Music as light

“ This will be our reply to violence: to make music more intensely, more beautifully, more devotedly than ever before.”-Leonard Bernstein

The Connecticut tragedy really affected me on many levels. Perhaps that I am in a relationship with someone who is a teacher, perhaps that I spent many of my formative years as a singer working in schools, perhaps because I worked in arts education for six years and saw the power of music to heal and bring people together or perhaps because it is a senseless act that has affected so many innocent people.

At the same time, I was in rehearsals for a production of “Amahl and the Night Visitors” singing my second Balthazar and also making my debut with the Lebanon Symphony in Handel’s Messiah. It was the above phrase that made my performances seem relevant to those who had come not only to hear the beautiful music, but also possibly to connect on a deeper level. I allowed myself to go beyond just sounding good and really aimed to connect to the miraculous natures of both works.

Two magical moments came to me: one could argue that they were out of body experiences or where I felt as though I were a vessel for something greater. Moment one is when Amahl realizes that he can walk after deciding to be selfless and give his crutch to the child. The talented young singer portraying the role certainly had a handle on the dramatic and vocal challenges, but there was something so real about that moment that when Balthazar sings “He walks,” I felt a chill of the divine. The second amazing moment was singing Handel’s glorious “The trumpet shall sound.” It is the very last thing the bass soloist sings and is a tour-de-force of a piece. I made a conscious choice to “give over” to the music and ride along as opposed to trying to “compete” with the orchestra. I found it to be one of those exceptional moments where music, drama, text and spirit were all aligned and I was simply a conduit for something greater. I had complete and utter trust in the conductor, the orchestra and my own talent and allowed to let go and simply connect. The reaction from people was that it was a magnificent "performance", but what they don't know is that I was not thinking of the performance aspect at all and was aiming to convey the powerful message. Perhaps we must give ourselves completely to the music in order to bring our best "performance" forward.

I left the weekend still very aware of the tragic events of Connecticut, but also of the magical power of music and its ability to unite. Two very different composers, two very different vocal demands and two very different settings and yet the end result; to be moved, to be a vessel for great works and to share my artistry not to impress, but to express; were consistent.

It gave me such joy to be able to be part of these wonderful works. To show my reaction to the darkness of violence, I was part of bringing the light of music to heal myself, those in the audience and hopefully, in some indirect way, the world.

Peace,

Eric

Interview with a budget fashion diva

Soprano Karolyn Lee seems to channel divas from the past while still embodying a fresh, contemporary style. In addition to her fashion sense, she has a strikingly beautiful voice that flows easily up the scale, is a compelling actress and possesses that certain je ne sais quoi that makes you watch her every move. I recently spoke to Karolyn about her extraordinary ability to always look fashionable.

E: First of all, where did you go to school?

K: I have a Master’s degree in vocal performance/ pedagogy from Ohio University. I also hold a BA in performance from Slippery Rock University of PA. I am currently singing the role of Musetta with Opera Columbus. I also have performed the roles of Fiordiligi, Arminda, Clorinda and Gretel to name a few.

E: How would you describe your style?

K: I would describe myself as always properly dressed for every occasion. I take influences from every time period. I love the Vintage era, classics that never go out of style, and the 80s are always present in my wardrobe. I also favor bold colors, but the key to making any outfit pop is the accessories!!! Overall, I would say my style evolves; I never stay in one place.

E: Where do you find your fantastic finds?

K: Really, I do most of my shopping at Marshall's, TJ Max, NY and Company. I shop discount stores where you find name brands.

E: Amazing. How do you put together such fabulous outfits on a budget?

K: I shop for name brands such as Michael Kors at stores that sell them at half price, such as Marshall's. You need to take time at these places to find the good buys. I also read fashion magazines such as Essence to see looks and then try to duplicate them within my budget. Sometimes I actually take a magazine with me to use as a reference!

E: That’s fantastic. I would love to run into you, magazine-in-hand and looking through the racks. So based on your research, what are the must-haves for fall/winter?

K: Fur, faux or real, either way it makes a statement!
Black pointed shoes
Legwarmers / leggins
Sweater dress with bold colors
Bold conversation piece jewelry
Long accordion pleated black dress
Clover green cocktail dress
Flamboyant flowers for hair decor

E: That’s an amazing list. When you dress for an audition, besides your singing and acting, what is it that you want to tell the audition panel about yourself through your clothes?

K: That I can reinvent myself in many ways. For example, if I'm auditioning for the role of Musetta, I'm not going to wear a simple black dress. I'm going to wear a dress with BOLD color. I'm telling the panel that I'm ready to play the vixen. A vixen does not wear black or gray. In addition, you want to look young and fresh since youth is such a factor in opera these days. I like to do something that makes me stand out like adding a flower for that extra flair!

E: Finally, what three things should ladies know in to enhance their style?

K: Accessories, hair and makeup must be on point!! Your look should complement who you are and what you are singing. Opera is about being a total package so wrap that package up in great things that truly flatter everything about you.

E: Well thanks for giving the operatic ladies out there some shopping tips for how to be stylish on a budget. I don't know if they'll all look as amazing as you, but at least they now have some tools.

Peace,

Eric