San Francisco’s foggy mornings, rolling hills, and spectacular bay views have inspired many a human heart. Poems, songs, novels, movies, and television commercials have centered around the city named after that inspired soul, St. Francis of Assisi. As we finalize preparations for the fourth annual Classical Singer Convention, hosted this year in San Francisco, I join in spirit with several of those inspired by the city—where Tony Bennett left his heart and Rice-A-Roni is a household treat—to introduce this issue.
“Perpetual spring, the flare of adventure in the blood, the impulse of men who packed Virgil with their beanbags on the overland journey, conspired to make San Francisco a city of artists.” —William Henry Irwin
The Aenid and beanbags most likely won’t find their way into the luggage of those attending this year’s convention, but hosts of singers will journey over land and sea to be a part of the Convention in the city of artists, May 24-26. From the College Expo and High School Competition to the AudComps and Professional Series, this year’s Convention offers something for singers at every level.
“The San Francisco Stock Exchange was the place that continuously pumped up the savings of the lower classes into the pockets of the millionaires.” —Robert Louis Stevenson, author and early resident, circa 1880
The entrepreneurial spirit runs strong in San Francisco. From Ghirardelli Square, to the Levi Strauss Co., to the dot-com boom of the early ‘90s, many San Franciscans have created fortunes from the ground up. The Professional Series features a new addition sure to inspire your entrepreneurial spirit—the A.M. Marketing Series—featuring presenters Mark Stoddard, Angela Myles Beeching, Devon Cass, and Jo Isom (see page 45).
“When you get tired of walking around in San Francisco, you can always lean against it.” —Unknown
May in San Francisco will offer an abundance of opportunities for finding others on which you can figuratively lean. Networking is essential for success in this business, so we’ve worked harder than ever to plan convention events in which you can network with fellow singers and industry professionals. During the opening session on the first day, Angela Myles Beeching will offer a special networking class to help you make the most of the contacts you make during your three days in San Francisco.
“The Golden Gate Bridge’s daily striptease from enveloping stoles of mist to full frontal glory is still the most provocative show in town.” —Mary Moore Mason, editor of British magazine Essentially America
In addition to nature’s morning show, you won’t want to miss out on the AudComps Finals Concert on Friday evening. Convention attendees marked this one of their favorite events in Philadelphia last year. After two intense rounds of competition, watch the top finalists compete for $15,000 in prizes in an open, formal concert.
“A synonym of San Francisco: Inspiration. Whatever one’s field of study—arts, humanities, science—S.F. is a microsphere of everything inspiring to the human spirit.” —Denise, San Francisco native
This year’s A.M. Health Series—a microsphere featured at the Professional Series—is sure to inspire your artistic spirit and strengthen your physical wellbeing. From yoga, to meditation, to the Alexander Technique, you’re sure to experience a grounding of mind, body, and soul that will enhance the use of your whole instrument (see page 35).
“I will sing in San Francisco if I have to sing in the streets, for I know that the streets of San Francisco are free.” —Luisa Tetrazzini, San Francisco’s all-time favorite soprano, on the occasion of breaking her New York contract
Thanks to this year’s convention, singing in San Francisco this May won’t require breaking any contracts or singing in the streets. The convention offers a host of opportunities to share your voice. Come and sing for Sheri Greenawald (see our cover story on page 10), Ann Baltz, Daniel Helfgot, Andrea Huber (page 40), Valéry Ryvkin (page 30), Victoria Hart (page 36), and others in the ProSeries’ masterclasses. Don’t miss the great opportunity to inspire and be inspired by your fellow convention attendees. For more information on signing up for masterclasses visit www.classicalsinger.com/proseries.
“Leaving San Francisco is like saying goodbye to an old sweetheart. You want to linger as long as possible.” —Walter Cronkite
The ProSeries of the Convention ‘07 wraps up at noon on Saturday, May 26, but for those who want to linger a little longer, we’ve lined up a truly rare opportunity at San Francisco Opera on Saturday afternoon from 1-5 p.m. Join world-renowned artists for one of two stage/orchestra rehearsals for SFO’s upcoming production of Don Giovanni. Watch the pros at work with Donald Runnicles directing the world-class SFO orchestra (see page 26).
“No city invites the heart to come to life as San Francisco does. Arrival in San Francisco is an experience in living.” —William Saroyan
Tony Bennett may have left his heart in San Francisco, but you can come and find yours during three unforgettable days at the 2007 Classical Singer Convention. See you there!
