Three languages, Three different Cultures and one confused Coloratura!

Good evening from Verona!

Its been quite a ride here during the last month. I can't believe I have survived the past six months.

I feel like I am non-stop learning music (which is a joy, and a thrill) but on top of that traveling around to see the world.

Am I complaining? Not really. Am I bragging? Not trying to- but I realize that I am lucky to be where I am. Don't get me wrong, I do sacrifice a lot to be able to do this, but I am trying hard to appreciate every moment. (Even the bad ones, because lets be honest... there are bad ones too!)

So I did a similar trip to this five years ago. Wow. Time flies fast. Anyway, and I am very happy to confess that this time I feel much more like a "seasoned traveler." By that I mean that I am fluent now in French (which helps immensely with other languages!) and made it out of Barcelona with my bag!! Yay! It doesn't mean though that I don't make mistakes. I have a pretty good sense of direction, but when someone tells you in another language- go fifty meters, turn left at the pharmacy, go another fifty meters and its in front of the church... sometimes you get lost.

I will say, having spent a lot of time alone in the past month, I miss speaking in English. I miss the feeling of being completely understood and understand every nuance. I got to meet up with a close friend for three days and I was so overwhelmed that I could speak quickly, that I think I chatted her ear off! It was really nice, but now that she is gone, I miss having someone. Again, I am not complaining, but it was nice to have someone around that you knew and had a history with.

All that to be said, I am loving the new friends that I am making, trying new foods, and learning more about the languages I sing in. I love the cultural exchanges. I find myself having more in depth conversations with people in Italian than I ever thought was possible. My Spanish needs some work, but I will definitely be working on that!

Most memorable moments so far....

1. Singing for Natalie Dessay and Michel Plasson
2. Running on the beach in Barcelona
3. Eating my heart out in Irun, Spain
4. Watching the world cup in Madrid, with two Belgians, A Mexican, and two Koreans at an Irish Pub
5. Having the best meal of my life in Verona

Oh- did I mention? I am also training for a half marathon while here in Europe. I started back when I was in Vermont to train for it. Its been great because it allows me to eat what I want, and keeps me in shape, all while having a goal!

Eyes on the Prize!

Have a great evening.

Vermont, Italian Girl and bug bites!

Good morning from Salisbury, VT!

I am happily waking up at a Lake House here in Vermont. The scenery is beautiful, the people are lovely and there is only one thing that I can complain about.... THE BUGS!

Some of you know that I attract bugs wherever I go, well here, there is no exception. I spent one glorious day out on the water and enjoying every aspect of being in the wilderness, and I am desperately paying for it.  Its okay though. It was 100% worth it!

I also am really enjoying covering Elvira in Italian Girl in Algiers- here at Opera Company of Middlebury. The production team, board of directors and artistic team are so accommodating, kind and professional. On top of that they really hand picked a magnificent cast, who really meld and work together as a super team. Not only are they amazing and supportive, but they are incredible performing actors. I find myself laughing at a new joke each time I see the show.

This morning the covers are coming over for breakfast and we are running through our blocking- and this is on a show day. I love dedicated artists!

I am just full of love and bug bites here in Vermont.

I am so thankful today to be able to have such a fulfilling career.

Have a lovely Sunday, wherever you are!

Three Operas in Six weeks... and a new agency!

Good evening bloggers of the world!

So since Zerbinetta at POV I got to spend a few months back at home in Montreal where I taught, auditioned and flitted around a bit. My cat La reine was just warming back up to me when I left again.... oops!

So, I have some wonderful news! I am very pleased to announce that I have have joined the Dean Artists Agency.  (They are working on a new website, so I am not on their yet, but it is official!) Here is the website for your reference! http://deanartists.com/index.php

As for Three Operas in six weeks: (May 10-June 21)
Zerlina in Don Giovanni with Opera Nova Scotia
Elvira (cover- and a performance) in L'Italiana in Algeri with Opera Company of Middlebury (My American Debut!)
Adele in Die Fledermaus with Maritime Concert Opera

I am sitting here with Mozart staging buzzing in my head while I work on my Italian Girl in Algiers. I am trying to stay as focused as possible. This includes eating properly, exercise, and sleeping well.

Thoughts on the new headshot?

Good night world.

Role Debut: Zerbinetta! My dream role!

Good evening from Victoria, BC!

I can't believe that A. I haven't written in a very long time and B. Ariadne auf Naxos opens tomorrow night here at Pacific Opera Victoria.

It has been a treat to work with such amazing artists here. I am so honoured to have shared fun little moments with each one of the cast members, and for that I am ever grateful.

Zerbinetta is such a fun role. Words can't describe it, so check out this video!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aSU0yE59RQM

Toi toi toi to all of my colleagues for tomorrow night! Lets Strauss it up!

Suz

Home for the Holidays

Well my time at home is coming to an end and I feel as though I should reflect a little on it.

I have loved every minute of being home. Every time I am here I realize how wonderful it is "out east." People will look you in the eye and genuinely greet you. It is also pretty nice to walk around the city and run into people you have known since you were in junior high etc. It is a wonderful feeling to have history with people.

On top of all of that- I got to see my 93 year old Grandmother, two of my three nieces and of course my immediate family. There were many laughing fits over inside jokes and even our yearly "fam jam."

As for the next couple of weeks- I am in the home stretch for Zerbinetta! I could not be more excited for a role. On top of it, it seems as though it will be an Atelier Lyrique reunion! I have worked with quite a few of the artists already, so I am sure it will be a blast. Now it is time for serious reading, German touch ups, Journals for memorizing and just general comprehension. If you see me in Montreal muttering German... just shake me!

I am looking forward to getting back into my normal gym routine as well. My gym is going to be so busy though, which I don't look forward to. My friend and I have our morning routine where we get an amazing coffee on the way and then work out.

New Years approaches- and now it is time to think of resolutions.

My top five are:

1. Take more time to enjoy each moment.
2. Be on time.
3. Read more
4. Join a team or group
5. Make a new recipe once a week

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

One last thing; I updated my website, check it out: www.suzannerigden.com

Here is a picture of my Mom and I on a walk in my hometown around the Holidays. 

I thought I knew what tired was....

People say you don't know what it is like to be tired until you have a baby, but I am pretty sure I know it. I have felt it this week.

Traveling is just plain tiring. I have been NON STOP for the past few weeks and I crave a day in my bed. Watching movies. Thinking about nothing. Even just practicing without a deadline. I am trying to please everyone else in my life and I realize thats not helping me.

Lesson learned. When trying to learn extremely hard music. Do only that. Nothing else. I would rather eat peanut butter for a month than do what I am doing right now.

Breathe in. Breathe out. Keep going. This is my motto for the next month or so.

I wish I was going on a cruise this year.

Dear Opera Gods, or producers or whoever. Please produce more concerts on boats! ;)

Have a great week.

Suz

Time, and time again....

Here I am, again, on the overnight bus back from New York City.

Here are the tricks I have learned along the way with this form of travel....

1. Drink first. I know this sounds ridiculous,  but if you have a glass of wine or something, it will help you fall asleep... because this is necessary.

2. Go on a weekday. Less people take the overnight bus on a weekday. Fact.

3. Go towards the back. Somehow people are lazy and like to stay near the front. You are more likely to get a place to yourself near the back... aka the toilets..

4. Bring sleeping gear. Wear puffy clothes. It gets cold. My favourite article is my blow up pillow and  eye mask.

5. Have NO shame. None.

6. Eat in Albany. (Bring your own food, because that stuff they sell... yuck!)

7. Be honest. Don't try and steal the extra seat. People are less likely to bother you and sit with you. Ha. You would think this would be the opposite. I have also heard of people faking being sick so that people don't sit with you. I believe this might be a good option.... but I am not sure I could do it.

8. Fly.

Alright, but seriously, this is brutal. I can't wait for the day that I have some sort of flight pass, or enough points that I never have to take the bus again. The problem is that sometimes the flights don't work out to get you on time. Luckily the bus NEVER cancels. (Unlike airlines)

Have I said enough?

Update on life: I am feeling very excited for the upcoming months. I am LOVING coaching Zerbinetta all of the time. This character might actually be me. This is so fun. I love New York, also. I just love the hustle and bustle. I once said it is like shopping in a mall around Christmas all of the time in New York.

Today I bought a new winter jacket. I planned on giving my old one to a person who needed it in the street, although I didn't see any female beggars along the way (to the bus stop) that it would fit or needed a jacket. I guess I will give it to a Montrealer. On a random note: The beggars are quite resourceful in NYC. I saw one who had a carpet set up on top of the Subway grate. Genius! Thats way more comfy than the bus... although I would never trade my situation to live on the street. It still hurts me to see people out on the streets. :(

Alright, its time to try and sleep again. Oh! I forgot to mention- I listen to a meditative application called "Omnivana" and it is the loop of "Deep Sleep." It REALLY works. So far, so good!

Bonne nuit mes amis!

Suz