Today is the 126th anniversary of the birth of lyricist Ira Gershwin (12/6/1896-8/17/1983). While his brother George had the reputation as the celebrity composer beloved by movie stars and international classical composers alike (although less so by American ones of his era), Ira was the quiet, somewhat shy older brother. George was a notorious commitment-phobe;Continue reading “S’wonderful – Ira Gershwin”
Tag Archives: Stephen Sondheim
Rorem and Sondheim
I just wrote a tribute to Ned Rorem on his 99th birthday. And just a few weeks later, he died. I feel like this is my fault, somehow. Of course, it’s not, but it’s kind of like saying “Beetlejuice/Betelgeuse” 3x in reverse. Instead of him appearing, he… left. I have written a lot about StephenContinue reading “Rorem and Sondheim”
Showcase 2022!
On June 5, I will be hosting a showcase featuring 12 of my current students performing primarily ensembles from musical theater, opera, and nu-folk. The performance will be at Trinity Episcopal Church in Towson at 3pm and is free to the public. I have done a few studio programs since I’ve been back in BaltimoreContinue reading “Showcase 2022!”
What’s on your life playlist?
I was looking for something that I had posted on FB and came across a playlist of my life that I had done for a group called The Singer’s Journey, facilitated by Peter Jacobson of Total Vocal Freedom. These are all from 2015, I believe, and relate to my development as a singer and asContinue reading “What’s on your life playlist?”
Stephen Sondheim, 1930-2021
Last Friday, immediately completing my 5 Tips for Giving a Great Golden Age video, I opened up Instagram to see a post from Rachel Bloom with no words, just a picture of Stephen Sondheim. As I glanced down the screen, I saw more pictures posted by other people, and I said, “no, no, no, no….”Continue reading “Stephen Sondheim, 1930-2021”
Creativity + Intelligence
I like creative people. I like smart people. So I like creative, smart people. I’ve been fortunate enough to work with many in my life, both as a performer and as a teacher, and to be friends with quite a few as well. I saw this quote by Albert Einstein, and I couldn’t agree more:Continue reading “Creativity + Intelligence”
In the Service of Clarity
You may know that my favorite composer is Stephen Sondheim. My husband even gave me an autographed picture of him for my birthday (thanks to the family of Gary Lorenz, who apparently didn’t appreciate what their family member had and sold it on eBay). Sondheim has written two books on his lyrics (he meant toContinue reading “In the Service of Clarity”
World Listening Day – July 18
“Unless I’m willing to be changed by you, I’m probably not really listening.” — Alan Alda I went to a singing teachers conference last week and learned more about listening than singing. One session I attended was called “Children Will Listen” and covered the topic of teaching children between the ages of 5-12, a demographicContinue reading “World Listening Day – July 18”
Listening Party #3: Assassins
Stephen Sondheim certainly does like to write about varied subjects, doesn’t he? Here’s a few examples: A fake miracle, a corrupt mayor, and inmates from a local asylum called the Cookie Jar (Anyone can Whistle, 1964) A love story about two young people living in a department store with a subculture of residents who areContinue reading “Listening Party #3: Assassins”