:: Saturday, January 27 ::
:: Friday, January 19 ::Batboy!
I went to see my first Laurier Musical Theatre presentation to support my cousin, Jodi along with some colleague friends of mine. I really didn't have much expectation before the show, other than for Jodi because countless people have told me how good she is. Growing up as a child, I lived for Broadway and Musicals. It was all I wanted to do. Everything about it pleased me and I was fortunate to have a Daddy who's affiliated with the entertainment scene in Toronto, so I saw a lot of shows in my youth.(on right: with my two gals, Beth and Steph. We're the classically-trained divas at the back. haha ) Ever since I moved away from home for school, I became less involved with Musicals and couldn't always afford time into my schedule to catch a show. Gradually, my priorities shifted to the opera realm and my listening ear matured. I am no longer attentive to the straight aesthetics of singing - "Is her voice pretty or brash?", "Is he able to belt his last note?". But more so on the technical aspects of singing. "Is he using too much chest voice?" or "What's the vibration cycle on her voice; is it natural or pushed?".
Yesterday, there was a lot of observations on the voice. For the most part, it made my throat dry and I cringed at some people's singing. Of course it was loud and I'm sure it sounded grand to the average listener, but the was nothing healthy about the sound they were producing. Laurier has three performances lined-up back to back. Ha, all I can say is good luck! Cause it's just not realistic to singing the way some of them do for 3 straight nights. Eventually voices will be lost and there wil be vocal strain.
Buttttt...... I have some good things to say. It wasn't a terrible experience for me, though it seems that way from my previous comments. I was really impressed with the casting of characters and use of stage. As an ensemble, they sounded good and it was convincing. The two starletts of the show was definitely Jodi, the mother, and Tammy (my classmate/colleague), who played the daughter. Little did I know that Jodi has a beeeeeautiful voice. She's got rare talent; a voice that would likely sign with Disney in a second. It's pure and there was nothing forced about her sound. I think one of the hardest things to do as a singer is bridging chest-voice into head-voice and it proves a difficult task in the role of the mother but the sweetness in her voice and honesty of sound would distract you from any inhibitions she possibly had. I wish there was a recording of her solo arias cause they're so good.The vocal director of the show is a colleague of mine as well. She was one of the first to discover that Jodi was related to me. She's also one of the people who consistantly tell me how wonderful Jodi is as a singer, performer, and person. Last night, the director shared with me how much it dawned on her that Jodi sounds like me. I'm quite well known in my faculty because I have the priviledge of performing on many occasions, but it's rare for someone to say that because not a lot of people have heard me sing in my Musical Theatre voice. But she associated much of Jodi's timbre and colour with my voice - that's quite the compliment since Jodi produced wonderful tones at the show. I think she has the potential to succeed if she persued (classical) music in voice as an undergrad.
It really hits you, when you've known someone for so long and get to hear them perform after decades of only knowing their personality. I'm really proud of Jodi. I always knew she was good at music, but last night she proved she's a true star.
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:: from the mouth of erics* :: 11:31 AM :: --> (1) comments
:: Tuesday, January 16 ::lccf's
iron-cheffood competition
I was so thrilled to judge last Wednesday at fellowship. The secret item was BANANAS and boy, I was blown away at the results. From chocolate banana bread and assorted tarty desserts to sweet banana curry on rice! It was GG on everyone. And I couldn't believe I just had to sit there with Nevin and take it all in.
Sharon's so freaking talented. She took a lot of great images.
Go to her website to view collages she made.
<--- Myself with Nevin before the eating shindig when down. We're laughing (I think) in regards to Chow's tardiness. heh heh.
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:: from the mouth of erics* :: 10:49 PM :: --> (2) comments
"Lay yao mo boyfriend-lah?":: Tuesday, January 9 ::
I think that's a common question asked amongst friends and faces I haven't seen in a while. And quite honestly, I'll say that I'm happy. I'm considered a fully independent adult (according to school financial records) because I've graduated from high school more than four years ago and perhaps that strikes a reality check for me - that things are moving fast, becoming associated with people of careers, people getting hitched, people who are popping out babies! - that doesn't pressure me to settle down nor change my lifestyle. I enjoy singlehood and I remember stating firmly that I will stay single for a looong time. This wasn't said out of a pathetic/hopeless state of mind; I simply love independence too much!
I plan to do the things that I love and honour God, fulfilling achievements using the talents and tools given. I'm not eager to start a family - but when I think of my own immediate family, I think of the priviledge, being able to expand your family with the presence of your full family. I would hate for my future child(ren) to grow up not having grandparents. But becoming a mother is something unchanging. There's no turning back - once you choose to bring a life into this world, you are commited to it till your dying day. AM I capable of doing that? Or will I ride too much on my own success and become too career-driven? I'm constantly battling ideas back and forth. Not that I need to make a decision RIGHT THIS MOMENT but it's good to know where you stand I suppose.
Of course, with singlehood you have longings and wish you had something constant - someone to seek comfort in, someone who becomes significant in your life and decisions - but I find fulfillment in God and even so, no one can compare to the trust I put in Him. This may be a hard concept to grasp, but essentially you'd have to experience a relationship with Him to fully understand. It's beyond comprehension, beyond words.
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:: from the mouth of erics* :: 5:49 PM :: --> (1) comments
:: Saturday, January 6 ::Oh baby, I'm melting
PEOPLE. WATCH HEROES - it's such a grrrreat show. I was stoked to see this dreamy Adrian Pasdar star in it because I have loved him since I saw him in a Touch By An Angel special in 1998. He filled in the void of my long-lost love (now recently found) Kyle Chandler from Early Edition.
Superhero-themed shows seem overdone with the long-aired Smallville (that frankly, need to be cut-off the air - who's still watching that garbage?) but HEROES is very well written. I find so much appeal in ALL characters. They're not fabulously gorgeous (with the acception of Mr. Pasdar) but they are convincing with their acting and you build a quick connection with all of them. Even Milo Ventimiglia, (popularly known as Jesse from Gilmore Girls) used to bug the crap outta me, but watching him in Heroes makes me MELT. Gahhh... I never dig short guys but I can make this one exception for this talented actor. I look at him in photos from imdb, and I feel nothing but when he's in character... oh wow, it's over. I love everything he's doing.
So much applause for this show. Who knows if it will go far but I will definitely religiously watch and hope it doesn't drop-in-hype the way O.C. sadly did.
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:: from the mouth of erics* :: 10:20 PM :: --> (2) comments
THE ARTS UPDATE:: Thursday, January 4 ::
|VISUAL|
Wow. I want to go to New York.
Why? Because of Mueck. Yes, RON MUECK. He's so talented. You must view his art.
Still photographs here.
And a video focusing on one specific work here.
Perhaps my favourite exhibit.
|DANCE|
Everytime I watch this, I want to tear. It's so beautiful.
THIS is interpretative dance, I can appreciate.
I fully support that show, "So You Think You Can Dance". I find it hilarious that other countries want a piece of that money-making reality-show and take on their interpretaions. Germany, for one, should never take an American-based reality show and try to make it theirs 'cause it always turns out being much worse than the North American breed.
|OPERA|I experienced for the first time, the MET in HD at Galaxy Cinemas. It was well worth my $20.83 because I felt like I was in New York watching the show LIVE. Anna Netrebko - she definitely grew on me as the 4 hour opera show progressed. I have nothing but envy for her and it pains me just how beautiful she is; stationary, or during her wild movements of madness in Bellini's Bel Canto Opera I Puritani. I'm used to her fierce looks of exoticism, but she reminded me a lot of Belle from Beauty and the Beast when she sang in the title role, Elvira. She pulled off a young teenager very well. I was pleased with her voice and her performance.
UP NEXT. BOOYAH. PLACIDO DOMINGO in Tan Dun (composer of Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon) WORLD PREMIERE OF "THE FIRST EMPERIOR". I saw a short preview of it during intermission and BOOYAH. It's going to be so good. The set design is GORGEOUS. (I'm a big fan of abstract lines). First thing I thought of was my Daddio and with his 61st approaching, I bought my 'rents tickets for Saturday's show. I can't wait!
I LOVE OPERA. It's soooo well done, too. You don't have to know anything about the synopsis of the opera. The HD stream from NY tells you EVERYTHING you need to know. HECK, it's better than watching it LIVE. You save a bugillion dollars, you don't have to dress up, there's EXCELLENT seating (anywhere is a good seat b/c it's all close up) and you get backstage access to what's going on, etc. LOVE IT. It's perfect for Opera-idiots. Anyone can understand it. This Tan Dun opera is sung in english though... so that's good, but who knows how truly good Domingo's engrish is.
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:: from the mouth of erics* :: 12:02 AM :: --> (0) comments
holy crap, i'm so blessed
If you didn't know, my lovely prof Kim took most of January off because she's working with some opera company. (Calgary, I think?) It's quite often she takes leave during the school year for extra work regarding roles, gigs, etc. Very unfortunate for the student, but I understand the importance for a performer/teacher to also work on the stage.
SOoooooo, with the new year, she left the studio with tenor John Tessier who's apparently never taught before but HOLY CRAP HE IS GOOOOOD. The first note he sung for an example during Masterclass I almost lost it. He's likely the best tenor I've heard in person. The sound is so honest, glorious and beautiful. I like him...A LOT and it just boggles my mind where Kim finds these people! He's a big shot in NYC, and he could be making waaay more money performing than teaching and filling in for Kim but I guess he wanted to give teaching a go.
I'm not 100% with my voice. As many of you know, I lost my voice on New Years Eve, during some videogame battling with some MCBCers. When school began, I could talk but couldn't clearly pin any notes above C5 (octave above midC). I was so worried my first lesson with this new Tessier guy would be unproductive, but turns out he loves the warmth and richness in my tone and thinks my voice is terrific. All his suggestions were valid usual techniques! We work really well together even though it's only been the first week. I have so much respect for him. John... is like a dream. Of course I miss Kim... but to have a tenor who's critically acclaimed and amazing at his art TEACH you.. is SUCH a priviledge. Wow. I'm so motivated. Singing is definitely what I want to do.
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:: from the mouth of erics* :: 8:36 PM :: --> (0) comments
