mike’s music pages

“Christmas at Park Street” is the annual Christmas concert featuring the Clark Atlanta University Philharmonic Society, now under the direction of Dr. Curtis Everett Powell. Presented by the CAU School of Arts and Sciences and the Department of Music, the concert will be held on Sunday, Dec. 4, 2011 at 4:00 pm in the Park Street Music & Art Complex, 793 Park Street, Atlanta, GA 30310. The Clark Atlanta University Philharmonic Society has been a very fine choir when I’ve heard them previously. I am expecting another fine program this year. Admission is free.

Date and Time:           Sunday, Dec 4, 2011 at 4:00pm

Location:                     Park Street Music & Art Complex, Atlanta, GA

793 Park Street, SW (30310)

Clark Atlanta University

Price:                           Free

Phone:                         (404) 880-8211

A few years ago I had the pleasure of hearing the German bass-baritone Thomas Quasthoff in recital. He did a program of lieder, primarily Brahms, so the music for the evening was all German language. However, at one point, he stopped and spoke in perfect English to ask the  audience to “refrain from turning the pages of your program until after the piano has stopped.”

In addition to the need to speak foreign languages when we travel or for business, musicians sometimes have to communicate with colleagues whose first language is not English. Furthermore, singers, especially classical singers, often sing in foreign languages, so it would be helpful for them to understand the language in which you are singing.

Today, there are many language courses available that you can use at home, so there is no excuse for not trying to learn other languages. Click these links to get started learning another language or to re-familiarize yourself with a language where you have become rusty. Here are links where you can buy languages courses for French, German, Italian and Spanish. All of the courses have a money-back guarantee!

So one day when you are performing before a foreign speaking audience, you will be able to communicate in the audience’s language, or perhaps give an interview for your foreign language fans in their language.

By the way, Thomas Quasthoff’s recital was wonderful.

The Atlanta Opera High School Opera Institute (HSOI) is open to voice students in grades 10-12 who are looking to pursue a higher degree and ultimate career in music. The application deadline for the 2010-2011 HSOI is September 7, and selected students will be invited to audition on September 19. Students accepted into the program will attend monthly workshops and vocal coachings, as well as attend working Atlanta Opera rehearsals throughout the season. The program culminates with a spring concert where students will showcase their work. If you know of high school students who might benefit from this program, let them know about it and notify your high school voice teacher.

More information about the Atlanta Opera High School Opera Institute is at www.atlantaopera.org/HSOI.

You have probably heard of Paul Potts, the British tenor who won on Britian’s Got Talent. Well, I recently saw a video here where a singer gives his opinion about the way that Paul Potts has been marketed. Though this singer talks about Paul Potts, it is not just about Paul Potts. It is about how artists are marketed, in general. However, I also see it as a commentary on what you think you are, what you want to be, and what you really are. I particularly like the baseball analogy.

If you want to be a singer, then you must sing outside of the shower.  If you want to be an actor, then you must perform before an audience. Paul Potts, however he is marketed, is a singer who performs before audiences and is doing quite well. He wanted to be a singer and took the steps required to do it.