Today was one of those banner days; one to store for the inevitable future rainy day. I thoroughly enjoyed learning the title role of Rusalka these past 9 months no matter how much my brain smoked and mental blocks were chiseled in the process. Performing this role was a life highlight. NGL, There was one point tonight where that mean voice in my head (who loves to heckle) tried to whisper that I’m a fraud. I carried on and ignored the rat bas*trd. Thank you for recording @giovanni_pianista. #rusalka #dvorak #moontune #songtothemoon

Program: https://www.newjerseyopera.net/program

Bůh tě pomilu 🌑❤️🙏🏻

At the end Rusalka found peace in her forever quandary.

It was truly worth it to give it all up for the heart’s desire despite brutal rejection.

She began as an inquenchable young spirit, lived what she believed was her greatest wish, and ultimately paid a steep price for a few minutes of humanity.

She was able assume a high priestess role and grant forgiveness to the unforgivable.

May the divine have mercy on us all.

#rusalka #dvorak #newjerseyoperallc #ucpac

Perhaps I should have known I was a gay when I remember feeling so at home in this pic as an elementary student. I didn’t run too fast but I hit the ball strong and far. In my gen x culture, the stronghold of straight grooming until proven gay was rampant.

#NationalComingOutDay

A wood nymph and sea urchin happen upon a bar…..

Bartender says “no legs no service”

😩 🤣

Rusalka will be the first opera Elizabeth Honer & I have done together in 15 years…back when we were mischievous sapphic Carmelite nuns…..

Giddy up.

#rusalka #dvorak #NewJerseyOperaTheaterLLC

I still have to pinch myself when I think about the fact that we have been granted the civil rights to be legally married for ten years. I didn’t dare to dream too much when I was young probably knowing down deep that I was a gay (cue Margaret Cho lol.) Anywho here’s to the next decade of delightful shenanigans; sans viruses, political warring, and rapture dates. #tenthanniversary #lizandeliz2015 @grrlrighter

It’s been ten years since Elizabeth Honer and I tied the knot. We met in 2003 and have been slugging through this life labyrinth with a feathery bird baby ever since. I told her I was just a MF and stole her garlic bread and somehow she stuck around. Eliz has tamed my inner lion and made me appreciate mornings. Grateful for our wedded decade filled with shenanigans and my first bite belonging to EAH. Giddy up. #anniversary #decade #lizandeliz10315

Today’s makeup voice lesson with hard working @wannabe.clown yielded the following delightful results:

1. Tongue release exercises from C4-E5 braved a much more easeful register path.
2. Conure Kiwi enjoys @wannabe.clown vocalises.
3. “S” in Giuseppe Verdi’s name can be voiced or invoiced per @giovanni_pianista.
4. Berton Coffin IPA & Translation resources have been my vocal repertoire bible since undergrad. Today, we found an ipa typo on page 83. Huh.
5. Singing a descending 5th from F#4-B3 is not an easy feat. Envisioning a lifted head voice while merging into the heavy mechanism was the blending ticket.

#voiceteacher #vocalpedagogy

It is Slavic Tale time …

Yep, tomorrow is our first New Jersey Opera Theater rehearsal of this epic sea creature tale, the original emotionally charged 19th century yarn far darker than Disney’s take. I find this opera the ultimate villain prequel.

Rusalka origin story through the acts:

1. Act 1: Naive…..restless….human expressing……impulsive….beloved daughter.
2. Act 2: Jilted….hopeless….spurned lover.
3. Act 3: Omnipotent….forgiving….tenor soul sparing…..high priestess

And thus an enduring mournful spirit of the woods is created…..

Slavic Tales …
a Rusałka is formed from a spirit of a young woman that has tragically passed away before marriage. They are found in forests, lakes and seek to lure young men to their deaths.

RUSALKA – NEW JERSEY OPERA THEATER

RUSALKA – NEW JERSEY OPERA THEATER

It was a back in the saddle big week. Grateful for the moments. #elementarymusic #juddschool

1. Rutgers Mason Gross Music Ed observers are visiting. Amazing moment where spcial needs student reached their arms out and gravitated to the embrace of the Rutgers music ed observer.
2. Thoughtful gift from fellow villain Stacie Zaneto Oliveri.
3. Baby who would watch my class with sibling during Covid is now in my kindergarten class.
4. Leaning into the 67 craze.
5. Back to school night.
6. Happy shenanigans around school Kimberly Dominguez❤️
7. Brothers at bus dismissal Robert Swercheck Angela Singerline Dana Marie