Barber in the House?
November 15, 2012 10:40
Well, as most of you know, I wouldn’t need a barber for my own beautification (I’ve been “doing” my own hair for the most part since 2001--of course, there isn’t much hair to “do”). But, as I’m in Seville, Spain, I thought it necessary to somehow include “Barber” in one of my posts. After all, I am an opera singer and the “Barber of Seville” is one of the first operas in which I performed. But it occurs to me how many other operas take place in this wonderful region of Spain. And what a gorgeous setting this city is for opera, literature, and art in general. Even in the darker days of mid-November, we feel sunlight on our faces. The gorgeous buildings see shadows dance even more dazzling on their facades and the cobbled streets have leaves brushing their surface with even more colors. The orange trees, which are EVERYWHERE, are full of fruit although it will be awhile yet before it is ripe enough to eat. Ah yes, Seville!!! I love this city.
I was first here in 2007 for “Fidelio” and enjoyed that experience with my colleagues so much. I remember attending the bull fights at the famous arena just blocks from my apartment. And, of course, that coliseum is a setting for the final act of “Carmen”. What tradition and history this city has!!! And my landlady has a son, of the tender age of 16, who is studying to be a matador. I have to tell you---if one of my sons wanted to do this, I’d lock him up until I was in the grave. Wow--it’s scary.
I arrived on Monday to begin rehearsals for an interesting production of “Siegfried”, my second crack at this opera this year. I had one performance as the Wanderer in Munich in July. The rehearsals have gone very well so far and I look forward to seeing how it all looks when we get it together. I have a few old colleagues in this production as well and so it’s nice to work with them again.
And I love the Catholic culture that permeates this wonderful city as well. The Cathedral and other churches are just stunning. The art work contained inside is moving and inspirational. There are so many wonderful places to stop in, during my daily walks, for prayer and meditation. I could get used to Andalusian life pretty easily. It’s great to be back.
I was first here in 2007 for “Fidelio” and enjoyed that experience with my colleagues so much. I remember attending the bull fights at the famous arena just blocks from my apartment. And, of course, that coliseum is a setting for the final act of “Carmen”. What tradition and history this city has!!! And my landlady has a son, of the tender age of 16, who is studying to be a matador. I have to tell you---if one of my sons wanted to do this, I’d lock him up until I was in the grave. Wow--it’s scary.
I arrived on Monday to begin rehearsals for an interesting production of “Siegfried”, my second crack at this opera this year. I had one performance as the Wanderer in Munich in July. The rehearsals have gone very well so far and I look forward to seeing how it all looks when we get it together. I have a few old colleagues in this production as well and so it’s nice to work with them again.
And I love the Catholic culture that permeates this wonderful city as well. The Cathedral and other churches are just stunning. The art work contained inside is moving and inspirational. There are so many wonderful places to stop in, during my daily walks, for prayer and meditation. I could get used to Andalusian life pretty easily. It’s great to be back.