Post date: Jul 2, 2016 1:41:55 AM
Every summer we have the Taos Opera Institute, which brings in 20-year-old opera students for additional coaching and performance experience. I have been to two of their recitals, the most recent at La Santissima church in Arroyo Seco.
This year they reversed the chairs and faced the back of the building, because the piano is in the back and is very hard to move. The coaches insisted that the singers step out from under the choir loft, but I don’t feel that was necessary. All these kids have big voices and that church is small. It was, however, Standing Room Only!
These students have the same problems as singers everywhere:
Spit out consonants
Distinct vowel sounds
and with the added complication of acting.
A few of the singers acted beyond facial expressions. Some used their hands. Fewer used their arms. A couple actually used the stage, clearly acting out the story about which they were singing.
The 28 student singers are divided into four groups. Each week they learn a new aria or song in a different language. In addition they prepare for a gala in which they act out scenes from operas. It is a lot of music to learn as well as being coached in language and technique.
Each student receives a $1,000 scholarship. They are all clearly music scholars, well versed in the art of singing. Many are excellent. A couple are ready now for the big stage, given their ability to project the story through word, song, and action.
They come from all over North America, from a variety of music schools. Most are undergraduates, with a few graduate students.
It is a great experience — both for the students and the audiences.