Wednesday, June 23, 2010

A vocal Comet

I met Maestro LaSalva from the New York Grand Opera last week. He was interested in hearing me sing. I went and sang the aria from Un Ballo that you worked with me. At first, he didn't say
anything and at that point I was ready to just go, because I figured it was another one of those auditions" where they say they like but.... blah, blah, blah. Then he asked me who I was studying with. I gave him your name and he said to tell you that you're doing an excellent job with me; and that whatever you are doing with me, keep doing it! He's very excited about the voice and although he said he's not doing anything now that requires a Mezzo, he's excited to put something together to showcase me, because he feels that the world needs to hear my voice. Well, that pleased me to hear.

I wanted to share that with you Kamal, because I know you truly have helped me to discover my voice in a completely different way. You've built up my vocal confidence in a way I could have never imagined. Thank you for that.

A note from my student, Wendy Gerbier

Friday, June 18, 2010

"Brava (Diva) Etta"

On Wednesday 6/16/2010 in The Brooklyn Conservatory Opera Workshop, my wife, Etta Russell Scott made a very successful presentation in Operatic literature,which was inclusive of staging.

The ability to stay true to the composer's music and portray the character is no light feat. It was obvious that her vocal freedom had given her the green light to go after her characterizations.

She sang in three scenes:

"Ebben? Ne andro lontano," from La Wally, by Alfredo Catalani;

"Dove Sono" from The Marriage of Figaro,
by W.A. Mozart; and

"Caro/Bella" from Giulio Cesare, Cleopatra & Cesare, Duetto
by G.F.Handel

The evening was a success for all, but it was Mrs. Scott, whose treatment of her assignments brought her a standing ovation, & for La Wally a "Brava Diva"

Sunday, June 6, 2010

Voices of the Past




Regrettably the world of Opera said goodbye to another of its treasures. Giuseppe Taddei, one of the great Baritones and exponents of Bel Canto singing, passed away at age 93.

He left behind a great legacy, and was responsible for men and women like myself to strive for a more profound vocal statement. We really can't move forward without addressing what he was: He was a Master Singer!! and we are all privileged, who were fortunate enough to have experienced this great gift.



Addio!

Proud



Many of you who have followed my blog know that my wife is Etta Russell Scott. She is also a fine cellist and teacher at The Brooklyn Conservatory of Music.

She began voice classes with me back in the spring of "99". Due to her perseverance and dedication she has developed a first rate Soprano Voice. Etta joined the ranks of the professional singing community some time ago, but it is with great pride that I announce a recent audition for Agents, who hire singers for Oratorio Concert work, and championed her for her abilities. Bravo Etta!!!!

She will be singing with the Brooklyn Conservatory Chorale on Friday, June 11 at 8:00 p.m. (Old First Reformed Church, 126 7th Avenue at Carroll in Park Slope), on Sunday, June 13 at 3:00 p.m. (Lafayette Avenue Presbyterian, 85 South Oxford at Lafayette in Fort Greene), and on Wednesday, June 16th at 8:00 p.m. with The Brooklyn Conservatory Opera Workshop (Brooklyn Conservatory of Music, 7th Avenue at Lincoln in Park Slope). Phone 212-209-3370 for ticket information.


During the recent audition, a great comment was made that sums it all up: "Mrs. Scott do you teach? (reply, yes) you should; You obviously know what you're doing"

Need I say more????