Friday, September 26, 2014

Late September News

Dear Readers,

It has been a busy few weeks. After the Capitol City opera production of The Merry Widow ended I spent a few days in Athens to tie up some loose ends with my dissertation. I had such a fantastic time working with Capitol City opera. They really do fine work, and it such a pleasure to work with all of the member of the cast and company. It was also a real treat to sing Camille with a chamber ensemble - I honestly did not miss the full orchestra at all. Bravo to all involved!

Since then I've taken a lesson with Richard Leech (more to come) and gone on some very successful auditions (more on that when things are finalized!). I've also accepted contracts with the Michael O'neal singers for their October 17th concert in Roswell, Georgia; I've accepted an offer to sing Beethoven symphony no. 9 and Brahms liebes lieder waltzes in South Carolina.

This past week, I reunited with the brilliant Elaine Rinaldi to perform a short concert for the St. Patrick's of Maynooth, Irish Education Development Foundation, annual dinner in New York and Philadelphia. I have to thank Dr. Thomas Ledwith and all of the polite clergymen that made for such a rich experience.

Elaine and I met while I was singing Hoffmann with the Martina Arroyo Foundation Prelude to Performance program. We had a blast, Elaine was the rehearsal pianist for the show. She had worked closely with Michael Kaye, who has a authored an edition of Offenbach's Les Contes d'Hoffmann. 

It's always so rewarding to try new repertoire and meet new people. I sang my first Amhrán na bhFiann, the Irish national anthem, at these events. I also sang excerpts from Brigadoon and Most Happy Fella - which were both on the baritonal side of my range - but great fun to sing. 

That's all for now - the bottesini paper is coming along. Please keep your fingers crossed!!
There is a light at the end of this D.M.A. tunnel.


Thanks for reading,
Joe 

Friday, September 5, 2014

CAPITOL CITY OPERA THE MERRY WIDOW OPENING NIGHT

Dear Readers,

WELCOME BACK!

As is often the case, please accept my apologies for the delay in updating the blog and sharing with you all of the fantastic things going on!

It has been a busy three weeks here in Georgia!
The Capitol City Opera production of Lehar's THE MERRY WIDOW, opens tonight! I know it is going to be a fantastic show. In addition to the month long rehearsal period, we've been working for two weeks strait, with one day off last week Wednesday. It's grueling, but between you and me... this has been such a fantastic experience and I wouldn't have changed a thing! This is, technically, my first professional lead role, after all!

I'll be singing Camille de Rosillon (2014 seems to be the Merry Widow year... last year was Hoffmann year an the year before that Boheme.. go figure?). I am joined by a talented group of Atlanta residents: Megan Mashburn as Valencienne; Elizabeth Claxton Castillo as Anna, the Widow; Wade Thomas as Count Danilovitch; Jonathan Spuhler as Niegus; Stephen McCool as the Baron Zeta.

The leading cast members are supported by a tenacious and talented ensemble of local singers.

Michael Nutter directs a fantastic and hilarious Merry Widow. The show is conducted by energetic and singer friendly Michael Giel, while the piano quintet accompanying the performance has Capitol City Opera music director Catherine Giel at the keys. The hilarity and antics are bolstered by the choreography of Emily Griffin.

Those who can be in attendance for the performances tonight, tomorrow, and/or Sunday afternoon are in store for all the beautiful things opera has to offer: comedy, tragedy, romance, betrayal, confusion, fabulous costumes, charming sets and GREAT SINGING.

More soon on all the crazy things going on, in this journey as a professional opera singer.

Thanks for reading,
Joe

PS What has kept me so busy is the dissertation! The private recital I gave at the home of Kitty Wilson and booking some more engagements! All that and more in the next installment ;-)