Classical Singer Magazine

Ask Erda : How Do I Get Auditions?

The audition season is just underway, and you may find yourself, whether you’re managed or unmanaged, wondering how to get more auditions. Consider these terrific tips for doing the legwork to make full use of your resources.

Darren Keith Woods Recommends : No More Letters!

Tired of bothering the mentors in your life for endless letters of recommendation? Well, some such mentors say they’re just as tired of writing them! Saying it’s an archaic practice that should fade into history, two general directors have taken a stand: After this season, they will write no more.

You Can Get There From Here

Have you ever been told that if you start singing in the chorus you’ll never make it to the main stage? Two singers share how they’ve defied the odds and done just that.

Certified Classical Singers ’07-’08

After three intense rounds of competition among more than 200 applicants, the judges of the AudComps 2007 named 13 singers Certified Classical Singers for 2007-2008.This month, read about tenor Florin Olimpio from the Emerging Professional Division and baritone Kenneth Mattice from the Professional Division.

Wagner and the Mariinsky Come to the Met

Peter Gelb, the Met’s new general director, is bringing many news-making events to the house. Read about one such event—all four operas of Wagner’s “Ring Cycle” led by Russia’s Valery Gergiev.

Exploring the Link Between Singing and Leadership : Part 2

Continuing our series on the relationship between singing and leadership, participants in Kay Kleinerman’s recent study share how three attributes honed as singers are helping them in their leadership roles. Consider how “courage,” “vision,” and “taking responsibility” influence not only your singing, but other areas of your life as well.

Becoming the Producer

An instrumentalist turned baritone and eventually composer shares how he is creating his own performing opportunities, not only for himself, but also for other singers in his area.

Singing With a Cold

The chill in the air sometimes brings the physical chills of seasonal flu and cold. Don’t let illness upset your upcoming singing engagements. Here’s some terrific prevention and remedy advice from our resident physician.

Luanna DeVol : An Unconventional Career

During her performances as the Dyer’s Wife in Die Frau ohne Schatten and as Brünnhilde in Götterdämmerung at Madrid’s Teatro Real, soprano Luana DeVol sat down with Gil Carbajal to talk about her unusual career:

20 years as chorister, amateur soloist, and secretary followed by another 20 years as a prima donna in major European opera houses.

Here she shares anecdotes of a quest that forced her to go to Europe to receive the recognition her voice and talent merited.

Chelsea Opera : Grand Opera in the Neighborhood

Two singers turned entrepreneurs are sharing fine opera productions with a Manhattan neighborhood. Read how they are making their dreams a reality for themselves and other singers alike.

Funerals : Fulfilling a Special Need with Song

Singing at funerals is probably not on most singers’ top ten performance venues. Yet music is a much needed part of a funeral service. One singer shares why she enjoys the experience, and how she makes sure that her musical offering provides beauty and solace for those in need.

Bulletin Board

Carnival Center Looking for Fundraising Help Florida’s Carnival Center for the Performing Arts is a new, first-class facility that has had difficulty attracting private donations, reports the Miami Herald. To