Dear Editor: Several years ago, I attended one of the Met Finalist auditions.Charles Taylor sang the aria from “Baby Doe” so beautifully I could not believe he was not a winner. (Ramey, Verrett, etc. did not win [either], and we know what they accomplished.)
Now Mr. Taylor is a regular at the Met, having sung such a fine Enrico last year, and this year will be doing “Traviata” and Roucher in “Chenier.” I have followed his career and . . . am always thrilled to know of someone who has recuperated from any particular problem. [Editor’s Note: See October 2006 issue on substance abuse and addiction.]
The honesty of Mr. Taylor is truly something
to be treasured, and should serve as an inspiration to others similarly afflicted. I have seen this problem over the years as a teacher, and it is not easy to combat. Loads of luck and success to this terrific guy!
—Charlie Handelman, via e-mail
Dear Editor: Thank you for the excellent article about Charles Taylor and his lovely wife, Kelly. I was so thrilled to find my name . . . as his first voice teacher. Chuck has always been generous in thanking me for his start. I was thrilled to be able to go to New York for his first major role at the Met in Lucia di Lammermoor. . . . Chuck’s voice enveloped the audience with its warmth and feeling. I’m so proud and pleased for him.
—JoAn Ramsay, Prescott, Ariz.
Dear Editor: I am writing to recommend a wonderful competition in Houston in which I recently participated and won second place—the Lois Alba Aria competition, named after retired singer Lois Alba.
The competition was wonderfully organized (and it was their first year), professional, and the judges were personable. I had no trouble finding a rehearsal room and both the semi-finals and the finals were in excellent singing spaces. The competition was selective and all finalists were well trained and well prepared. I was very impressed with the level of singing I heard backstage during the finals. Additionally, the prize monies were well worth the two-day time commitment.
—Leah Knight, via e-mail
