Tag der deutschen Einheit is tomorrow, October. 3. What’s that, you say? First, its a big holiday and a relatively new one. It celebrates the fall of the Berlin Wall-Der Mauer as it’s usually known here and the reunification that followed. We were there and watched in amazement: I was in Bern, singing Trovatore and …
The sun is now setting before 7 PM (19.00Uhr) and we’re losing several minutes od daylight per day. It’s getting downright chilly at night-into the 40’s (10 Celsius). Summer’s definitely over, so if you’re coming over bring those sweaters and a medium weight coat., preferably water resistant. Umbrellas are not too expensive here and even …
The top notch Summer Programs will be starting their auditions this Fall, so it’s a good idea to use what you’ve learned this past summer for next summer.Take a look and find the programs with coaches, teachers, and agents from top theaters and agencies. If you’re really ready for this level start thinking of repertoire …
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 …