May 2015 – All Articles

It’s a diploma program! It’s a YAP! No, wait—it’s both! Read more about an exciting collaboration between Roosevelt University’s Chicago College of Performing Arts and the Chicago Opera Theater.

If you’re joining Classical Singer this month in Chicago for our annual convention or visiting the city for another reason, here’s your guide to a city tour every singer will love.

Two general directors weigh in on how to put your best foot forward while keeping the audition process in perspective. Join singers at this year’s Classical Singer Convention in Chicago to hear more from Chicago Opera Theater’s Jerry Tietz and Florentine Opera’s William Florescu.

So, you want to sing musical theatre? Just like opera, it starts with an audition. But are there similarities beyond that? What should you wear or sing? And will you have to dance and do a monologue? Three experts on the topic who will be at this year’s Classical Singer Convention talk style, repertoire, attire, and more.

Chicago is not only home to one of the top opera houses in the U.S., but that opera house also hosts one of the best Young Artist Programs in the country. Several of the 15 fortunate young artists currently participating in the program, along with the faculty and staff who provide their training and support, share with readers this month what makes this program so truly remarkable. The Patrick G. and Shirley W. Ryan Opera Center at the Lyric Opera of Chicago is much more than just a training ground for the classical singing stars of tomorrow.

What kinds of things would an opera authority report on if reviewing a sporting event? Cindy Sadler, while lamenting the sad state of many an opera review due to the loss of truly informed critics, tried her hand at just that: reporting on the 2014 World Series.

The National Opera Association’s competition offers a national stage for singers and their schools in a very unique way—the competition is only for opera scenes. Find out more about this exciting opportunity for colleges and singers alike.

Matthew Hoch discusses his book, a dictionary that offers standard definitions for modern singers. And then some.

Ah, the tongue. So important for so many aspects of singing—and, yet, unnecessary tongue tension can cause significant problems for the singer. Learn more about how the tongue works and how it can impact your singing.

While working to complete this special convention issue of the magazine, my body has also been hard at work completing something it’s been working at for the last 39 weeks—making