CD Launch Party

Wow, what a night! I am overwhelmed by the number of people who showed up at Maggie's for the release party - you could hardly move, it was so crowded! Everyone was in great spirits and seemed to enjoy themselves. It was amazing to see so many people form the many different aspects of my life in one room together: friends, family, classmates, professors, co-workers, you name it! Without all of these people, there would be no CD to release - an artist's audience and fans are vital to their purpose. Places like Maggie's are also vital - they provide a wonderful performing atmosphere for musicians like myself, as well as a magical listening experience for their patrons.

So thank you London for your amazing support! I truly felt embraced by the community, and I hope to contribute to London's musical scene for many years to come!

If only I knew how to yodel.....

I am currently in the beautiful city of Davos, Switzerland. Since leaving London over a week ago, we have been to Vienna and Innsbruck as well. The history of these cities is truly amazing - in particular, seeing the catacombs of St. Stephans in Vienna was fascinating, as well as tours of the Schönbrunn Palace and the Vienna opera house. I was lucky enough to test the acoustics in the grand lobby (now I can say I have sung there) and we were thrilled to actually attend a performance for only 3.50 Euros! Of course we had to stand the whole time, but who cares how much your feet hurt when you are listening to music like that?!

Of course the food is fantastic (Wiener Schnitzel to die for and the best ice cream I have ever eaten!) The scenery is breathtaking - Davos is nestled among the mountains, with a mountain view in every direction! Using my rather rusty high school German has been lots of fun - although I would give anything to have my little dictionary with me!

Bis später!

Bathroom Divas Finale This Weekend!

Hey everyone! First of all I want to thank those people who have posted encouraging blogs - I really appreciate your support! To answer a few of your questions; I don't have plans to sing in Vancouver any time soon, but I would certainly love to, and I am hoping to have a jazz CD recorded by the end of the summer. The latter has been a goal of mine for the last couple of years, but it is an expensive process, so finding the funding can be a bit tricky. So keep an eye on my website and any new details about CD's or performances will be posted.

So the fifth episode of Bathroom Divas was a cliffhanger, yes? Of course I know what happened, but seeing it from a different perspective really makes a difference. I have no idea what the final show will be like, but I guess I'll have to wait and see like everyone else.....and I'm not telling who's left standing in the end! I've kept the secret for almost a year, I can keep it a bit longer! I won't be able to watch this Saturday's episode since I'll be performing in a production of The Merry Widow . I of course will be applying everything I learned at bootcamp, especially what I learned from Tom Diamond about acting and characterization. I'm really excited! It's going to be a great show! If you're interested in seeing it, the information is on my website.

Let the run-throughs begin!

So we had our first run-through of The Merry Widow last night, and many more to come through the rest of this week....I'm getting tired just thinking about it! But the show is going to be great! I had a great weekend at Maggie's - so many well-wishers and old friends were there! There were several requests for opera arias, but I didn't oblige them - instead I told them to come to The Merry Widow! Way to plug the show, eh? Of course I missed Saturday's episode of Bathroom Divas since I was singing, but hopefully I'll be home in time from tonight's rehearsal to catch it. Apparently some creative editing was done to create tension in certain situations -it sounds hilarious! Whatever it may look like on tv, we really got along quite well, and had a great time together. Well, gotta go - a long day of rehearsals lies in front of me!

I can't believe I won!

Sorry, I haven't blogged in a bit, but it's been a bit of a whirlwind lately. This past Sunday I went to Toronto to compete for the Christina and Louis Quilico Awards, and I won first place! I hadn't even dreamed of actually winning anything - I was honoured just to be up there next to such talented competitors, and to sing for such an esteemed panel! What a moment that was, when Stuart Hamilton called my name and I just sat there looking confused - who, me? I looked so surprised, the audience actually laughed! It is an experience I shall never forget, and the money will certainly come in handy this semester! Thanks to everyone who's been supporting and believing in me! I couldn't have done it without you!

My First Real Blog!

Man is it ever great to back in school again! I forgot how good it feels to be really busy, and learning something new every day at the same time! I certainly don't miss waitressing....it's kinda scary depending on singing as a sole source of income, but satisfying. Unfortunately, this time of year is kind of slow for gigs, but I'm busy enough with assignments and opera rehearsals anyways. The Merry Widow opens in less than a month! It's going to be a great show -I can't wait to see our costumes! Well, I'm off to complete my first music theory assignment in 6 years! Wish me luck!