Dear Editor: I’d love to see an article on deviated septum and the singer—i.e. does getting it fixed affect the timbre of the voice? Can you get it fixed without cosmetic surgery attendant, and does not getting the cosmetic portion done ensure that the voice won’t change—or should one go ahead with both aspects with no effect, etc.
—Jody Sinkway, Glen Rock, NJ
We went to the forum (you can get there from our homepage www.classicalsinger.com) to see what other singers’ experiences were. The search engine is functioning beautifully now, and singers have posted great experiences there. Look up “septum” and it will all come up for you! Good luck.
—Editor
Dear Editor: When I received the August issue of CS with the magnificent cover of the great Carnegie Hall, I was tempted to share with other singers how I got there. I sang in Weill Recital Hall, not at the big hall. I still felt very fortunate about having the opportunity to sing in this magnificent and prestigious venue. My concert was in conjunction with the release of my CD, Vocal Jewels from Israel with Centaur Records (the CD can be found in Tower Records in New York City). The year was 1998, which also marked the 50th anniversary of the state of Israel. As an Israeli citizen (besides being also an American), I approached the Consulate General of Israel in New York, who graciously agreed to sponsor the concert, contributing towards a part of the cost. I also hired a PR person to help promote the recital. I charged $20 per ticket and had a nice audience turnout. Of course, I didn’t expect a profit from a concert like this, but I almost covered all the expenses, which I considered to be quite an achievement. Anyway, the real achievement was the artistic experience. It was great! I sang works by contemporary Israeli composers and Sephardic songs in the Ladino language. I got also a very nice review out of this concert in the New York Concert Review by Mr. Benjamin Ivry. I felt a tremendous sense of accomplishment after that project.
—Raya Gonen, Cherry Hill, NJ
Dear Editor: Please continue to include articles on maturing singers and parenting while singing! I love this magazine. It continues to serve as a touchstone for me to help realize my dreams.
—Marianna Vagnini, Naugatuck, CT
Dear Editor: You’ve probably done this before, but I’d love a feature article on agents/agencies in NYC. I’d like some sort of statistics on the work rate of singers with certain companies. How to determine which agent works for you, etc.
—Name Withheld, Forest Hills, NY
You’re right, we did do this work before—an exhaustive study we put into the form of a book called Management, the Book. While the book is not new, most of the managements are still doing business in the same way. But you’ll find a more general article on management in this issue.
—Editor
Dear Editor: Thank you for including the performing singers over 21. We also have dreams and are studying and coaching with supportive teachers. Again thank you for any and all future information.
—Ruth Elmore Harris, NY, NY
Dear Editor: Your magazine and diversified articles are constantly improving. Keep up the good work. However I want you to be aware of the “Cybersing Competition.” I was never able to download the music. I still was charged the $25 fee, plus $7.50 for the music. My biggest complaint is that they didn’t list their phone number.
—Name Withheld, IL
Dear Editor: The Loren L. Zachary Society appreciates your inclusion of the National Vocal Competition for Young Opera Singers in your auditions announcements. The greatest response we receive is from readers of CS. You are doing a great favor to young singers by giving them the opportunity of learning about programs offering financial support through vocal competitions.
—Nedra Zachary, President
The Loren L. Zachary Society
We are very glad to be working with you, since your competition is one of the finest there is. We have not heard one hint of controversy about the Zachary Competition, and that is quite a record for the 15 years we’ve been in business. But as CS is saying to all the competitions, we just have one small request to make: we would be so grateful if you would open up a section of your competition to the older career beginner. There are singers who had their families first, taken care of a sick parent, or been side-tracked in some way and are now ready for their careers. Many are gorgeous, fit, look like they’re 25 and are ready to take on the world, but the competitions are closed to them. Surely it’s worth taking a look—having an experiment for one year. Perhaps a section of the competition could be open to the older beginner who has not yet sung a lead role?
—Editor
