(Written Tuesday evening in Atlanta)
In all the Ainadamar and recording and UGA business, I haven’t had a chance to write about this week’s other big event: my first audition for an A-level opera house! Tomorrow afternoon I sing for the Opera Company of Philadelphia, which is very exciting, but I’m a little anxious about the circumstances.
You see, I’m not in Philadelphia! I fly there early tomorrow morning and have a 1:30 audition, the latest time slot they could give me. I’ve talked to the front desk at my hotel to see if I’ll be able to check in early, and I’m hopeful that they can swing something. My flight arrives at 9:45am, and I imagine I’ll be at the hotel by 11. Plenty of time to steam and drink tons of water (to recover from the airplane air), change my clothes, warm-up, and cross the street to the Academy of Music. If I can get into my room…
After a week of singing straight-tone and on the staff, I needed to make sure my “other voice” was working and ready for this audition. So this morning I spent an hour with Peter Marshall, head coach at Georgia State University and staff pianist for the ASO, going over all my rep. We met at 9:30, and things were working pretty well at that ungodly hour (for singing), so I feel confident that I’ll be able to recover from tomorrow’s travel and give a good audition. I’ll start with Nannetta, of course, and offer Adele, Cunegonde, Despina, Tytania, and Sophie (Werther).
I’m not traveling in my audition dress, but I am dressing a bit nicer than I usually do. I usually wear comfortable dress pants or jeans with layers on top – usually a tank top, a cardigan, and a scarf – and flats that I can easily slip off. But just in case there is a snag tomorrow, I’m dressing in something I’d feel comfortable giving my audition in: black slacks, a really nice colorful button-up shirt, and heels. I’ll even have on makeup, which I hardly ever do before 10am! I’m carrying on my audition folder (always do that) in case my luggage gets lost, and I’ll have all the phone numbers I need in case I need to call someone at the Opera. Prepare for the worst, hope for the best!
Sweet dreams, all, and see you in Philly!
5 comments:
Anxious to hear how this all went, especially the timing. I hope well. Like auditioning isn't pressured enough without adding tight flights and hotels into it!!
hope all went well, acb.
sweet hotel! How'd the audition go?
The Sophie aria works very well in auditions in spite of the fact it's almost never offered in my experience. Do list which arias they asked for in your next posting.
Thanks for posting this, ACB, it was a very good description of your mindset and your preparation timeline with travel so close to the audition time.
Hopefully if I'm ever in that situation, I'll remember your advice/that way of thinking ahead ...
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