Tuesday, August 17, 2010

Seasonal Changes

We are now coming to the close of a most productive summer.
Like the different colors and temperatures of the seasons, so the voice continues its magical metamorphosis. I, as mentor/teacher have been privileged to witness the growth and maturity of so many of my students. Please accept my sincere congratulations to you all.


In particular I'm sure those of you who have been in attendance share in the absolute Joy concerning Ulises Fernandez who has begun to blossom into a rare and special vocal flower. I salute you for your patience, consistency, respect for the journey. Uli has been in my studio for many years, and has never doubted the possibilities of excellence that accompany this particular
approach.


So we begin a new season, with high expectations; My Garden Flourishes!!!!!

Sunday, August 1, 2010

Schbert's "Ave Maria" Revisited


The first European Classical piece I learned was Schubert's "Ave Maria" taught to me by my Great Aunt Josephine when I was 10 years old.

It became a moment of reward sometime later on the Ted Mack Original Amateur Hour,where I won first place on national television singing this piece, and went on to perform it in front of 15,000 people at the Boston Gardens as part of the prize. The Boston Post reported "A small boy's perfect soprano; The hubbub and the din subsided as the clear notes sounded through the vast auditorium of the Garden"

Yesterday I was privileged to witness this kind of magic from a different perspective. The place, St Augustine's Cathedral Chapel in Brooklyn, the event, a Roman Catholic wedding, the soloist my wife, Etta Russell Scott.
Contracted by the bride and groom who had experienced the beauty of her pure and delicate Soprano voice earlier this year, along with "Ave Maria" she also rendered "Panis Angelicus" by Cesar Franck.

I don't know what my voice gave in those early days to generate such response, but I do know that Etta brought that same gentle peace and purity needed to help define this very special moment. Brava!!!!!