From the 2nd - the 10th of July I had the privilege of participating in the Gilbert and Sullivan Summer intensive directed by Michael Sokol in San Diego.  What a whirlwind!  We had ten days to learn, memorize, stage, and perform scenes and arias from some of Gilbert and Sullivan's most beloved operettas.  Michael Sokol wasn't kidding when he decided to call this program an "intensive." 


Luckily for me, I had the honor of working with some of the most talented vocal performers from San Diego State University.  What a pleasure to be reunited with these wonderful and talented colleagues of mine for this experience. 


A highlight for me was having the opportunity to perform "A Simple Sailor, Lowly Born," one of Josephine's arias from HMS Pinafore.  This is the most difficult Gilbert and Sullivan aria I have ever learned.  It requires excellent breath control and support.  With so many quick and angular intervals and choppy lines, the difficulty is maintaining breath flow and beauty of line.  It is definitely acrobatic and diaphragmatically energetic.  Just like the other scenes we were assigned, I had one musical rehearsal to learn it (30 minutes), one rehearsal to stage it (30 minutes), and then the dress rehearsal and the performance.  


Even with the stress of putting something like this together in such a short amount of time, I am very proud of the work that was done by us all in those ten days.  The final product was well worth the effort.

My hearing for my recital was on wednesday of this week. I passed, but I was really nervous because my music is really hard. My voice teacher told me I was working on music that is at the graduate level. I am struggling a little bit still, but i really do like a challenge. It means that I can't coast through my recital. This also means that I will be even more excited to share my progress with everyone who attends my recital. (May 6, 2012 at 8pm in Smith Recital Hall) I have a really interesting and varied program planned for you all spaning from Händel arias all the way through pieces composed by contemporary composer Libby Larsen (I'll be playing Calamity Jane for that set!!) I really hope that you can all come to support me! Now all i have to do is find a gown... :P

Hello!

Last month I applied to 5 summer music programs in europe in compliance with my undergraduate foreign musical experience graduation requirement. I applied to Si Parla Si Canta, Opera Viva!, Sienna Summer Music, Festa Lyrica, and Elysium Between Two Continents. I was very excited to receive my first acceptance email to Si Parla Si Canta this morning!! I will keep you updated on my foreign plans!! Thank you all for your love and support!!