end of summer

The end of summer is more or less here.  UAO--all three months of it--is done.  Now that I'm back to a more "regular" pattern of life, I've begun to think about what's ahead for me. Prepare yourself for a somewhat meandering read...

Even if UAO has ended for the year, I have another opera gig coming up in a few weeks.  I was recently hired to sing in the world premiere staging of a new opera by composer Barbara Harbach:  O Pioneers!  It's based upon the Willa Cather novel.  I'm singing the role of Oscar, one of two cantankerous, sexist brothers of the opera's/novel's heroine, Alexandra.  Tom Sitzler, whom I got to know well this summer at UAO, will be Lou, the other brother.  We get a trio with Alexandra, and the rest of the time we absorb into the chorus.  Got the score the other day...and did I mention that it was the full orchestral score??  This things are a bee-yotch to read, but if anything, I'll walk away with an appreciation for conductors who have to read that much all the time.

Tomorrow I meet up with John to resume voice lessons, and I'm hoping for a fruitful lesson as well as a meaningful discussion about how I'm going to expand my horizons and put myself out there for audition panels. There are a few Young Artist Programs and Opera Companies that I am really interested in pursuing including, but not limited to Ohio Light Opera, Utah Festival Opera, Opera New Jersey. Of course there's local fare.  New Opera St. Louis (soon to be "Winter Opera St. Louis") is doing Werther, Barber of Seville and Gianni Schicchi.  This repertoire gives me a few things to shoot for, namely Brühlmann in Werther, Fiorello in Barber and Gherardo in Schicchi.  I'd even be happy to do the chorus of Barber once again...I remember the Quincy Barber to be fun stuff, and this time it'd be in Italian (I presume).  UAO's '10 season (Fille du Regiment--Pirates--Queen of Spades) isn't as ripe with role opportunity, but I'll get to all that later.  The hardest part is finding the right rep to bring to auditions, especially when the role you want has either no aria or nothing excerpt-able.  Then again, that dilemma can breed creativity like nothing else.

Of course there's also musical theatre auditions at Stages or the MUNY...HAHAHAHAHA!!!!1!!!11!  The former has announced its somewhat bland season (State Fair, Promises Promises and Big River).  The latter operates on a 5-year cycle, so we can expect a season including some (or possibly all of) the following:  West Side Story, Beauty and the Beast, Sound of Music, Singin' in the Rain and Jesus Christ Superstar (welcome back, Eric Kunze!). They probably won't repeat Annie Get Your Gun or Mame as both kind of stunk up the place.  Bottom line: not so many singing shows on that docket.

In a week or two, I start up again with my church job at UACC. As I mentioned in the previous post, we might be going to Italy.  Hopefully it will work out...and end up reasonably priced. I look forward to all that we're singing, especially if we end up doing this Italy trip for realz.

Ok, that's it...abrupt ending, I know...but that reflects the ending of my summer. ;)

KFUO Sale

So, there's been talk in the local media about the potential sale of Classic 99 KFUO to a local Christian contemporary station seeking to broaden its audience by acquiring a stronger FM signal. The Lutheran Church Missouri Synod, owner of KFUO, wants to sell but they have not been very public about it until recently. I personally find this move to be potentially devastating for the Arts Community at large in St. Louis, as this station has always gone by the tagline "Your station for Classical Music and the Arts." KFUO has been a pillar in that regard, and to lose it just sounds awful.

I know I'm going to sound snobby for what I'm about to quote, but there was an excellent editorial on the potential sale from the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, and it ended with the following line:

"We take no position on church finances or its mission, or even on musical tastes. We only would note that when it comes to stirring souls, there's nothing on the Christian contemporary playlist that can match Beethoven's 7th."

That line could spark a debate like no other, I would say. Personally, I have never gotten into Christian contemporary music. Trust me, when I was still active in the Southern Baptist Church, it was starting to get HUGE. From that experience alone, I get why it's popular with people. They've taken secular, mainstream genres and switched out secular texts for faith-driven, sacred ones. Pretty easy formula. I have no problem with its existence; it just doesn't speak to me the way sacred classical works like the Fauré Requiem, Handel's Messiah or the Mozart Solemn Vespers do. My main gripe with this seemingly overwhelming desire to broaden the availability of Christian contemporary on the radio is that there are at least FIVE christian stations in the St. Louis area providing this very format. Us classical music people have ONE!

Yeah, I get all the capitalistic arguments for why JOY FM should be able to fairly purchase KFUO for its glorious St. Louis-based signal if the LCMS is willing to sell. But I'm sorry...this is where I think capitalism gets ugly and--dare I say it--soulless.

If you'll indulge me, please take some time to read the comment below, taken from the comments on a related story on the Post-Dispatch website. This gentleman makes a strong, nuanced, religious argument for why KFUO ought to remain Classic 99:

KFUO-FM Classic 99 radio station should not be sold!

Classical music is one of the few genres of music in civilization that helps to promote peace, sensitivity, understanding, beauty and thoughtfulness in human beings. How does the saying go: ‘Music calms the savage beast’. And, if there’s anything of which we need more in this world, it’s peace and understanding.

Therefore, if Classic 99 brings a little more peace and beauty to our troubled world, it has done a noble thing, making it, therefore, worthy of the ownership of the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod, of which I am a member. Although it does not continuously broadcast the Gospel (the mandate of the Christian - and Lutheran - Church), it does offer beautiful, and often soothing music, to its listeners. This is something of which I think Jesus would approve, and, frankly, which is part of the commandment to ‘love thy neighbor’.

To those (especially in the LCMS) who say that KFUO FM should only preach the Gospel 24/7, and at the risk of being a bit melodramatic, one could compare the story of the Good Samaritan to the work of Classic 99. This kindly, God-fearing soul didn’t first preach the Good News of God’s grace to the poor victim. No, he first attended to his wounds, and provided for his needs. Indeed, through the very service he offered, the Samaritan extended God’s grace.

Moreover, had there existed in that day and age the blessing of radio and Classic 99, the Samaritan might well have turned it on so the soothing strains of Bach, Beethoven, Chopin or Mozart might have calmed the victims’ soul, giving him much needed comfort and solace.

Not only would Jesus approve of the mission of Classic 99, and thereby the LCMS, but I dare say Martin Luther would also approve, considering a quote of his from the book, ‘What Luther Says’: “Nor am I at all of the opinion that all the arts are to be overthrown and cast aside by the Gospel, as some SUPERSPIRITUAL PEOPLE [my emphasis] protest…” (Vol. II, p. 981.)

There are many ministries in the church at large, and in the individual congregations, that don’t ‘preach the Gospel’ 24/7: for example, ice cream socials, car washes by youth groups, church cuppers, fish fries, habitat for humanity, etc. They are, nevertheless, ministries that are part of the church’s mission and command: to love God and love they neighbor. Classic 99 is such a ministry. If none other than Walter A. Maier, the founder of KFUO, and an ardent preacher of the Gospel, considered the ministry of KFUO-FM worthy of the LCMS, I think we should do no less.

As a concert pianist, and a church musician, I perform classical concerts around the country and in St. Louis. As I reflect on what happens when people listen to classical music, I understand that people are affected in a positive way toward the aforementioned attributes of peace, sensitivity, etc. When people sit for sixty to ninety minutes, and do nothing but listen to, and be affected by great musical works of art, they become (I believe, by default) thoughtful human beings. They reflect on their lives, their families, their occupations, and perhaps even their purpose in life. They think about their joys and their problems. Ultimately, I believe this thoughtfulness can, by the grace of God, even help them to see solutions to the challenges and dilemmas in life that beset us.

In conclusion, KFUO-FM Classic 99 is a blessing to society, gives glory to God, and is a credit to the LCMS. If money is needed is needed in the church, though it may sound simplistic, God can and will provide. With God, nothing is impossible. KFUO-FM Classic 99 radio station should not be sold!

Amen, brother!

Nostalgia: FCHS & QU

Two things happened ten years ago: graduating high school and going to college. I know it's sappy and all, but I admit to having an attack of nostalgia.

My ten year HS reunion (FCHS Class of 1999) was held Saturday night. I had to pass due to a previous engagement with the opera. While it would have been fun to be there, I'm hardly kicking myself for missing it. That's not to say that I look back on my years at FCHS negatively. I'll always remember the positive: Band (concerts, marching, stage band, tours), Drama Club, English w/Reavis, Choir...basically anything that spoke to my creative nature. Bottom line? I've just moved on. I've kept in contact with those that I care about and chosen to forget about (or even laugh about) the inevitable assholes a common BandGeek/DramaFreak/ChoirDork must contend with...by law, or something.

I'm actually a little more sappy-sentimental that it's been ten years since I went to college in the fall of that same year. I found out about Quincy University through a phone call from an admissions rep at the school. I learned that QU was this small catholic school in a place I'd never even heard of: Quincy, Illinois, a town which, oddly enough, I first heard of literally the same day I'd visited nearby Hannibal, MO on a field trip. QU had a small music department offering a Music Ed degree plus multiple opportunities to perform...and the town of Quincy even had an OPERA company. After some consideration, I decided to apply to the school and audition for the music program.

Four months, an acceptance letter and an audition later, I was on my way to QU for my first year. On my first day, I moved into Centennial Hall and met my roommate, John--then a history major. (He has since attained his Ph.D in history from the Univ. of Edinburgh!) I'm pretty sure we were put together for a few reasons:

• we were both Band geeks (he played Trombone; I played Bassoon)
• I'd considered a minor in History
• we both possess/ed a screwy sense of humor

John deserves a medal for putting up with so much crap (chiefly my snoring and musical theatre obsession) for 3 out of the 4 years we roomed together at Quincy. (My sophomore year, I was a douche that wanted his own space and thought Padua Penitentiary was a habitable dwelling...WRONG!) We've kept in touch ever since, and he (along with his parents) have been very supportive of my musical pursuits over the past 10 years. I was honored to be the Best Man at his wedding last summer. I owe you and Hilda a visit to Scotland, John.

I also got to know some great folks in the Music Department that year, including fellow music majors Ellie, Lisa, Ben and Canadian Steve, and Jenée...a personality not easily forgotten. I'm always thinking of you guys and the times we spent in Solano Hall...may it rest in peace.

QU was like a family member. You love it, even though at times it drives you nuts. I know that Quincy wasn't a perfect place by any means, but I think that the community atmosphere that it inspires makes me appreciate it to this day. Was I itching to move onto new surroundings after five years at the school? Surely. However, after some time has passed, I miss it.

Call me a sap, but I really do.

Dourga Dourga

I've been "worshipping" Dourga quite a lot lately in a production of Lakmé.  Coming off of the hyperactivity of Widow, I was prepared to be let down.  However, putting this show together has been a decent experience.  The chorus definitely gets their moments, which are memorable and enjoyable enough to make all the waiting backstage bearable.  (The most unbearable backstage-waiting show?  Le Nozze di Figaro by a landslide!)  The Market Scene at the top of Act Two is probably the most fun and challenging, but I can't help but feel that the greatest moments in the show, for me, are the religious rite at the top of the show and our Act Three offstage chorus.  Delibes' may have viewed India through a possibly biased western-european lens, but his score--on its own--is just ravishing and sublime enough to forget about that.

Check out the video preview.  Scott and Kostis offer a lot of engaging commentary.  Come see the show if you can.  It's a piece well known for the Flower Duet...but oddly enough, it's not done very often anymore.

Our first weekend of performances is over.  Now, I can get back to a semi-normal routine of longer days at work and saving more money... why?

Well, it looks like I may be going to Italy next June.  The plans are far from finalized, but what I do know is that my church choir director wants to take us there for a possible 8-day performance/sightseeing tour to four cities: tentatively Rome, Florence, Venice and...wait for it...wait for it... ....ASSISI!)  I must admit to some apprehension at the first mention of this trip. Don't get me wrong...I loved going Italy back in ought-3, and the prospect of returning to Assisi (and maybe performing in one of its Basilicas) is quite tempting.  It's just that $$$ is a huge object in the way.  I also was of the mind that if I was to invest in a return to Europe, I'd want to visit someplace new, like Austria and southern Germany.  After some thoughts and projections and gigs I've picked up, it looks like the trip could be doable...as long as I can hunker down and be a little more careful and work-ethic-driven.  I'll visualize it as a way to improve my routines.

Dass hat Rrrrrrassss so tra-la-la-la-la-LAAA!

This weekend marked the end of a truly enjoyable experience onstage and off. Die lustige Witwe played its final performance yesterday afternoon. Afterwards, the cast gathered for drinks and hors d'oeuvres at Bar Italia to celebrate the end of our run. It may be hard to top this show! Right now, I'm filled with a sense of joy and wistfulness...for all the obvious reasons.

I'll admit that when I discovered (over a year ago) that UAO would be presenting The Merry Widow, I was quite "meh" about the prospect of auditioning for it. I wasn't that familiar with the operetta, and of what I could tell, it seemed such a saccharine, dated, convoluted piece. However, when I sat down to hear recordings of the season repertoire, I could NOT stop listening to Lovro von Matačič's iconic 1962 recording of Die lustige Witwe with the incomparable Elisabeth Schwartzkopf and Eberhard Wächter. The music, while not at the level of Verdi or Mozart, had this way of making me laugh and feel genuine joy. Sure, the subject of Lehár's score probably hasn't graced the pages of many doctoral dissertations...but who cares? If you have a sense of frivolity and romance, this score will do. you. IN. It did me in, at least...hehe!

Putting the show together was "lustige" on so many levels. The cast got together smashingly, and sounded/looked great! We even proved wrong the old stereotype that opera singers can't move/dance...even I managed to waltz. I even tried my hand at a Polka and the Can-Can! Success? I hope so. I'll always chuckle at waltzing "drunk" with Megan, my lovely Frau auf der Bühne. Men's Chorus numbers were tons of fun...especially our "gawk at Hanna scena" and the epic "Damenwahl trainwreck." And those grisettes? Tres chaud! We looked damn good, too...all thanks to Teresa, our resourceful, dedicated costume designer. Julie, the production manager, summed it up succinctly: "You all look like a million damn bucks!"

Oh, and did I mention that singing the piece in German was the ultimate Glasur auf der Kuchen?!? I don't give a flying @*#!Ü what a silly critic has to say about that choice, either. I think it's quite refreshing and unique to hear a piece just as the composer heard it and wrote it. So there!

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Oh, and I might as well mention that I turned the big TWO-EIGHT on Thursday. My wonderful, loving parents gave me a fantabulous gift: a MacBook. You may have no I-DEEEE-A how badly I've wanted/needed a new computer, and this was a complete surprise for me. I've already named it: Agador Spartacus. Points to whomever knows where I got the name!

The new week brings on the second wave of Lakmé rehearsals...more on this later as I shave off the mutton chops and take on Brahmin Hinduism.

Me? A YouTube Celebrity?

Me? A YouTube Celebrity?

...

Uh...not quite, but you can see me briefly as part of a preview video for UAO's Merry Widow:



Opening night went over quite well. I can't tell you how much fun this show has been. Every aspect of the show is pleasing in its own way. Franz Lehár's music is so frothy, light and fun...it's no wonder this piece has endured for so long. Singing it in German is definitely a BIG plus for me...and I'm thinking that this production may very well spoil me for any future productions in English...but we'll see. The dancing has been a delightful challenge, especially the March Septet scene in Act II where some of us guys get to let loose and do a kickline (seen @ approx. 5:30 in the video above). Of course, there's lotsa waltzing too, which I'd originally feared, but I've grown to anticipate the embassy waltz in Act I, wanting to make it as bright and joyful as Lehár's score calls for. And did I mention the costumes?! THE COSTUMES!!! We look damn good onstage. The designer managed to make even ME look dashing.

DANGER: cheesy, shameless promotion ahead!

If you're looking to be whisked away to glittery 1905 Paris via dreamy, whimsical Viennese music, you would be a fool to miss out on Die lustige Witwe! Got that? Gut! Click here for more info.