I’m back in our nation’s capitol for a week to do one of my favorite things, work with the young artists of Washington National Opera’s Domingo-Cafritz program. I’m looking forward to reconnecting with them, and to making some new acquaintances as well. An additional bonus: I’ll get to attend the dress rehearsal of Florencia en el Amazonas, an opera I love with a cast of singers very dear to my heart.
The smorgasbord of music in front of me right now is terribly rich. Back at the Butler Opera Center at UT Austin, we’re preparing Ariadne auf Naxos, Das Lied von der Erde, and a giant evening of Strauss Lieder. For a recital back here in Washington in a few weeks, I have more Strauss, Sibelius, and Korngold in my black folder. I’ll be in Ann Arbor in a week to hear auditions for next spring’s opera, which will be Handel or Mozart.
The 14-15 season is off to an auspicious start! All the best to colleagues around the world who are rehearsing or who have already begun their performances for the year. I always feel a little daunted by the schedule of practice and travel that lies ahead – and yet I can’t wait to connect with as many of these musicians as possible, and with their varied and marvelous work. Onward!