“A godly queen to pay
attention to...”

Next Studio Event: The Sacred and the Profane, Saturday, March 27, 7:30 pm, Philharmonic Hall, Manchester. See “Studio News” below for details.

UPCOMING PERFORMANCES

Longwood Opera, June 2010: Tales from Der Ring des Nibelungen. Last fall, my good friend Jeffrey Brody told me about an abbreviated version of Wagner’s Der Ring des Nibelungen that had come his way via a German pianist friend. This version waters down the four Ring operas (approximately 16 hours of music) to about 3.5! Ten singers, each singing 1-4 roles apiece, take the place of the original 29 characters in this epic cycle which uses Norse and German mythology to tell a tale of love, greed, violence and redemption.

The mezzo-soprano is assigned three roles: Fricka (the role I have sung many times in both Das Rheingold and Die Walküre), Second Norn (never sang that one – the Norns only appear in Götterdämmerung); and last but not least, a soprano role, Sieglinde, who only appears in Die Walküre. Yes, I said “soprano role.” Yes, this will be a challenge. However, Sieglinde is not nearly as high as the famous Brünnhilde of horned helmet fame. And in this abbreviated version, the high note total is significantly lowered from the original.

Jeffrey and Scott Brumit, founder of Longwood Opera, have decided to present Tales from Der Ring des Nibelungen as their late spring production, billing it as a world premiere. This version has been performed in Germany, but in German (the original language of the cycle). In keeping with Longwood’s mission statement to present all operas in English, this Ring will be sung in English, which does indeed make it a world premiere (and will make Wagner purists cringe, and ol’ Richard himself spin in his grave!)

There will be three performances, presented concert style with Jeffrey at the piano (June 4 and 6 at Christ Church, Needham, MA, and June 13 at Park Avenue Congregational Church in Arlington). Please see www.longwoodopera.org for more details and the full cast.

First Church, Nashua, NH: Vocal Recital, February 2011. Through my dear friend and student Matt Van Wagner I recently met the Minister of Music of First Church, Joe Olefirowicz. Joe has started an exciting Concert Series there and has invited me to perform early next year. “Watch this space” for recital details and repertoire.

HIGHLIGHTS OF 2009

April 17, 18 and 19 – Tippett: A Child of Our Time, Manchester Choral Society. Having the opportunity to perform this unique and stirring oratorio by English composer Michael Tippett three times was a truly thrilling experience. Working with a full orchestra and chorus is what it’s all about for me. Dan Perkins, the talented members of MCS (augmented by many young voices from Plymouth State), and my gifted colleagues who rounded out the solo quartet – Tami Petty, Billy Petty and Steven Small – all contributed to a moving and inspiring production. For future MCS events, please see www.mcsnh.org.

June 5, 6 and 7 – Menotti: The Medium, Longwood Opera, Needham, MA. One of the most rewarding and fun musical experiences in recent memory was working with Scott Brumit, Jeffrey Brody and the talented cast members of The Medium. They do great work there, and give performing opportunities to many young area singers (and some of the old ones, like me!) Please see www.longwoodopera.org for information about future Longwood productions. A photo of Sol Kim and me can be found on the Engagements page (Sol Kim played Monica, my daughter – can you see the family resemblance?)

STUDIO NEWS

Opera Shorts. Last September the JE Studio mounted a complicated but rewarding production of opera and operetta highlights, with extended scenes from 10 different pieces and using most of the singers in my studio and four singers from outside the studio. Needless to say, this was a huge effort, as every scene was costumed and staged. We all learned a lot and had a fine old time. However, the next production will be a bit less complex….

The Sacred and the Profane, Saturday, March 27, 7:30 pm, Philharmonic Hall, Manchester.Our next production will feature “serious” music by Schumann, Berlioz, Barber and Puccini; and “funny” pieces by Bolcom, Schocker, Friedman, Hoiby and Bernstein. Featured artists will be Janet Boutin, Meegan Gagnon, Janet Poisson, Laura Prior, Anne Orio, Nancy Rosen, Cheryl Stocks, Janet Wittenberg, and Matt Van Wagner. Admission is $10 at the door, and reservations are not required.

Links to Longwood Opera, Manchester Choral Society, Jeffrey Brody and First Church can be found on my LINKS page.