You’d be surprised what the Theater Workers Union (GdBA) has done for youeven if you’re not a member! Especially if you have a long term engagement (Festvertrag). They’ve won some important things in their new contract, which governs most opera houses in Germany and will improve both life and art. for singers Even if you’re …
It’s vacation time in Berlin. Schulferien, or just Ferien, and you can see it. Traffic is lighter. Some restaurants and shops are closed while their owners or employees take time off. Six weeks but remember the dates change every year almost everywhere in Germany so be sure to check in whichever Bundesland you might visit. …
Believe it or not it’s time to start thinking about NEXT summer and which programs might be right for you. Some of them may require a preliminary audition in the Fall so inform yourself now., especially while you have something to compare. Those of you in programs should start looking at them with a critical …
If you want an audition this Fall/Winter with ZAV, the state run employment agency for singers, NOW is the time to send your request. If you’re not going to be here about two months or more and if you’re really not ready to work in a theater singing roles and rehearsing don’t waste their time …
Today sunset is at 9.32 PM (21.32) and sunrise tomorrow is at 4.42 AM 04.42, a night of 7hrs 10 or a day of 16hrs. 50 minutes, which doesn’t even account for dusk and dawn, which add almost an hour and a half of light. It still amazes or appalls even the Germans! Tomorrow the …
Remember – you have to be very special to get jobs these days, so pick arias which demonstrate this. Match the arias to your strengths. which depend on your temperament and abilities. These may be dramatic or vocal or physical but it’s up to you to find your special magic in every piece you offer. …
Germans are often looking to cast specific roles, so offer the arias from pieces you are likely to get, not the ones you will get down the road! You’re debuttng aren’t you? So sing for the roles they’ll actually give you. They’re not going to start you with Manrico, Brunhilde or Butterfly. Unless you have …
I just chatted with a a ZAV agent and a couple of things stood out. First, the good news: if you’re really a LOW Bass they’re looking for you. Not a baritone with a sort of low extension. They know the difference so don’t think you can fake it, but if you’re the real deal …
Berlin has made it a holiday but not all of Germany. As you can see from the newspaper it was also a Thursday. My aunt was 24. It was the last thing I cleared out from her apartment, in the back of a closet.
I went to see Norma at the Berlin Staatsoper Unter den Linden and couldn’t take the bus from the Brandenburger Tor (Gate) station, where my local train stopped. There was a demonstration planned, and the police had blocked off the main drag, which is Unter den Linden (Under the Lindewn Trees). No bus, so we …