To pick-up from where I left off, I sang at the competition and did not make the top five singers. But I am very happy with my performance and my voice teacher actually ended up being one of the judges for the final round and said that I should have made it to the final round (she viewed a recording I had made of my performance). That was very encouraging since she is a very reliable critic and would not tell me something that was not true about my performing - believe me... she has been honest since day one and would not have encouraged me to enter the competition if she didn't think I was ready.
Anyway, it was a great experience and I met some wonderful people.
Shortly after that competition, I took part in Richard Crittenden's summer workshop program again - participating in both workshops in the evenings. It was challenging - mostly because I didn't have my music as ready as I would have liked, and Richard always motivates his singers to do better by being very critical (which is a good thing, if you want to improve). I thoroughly enjoyed it again, however and hopefully honed my skills in even more.
In September of 2008 I sang with the brand new opera company, Barcroft Opera Theater as Susanna in the production of Le Nozze di Figaro. That was a very interesting experience. I'll summarize by saying that the cast was great, but full of drama. And, unfortunately, the director only allowed the show four weeks for rehearsals which was entirely insufficient, and then he ended up in the hospital a week before the performance with a staff infection.... very scary. Needless to say, we pulled a semi-staged version of it together, which seemed to be a success, and the director recovered very well. I LOVE the role of Suzanna and if I had to pick one to sing for the rest of my life, that would be one of them. I am waiting for the video recording of it, but here is a pic or two from the show.
After "Figaro," I was asked to be the cover for Lauretta for Loudoun Lyric's production of Gianni Schicci. That was a fun opportunity. They coupled the one-act opera with a recital of Puccini music, which I got to sing in as well. The cast was full of fun and talented singers. I just love singing opera - you meet such wonderful people (most of the time) and get to enjoy many different dynamics in others.
The Christmas season was full of wonderful singing opportunities as it always is. I was the director of my church music program for our Christmas service, at which I sang a duet, and then sang as the soloist for "The Messiah" at another church. I just love that piece as well. I also visited my parents for Christmas and was able to perform at their church. I thoroughly enjoyed that. I am so blessed by the talents that I have been given.
I am working right now on singing the role of Gianetta for Loudoun Lyric Opera's production of "L'elisir d'amore." Again, a wonderful cast of people and this time, we are singing with a full orchestra. I am very excited about that since it's been a few years since I've been able to sing with orchestra. That will be in early March.
Directly following that, I will be hitting the books again to prepare for the role of Donna Elvira in Mozart's "Don Giovanni." I'm performing with my colleagues for a production put on by my colleagues. We are soliciting smaller orchestra groups for collaboration for a concert version, but right now, that performance is slated for May - concert version, with piano accompaniment. Two weeks after that, it's off to Chicago for the Classical Singer convention. I am very excited for that since my friend Becky Morris - a contralto, will be there, along with many other singers and directors, etc. I am excited about the audition comps there and learning more about the opera world.
As mentioned, the Lord has been so good to me - giving me opportunities to develop my talents and to share my love of music with others. I am truly grateful to him and my loved ones for their support. Music - a gateway to the soul. Check out my website www.heatherbingham.com for more pics and info.
After "Figaro," I was asked to be the cover for Lauretta for Loudoun Lyric's production of Gianni Schicci. That was a fun opportunity. They coupled the one-act opera with a recital of Puccini music, which I got to sing in as well. The cast was full of fun and talented singers. I just love singing opera - you meet such wonderful people (most of the time) and get to enjoy many different dynamics in others.
The Christmas season was full of wonderful singing opportunities as it always is. I was the director of my church music program for our Christmas service, at which I sang a duet, and then sang as the soloist for "The Messiah" at another church. I just love that piece as well. I also visited my parents for Christmas and was able to perform at their church. I thoroughly enjoyed that. I am so blessed by the talents that I have been given.
I am working right now on singing the role of Gianetta for Loudoun Lyric Opera's production of "L'elisir d'amore." Again, a wonderful cast of people and this time, we are singing with a full orchestra. I am very excited about that since it's been a few years since I've been able to sing with orchestra. That will be in early March.
Directly following that, I will be hitting the books again to prepare for the role of Donna Elvira in Mozart's "Don Giovanni." I'm performing with my colleagues for a production put on by my colleagues. We are soliciting smaller orchestra groups for collaboration for a concert version, but right now, that performance is slated for May - concert version, with piano accompaniment. Two weeks after that, it's off to Chicago for the Classical Singer convention. I am very excited for that since my friend Becky Morris - a contralto, will be there, along with many other singers and directors, etc. I am excited about the audition comps there and learning more about the opera world.
As mentioned, the Lord has been so good to me - giving me opportunities to develop my talents and to share my love of music with others. I am truly grateful to him and my loved ones for their support. Music - a gateway to the soul. Check out my website www.heatherbingham.com for more pics and info.
