February 2017 Update! 

Finally!!

 

It’s been a busy time for me and now, from beautiful Boise, I finally have a chance to catch my breath and catch up with my “blog” too!  Julia and I are together to celebrate Valentine’s Day, albeit a bit late!

Some news:

Last fall, Naxos released a wonderful recording of Stravinsky’s Les Noces that I performed in under the incredible JoAnn Falletta with the Virginia Arts Festival.  The CD is easily available on ITunes and through Amazon and I hope that everyone can give it a listen.  Honestly, I have probably never worked so hard on a piece in my life.  After all that work, it is very rewarding to hear the fruits of our labor!      http://naxosdirect.com/items/stravinsky-the-soldiers-tale-suite-octet-les-noces-363935

 

The Messiah I performed under Robert Shoup with the Virginia Symphony in December was sure a lot of fun.  I’ve been singing Messiah for many years, perhaps more than any other work, and, it never loses its appeal and grandeur.  This time, I was even asked to sing some of the choral parts.  We had a great time!  I also made a trip to North Dakota (my first time ever) to judge the Met auditions.  I always enjoy hearing the incredible talent of the up and coming singers and salute all the volunteers who make these auditions possible.

The experience of directing Poulenc’s “I Dialoghi della Carmelitane” with the La Musica Lirica opera training program in Nova Feltria, Italy last summer will always be one of the highlights of my career.  With my dear friend of many years, Music Director, Jeffrey Price, and with an amazing cast and crew from all over North America, we all lived, through the art of great music, the tragedy and pain of the  Martyrs of Compiègne, the Carmelite nuns who gave their lives at the time of the Reign of Terror.  I’ll never forget our last performance in Nova Feltria when we met members of a communal order living in Italy today.  Thinking back on that night, words simply fail me.  Thank you cast, thank you Poulenc, thank you La Musica Lirica!

I made several trips to Winter Park last year to perform with my wonderful friends at the Bach Festival Society of Winter Park.  Under the direction of Dr. John Sinclair, the festival features first rate artistry with friends that have become some of my dearest in the business.  I’m excited to be heading back in the fall for a Verdi Requiem!!

I also got to hook up with Maestro Carl St.Clair once again for a Beethoven 9th Symphony as part of Pacific Symphony’s Chinese New Year celebration!  Great times!!

I’m writing from Boise, where I am performing the role of Cavaradossi with Opera Idaho.  Special thanks to the wonderful Eleni Calenos (our amazing Tosca) for making me aware that the company was presenting Puccini’s Tosca and to Mark Junkert for giving me the opportunity to perform my favorite role!  I’ve met a lot of new friends and look forward to dying in love, once again, to the strains of Puccini!!

Wilbur came with for the first part of the rehearsal.  We had a great time.  Special thanks to all who helped us be together!!  
More to come soon!  I’m donning my director’s cap once again and excited to announce that, after a trip to San Diego for a Verdi Requiem, The University of Utah’s Lyric Opera Ensemble will be presenting Puccini’s La Rondine in Salt Lake City this April!  Make your travel arrangements now!