Recently I was speaking with one of my students, Miss Wendy Gerbier who is a Mezzo Soprano of world class quality. We were very excited about her upcoming debut in December in Paris France. This will be a full professional concert, which for any artist is a Tour de Force. My only regret is that I won't be there. Miss Gerbier has already sung at The House of Representatives & The Senate; She laughingly exclaimed; "What I wouldn't give to sing for President Obama."
Well tonight her dream came true; She has been invited to sing For The President who is speaking in support of the Democratic campaign in Bridgeport Connecticut.
It is with tremendous pride that I congratulate Miss Gerbier.
"This, is A Dream Come True."
Monday, October 25, 2010
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 yrs old.
It became a moment of reward sometime later on the Ted Mack Amateur Hour,where I won
first place on National TV singing this piece, and went on to perform it in front of
15,000 people at the Boston Gardens as part of the prize. " 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 prospective. The place, St Augustine's cathedral like chapel in Brooklyn; The event,
a Roman Catholic wedding; The soloist, My Wife, Etta Russell Scott.
Hired by the Bride & Groom who had experienced the beauty of her pure & 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!!!!!
It became a moment of reward sometime later on the Ted Mack Amateur Hour,where I won
first place on National TV singing this piece, and went on to perform it in front of
15,000 people at the Boston Gardens as part of the prize. " 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 prospective. The place, St Augustine's cathedral like chapel in Brooklyn; The event,
a Roman Catholic wedding; The soloist, My Wife, Etta Russell Scott.
Hired by the Bride & Groom who had experienced the beauty of her pure & 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!!!!!
Monday, July 5, 2010
Lasting Friendships
Today, I feel most fortunate among men!!!
I have chronologically, spent more than a few decades on this planet,and a gift most rare is to arrive at a place in time, when real friends are present, just as they were at the beginning.
My good friend Bob DiPaolo called,to say hello, and to re-affirm what we mean to one another. In that, he gave me license, to tell his part, in my life story.
We grew up in Roxbury Ma. together, & have known each other from the first grade,
to-- graduating from high school in the same class, to the present day.
He is the genuine article,--"My Friend"
On the same day I was able, (because of my ghost writer) to locate Jeremy Ives.
Thank God for the Internet!!!
I was a young Balletomane, with a great gift for the discipline of dancing the Ballet. I wsa taking classes at ABT ON 57TH ST. B'twn 8th & 9th. Jeremy, was dancing
with ABT, later NYC Ballet & then in the Met Ballet for 15yrs.
When I got him on the phone today,
we were both speechless for a moment. Not since we were in our twenties, had we spoken. We were inseperable in our youth! Now-- he with a son 41 & me with two sons 42 & 44,we shared a conversation that confirmed what we were then & what we are now; "Still Friends" He also, was adament about sharing our story.
I have chronologically, spent more than a few decades on this planet,and a gift most rare is to arrive at a place in time, when real friends are present, just as they were at the beginning.
My good friend Bob DiPaolo called,to say hello, and to re-affirm what we mean to one another. In that, he gave me license, to tell his part, in my life story.
We grew up in Roxbury Ma. together, & have known each other from the first grade,
to-- graduating from high school in the same class, to the present day.
He is the genuine article,--"My Friend"
On the same day I was able, (because of my ghost writer) to locate Jeremy Ives.
Thank God for the Internet!!!
I was a young Balletomane, with a great gift for the discipline of dancing the Ballet. I wsa taking classes at ABT ON 57TH ST. B'twn 8th & 9th. Jeremy, was dancing
with ABT, later NYC Ballet & then in the Met Ballet for 15yrs.
When I got him on the phone today,
we were both speechless for a moment. Not since we were in our twenties, had we spoken. We were inseperable in our youth! Now-- he with a son 41 & me with two sons 42 & 44,we shared a conversation that confirmed what we were then & what we are now; "Still Friends" He also, was adament about sharing our story.
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
The Dark Days
One could say I've lived a charmed life. No doubt the world of art has given me many joyous moments, which are very easy to go back and access. Remembering those glory days is a pleasure!!!
However, in every life there are those Dark Days that you almost
wish never happened, but are important in shaping content of character
and compassion.
On a brighter note, in contrast to the Dark Days, there are new and lasting
friendships that bring more peace & stability to ones life.
One such friendship I've been blessed to share, recently became a
marriage.
Our celebration was very special!!! We said loud and clear, that together,
"Nothings gonna harm you, not while I'm around." Come what may.
However, in every life there are those Dark Days that you almost
wish never happened, but are important in shaping content of character
and compassion.
On a brighter note, in contrast to the Dark Days, there are new and lasting
friendships that bring more peace & stability to ones life.
One such friendship I've been blessed to share, recently became a
marriage.
Our celebration was very special!!! We said loud and clear, that together,
"Nothings gonna harm you, not while I'm around." Come what may.
Sunday, March 21, 2010
Master Class
On March 29th I'm having a Master Class from 7pm-10pm at Chelsea studios on 151 w.26th st.
This class is always exciting & informative. The participants demonstrate the ability to use the
same technical approach in singing classically & in Jazz or other genre.
We have two accomplished pianists; One from NYC Opera & a new young Jazz pianist from Japan.
My desire is to make maintenance & longevity an integral part of these young peoples thinking,
concerning their vocal gifts.
I think it was Tony Bennett who attributes his long vocal career to the Art of Bel Canto & it is
Magda Olivero who debuted at the Met at age 65, still sings at 99 & can be seen on YouTube
singing Panis Angelicus at 81or 87. In the words of Leontyne Price
"It can be Done"
This class is always exciting & informative. The participants demonstrate the ability to use the
same technical approach in singing classically & in Jazz or other genre.
We have two accomplished pianists; One from NYC Opera & a new young Jazz pianist from Japan.
My desire is to make maintenance & longevity an integral part of these young peoples thinking,
concerning their vocal gifts.
I think it was Tony Bennett who attributes his long vocal career to the Art of Bel Canto & it is
Magda Olivero who debuted at the Met at age 65, still sings at 99 & can be seen on YouTube
singing Panis Angelicus at 81or 87. In the words of Leontyne Price
"It can be Done"
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