What do singers want in a pianist?

Editorial

Pianists who work with singers tend to pride themselves on being an anticipator of needs. A great pianist seems to know before the singer does if they need an emergency breath, could use some extra hang-time on a high note, or wants a friendly push in tempo. Yet just as married-for-decades couples can still manage to surprise each other, even the best of pianist-singer relationships aren't perfectly telepathic.

Mysterious Barricades: "A flicker of hope."

News

With a mission "to raise awareness surrounding the mysterious barricades between mental illness and health, between the darkness of depression and a flicker of hope, between life and death," Mysterious Barricades brings free concerts to 15 Canadian cities, starting in St. John's, NL, and ending in Victoria, BC. The organization is led by mezzo-soprano Elizabeth Turnbull, whose late husband took his own life two years ago.

In review: Wigmore Hall Song Competition semi-finals

Review

I loved the way all the competitors took care of the transitions between songs, whether waiting to allow a moment to land or to keep the story going as to not drop the ball during a dead silence. It all proves that the silence is just as important as the music.

Don't miss: Bandits in the Valley

Interview

"It is fascinating that the average Torontonian's understanding of Toronto's history is pretty limited," says Tapestry Artistic Director Michael Mori. "We are all a pretty new lot here, and so stories about the bandits in the Don Valley in the late 1800s and far-reaching industrial innovations that came from people like George Taylor are news to everyone except historians."

Talking with singers: Alfred Walker

Interview

"Singing is my most effective way of expressing thoughts and feelings. It's very gratifying to show the audience who you are. To show them real expression. Some artists have an instrument, some have pen and paper. I have a voice!"

Talking with singers: Lisette Oropesa

Interview

"Ever since I was young I have been singing, and I can't remember a time when music was not a part of my life. I truly feel that this is what I've been put on this earth to do; namely, to share something divine through the gift of music. If I can move even a single person, I know that I have done justice to the gift that has been given to me."

Justin Ralph: "It all comes down to storytelling."

Interview

"Whether you're singing opera, art song, folk music, or even country, you're unfolding a story for the audience and transporting them to a different time and place than the present. Schubert's traveller in Winterreise and Hank Williams' lonesome soul in 'Lost Highway' have a lot in common despite the centuries between them, and immersing myself in either character brings me a lot of satisfaction."

The voice teacher series: Edith Wiens

Interview

"'Good singing' is when I hear someone who is passionate in communication, who has something to say, and is true to him- or herself. It is excellent singing when this is coupled with technical ease."

The voice teacher series: Mitchell Hutchings

Interview

"It may sound cliché, but, even if a student has a natural talent, the best results come from a healthy work ethic. You can see this at various schools, conservatories, and independent voice studios everywhere. Those that are the most motivated and have the greatest amount of perseverance gain the most from this career."

Talking with composers: Adam Scime

Interview

"I like to try something different with each piece I write. It's how I keep the process exciting and at the same time it becomes a learning experience. It also keeps me on edge - which I like - and for me this is actually a positive thing."