman in opera history. This world renowned icon and legend turns 90 today. She was a superstar at New York’s Metropolitan Opera and worldwide. One cannot begin to scratch the surface in exploring her talents, accomplishments, and…
Read MoreJanice’s Fantasy Trip to Bayreuth, Which Became a Reality in the Summer of 2008
Here is a personal account of my fabulous vacation in Germany. I hope this will give you a taste of my experience. My reflections cover both the artistic (the music and singing) and the logistical (getting there/being there/returning) aspects, and as you will see, I switch gears without warning! So sit back and enjoy… …
Read Moreoops….more from Uffizi…
I didn’t realize that I had downloaded more photos. Here goes: Very bad photo of Botticelli’s “The Birth of Venus”…one of the most famous paintings in the world.Two by Caravaggio. First, the head of Medusa (painted on a shield)…this is supposedly at the moment Perseus lopped off her head, snakes still writhing. Bacchus, god of…
Read Morebusy, busy week….
Since I have been feeling so much better, I have had the energy for a lot of singing, practicing, and sight-seeing. Thank you to everyone who has sent “feel better, Janice” messages.I believe we left off prior to last Saturday’s trip to Firenze (Florence), which Jack had never seen and was very keen on arranging a…
Read Morehang in there…new posts coming soon…
It has been a very hectic week what with performances and the Jennifer Larmore master classes, which have been amazing.There have also been a couple of “farewell dinners” for participants leaving early, so let’s factor in the partying!Tonight I hope to post catch-ups and photos regarding: Uffizi Jennifer Larmore so….stay tuned!PS – I am feeling…
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