Best wishes for 2015!

Dear Blog world,

I am deeply sorry for taking so much time in between posts. When life happens, sometimes you need to just get up from the computer and enjoy it! There have been some really great things happening in the past little while. 2015 is turning out to be a pretty exciting year, and it has only just begun. Resolutions are of course important, but I just am trying to constantly find the best I can give and be the best person I can be. I learned a lot last year through running and singing. If I were to sum it up:

1. If you put in the time and effort, you will see the results. 
2. Be kind to yourself. Love yourself more than someone else can love you, then you won't need someone else. (Not that its bad- just that you will enjoy it more when you aren't asking constantly for their affection)
3. Focus on the positive and you can move mountains.

So far here is how 2015 is shaping up:

I started the year on the beach in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico with my special someone... ;)

Then shortly after, I took the First Place, Artist Division, in the National Opera Association Voice Competition, winning the Todd Duncan Legacy Award in Greensboro, North Carolina.

In a week or so I head back to Vancouver for the first time in almost six years. (Crazy!) I am so excited to get back to the West, run outdoors in the winter, do yoga, eat cheap sushi, see friends and most importantly sing Adele with Vancouver Opera. When I finally get to do what I love the most and what I sacrifice so much for, it makes it all seem worth it. 

After Vancouver I will head back to Montreal for a few days and then head to China for a fourteen city/ fourteen concert tour with some great friends. We will be there for Three weeks touring all over the place! I can't wait to head back. I haven't been there since 2008.

Next up is a trip back to the Maritimes in April/May to be a part of training and outreach for the Lunenburg Academy of Music Program, where they bring in different conductors and coaches from Italy to work on Rossini. They have a partnership in Italy. I am looking forward to returning home to see my family as well as work on some great repertoire. 

In May-June I will be home in Montreal finally to check in on the cat etc. I will be very happy to get back home after about three months living out of a suitcase. Then I will head south a few hours to Tanglewood to be a part of the 2015 summer festival. I will spend two months in Lenox, MA. 

So far, its looking pretty fun for 2015! I have a lot of music to learn and a lot of traveling to do. 

Please check back in! I will be periodically blogging and keeping everyone up to date on my experiences. You can also follow me on twitter: https://twitter.com/serigden

Feel free also to check out my website: www.suzannerigden.com
I have new pictures, videos and music to hear!

Keep moving; It's cold out there!

Suz