2013: The Year in Review

I’m not one to normally reminisce mainly because I try to focus on the now. I am also fortunate to have many wonderful things keeping me motivated to stay here in the present. But as I sit here in Milwaukee during tech week for a fantastic piece that at first glance seemed like an impossible venture, I think back to how things have changed for the better over the last year. Anyone who knows me knows that I like to collect useless data (such as who are the frontrunners in the Oscar race or which opera singers are singing what repertoire.) So I decided to put that “nerdy” side of myself to work and share some statistics from 2013.

From January to December I sang eight roles, seven of them new. I was lucky enough to sing Rossini, Britten, Verdi, Puccini, Beethoven, Gounod, Johann and Richard Strauss. I also performed excerpts from a new opera by living composer Todd Goodman. When I wasn’t onstage, I was auditioning. I did 14 auditions and received 6 contract offers (I had to turn down 3 of the contracts due to scheduling issues, but hopefully I will get to work with those companies in the future.) That’s a 42% average which is pretty darn good when you consider the industry standard is 1 job for every 10 auditions.

In addition to tons of music, I did tons of traveling. The year brought me to Naples, FL (in February no less), Harrisburg, PA, Washington DC, St. Petersburg, FL, Milwaukee, WI and St. Louis, MO. I endured delayed flights, late luggage and hours spent on busses, trains and planes. I spent 19 weeks away from home singing and (luckily) five weeks singing in the City (Bronx Opera and the Center for Contemporary Opera.)

The roles came in the four standard operatic languages: Italian, English, German and French. I spent so much time memorizing text and music that I am certain my brain has grown two sizes. I worked with over 100 singers, 9 conductors, 6 stage directors (some twice) and one choreographer whose demanding phrase “Again!” still makes me chuckle whenever I think about it. Many of these artists inspired me with their talent, dedication and passion for opera.

As 2013 winds down and I prepare for a busy 2014, I take this brief moment to acknowledge the amazing path I am walking. Just a few years ago I had given up and now I am blessed to be doing exactly what I love with many wonderful performance opportunities on the horizon. In addition to all of this, I got engaged and am getting married at the end of August. This year has been absolutely amazing and I expect 2014 to be even better. But I am here, in this moment and what I have before me is study and rehearsal. So back to work I go!

Peace,

Eric