Preparing a show is always an exciting time - exhausting, but exciting. Staging has been going on for a few weeks and as of yesterday our whole show has been staged. Soon we are going to be into full act runs and, eventually, running the whole show. Being the first production of the summer series always lends itself to an interesting set of problems; schedules conflict and music has to be learned in an extremely quick and precise manner.  

Sitting at rehearsal on a cold Saturday, I couldn't believe how lucky I am. His local opera company has, for decades, been putting on quality productions and I get to be a part of that! Watching (and listening to) our 8 person opera chorus rehearsing,  I can't help but really look forward to every aspect of our show. They (and our music director) are making the moonrise chorus something truly magical. This particular chorus (The moonrise) sets up the rendezvous that Meg Page and Alice Ford plan with Falstaff. From what our stage director tells us about staging I think it's going to be a very special moment in the show. 

Check us out. Tix are available here ->  Delaware Valley Opera Company 

On a completely different note, this week was INSANE. (I know every musician goes through this... But still!) I had Merry Wives rehearsals M, W, and Sa.  I had my chorus audition for Opera Philadelphia on Tuesday.  I had my audition for a church position at a prominent church on Rittenhouse Square on Wednesday morning. In an exciting turn of events, I was able to sign up for an audition at another prominent church in Philly. I may have had a "less than stellar" audition at this place earlier in the year, but the music director is changing and that spells new opportunity for me 😀. 

Looking back on my audition on Tuesday, I was very happy with how I did. It's always a learning experience when I go on an audition. I am just very pleased when it's not a learning experience because I went in and fell flat on my face. I sang two arias and after that I did some sight reading. I decided to do what my training tells me to. The pianist played my starting note and gave me a triad to get into the key. I then looked at the full sight reading, picked a tempo where I wouldn't slow down or speed up if I went between eighth notes and quarter notes. And - I. Nailed. It. So, regardless of a tangible outcome (I.e.  A contract) I felt so good about that audition. At my church job audition, I sang Handel and felt great about it. Then, in an effort to show something completely different I suggested singing  "Come Scoglio" (If you have a moment, search for Carol Vaness and Come Scoglio on YouTube). Now, I like explain this Aria as (even on a good day) wielding power tools while intoxicated. But, it went extremely well. I forgot how much I truly love that Aria and how good it feels. The beginning of my sight reading was slightly rocky but, after a second start, I got the key of the music in my head and managed relatively well. As I was leaving, the older gentleman working the desk turned to me and said, "Well... That sounded pretty good to me. And I know what I'm talking about. I have a subscription to The Met 😉". after that, he said he hoped to see me soon. Truthfully, it seems like such a sweet community that I hope to see him soon as well. 

Im looking forward to having more for you soon.  

 Until next time!