It’s that time of year again, when singers, general directors, managers, university and high school students, and professors all converge together in one location to network, learn, sing, and share. Yes, it is time for the annual Classical Singer Convention. In years past we have besieged such cities as San Francisco, Chicago, Philadelphia, and New York City. This year we set our sites once again toward the West, preparing to converge in (and on) Los Angeles.
Television and film had its start in these storied hills, making California famous for much more than its temperate climate and Gold Rush days. Home to Hollywood and movie stars galore, Los Angeles has long been synonymous with glitz and glamour.
One Golden Age star, Elizabeth Taylor, did not make her name for singing (although she did sing in the 1978 film version of A Little Night Music, for better or for worse), but was well known for her keen quips and quotes. Who better than this Hollywood pioneer and quintessential diva, who made her home in L.A. and was recently laid to rest in a small local cemetery, to introduce this special Convention Program Preview.
“So much to do, so little done, such things to be.”
One of the Wagnerian divas of this generation, Jane Eaglen, who graces the cover of this issue, knows a little about having a full plate, especially since accepting a full-time teaching position at Baldwin-Wallace College. Teaching has long been an interest and passion, and Eaglen has embraced her new career with dedication and enthusiasm (p.22). Her masterclass in L.A. this May is one not to be missed.
“When people say, ‘She’s got everything,’ I’ve got one answer—I haven’t had tomorrow.”
Peter Kazaras has never been one to rest on his laurels. Read about his impressive educational background at Harvard and then law school, why he then chose a full-time singing career, and how he ended up as the artistic director of the Seattle Opera Young Artists Program (p. 40). Then be sure to attend his class at the CS Convention to learn all you need to know for a successful YAP audition season.
“I’m a survivor—a living example of what people can go through and survive.”
Juggling a singing career and family life is always a challenge. Add infertility into the mix, and a challenge becomes a true trial. Robin Follman courageously talks about her own journey through infertility (p. 44). She’ll share more of her own story, as well as hard research on women’s health issues particularly pertinent to the female singer, at this year’s convention.
“I feel very adventurous. There are so many doors to be opened, and I’m not afraid to look behind them.”
Ann Baltz has been helping singers find their adventurous spirit and leave fear and inhibitions behind for years through improvisation. Read about Baltz’s ideas, as well as the experiences of singers who have experienced her work (p. 48)—and then experience it yourself in Baltz’s masterclass in L.A.
“If someone’s dumb enough to offer me a million dollars to make a picture, I’m certainly not dumb enough to turn it down.”
In the quest for success, singers are often faced with both ethical and moral dilemmas about what they will and will not do on or off the stage for a role. Sit down at the CS Convention with Eaglen, Fresno Grand Opera’s general director Joe Bascetta, and artist manager Robert Mirshak for a candid panel discussion about the realities of the business and how to stay true to yourself while climbing the ladder. Taylor also said, “Success is a great deodorant.” Find out if your opera colleagues agree.
“It’s not the having, it’s the getting.”
Does the process of “getting” often seem to take forever? It involves daily practice to refine languages, notes, rhythms, and vocal technique. It requires business savvy and being your own CEO, CFO, CIO, and more. We understand this, and so we have slated a host of courses to help you avoid getting bogged down in the process—like David Aks’ class on Audio Visualization (p. 86), Cynthia Munzer’s class on freeing your voice (p. 54), and Bill Bennett’s class on creating a business plan (p. 18).
And that is really what every convention is all about: helping you become your own personal star—to define and find success in your singing career and other aspects of your life. Read more about all of the offerings in the complete convention program featured on pp. 59-85. Then join us in the City of Angels for a career-defining weekend you will never forget.
