Classical Singer Magazine

Reminiscing with Patrice Munsel

When Patrice Munsel made her Metropolitan Opera debut in 1943, America was in the throes of the Second World War, televisions were not yet a household item, and a first-class postage stamp cost just 3 cents. Munsel reflects on that time and how it helped shape her career. Read about the days when the Met was a repertory theater, when opera singers graced the covers of magazines and became television stars, as well as Munsel’s advice for the next generation of opera singers.

Oct 01 David F Wylie

Editor’s Note : Then and Now

Not long ago I went to an Apple Store to buy an armband for my video iPod. When I couldn’t find what I was looking for, I asked the store

Oct 01 Sara Thomas

Leila Edwards : A Tribute to an Operatic Coach Like No Other

Chuck Karel reflects on the life of his friend and coach who recently passed on at the age of 96. From stage directors, to singers, to conductors, Leila Edwards worked with many of the greats, but passionately shared her love of music with everyone, famous or not.

Oct 01 Charles Karel

Center Stage : Patrick Anderson, Tenor

Patrick Anderson Columbus, Ohio Tenor Please tell our readers about your career highlights so far. Highlights include singing in a masterclass for Thomas Hampson, singing in a chorale that featured

Oct 01 CS Staff

Fifty-Three Minutes of Maria

When we think about the great singers of the past, Maria Callas looms large. A singer and playwright have joined together to tell Callas’ story so that both singers and opera lovers alike can better understand the woman who changed the face of opera.

Oct 01 Greg Waxberg

Letters to the Editor

Tell us how we’re doing. Tell us about the articles that have helped you and articles you’d like to read. We would like to publish your comments, received either by e-mail at editorial@classicalsinger.com or in the mail at P.O. Box 1710, Draper, UT 84020.

Oct 01 CS Staff

Angela Brown and Virginia Zeani : Student and Teacher

It was fate more than luck that brought Angela Brown and Virginia Zeani together. After meeting in a masterclass, Brown became Zeani’s student. Along with a solid vocal technique, Zeani also passed along to Brown her advice about the business of singing and her insights into various operatic roles. Now these two sopranos, who have both sung the role of Aida, share how this mentor relationship has flourished over the years, benefitting them both.

Oct 01 Stephanie Adrian

Bulletin Board

Submit entries to the bulletin board by e-mail at bulletinboard@classicalsinger.com.

Oct 01 Maria Nockin

Distant Voices : Listening to Singers of the Past, Part 1

Can listening to singers of the past, even when the recording is not first rate, be helpful for today’s singers? Discover how the recording business has changed over the years, and read about one expert’s passion for what generations past have to offer today’s singer, including a sense of language and style, and the true art of rubato.

Oct 01 Dean Southern

Where We Sing : Then and Now

Opera houses, living rooms, churches, assembly halls, classrooms, public parks—do the places and spaces you sing in energize or depress you? Did generations past give more thought and attention to acoustics as well as an inspirational setting? Singers put enormous time and energy into thinking about how and why we do what we do. Let’s take a moment to think about where we sing.

Oct 01 Lisa Houston

Stewart, Stearns, and the Dutchman

After years of singing in Vegas and in choirs, baritone Jason Stearns—encouraged and mentored along the way by former leading baritone, Thomas Stewart—has finally arrived at center stage. Stearns discusses how his relationship with Stewart influenced his interpretation of the great roles, such as Wagner’s Flying Dutchman, his career path, and his life.