A week off from UMich – and you know what that means for a wandering minstrel, right? Just arrived in DC for some masterclasses at the Potomac Vocal Institute, a snazzy new organization started by my friends Betsy Bishop (currently Fricka in the WNO Ring) and Patrick O’Donnell (pianist, coach, conductor, knower of all the things and doer of them all over). We were Merolini together back in the day (*cough* Clinton era *cough*). Betsy and Patrick saw a need in DC for access to high-level training, and have formed a consortium of teachers and coaches who market together, book sessions over a mutual website, and who also offer various sessions with guests. They plan everything from masterclasses with top shelf singers and coaches to specialty sessions on, say, the Beethoven 9 solos. It’s a great idea and has caught fast fire. I’m pleased to be a part of the first year. Reports to follow! It’s not exactly vacation, but it sure is fun…
pianist, opera coach, conductor, writer