Placido e il mar

This is a beautiful section from Mozart's Idomeneo. Unfortunately, this opera is not performed as often as some of his other works. This is a shame, as there are plenty of great moments to be had in Idomeneo. I don't think I would choose to direct the opera with these exact costumes or staging choices...but it is a lovely recording, nonetheless. 

Audra McDonald

I'm on a bit of a Musical Theater kick. Audra McDonald is amazing.

People Will Say We're in Love

Lee Hoiby (1927-2011)

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/03/30/arts/music/lee-hoiby-opera-composer-known-for-lyricism-dies-at-85.html?_r=1

Here is a link to the New York Times Article. Lee Hoiby was a Composer who wrote beautiful vocal music.

Volcano Choir

So, I'm in an a cappella group called Chapman SoundCheck (check out our YouTube videos!). This year, we sang an arrangement of "Woods" by Bon Iver. Some people may recognize "Woods" from a Kanye West song, but the original is definitely by Bon Iver, not Kanye. Anyways, here is another song that samples "Woods" in a different style. It's pretty ethereal. Enjoy!

Brigitte Fassbaender

I will be playing this character next weekend at Chapman.  I often get puzzled responses when I tell my friends that I will be playing a prince; but it's totally normal in the opera world for women to play male roles. These are called "Pants Roles" or "Trouser Roles." This aria is from an Operetta called "Die Fledermaus" (The Bat) by Johann Strauss. I am pretty excited to open the show!

Adele

My sister just turned me on to Adele. Talk about POWER and SOUL. I bet she would be a blast to see live. If she needs any new back-up singers, I would sign-on.