New Headshots and Montreal

Good evening!!

Wow, it has definitely been too long since I have updated. It is October 9th and I have had a whirl wind of a trip in Europe and have now officially settled back into "everyday life." 

I ran my first half Marathon in August of this year (It was pretty tough as I was jet lagged and dehydrated... but I completed it in 1:54, which is not too bad). I will be competing my second one on November 2nd. It turns out I really love having goals and I think that running has sort of saved my career in a strange way. It has given me back a confidence that apparently I was missing. I think everyday is a goal attained in my running life, and it directly translates into my singing. I will never stop running now. Its just such a great meditation for me and on top of it, it helps me with my breathing. 

Below are some new headshots. What do you think?

I will write more later. 

Bisous from Montréal.

xx Suzanne

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