Dear Editor: Singer reviews are often difficult to come by. It would be great if Classical Singer could include a reviews section of both concerts and recordings.
— Zoe Vandermeer, Gaylorsville, CT
Dear Editor: Thanks for printing my article about the “American School of Classical Singing.” It’s been fascinating to discuss this subject with a variety of music professionals and fans. One necessary correction: your copy editor inadvertently labeled Thomas Hampson as a bass. Since I sang Musetta to Tom’s splendid Marcello in a La bohème in Munich in the ‘80s, and recently heard his Germont in the Salzburg “Traviata,” I am pretty sure he is still a baritone. Congratulations on a comprehensive issue.
—Patricia Wise, Bloomington, IN
Dear Editor: In my lesson on Friday, my teacher suggested that I drop my age by four or five years. I easily look 22 (I’m 27 and can pass for a college freshman, if I dress right—I’m carded constantly!), and the dates of my undergrad degree, summer programs, etc., could support this. However, I’m struck with a couple of ethical questions.
If a company doesn’t have any age guidelines, do they care about my age? Some people do know my age (colleagues, a few conductors and stage directors). Will anyone notice or care if it changes? Are age limits illegal (age discrimination)? Is it illegal to give a different age to a competition or company if they do have an age limit? (Isn’t it hard to get fake documents?) Beyond legal, is this ethical?
—Anonymous, via e-mail
Because this is an issue many singers deal with, Cindy Sadler has written two terrific articles on the subject, available in our archives (see “Ask Erda: Handling that Age-Old Old Age Problem,” December 2003, and “Ask Erda: Is Your Age Really the Problem?” June 2002).
—Editor
Dear Editor: Loved the Audra [McDonald] article! Can you get one with Cecilia Bartoli? Keep up the great work.
—Melinda Moreaux, Penngrove, CA
Dear Editor: Your magazine and website are necessary resources for young and emerging professionals like myself. Thank you and please keep the information coming!
—Osa Oyegun, Fairfax, VA.
Dear Editor: I very much enjoy your articles, but also benefit from the resources advertised. I have been disappointed that Dr. Jahn’s e-mail and contact information seem to be invalid, as I’d like to correspond occasionally about some interesting and perhaps atypical situations. Thanks!
—Lee Colee, Winberley, TX
Unfortunately, a recent server switch at Classical Singer made Dr. Jahn’s e-mail address (jahn@classicalsinger.com) unavailable for a few days. We have solved the problem—so if you had trouble with Dr. Jahn’s address, please send the e-mail again. Our apologies for any inconvenience this
has caused. —Editor
Dear Editor: I love this magazine. It’s always a fresh dose of inspiration and solid advice each month. Thank you.
—April James, Hollis, N.Y.
