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Happy Holidays Everyone! The time has come for me to sit down and write the next newsletter installment...I apologize for the delay. Life has been a whirlwind the last few months and I have not had the time to catch myself up and write. So, better late than never...here it is! I always find the Holiday Season to be a nice time to catch up, as most American's seem to be cranking out Holiday letters, Christmas Cards, and the like, I hope you are able to take the time to catch up with me; maybe with a nice cup of Irish Coffee or Hot Cocoa with a bit of Peppermint Schnapps, who could resist! The last time we met I was just filling you in about my plans for Graduate Studies, summer travel plans, etc. It is hard to believe that it is already December and all of these adventures seem so far in the past! Time really is flying. As a quick summary of events...my summer was wonderful. I was in Vienna, Berlin, Greece, and the United States. It seems so far away at this point, but then again it was practically yesterday. All travels went quite well. The company was wonderful, the sights were amazing, and experiencing the culture in different places is always a highlight for me. I am looking forward to getting back to both Berlin and Greece in the future. Both amazing places on this Earth! I recommend putting both on your list for future travel plans. I made the migration back to the United States in late July in order to continue the next chapter of my life. I officially moved to Madison, WI on 15th of August. I really am enjoying Madison. The city is full of culture, entertainment, nature, etc. When thinking about places to live in the United States, I can safely say Madison is one of my top choices. However, if you were to ask me while standing outside on a day like today...High 22 with snow, wind, ice...I may have something else to say! But really, the weather is something I can deal with and besides, what would Christmas be if not white? Starting my Masters in Opera Performance has proven to be simply wonderful, extremely stressful at points, and the best choice I could have made at this point in my career path. From day 1, I started work on Pellèas et Mèlisande with University Opera. We opened at the end of October and the opera came together marvelously! I must admit that when first working on the role, and hearing it was our fall selection, I had HUGE doubts as to how it would go. I would have to be completely honest and say, through this amazing work, I learned more about myself as a musician, singer, person, etc., than I ever could have dreamed to learn. I am so glad to have studied the work, struggled with the work, and performed the work...successfully! I will most definitely continue my study of Pellèas and make it a permanent addition to my roles. The train did not stop once the opera was finished. The first week of November I performed Benjamin Britten's Serenade for Tenor, Horn and Piano. This was my first time with the Serenade and it was also quite the undertaking. It is one of the most amazing works in the tenor repertoire (in my opinion) and I am so pleased with having the opportunity to perform it so early in my career. At the beginning of December I was seen as the Tenor soloist for the Mozart Requiem performed by the UW Choral Union and Chamber Orchestra. I cannot believe how lucky I have been this semester to sing such amazing literature in the music world. Event after event has been wonderful and filled music I will continue to perform for the rest of my career (hopefully). As we near the Christmas holiday, I am looking forward to a break and seeing my family in order to celebrate the Holiday Season! The practice continues as I am preparing for Don Pasquale with University Opera as well as a performance with the UW Contemporary Chamber Ensemble, in which I will be performing works by Stravinsky and Mel Powell (both very modern works). As I come to a close, I send all the best wishes for a wonderful holiday celebration, in whichever form that may take for you and your loved ones. I look forward to seeing you all in the near future. Always feel free to keep in touch and let me know how your life is going as well! I love getting friendly emails! All my best, Jim |