Opera meanies: the August edition

Editorial

"Nadine Sierra misses out on London debut", reads Lebrecht's headline. He goes on: "The US soprano was due to open the Covent Garden season in Richard Jones's new production of La Bohème, but she has cried off. Her replacements are, if anything, more interesting."

Talking with singers: Annalisa Stroppa

Interview

"I am happy despite all the difficulties because I travel for a profession I adore and gives me a lot of satisfaction, and this is priceless. My passion and the enthusiasm together with family's support is what gives me the strength and the serenity to deal with all the hurdles. Being away from your family and the consequent impossibility to cultivate one's family, friends and sentimental relationship is the price to pay but I am convinced that those who love you support you and their presence is felt even when you are far away."

Tragedies: Toronto's summer opera shortage

Humour

Perhaps they're trying to tell us something, these vacationing opera-and-music-makers. Maybe they're saying, Get out of the city, you crazy opera-house addicts, they're saying. Go sit by a lake somewhere, and build up your vitamin D for the season to come.

A singer's to-do list: 4 tasks to keep you focused this year

How-to

Readers, the beginning of a new school year is almost upon us. Some of you get excited by the autumn colours and the fresh notebooks; some of you emit a strong sigh of "here we go again." Whether you're a fan of the fall-to-spring grind or not, it's better-spent with a good dose of focus.

Don't miss: Esprit Orchestra's 35th anniversary season

News

For a pre-season taste, you can hear artists of the Esprit Orchestra and Canadian mezzo-soprano Krisztina Szabó perform Luciano Berio's Folk Songs at the Free Concert Series in the Richard Bradshaw Amphitheatre, October 3, 12pm.

Spotlight on: Martha Jones

Interview

"Good singing to me is when everything technically has slotted into the right place and allows freedom of expression to take over. This can happen when the ground work has been done to such a degree that in performance, every note and word can be 'chosen' in the moment. It's a very strange (almost out of body) experience!"

"Truth, as reconciliation": We Shall Not Be Moved

Interview

"As an artist, I am most concerned with offering an antidote to the ills of the world within our communities. As a Haitian-American composer, I am always wanting to create music that speaks to multiple, overlapping cultures, and combine sounds that might, upon an initial hearing, appear to conflict, and upon a deeper listening, offers resolution and beauty."

In review: Collision at Grimeborn

Review

The fact is, that when the world doesn't actually end, this show still makes an audience member think, "What was the point of all that?" And while this response may have been desired by Schwitters and his dada contemporaries, this 21st century opera-goer was a bit confused.

Aria guides: "Lieben, Hassen"

Editorial

This aria is dense and charming, and though it seems harmless, features more than a few surprising challenges. With the work you do in the practice room and with your teachers and coaches, our latest Aria Guide can help you navigate your way through this adorable little ditty.

Aria guides: Un aura amorosa

How-To

Mozart's Così fan tutte - that weird mix of romantic comedy and relationship commentary - is one of the most common picks in the operatic canon; yet for many tenors, Ferrando's first aria, "Un aura amorosa", tends to come with a bit of jitters and baggage. It's fairly slow, and sits in an exposed and tricky range of the voice. When it's done well, all the technical feats go largely unnoticed, overshadowed by the beauty of Mozart's writing.