Soprano Notes

Spring is finally here!

2011-04-26T06:02:00.000-07:00

Hello my friends! It has been painfully long since my last post and I am promising again to keep up with the blogging. So much has happened since I last wrote and the most important thing is that not only have I moved to Germany permanently but I was able to secure a short contract only one month after I returned to Berlin in Dec 2010, just in time to celebrate New Years. The year definitely started off with fireworks when I received a call from The Musiktheater Dortmund asking if I was still interested in singing in the chorus until May 30th. Hmmm...of course! What a great experience it has been thus far. I can now say I speak German and have learned so much about how a theater really operates here. I have a contract offer for a small house but Ich fest die Daumen-the German version for crossing the fingers- because I am waiting to hear back from another house I just recently auditioned for which I have high hopes for. I have options which is so wonderful, I feel blessed! This means I don't have to ask to be on a student visa, I will stay as a professional singer with an Artist's visa. With the political situation in Europe, even though the US and Germany have a good relationship, it is still easier to deal with the heavy administration here if I have a Vertrag (contract), so this is very good in many ways. I have to say, I love the healthcare system here! They have had a long time to establish and refine this system and if the US could make it happen, there would be an increase in the quality of life for sure. Well, enough politics, I have rehearsal again tonight but I must practice some repertoire for my next big audition so bis später (until later), Tschüß!

Taking Germany by storm!

2009-10-10T00:22:00.000-07:00

I have been back home for almost a month and it seems like only a week! There is always so much to do. Jet lag was the strangest and most intense feeling ever..very glad that's over. The trip to Austria/Germany proved to be very successful and I am excited to return to audition for agents in a month. I was given the task of singing through and essentially learning 5 roles before I sing for a specific agent again. I have 2 down and 3 more to go. It is challenging and exciting at the same time. I have one audition already confirmed and hoping to have at least 3 more to speak of before I land in Deutschland! speaking auf Deutsch, I need to keep practicing the German, it can really sound beautiful at times, especially in certain regions. Well, off to get my beauty rest and be ready for another rehearsal with my fabulous accompanist tomorrow. Auf wiedersehn! erst später

2009-07-28T14:25:00.000-07:00

Well, another day has passed. I always have many challenges on this path. Not all have to do with technique & musical styling. These things are all important for efficacy of expression, of course, but the most challenging part of my job is being with 300 people and still being diplomatic! When the tensions are high, ah yes, the test of a good colleague is to ride above the storms. So, I'm going to an orchestra concert on thursday that some of my friends will be singing in and then perhaps celebrating my birthday later that evening. I am learning German very well and am pleased that I can feel comfortable for the most part in basic daily conversation. It's very exciting and I like the language very much. Well, signing off for now!

Liz

2009-07-27T15:05:00.001-07:00

Well, I am finally getting around to writing my blog. I am so sorry for taking so long!!! Things have been going so incredibly fast and there is much to tell. I'll start from this week and work backwards...

On thursday night, I had the most amazing time in this beautiful hall called the Stefaniensaal. It is hundreds of years old and has chandeliers and amazing architecture. I was so excited to sing the "Brindisi" from La Traviata, otherwise known as the "Drinking Song". I did the duet with Tenor Michael Smith and had the best time ever! As soon as I get the pics I will post. The conductor was David Stahl, he is very well known in Germany and also conducts in Ohio. You can check out his stats on the www.aimsgraz.com site.

Thus far I've consumed copious amounts of ice cream, staying away from schnitzel and loving something called Kern oil, oil from pumpkin seeds, very tasty and apparently healthy for you. The city is so beautiful! I wandered around the famous clock tower called the Schlossberg yesterday to clear my head for the deluge of activities this week, it is so green and lovely.

Well, it's off to bed, German class awaits at 8 AM, I've graduated to level 2 and very much enjoying the language. Thanks for tuning in and auf wiedersehn for now!

New Website and Blog are LIVE!!

2009-06-22T20:57:00.001-07:00

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