Fach. Contrary to how this four-letter word looks and sounds, it is not a curse (albeit some opera singers might feel otherwise). Literally, it is the German word for “compartment” or “shelf,” and it is how singers’ voice ranges and types get classified – think Bass, Tenor, Alto, Soprano.… Continue reading Chanteuse: What the fach?
Category: Singing
Chanteuse: Overture
I’m excited to share the first guest blog post with you! Katy and I met in college when she first began studying voice and from there, I had a front row seat to watch her opera career start and grow as well as listen to her voice expand in range and volume over the years.… Continue reading Chanteuse: Overture
The Ring of the Nibelung at San Francisco Opera- Part 2
Snacks. I bet you’re not completely surprised that I’m starting here. This is an important topic when thinking about attending the opera. I must admit I was sad when my old go-to for opera intermission fare, Citizen Cake, moved to Fillmore Street many moons ago. Do not despair, but do think about snacks. A few… Continue reading The Ring of the Nibelung at San Francisco Opera- Part 2
The Ring of the Nibelung at San Francisco Opera- Part 1
Opera. Before you roll your eyes or yawn, I want to ask you a few questions. Does a good drama make you cling to the edge of your seat in anticipation of what’s going to happen next? How about love stories- do you find yourself getting caught up emotionally in the outcome of what happens… Continue reading The Ring of the Nibelung at San Francisco Opera- Part 1
Finding My Voice
Olga once told me the worst thing you can do when you lose your voice is to whisper. Instead, she said, you should either stay silent or try to talk normally so as not to damage the vocal chords. Clearly over the past year, I chose silence. Just like talking about losing my voice found… Continue reading Finding My Voice
Losing My Voice
Grief does weird things to a person. You don’t exactly know the when or the where, but you know to take this visitor at its word, when it says it will drop by. Right after my dad’s funeral, people kindly sent emails, texts and phone calls. In the void and silence not to be filled,… Continue reading Losing My Voice
a song offered to the writer
I sing. This is no surprise to those in my inner sanctum (or those driving in the lane near to my driver’s side window.) A joy as immense as the sky is long stretched over Texas bursts from my open lips in the form of matching what is heard and shifting it slightly. Last weekend… Continue reading a song offered to the writer
Oh, the drama! *cue fainting woman*
Our illustrious little San Francisco opera is in the midst of a hot scandal. Three days before “Don Giovanni” opened, the soprano slated to tackle the role of Donna Anna was released (read: fired). Here’s what’s important for us non-opera kids: usually when they “release” a singer, the terminology is oh so genteel. She or… Continue reading Oh, the drama! *cue fainting woman*