Grace Bumbry Masterclass

Here's something that I'm enjoying recently, a masterclass with Grace Bumbry. Unlike the man-eater image of her stage persona, Mme. Bumbry as a mentor is quite a caring if strict mother-figure. If you are a singer with 2 hours to spare, I believe you will gain something out of it too:

Our Third Anniversary

Ah yes, 3 years! Gosh how fast time has flown. The big date is actually 1 Sep, but as I had spent much of the time flying and having internet problems in the hostel (yes I'm back in Taipei now), its only now that I'm writing about it. But that didn't stop other sites from reporting the BIG DAY though. You've read Tou Liang's interview, now here's another article by Derek Lim on the Flying Inkpot, and to show that we are going international, one by Smorgzone from San Diego. Hope you enjoy them!

My Interview on Pianomania

The Mad Scene will turn 3 years old come 1 September, And its heartening for me to report the blitz of media interest in this event. I'm quite honoured to have done an interview with Dr Chang Tou Liang, Singapore's doyen of critics, on his blog Pianomania. I've had a lot of fun doing this interview with him. Do check it out here: http://pianofortephilia.blogspot.com/2010/08/mad-scene-is-3-years-old-interview-with.html

Sound Embed Test

Joyce DiDonato Debuts as Adalgisa

Mezzo Joyce DiDonato made her debut as Adalgisa at the Salzburg Festival on our National Day, 9 August 2010. So how did she fare? Check out these recordings to judge for yourself! Here's Adalgisa's Act 1 arioso followed by the duet between Adalgisa and Pollione (Marcello Giordani):

Her Act 1 confession with Norma. Grubie's (Edita Gruberova) voice sounds a little worn and "pitchy". DiDonato's brilliant high notes suggest that the title role may be a possibility in the distant future:

Part 1 of the Act 2 duet, Deh con te:

Click here for part 2 (link opens on new window)

Click here for part 3 (link opens on new window)

Looking Back at Melvin Tan's "Night Songs" and Victoria Chorale's In Song 10

I have to say that I came away really impressed by the high standard of music-making achieved in this recital. Melvin Tan and his accompanist Shane Thio weaved through a difficult program of complicated late romantic works by Berg, Strauss and Korngold with polished expertise, weaving their own difficult parts into a complete ensemble through a common musical thread. The voice was at once, clear, ringing, full and vibrant, passionately hurled through many obstacles in dynamics, high and low notes and chromatic musical lines, but never once sounding strained or off-pitch. Confidence and poise were the order of the day, as both performers kept a cool composure even as they meander through the most chromatic and technically challenging passages. Not even a sudden blackout mid-song could bring them down!

Caring For your Voice Workshop This Coming Tuesday

SIngers, here's a one-day workshop you may wish to check-out. Its held this coming Tuesday by Iris Koh of the Athenarts Singing Club. Here is a quick and easy way to learn more about how to take better care of your voice:

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Caring For your Voice Workshop: A holistic approach to Vocal Wellness


Many people use their voices all day long. Singing, teaching, speaking, the list goes on. But due to excessive use, it is also prone to abuse and problems. Wouldn’t it be great if you learnt some simple effective ways of taking care of your voices so it can help you to communicate effectively with others?

Learn a simple 3 step process that can help you to practise good vocal health and to maintain it.

1. Prevent

Many of our vocal problems can be prevented through proper warm up exercises. You can also prevent injury when you know how to project effectively. Learn some of these great exercises at this workshop!

2. Protect.

Feeling nervous? Learn simple relaxation techniques leading up to your performance so you will not lose your cool. Protect your voice from excessive and improper use. Learn to tell the warning signs and take action before it’s too late.

3. Soothe

So too bad. You’ve lost your voice. And it’s the day before your performance. Learn some SOS remedies that can help you to recover and regain your voice. Packed with simple and useful health tips, what to take, what not to take and more!

This workshop is suitable for singers, speakers, teachers and trainers and those who use their voices on a regular basis.

This workshop will be conducted by Ms Iris Koh, a choral conductor for more than 10 years. Iris is also passionate about developing singers into confident, articulate and expressive individuals who have a message to share with the world.

For workshop registration please contact us at:
Tel: 6497 1456
HP: 9829 1678
email: admin@athenarts.com
website: www.athenarts.com
Facebook:
www.facebook.com/iloveiriskoh

$30 if paid before the event. $40 if paid at the door.
inclusive of Singers Wellness Pack, worth more than $10.
This event is strictly by RSVP alone.