We maintain a pretty open door as far as auditions are concerned. From time to time we have young men and women coming to town who want to sing for me. Inevitably in the vast majority of cases this is a courtesy and a formality and, however wonderful they may be, the chance of an engagement arising from such a thing is minute. We do not do many productions each year, and so the whole purpose is really is a matter of getting out there in front of me and hoping to sing well so that the word might get out. Its tough!
But today we had a rare thing, a perfect match of a singer to the need! He sang well and we are offering him a major role in September 2012. I am thrilled - the perfect fit for us. And he will get a prominent platform on which to show what he can do. Chicago is a place with the spotlight on it.
In fact I had come accross this young man before. He is a former member of the Domingo/Cafritz program at the Washington National Opera where I go annually for auditions. He has really developed well and is a model example of what these advanced develpment and training programs can do. So it has been a good day!
Other than that today not a lot. But tomorrow I have a jolly dinner party for which I braised some rich and yummy short ribs this evening - they will be even better tomorrow. It is the Tales of Hoffmann dress rehearsal day at the Lyric but I will not be there. I am going to the opening on Saturday evening, dressed in my finest for the occasion. I think that Hoffman once in a week may be enough!
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