Nice to be back in San Francisco

After a few weeks off, I’ve returned to screaming rhythmically on pitch. Rehearsals began today for our concert performances of “Bluebeard’s Castle” with the San Francisco Symphony Orchestra. I LOVE this piece. It’s been nearly 5 years since I last sung the title role in Spain and before that, it was way back in 2001. The piece doesn’t come around near often enough for my tastes. From what I heard today and from what I’ve heard about how this is being presented, it should be an awesome experience and I look forward to the three concerts next week.It is great to be back in San Francisco. In the 90’s, I spent a lot of time in this gorgeous city singing in “Tosca”, “Boris Godunov”, “Fidelio”, “Elektra” “Peter Grimes”, “The Ring”, and “Wozzeck”. My last appearance here, however, was in 1999. I’ve missed so much about this unique place and am happy to have these 10 nights in Northern California while rehearsing and performing this opera.Since getting home from Toronto nearly 3 weeks ago, things have been even more hectic than normal at HeldHaus. School wound down for our children and one graduated from High School (another from Junior High). It seems that, most of the time, we were just watching ourselves fly in and out of the door over and over. However, these were great days and time was so enjoyed with friends and family. After I finish up here in San Francisco, I’ll only have a few days off before heading to Munich for a short trip. I am SO ready for a much looked forward to break which comes in July. It’s been a long and wonderful season. But it’s time to turn the mind off for a few weeks, rest the voice and prepare for next year’s exciting projects---and there are some very exciting things ahead.