Almost done!

As many of you know I began the last year of my masters degree at ASU this fall. We're only half way through the semester and its been a whirlwind of activity! The things that have kept me the most busy are opera rehearsal and preparing for auditions. The opera we are doing this semester is called, Luisa Fernanda. It is by a Spanish composer named Moreno Torroba. The music is beautiful! I am playing the role of Mariana, who is the funny, sassy, busy body of the town. I have also been asked to cover (or understudy) the role of Luisa Fernanda. One of the Luisas contracted mono and they were unsure whether she'd be able to sing so learning two roles has kept me very busy. It looks like she is feeling much better and will be able to sing the role but it will be a great thing to put on my resume.

I have also been preparing for young artist auditions as well. Young artist programs are apprentice programs associated with large opera companies. Young singers are invited based on talent to participate in these training programs to help further their careers and give them experience in professional settings. If chosen they usually cover all expenses and give you a weekly living stipend which is great! Getting paid to sing is what every singer hopes for. It is however, very competitive as each program takes only 4-12 singers every year depending on how large of a company they are. There are WAY more singers than positions as you can imagine. You are required to prepare and offer five arias in at least four different languages, French, German, Italian and English and if you are invited for an audition you chose one and then they choose one. Intense no! Some of the companies require a preliminary CD to determine if you should be granted a live audition. I just finished making my CD last week and I think for the most part it turned out pretty good. Some programs run during the summer and some during the school year calendar. I have applied to some of both. Here are the places I'm looking at: Des Moines Opera, Houston Grand Opera, Seattle Opera, Utah Opera, New Jersey Opera, Virginia Opera, Ashlawn Music Festival (NC), Chautaqua Opera (upstate NY) and Pine Mountain Music Festival (Houston, MI). That's a lot I know but you have to cast your net wide in this business! :o) ANYWAY...I have attached the arias below in the event you are interested in listening. This process has made me realize that I still have A LOT of work to do but I guess you have to start somewhere. :o)