June 2006 – All Articles

“Music is the invisible art, the only art that you can’t actually see. It’s all vibration. You have to remember that you’re putting a vibration into the world.” When Steven

World-renowned soprano Pamela Coburn shares the story of her three-decade opera career, from its
beginnings at a fateful college dress rehearsal, to her overwhelming success at Juilliard and Munich Opera, and her current status of having sung in every major opera house in the world twice over. Add to that her current teaching positions at many notable universities, and her private studio in Florida, and this soprano seems to have done it all! Through it all, Coburn somehow manages to maintain the humble, elegant dignity that has helped make her an international superstar.

News of the deaths of five Indiana University music students, killed in a private plane crash on a return flight to Bloomington after a rehearsal on April 20, shocked the classical singing community. Members of the Bach Chorale Singers of Lafayette were deeply affected by this tragedy. Contributing writer David Kubiak, a member of the ‘Bach Chorale,’ returns to CS to pay tribute to these five singers so tragically lost.

What can a young singer do when a voice teacher refuses to teach her anymore, and even requests she not use his name in association with hers? One singer finds herself in just such a predicament, and turns to Erda for answers. In a situation that could be potentially damaging for a fledgling career, Erda offers some valuable advice.

What could be more frightening than the idea of vocal-fold paralysis for an opera singer? CS’ resident physician explains the causes, symptoms, and recovery process of this common but often misunderstood ailment, and gives facts about laryngeal paralysis every singer should know.

CS’ Fulbrighter returns this month with more tales of her experiences studying abroad. After a performance of Barber’s “Hermit Songs,” Jennifer shares some important insights into what elements make the singer-pianist collaboration magical—and why working with a pianist is akin to going on a first date.

Lieder, perhaps more than other vocal music, require a complete understanding of the text for a truly great performance. Here’s one coach’s take on one of Schubert’s most famous Lied. Use his approach to guide your own interpretation of this and other German art song.

Steven Blier is not your ordinary coach. In addition to his private coaching, he is the co-founder and artistic director of the New York Festival of Song. Classical Singer is pleased to honor Mr. Blier as the 2006 Coach of the Year for his many contributions to the classical singing community. In this interview, he shares his process for
programming an unforgettable recital, how he got his start as a pianist, and why giving concerts is really a matter of trust, for everyone involved.

Visiting a foreign country is often touted as the best way to really experience a language—but that can mean mega dollars and isn’t always an option. The added strain learning a language can place on an already overextended pocketbook means the importance of language proficiency to a singing career is often overlooked. CS asked Greg Waxberg to review language learning tools and methods currently on the market. From using audio programs to learning on a budget, consider these language-learning ideas to give you that extra edge as a singer.

Often it’s through small and simple things that truly great things come about. Therefore, the constant pursuit of great performances and musical excellence often requires going back to the drawing board for a reevaluation of the basics. Here are some great tips to help you perfect the minute details of your repertoire and move ever closer to musical greatness.

Sarah Caldwell Dead at 82 On March 31, Sarah Caldwell, founder of the Opera Company of Boston, died of heart failure at the age of 82. As Boston’s director for

Dear Editor: I was gifted $20,000 to make a classical dramatic soprano arias CD with the Prague Radio Orchestra. [Joanne Corbett-]Barnes stated she had started negotiations with the orchestra and