Agents comment that some singers who spent a couple of years studying remotely have forgotten what it’s like to fill a large space with sound and are inaudible in auditions. Some of it is purely physical. If you’re one of these you can remedy it by practicing in large spaces like churches or auditoriums. Some …
From the Met Auditions, YAPs and waiting tables…to a singing life in Germany! How determination, grit, a plan and flexibility led to Cherubino, Carmen, Berlioz, Hänsel, Valkyries and Norns with a regular paycheck and benefits. Full of insights and useful tips, Emily Lorini, mezzo-soprano, tells us how she went from her successful but part-time American …
The big news for the upcoming season is that total German opera performances are currently projected to be down to 4,300 from over 6,000 pre pandemic. While this number may rise as theaters complete their planning I have heard that some theaters are indeed cutting back. Nevertheless this is still far ahead of the rest …
Theaters often wait until the last minute to cast. That’s usually May or June, but sometimes they even wait until the beginning of the Season (Spielzeit) in September and are desperate ! So while it can be early in the game for most,, September can be prime time for getting a contract, for a production …
I’ve always been mystified by the fact that I and my wife, who is a coach/accompanist, seem to have approach physical therapy and athletic endeavor differently than most people. I get that people in our business have physical demands and training which make them more aware of their bodies but I couldn’t figure out the …
Summer vacation is coming to an end. It doesn’t happen all at once and the more southern cities of Stuttgart and München are always the last, ending on September 9 and 11, respectively Those are the Bundesländer of Baden Würtemberg and Bayern. Meanwhile, Nordrhein-Westfallen, where Cologne/Köln is located has been back in business since the …
As you prepare for your trip to Germany for fall audition opportunities, it is important to keep in mind that the German system is still greatly affected by the aftershock of the Covid-19 pandemic as well as the continued attack on Ukraine. There is a greater amount (more than usual) of fine Ukrainian and Russian …
The Effects From The War In Ukraine & Covid-19 On Performance Opportunities & Auditions. Read More »
I just had a nice chat with one of my longtime agent friends and received an informative email from another, both at ZAV (Zentrale Auslands und Fachvermittlung / Central Foreign and Professional Placement). They had lots to say, not only about the mechanics of applying for an audition at ZAV, but also about how things are today …
Don’t Wait! The Time Is NOW To Apply For The Fall 2023 ZAV Auditions! Read More »
The incredibly complete listing of every department and every employee of every German theater has ceased publication. The familiar red cover and black lettering will no longer list every stage hand, secretary , administrator, chorus member, costume designer-past and present-solo singer whether guest or fest,, prompter umsoweiter anew each year in what was known as “Die große Addressebuch’: the …
20 April: The Children’s Opera Orchestra gives its first concert at FESTTAGE 2019 under the musical direction of Daniel Barenboim and Max Renne – with Rolando Villazón and Serena Sáenz as soloists. On 20 April at 11 a.m. the Children’s Opera Orchestra will make its debut at the FESTTAGE in the Great Hall of the …
Opera for Kids and Grownups at the Staatsoper Berlin Read More »