Well I have to say, I realized while walking to my apartment that cold weather really is important for me to feel in the mood for the Holidays...
Perhaps that has a lot to do with where I grew up, but it was nice to see snow on the ground- cold air, and christmas lights up. The Caribbean was pretty amazing though... I have to say! It was nice to also feel some heat after spending two of my coldest summers in San Francisco! (I love it there, don't get me wrong, but at the same time...)
Anyway, I am on the way back to the Maritimes and I am so excited. I can't believe I am almost home. I get to see my amazing 92 year old grandmother, my two brothers, my parents, two of my three nieces and even might see some extended family! I had planned on doing a holiday concert, but ended up not having time to do it. Its a shame, but that means the next one will be THAT much better!
I am sitting with my cat at my feet, happy as a clam and wanting to wish you all a safe and happy holiday season!
Lots of Love from my family to yours,
Suzanne
Monday, December 24, 2012
Saturday, December 1, 2012
Holidays in NYC
I just want to say that it is pure joy to walk around New York City around the holidays.
The smell of pine from the Christmas trees sold on the street corners, cinnamon, cider, Christmas Markets, lights on every tree and the music blasted from every store and major centers.
It may be audition time in the city, but there is always something to cheer you up in this city!
The countdown is on for my cruise! I am going to the Caribbean for a week where I will be singing up a storm and basking in the sun. I have never been on one before, so I am very excited! I am not sure about the price of wifi on the boat, so this may be my last post!
I also can now announce that I will be making my Edmonton Opera debut next season in a prominent role!!
Life is good :)
Singing and signing off,
Suzanne
The smell of pine from the Christmas trees sold on the street corners, cinnamon, cider, Christmas Markets, lights on every tree and the music blasted from every store and major centers.
It may be audition time in the city, but there is always something to cheer you up in this city!
The countdown is on for my cruise! I am going to the Caribbean for a week where I will be singing up a storm and basking in the sun. I have never been on one before, so I am very excited! I am not sure about the price of wifi on the boat, so this may be my last post!
I also can now announce that I will be making my Edmonton Opera debut next season in a prominent role!!
Life is good :)
Singing and signing off,
Suzanne
Sunday, November 18, 2012
New York in the Fall
Wow!
I am so glad to be back in North America and to be back to what seems to be "normal life". I am in New York after the storm... I have to say, Air Canada was very generous during the Hurricane Sandy. I was supposed to be in New York on October 30th, but was forced (poor me...) to stay in Paris for an extra five days.. They flew me to Montreal. I stayed there for a week and then they flew me to New York as well. I was so impressed, I thought Air Canada deserved a mention on my blog! I love when humanity surprises you.
Anyway, I had a lovely time at home with my cats, and now I am enjoying catching up with all of my friends from around the world who happen to be here in New York at the crazy audition time. I have been busy, but when in New York, it feels weird not to be busy. At the end of the day your sleep always seems like a reward to the crazy day you have had. I have already had a wonderful week of operas, friends, meals and lessons! I saw Ballo in Maschera, Aida working rehearsal and I saw The Tempest (which I ADORED!) and I have been having coachings, lessons and auditions. On top of that I was lucky enough to eat with some friends from San Francisco at Jean Georges. Wow. What an amazing meal!!
I am so happy to be on my home turf, back with friends and I look forward to seeing my parents in a couple of weeks. Life couldn't be better. I LOVE NEW YORK!
Ciao für now...
Suzanne
I am so glad to be back in North America and to be back to what seems to be "normal life". I am in New York after the storm... I have to say, Air Canada was very generous during the Hurricane Sandy. I was supposed to be in New York on October 30th, but was forced (poor me...) to stay in Paris for an extra five days.. They flew me to Montreal. I stayed there for a week and then they flew me to New York as well. I was so impressed, I thought Air Canada deserved a mention on my blog! I love when humanity surprises you.
Anyway, I had a lovely time at home with my cats, and now I am enjoying catching up with all of my friends from around the world who happen to be here in New York at the crazy audition time. I have been busy, but when in New York, it feels weird not to be busy. At the end of the day your sleep always seems like a reward to the crazy day you have had. I have already had a wonderful week of operas, friends, meals and lessons! I saw Ballo in Maschera, Aida working rehearsal and I saw The Tempest (which I ADORED!) and I have been having coachings, lessons and auditions. On top of that I was lucky enough to eat with some friends from San Francisco at Jean Georges. Wow. What an amazing meal!!
I am so happy to be on my home turf, back with friends and I look forward to seeing my parents in a couple of weeks. Life couldn't be better. I LOVE NEW YORK!
Ciao für now...
Suzanne
Saturday, October 20, 2012
Loving the UK
Hello mates!
I have had a lovely quick trip from Leipzig-Paris-London Oct 17-19th and now I am enjoying London a bit! I have to say this is the most "at home" I have felt in a while.
Sometimes on the road we get a little lonely and that is normal. I guess it is just nice to have some reminders of what life at home is like. My two favourite things that remind me of home: Netflix!! and I can use my visa everywhere.
I know what you are probably thinking is "If you are in London, why are you on Netflix?" but when you are prepping for auditions, its not ideal to be out until all hours, so last night I came home and enjoyed a good romantic comedy!
I will also take a trip up to Edinburgh for a couple of days! I figure, if I am here, why not go all out :D
I love Europe!
Suzanne
Monday, October 8, 2012
Now on Twitter
Hello blog readers!
You can also follow me now on Twitter:
https://twitter.com/serigden
In other news I am leaving for Athens in two! Days!!!
This fall turned out very well in seeing new places for me :)
I am thankful today for my opera career....
Suz
You can also follow me now on Twitter:
https://twitter.com/serigden
In other news I am leaving for Athens in two! Days!!!
This fall turned out very well in seeing new places for me :)
I am thankful today for my opera career....
Suz
Tuesday, October 2, 2012
Berlin is the beginning!
Guten Morgen!
Ich bin in Berlin da Gestern und ich habe Lust! Ich liebe Berlin. Es ist eine schöne Stadt!
October is the beginning of a bunch of great auditions. My first starting on October 4th for the Komische Oper. Here in Berlin I know coaches and pianists and I look forward to getting some lessons in the meantime.
On another note I have been fighting off a cold for a while now and went to the doctor yesterday. I am on antibiotics, but I am on the road to recovery. It happens often when we are switching cities all the time, living out of a suitcase and staying in different beds and environments.
Did I ever update that in Brussels our hostel caught on fire? I went for the weekend to meet a friend, and we stayed in this hostel very close to the Main Square in Brussels. It was very convenient until 6:30am we were woken up to police yelling "Il y a feu!!" I pulled open my curtains and saw the fire on the scaffolding on the outside of the building. My Fight or Flight instinct kicked in and I bolted! We were all outside in our pjs and some had more on than others. Needless to say I didn't get anymore sleep that night. Who knows, I could have caught the cold from that point. Oh well, it is a good story none-the-less!
Prost!
Suzanne
Ich bin in Berlin da Gestern und ich habe Lust! Ich liebe Berlin. Es ist eine schöne Stadt!
October is the beginning of a bunch of great auditions. My first starting on October 4th for the Komische Oper. Here in Berlin I know coaches and pianists and I look forward to getting some lessons in the meantime.
On another note I have been fighting off a cold for a while now and went to the doctor yesterday. I am on antibiotics, but I am on the road to recovery. It happens often when we are switching cities all the time, living out of a suitcase and staying in different beds and environments.
Did I ever update that in Brussels our hostel caught on fire? I went for the weekend to meet a friend, and we stayed in this hostel very close to the Main Square in Brussels. It was very convenient until 6:30am we were woken up to police yelling "Il y a feu!!" I pulled open my curtains and saw the fire on the scaffolding on the outside of the building. My Fight or Flight instinct kicked in and I bolted! We were all outside in our pjs and some had more on than others. Needless to say I didn't get anymore sleep that night. Who knows, I could have caught the cold from that point. Oh well, it is a good story none-the-less!
Prost!
Suzanne
Thursday, September 20, 2012
Let the season begin!
Well I have been in Europe for almost Four Weeks. (wow!) I can't believe that myself!
I have taken two and a half weeks of Intensive German Courses and am now ready for the audition season to begin. My Agents are wonderful and are working very hard to make this a profitable Audition tour. My next audition is in about two weeks (unless something comes up at the last minute).
Within these two weeks I will be recording a DVD for promotional purposes (Just a few arias and songs) and brushing up some arias.
I am so thankful for such wonderful people here in Germany who have been supporting me. Jamie Vande and Konrad Machill, you are both saints in my book! It has been so lovely being in Cologne and having a warm home to return to.
I now have a German and French Biography and CV and I am feeling very international!
I recently picked up some pictures from the Merola Season and I will make a post with some of my favorite very soon!
Tschüß!
Suzanne
I have taken two and a half weeks of Intensive German Courses and am now ready for the audition season to begin. My Agents are wonderful and are working very hard to make this a profitable Audition tour. My next audition is in about two weeks (unless something comes up at the last minute).
Within these two weeks I will be recording a DVD for promotional purposes (Just a few arias and songs) and brushing up some arias.
I am so thankful for such wonderful people here in Germany who have been supporting me. Jamie Vande and Konrad Machill, you are both saints in my book! It has been so lovely being in Cologne and having a warm home to return to.
I now have a German and French Biography and CV and I am feeling very international!
I recently picked up some pictures from the Merola Season and I will make a post with some of my favorite very soon!
Tschüß!
Suzanne
Thursday, September 6, 2012
Wie spät ist es?
Guten abend!
Two days into my German intensive course and I am feeling great! The vocabulary is coming back slowly but surely! I am so thankful for having already taken two courses in it. Speaking french has also been a great asset in re-learning German because I realize that if the word isn't close in English, sometimes it is helpful to think of the French word. Obviously that is not always the case, but when it happens I get pretty excited.
Köln is a very beautiful city. I am so thankful for being here. I have been able to relax a little bit and get back into a routine (Something that often disappears when you are on the road). I went for a gorgeous run today in a massive park that even had a zoo in it. I was shocked when the goats crossed in front of me. Very cool.
The food here is so much healthier it seems. I know people assume Germany is just bratwurst und brot, but the food in general has less sodium and preservatives. Last night we had a bbq (grillabend) with steaks, corn and salad. The milk products are also quite extraordinary here as well. mmm.
Anyway, I have my first couple of auditions scheduled and am very much looking forward to it. It has been nice to have a couple of days off, but when you aren't performing you start to get the itch. I have a new photos from the Marmande Competition I will post here :)
Tchüß!!
Suzanne
Two days into my German intensive course and I am feeling great! The vocabulary is coming back slowly but surely! I am so thankful for having already taken two courses in it. Speaking french has also been a great asset in re-learning German because I realize that if the word isn't close in English, sometimes it is helpful to think of the French word. Obviously that is not always the case, but when it happens I get pretty excited.
Köln is a very beautiful city. I am so thankful for being here. I have been able to relax a little bit and get back into a routine (Something that often disappears when you are on the road). I went for a gorgeous run today in a massive park that even had a zoo in it. I was shocked when the goats crossed in front of me. Very cool.
The food here is so much healthier it seems. I know people assume Germany is just bratwurst und brot, but the food in general has less sodium and preservatives. Last night we had a bbq (grillabend) with steaks, corn and salad. The milk products are also quite extraordinary here as well. mmm.
Anyway, I have my first couple of auditions scheduled and am very much looking forward to it. It has been nice to have a couple of days off, but when you aren't performing you start to get the itch. I have a new photos from the Marmande Competition I will post here :)
Tchüß!!
Suzanne
Saturday, September 1, 2012
Bordeaux, Marmande, Paris, Koln in 24 hours?
Well I did the Semi-final round of the Marmande International Singing competition and had a blast. I sang Queen in the first round and then Doll in the Second. Both went very well and I am pleased.
I have met some wonderful people here- hopefully some life-long friends :) I am getting excited to head off to Köln tomorrow. I am so lucky that I have met some wonderful people to help me make this audition tour possible. You know who you are... THANK YOU!!
So, I went on a little trip to Bordeaux today... wow that city is gorgeous. I had a wonderful time checking out the sites and then came back to hear the finale of the competition. My favourite part was the cocktail after the finale. I got to chat with the jury and get their opinions. That is always a very interesting situation. :)
Ich gehe auf Deutschland am morgen!! (I know I need to work on my german)
Adieu France.
Suzanne
I have met some wonderful people here- hopefully some life-long friends :) I am getting excited to head off to Köln tomorrow. I am so lucky that I have met some wonderful people to help me make this audition tour possible. You know who you are... THANK YOU!!
So, I went on a little trip to Bordeaux today... wow that city is gorgeous. I had a wonderful time checking out the sites and then came back to hear the finale of the competition. My favourite part was the cocktail after the finale. I got to chat with the jury and get their opinions. That is always a very interesting situation. :)
Ich gehe auf Deutschland am morgen!! (I know I need to work on my german)
Adieu France.
Suzanne
Thursday, August 30, 2012
Vive la France!
Yesterday (August 29, 2012) I sang in the first round of the Marmande Competition in Marmande France! Take a wild guess as to what aria this was....
I am heading back into town to have some dinner and find out the results... fingers crossed...
Suzanne
Sunday, August 26, 2012
On s'en va en France!
Morning, Night? I don't know what time it is anymore!
Well its 4:30pm here in Toulouse and I plan on enjoying the rest of the day! I left montreal last night at 8:15, flew to Munich and then to Toulouse. The tour that I have been waiting for has begun!
Tomorrow I leave for Marmande. I haven't decided exactly when I will leave. That is the fun part about traveling... nothing HAS to be planned! (Unless there is singing involved!) I have three days to sort of relax back into singing and get my body acquainted with the time zone. My remedy for that? Coffee! Must...stay... awake!
Alright off to visit the sites.
Here's to a fall full of auditions!
Suzanne
Well its 4:30pm here in Toulouse and I plan on enjoying the rest of the day! I left montreal last night at 8:15, flew to Munich and then to Toulouse. The tour that I have been waiting for has begun!
Tomorrow I leave for Marmande. I haven't decided exactly when I will leave. That is the fun part about traveling... nothing HAS to be planned! (Unless there is singing involved!) I have three days to sort of relax back into singing and get my body acquainted with the time zone. My remedy for that? Coffee! Must...stay... awake!
Alright off to visit the sites.
Here's to a fall full of auditions!
Suzanne
Tuesday, August 21, 2012
What does one do AFTER Merola?
Well...
The question is endless and it varies from exciting to scary! (In my own case at least)....
I am packing up, and shipping out of Montreal, out of Canada, out of North America for a little European tour. I will be doing competitions, auditions and language training. What better to do all of this than by indulging the language and culture of Opera.
I start my journey by flying into Toulouse. Ah mes amis!!! J'ai hâte de visiter en France parce que ce fois je suis bilingue! I stay in France for a while and then head to Germany where I will work on my German and get ready for audition season to start. Down. Set. HUT!
I want to wish all of my fellow Merolini's luck in the tortuous wait to find out about Adler Fellowships... what a stressful thing to think about- Its better just to not! It is not something predictable. Having been through it once, I promise you.
Back to the three P's" Packing, Planning and Prepping!
Signing out,
Suz
The question is endless and it varies from exciting to scary! (In my own case at least)....
I am packing up, and shipping out of Montreal, out of Canada, out of North America for a little European tour. I will be doing competitions, auditions and language training. What better to do all of this than by indulging the language and culture of Opera.
I start my journey by flying into Toulouse. Ah mes amis!!! J'ai hâte de visiter en France parce que ce fois je suis bilingue! I stay in France for a while and then head to Germany where I will work on my German and get ready for audition season to start. Down. Set. HUT!
I want to wish all of my fellow Merolini's luck in the tortuous wait to find out about Adler Fellowships... what a stressful thing to think about- Its better just to not! It is not something predictable. Having been through it once, I promise you.
Back to the three P's" Packing, Planning and Prepping!
Signing out,
Suz
Friday, August 10, 2012
Grande finale countdown!
Morning!
The last big event of The Merola season of 2012 is now only 8 days away! I can't believe it! I feel like this summer always leads up to this point, but when we arrived here (June 1st) It seemed off in the far distance.
This also means that I leave for Europe in... 2 weeks... oh my gosh!!
Anyway, one thing at a time!... Today is audition day for the Schwabacher Debut Rectial series.. :)
As for grande finale... I am so excited to sing the Arabella duet with Aviva Fortunata and then I am also in a Semele scene as well as a Alceste scene and the finale. We are going to be very busy and that is very fun because any chance to stand on that War Memorial Opera stage I will do it!
Count down is on! I love it!
Suzanne
The last big event of The Merola season of 2012 is now only 8 days away! I can't believe it! I feel like this summer always leads up to this point, but when we arrived here (June 1st) It seemed off in the far distance.
This also means that I leave for Europe in... 2 weeks... oh my gosh!!
Anyway, one thing at a time!... Today is audition day for the Schwabacher Debut Rectial series.. :)
As for grande finale... I am so excited to sing the Arabella duet with Aviva Fortunata and then I am also in a Semele scene as well as a Alceste scene and the finale. We are going to be very busy and that is very fun because any chance to stand on that War Memorial Opera stage I will do it!
Count down is on! I love it!
Suzanne
Friday, July 20, 2012
Postcard Reviews... the word is out
So lots of people don't like to read reviews, but I am one of those people that is interested to see what the public thought... :) Voilà here is what I found...
Argento’s
score provides the vocalists with many opportunities for stunning
virtuoso turns. We have a “Lady with a Hand Mirror” given a
coloratura soprano part, executed last night by Suzanne Rigden with
dazzling panache.
STEPHEN
SMOLIAR-
http://www.examiner.com/article/merola-s-venture-into-dominick-argento-s-imagined-world?cid=CommunityPacific
Suzanne
Rigden hit some impossibly high notes dead-on
Suzanne
Rigden was a bright-toned Lady with a Hand Mirror
Soprano
Suzanne Rigden gave a zesty, piquant performance as an operetta
singer
San
Francisco Chronicle July 20, 2012 by Joshua Kosman
Soprano
Suzanne
Rigden has a strong, high & brilliant sound, & her voice
was easy to pick out even in the ensemble passages.
Axel
Feldheim -
http://nffo.blogspot.com/
Coloratura soprano Suzanne Rigden (A Lady with a Hand Mirror/An Operetta Singer) was almost as commanding. Her voice is large and very bright, her vocalism secure, and her movements lovely to watch. Only the lack of a distinctive timbre and clear characterization held her back from breaking through the opera’s intentional fog.
Jason
Victor Serinus – San Francisco Classical Voice
Tuesday, July 17, 2012
Final Dress! My favourite!
Rise and shine...
When I get excited, or nervous for that matter, I often wake up very early. Today is no exception. I woke up at 6am but I am okay with it, because I often get some of my best work done in the morning.
Today our Final Dress rehearsal of Postcard from Morocco is at 2pm! I am looking forward to it. Last night we had our Orchestra run-through and now we are "pumped up" and ready to go! It is one of my most rewarding operas that I have worked on. It was completely an ensemble piece where we all collaborated to achieve the final product. It is 90 minutes of pure concentration. I even get to some sort of meditative state which is very exciting to think that is possible during an opera.
I hope that everyone enjoys!!
Have a wonderful Tuesday.
Suzanne
Monday, July 9, 2012
Long but wonderful days
We had our fourth run through of the opera today... It is so exciting how close we are getting. It is fine tuning at this point which is lots of fun. It has been a journey and half and I am so glad to have been invited along on the ride.
I am just impressed every day at the level of artistry of this group. So exciting to get to know them also throughout the summer. I am so happy to have had a second kick at the can!
Day at Merola is coming up on Wednesday!! WAHOO!! Looking forward to letting people into our lives :)
Happy Monday!
I am just impressed every day at the level of artistry of this group. So exciting to get to know them also throughout the summer. I am so happy to have had a second kick at the can!
Day at Merola is coming up on Wednesday!! WAHOO!! Looking forward to letting people into our lives :)
Happy Monday!
Saturday, June 30, 2012
Night before General Director Auditions
Well, it has been quite a few days.
I have been running around trying to figure things out, and now am finally able to relax. Thank goodness because it is an important night to be able to sleep. I have done all of the things that help me have a good sleep: Exercise, eat well, steamed, drank lots of water and darkened the windows. Fingers crossed!
The most important things to ensure a great audition are: Preparation, sleep, water, exercise and food. (At least that is for me)
Round two... DING!
Night, night!
I have been running around trying to figure things out, and now am finally able to relax. Thank goodness because it is an important night to be able to sleep. I have done all of the things that help me have a good sleep: Exercise, eat well, steamed, drank lots of water and darkened the windows. Fingers crossed!
The most important things to ensure a great audition are: Preparation, sleep, water, exercise and food. (At least that is for me)
Round two... DING!
Night, night!
Monday, June 25, 2012
Countdown to Postcard: 25 days...
June 25th means that I have been at Merola for 19 days, and already feel like it has just started!
Today I see my costume for the first time..!!
Staging today my favourite part in the Postcard from Morocco: The Hat Box Trio.... SO MUCH FUN! (Hardest part also in terms of meter changes, but perhaps thats what makes it so fun: the challenge!)
We have an Amici di Merola picnic, which is always one of my favourite parts in the day. We are all busy and tired, and then we get to go outside, enjoy the sunshine and are surrounded by wonderful people! What love and support. Thank you so much :)
Off to start the day. I love my career!!!
Suz
Today I see my costume for the first time..!!
Staging today my favourite part in the Postcard from Morocco: The Hat Box Trio.... SO MUCH FUN! (Hardest part also in terms of meter changes, but perhaps thats what makes it so fun: the challenge!)
We have an Amici di Merola picnic, which is always one of my favourite parts in the day. We are all busy and tired, and then we get to go outside, enjoy the sunshine and are surrounded by wonderful people! What love and support. Thank you so much :)
Off to start the day. I love my career!!!
Suz
Thursday, June 14, 2012
Rehearsals, Lessons, Coachings
Wow. wow. WOW!
I have had some seriously life changing lessons, coachings and rehearsals this week. I had my wonderful coaching on breathing with Deb Birnbaum... I am carrying around a straw for the next two months, as that was just incredible!!
I had a lesson with Sanford Sylvan. That man is a genius! I was slightly vocally tired, but it didn't change a thing, as he was able to access some beautiful and relaxed sound!
Warren Jones was here this week. He has such wonderful musical ideas. Masterclasses with him are always eye-opening.
We also started Postcard rehearsals and they are going really well. It is a challenge hearing all of the voices and putting your harmony in as well, you just have to be very concentrated!
Well Week two is almost over and it has been fabulous. Week two has truly flown by it seems!
Suzanne
I have had some seriously life changing lessons, coachings and rehearsals this week. I had my wonderful coaching on breathing with Deb Birnbaum... I am carrying around a straw for the next two months, as that was just incredible!!
I had a lesson with Sanford Sylvan. That man is a genius! I was slightly vocally tired, but it didn't change a thing, as he was able to access some beautiful and relaxed sound!
Warren Jones was here this week. He has such wonderful musical ideas. Masterclasses with him are always eye-opening.
We also started Postcard rehearsals and they are going really well. It is a challenge hearing all of the voices and putting your harmony in as well, you just have to be very concentrated!
Well Week two is almost over and it has been fabulous. Week two has truly flown by it seems!
Suzanne
Friday, June 8, 2012
2012 Merola Week 1
So far lots of fun!!
We have had coachings on our audition repertoire, coaching on Postcard From Morocco, dress parade, Meet the Merolini, Acting class every day for a week.
As the McDonalds slogan says... "I'm Loving it!"
Oh I also saw Nixon in China. My next goal: Madame Mao's Aria... ;)
Suzanne
We have had coachings on our audition repertoire, coaching on Postcard From Morocco, dress parade, Meet the Merolini, Acting class every day for a week.
As the McDonalds slogan says... "I'm Loving it!"
Oh I also saw Nixon in China. My next goal: Madame Mao's Aria... ;)
Suzanne
Monday, June 4, 2012
Post first day
Well Day One is finished :)
My day started early and I am trying to stay up to fight the jet lag...
Our day started with a Meet and Greet, followed by a tour of the opera house and costume shop.
After that we had lunch and had Acting Class. Following that I had my first coaching on Postcard.
Tomorrow will be awesome. I finish in time to see the Nixen in China final dress rehearsal!!
Ahhh this is just so awesome...
Suzanne
My day started early and I am trying to stay up to fight the jet lag...
Our day started with a Meet and Greet, followed by a tour of the opera house and costume shop.
After that we had lunch and had Acting Class. Following that I had my first coaching on Postcard.
Tomorrow will be awesome. I finish in time to see the Nixen in China final dress rehearsal!!
Ahhh this is just so awesome...
Suzanne
Wednesday, May 30, 2012
T Minus 2 days
Wow
It sure is crazy that I leave for SF in two days. These next two days are going to be a little crazy running around trying to get everything done, but it is all worth it when I know how wonderful it will be.
I never travel without one.....
Have a wonderful day.
Suz
It sure is crazy that I leave for SF in two days. These next two days are going to be a little crazy running around trying to get everything done, but it is all worth it when I know how wonderful it will be.
I never travel without one.....
Have a wonderful day.
Suz
Sunday, May 27, 2012
Moving onwards
When you have opening night and then closing night you don't have those bumps of low energy.
So today, I am moving on to the next frame of mind... Merola!! I am so excited to be getting ready to go. I am packing this year with a good idea of what I will need (which is helpful.. so that this year I don't have to call home for warmer clothes! ha!)
My top 10 list of things that I am looking forward to in San Francisco: (in no particular order)
1. Amazing produce... wow. You can actually eat the 100 mile diet and be pleased!
2. Blue bottle coffee. I am not even a huge coffee drinker, but wow...
3. Seeing my old friends from last year Merolini!!
4. Working with an amazing Faculty, Staff and Colleagues
5. Amici di Merola picnics!
6. The pizza right by Dolores Park.. I can't remember the name of the place..
7. The views
8. The hills... they do the body good even though we curse them often
9. Papaya salad... I know where to get one when I need it
10. Window shopping
Now it is time to get up and continue memorizing....
Have a lovely day.
Suz
So today, I am moving on to the next frame of mind... Merola!! I am so excited to be getting ready to go. I am packing this year with a good idea of what I will need (which is helpful.. so that this year I don't have to call home for warmer clothes! ha!)
My top 10 list of things that I am looking forward to in San Francisco: (in no particular order)
1. Amazing produce... wow. You can actually eat the 100 mile diet and be pleased!
2. Blue bottle coffee. I am not even a huge coffee drinker, but wow...
3. Seeing my old friends from last year Merolini!!
4. Working with an amazing Faculty, Staff and Colleagues
5. Amici di Merola picnics!
6. The pizza right by Dolores Park.. I can't remember the name of the place..
7. The views
8. The hills... they do the body good even though we curse them often
9. Papaya salad... I know where to get one when I need it
10. Window shopping
Now it is time to get up and continue memorizing....
Have a lovely day.
Suz
Friday, May 25, 2012
Blondie
Ahhh I love this career!!
Just am getting home from a lovely evening of Mozart as I sang Blondchen with Opera Nova Scotia and I had a ball. I need to remember this feeling because it is the reason why we deal with all of the faults of this career. For these exact moments. I am on my performance high and don't want to come down!!
Happy as a clam (as my mom would say)
Cheers!
Just am getting home from a lovely evening of Mozart as I sang Blondchen with Opera Nova Scotia and I had a ball. I need to remember this feeling because it is the reason why we deal with all of the faults of this career. For these exact moments. I am on my performance high and don't want to come down!!
Happy as a clam (as my mom would say)
Cheers!
Tuesday, May 15, 2012
Getting "pumped up"
Happy Spring!!
To those who spring brings nasal congestion and itchy eyes, well I am sorry! But for me this year, miraculously, that is NOT the case!
This spring has been a little nuts though in every other aspect. I was finishing up shows of carmen, while rehearsing for Die Entfuhrung aus dem Serail, and Postcard while teaching, working and heading to new york for auditions. There was one week that I thought I was sure to get to sick, but I have made it out alive.
I am now in rehearsals for Blondchen, and at the same time running to the practice room to continue memorizing Postcard. There are high G's in this role that I am determined to make beautiful, although they feel just slightly screechy at this point... words and high g's should not be combined! I'd like to buy a vowel please..
Just a quick note tonight, as I am heading to my new love... Moksha yoga. Really any type of yoga keeps me happy though...
Suz
To those who spring brings nasal congestion and itchy eyes, well I am sorry! But for me this year, miraculously, that is NOT the case!
This spring has been a little nuts though in every other aspect. I was finishing up shows of carmen, while rehearsing for Die Entfuhrung aus dem Serail, and Postcard while teaching, working and heading to new york for auditions. There was one week that I thought I was sure to get to sick, but I have made it out alive.
I am now in rehearsals for Blondchen, and at the same time running to the practice room to continue memorizing Postcard. There are high G's in this role that I am determined to make beautiful, although they feel just slightly screechy at this point... words and high g's should not be combined! I'd like to buy a vowel please..
Just a quick note tonight, as I am heading to my new love... Moksha yoga. Really any type of yoga keeps me happy though...
Suz
Sunday, April 1, 2012
On the road again...
Well the Carmen tour has been on the road now since March 21st and we are on a roll. We are pros at what we call "hotel-camping". In an attempt to save money and to eat healthier, we have brought a rice cooker, a crock pot, burners, and a grill. We have eaten many lovely meals so far and all for a small amount of money! (Please don't tell the hotel workers, although it must be pretty obvious from the smells!)
As for the shows, it is always a challenge to sing in different halls, in different cities and sleeping in different places all the time, but so far so good! The biggest challenge has proved to be finding a place to practice! We found a place in Sault Ste Marie yesterday for two hours, but I fear that might have been a rare find...
I am working on Blondchen, Lady with a Hand Mirror *which I really need a piano for* and Serpetta all at once and studying your score is great, but I need some full-voiced singing at this point. I am thinking of sneaking down to the pool tomorrow and singing in there..
Two months until San Francisco as of today! wowsa!
Cheers from a plastic cup..
As for the shows, it is always a challenge to sing in different halls, in different cities and sleeping in different places all the time, but so far so good! The biggest challenge has proved to be finding a place to practice! We found a place in Sault Ste Marie yesterday for two hours, but I fear that might have been a rare find...
I am working on Blondchen, Lady with a Hand Mirror *which I really need a piano for* and Serpetta all at once and studying your score is great, but I need some full-voiced singing at this point. I am thinking of sneaking down to the pool tomorrow and singing in there..
Two months until San Francisco as of today! wowsa!
Cheers from a plastic cup..
Tuesday, March 13, 2012
New Merola Class is Announced!
http://www.sfcv.org/article/music-news-march-13-2012
Looking forward to meeting my fellow colleagues this year :)
I am "pumped up"!! (As my fellow Merolini might remember from a comment I made in an article last summer...lesson learned... think before you speak!)
Suzanne
Looking forward to meeting my fellow colleagues this year :)
I am "pumped up"!! (As my fellow Merolini might remember from a comment I made in an article last summer...lesson learned... think before you speak!)
Suzanne
Sunday, February 19, 2012
George London Competition
Wahoo!
I am happy to announce that I won a prize at the George London Competition in New York on February 17th. There was some excellent singing that day. WOW! Congrats to all the singers. :)
Suzanne
I am happy to announce that I won a prize at the George London Competition in New York on February 17th. There was some excellent singing that day. WOW! Congrats to all the singers. :)
Suzanne
Monday, January 23, 2012
Trying to keep warm!
Afternoon!
It sure has been cold in Montreal the past few weeks!! I have resisted the crazy cold season but some how it has still come to find me! I am convinced it is all in our heads.. but then there are other times when it is pretty obvious!
Today I am sitting and translating my next Opera (Abduction of Seraglio) with tea and crackers! It so so fun to explore a new opera in its entirety.
As for singing stuff, I have had some auditions and am keeping my fingers crossed! I am also officially on the Uzan International Artists Website, so check back if you are interested! www.uzanartists.com
Looking forward to the spring this year. Lots of exciting things happening!
Stay cozy!
Suzanne
It sure has been cold in Montreal the past few weeks!! I have resisted the crazy cold season but some how it has still come to find me! I am convinced it is all in our heads.. but then there are other times when it is pretty obvious!
Today I am sitting and translating my next Opera (Abduction of Seraglio) with tea and crackers! It so so fun to explore a new opera in its entirety.
As for singing stuff, I have had some auditions and am keeping my fingers crossed! I am also officially on the Uzan International Artists Website, so check back if you are interested! www.uzanartists.com
Looking forward to the spring this year. Lots of exciting things happening!
Stay cozy!
Suzanne
Wednesday, January 4, 2012
Extra! Extra! Read all about it!
I have now officially signed with Uzan Artists International: www.uzanartists.com
I haven't been put up on the website yet, as I am still sending them all of my information, but I feel it is a big step in the right direction! I am welcoming 2012 with open arms!
Happy New Year!
Suzanne
I haven't been put up on the website yet, as I am still sending them all of my information, but I feel it is a big step in the right direction! I am welcoming 2012 with open arms!
Happy New Year!
Suzanne
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