Opera shorthand, part II: Proben & Fächer

Opera shorthand, part II: Proben & Fächer

Last year, we brought you some tips on opera-insider jargon, and how to speak the industry shorthand. Part I focused on the names of operas and their nicknames, and in part II, we're talking rehearsals and types of voices. So, if you're hoping to infiltrate opening-night opera parties, or just keep up with the opera talk with your singer friends, we can help you with the shortened lingo.

Jenna Simeonov - Apr 2, 2017
In review: Exaudi at Wigmore Hall

In review: Exaudi at Wigmore Hall

The 8 voices of EXAUDI sang in varying combinations; their uniform sound stayed interesting, with solo singers trading moments of spotlight. Just as we grew comfortable in their 16th-century sound, well grounded and ringing with overtones, Weeks revealed his stealthy integration of Arcadelt's Primo Libro de' Madrigali and the EXAUDI director's own Libro di fiammelle e ombre. The two composers shared texts - largely by anonymous authors - which live on the blurry line between love, lust, desperation, and death.

Jenna Simeonov - Apr 2, 2017
Narcoleptic supernumerary in demand as dead body of Buoso Donati

Narcoleptic supernumerary in demand as dead body of Buoso Donati

A narcoleptic supernumerary has earned great praise for his portrayal of the dead body of Buoso Donati in Puccini's "Gianni Schicchi", now in-demand as Buoso-du-jour.

Jenna Simeonov - Apr 1, 2017
Singers, it's the annual Tax Season Conundrum!

Singers, it's the annual Tax Season Conundrum!

Unless you are fortunate enough to be a star in high demand you don't have to worry right? WRONG! Even then, you've got bills not limited to agent commissions, AGMA fees, health insurance, travel, rent sometimes in multiple locations and those dreaded gigs that don't line up in the calendar year in a foreign country... even out of state poses challenges depending on your official place of residence.

Suzanne Vinnik - Apr 1, 2017
Nashville Opera's Carmen: "She dies because she told a man, 'no'."

Nashville Opera's Carmen: "She dies because she told a man, 'no'."

"I think that neither Carmen nor José are hero nor villain, but people who make bad choices. I think that's why Carmen is perhaps the most performed opera of all time, partly because of its tragic love story. The stories of crimes and passion have documented throughout human history. We know these people and can identify with how they might feel or felt, based up personal experiences or from stories we have heard or read about."

Jenna Simeonov - Apr 1, 2017
Conductor's score appears to have been opened prior to first rehearsal

Conductor's score appears to have been opened prior to first rehearsal

Breaking news: spine on conductor’s score shows signs of having been opened before the first rehearsal, says source sitting nearby. Currently unclear if the score has been borrowed from a friend.

Jenna Simeonov - Mar 31, 2017
Stage management shocked as everyone brings own pencil to rehearsal

Stage management shocked as everyone brings own pencil to rehearsal

Breaking: everyone brings their own pencil to rehearsal, leaving stage management stunned.

Jenna Simeonov - Mar 31, 2017
Broken harpsichord replaced mid-show by crappy piano & sheet of paper

Broken harpsichord replaced mid-show by crappy piano & sheet of paper

After mid-performance harpsichord malfunction, stage management saves the day with crappy piano and large piece of scrap paper.

Jenna Simeonov - Mar 31, 2017
Trump to host WH screening of "What's Opera, Doc?"

Trump to host WH screening of "What's Opera, Doc?"

Donald Trump plans to host screening of “What’s Opera, Doc?” for White House staffers, following success of "Finding Nemo".

Jenna Simeonov - Mar 31, 2017
2 violists injured after Cunegonde's aria ends in chaos

2 violists injured after Cunegonde's aria ends in chaos

Cunegonde’s aria ends in chaos after soprano accidentally launches broken string of pearls into orchestra pit, 2 violists report painful welts.

Jenna Simeonov - Mar 31, 2017

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