Well it has been a productive year indeed! Auditions, Performances, Church duties and getting through my first year of my Masters degree in New York. I think I know what the Eagles were singing about in "Life in the fast lane."

I've been presented with many opportunities this year to hone my skill as an artist and performer.

October was Audition month. And what a month it was. I was introduced to the "cattle call," audition. I only auditioned for two summer programs live, but am gearing up for next year's audition season as they are all, mostly here! Hundreds of singers trying out for various programs and possible jobs, all in one or two tiny hallways pooling into their various studios. One almost has to block out this scene- as it could be pretty distracting.

In November, I did a mini reprisal of my Mimi, for a La Boheme highlights night at my school. Niel Rosenshein (a voice teacher/coach/director extrodinare) had a tenor who is going to premier his first professional Rodolfo this next year in Japan. They needed a practice Mimi, so of course I jumped for the opportunity. I ended up being the fourth in line (typical- too many sopranos ;) ) but the first two girls weren't suited vocally and the third while very suited was too tall. So I was the most suited as well as the shortest Mimi they had to pick from. I didn't mind at all. Rehearsing, staging and performing that beautiful piece was like coming home. It brought back so many cherished memories of when I performed as Mimi at Portland State University in 2008 with Tito Capobianco.

December was busy at work. As a working Lutheran, there were many extra services and events to help plan and to sing for. I left Christmas Day to go and see my family and loved ones. It was a catastrophe! The Newark airlines opened over 2 hours late and there were dozens of people who missed their flights because of it. I battled all day long to get another plane ticket and didn't get home until the wee hours of the morning but at that point it didn't matter. I was able to recharge my batteries, enjoy Portland, my family, my friends and even get a massage at the Bonneville Hot Springs. I was a little sad to leave, but there was more work to do. This Month I found out that I was Cast as La Contessa in Le Nozze di Figaro at MSM! There was much work to do.

January, February and March went by in a flash it seems. I've been very busy indeed with Contessa. We are nearly done staging now and I am proud to say that I did end up getting a performance date! (They don't guarantee you one at the beginning yipes!) I will be singing April 30th in Borden Auditorium at 7:30pm. There is some wonderful chemistry in my cast and I am very happy with the results we are making together.

In March, I was able to take a little over a week in Vancouver on my Spring Vacation to spend some much needed down time with les Boyfriend. Jeremy and I are currently planning a duel recital in Portland on May 29th. Highlights from Figaro, Die Zauberflote, Cendrillon, La Boheme, Schumann, Debussy and more. It is a lot of work but it is a labor of love. We're hoping to possibly raise some funds for our various Summer programs. I'll be attending Voice Experience in Tampa as well as a language intensive coaching program in Novalfeltria Italy. These are some costly programs but pivotal in my progress as an artist and also in my preparation for audition season this year. I'll be graduating MSM and I haven't yet decided what's next. I am considering many different jobs in New York as well as the North West. I may want to stay in the bosom of academia for a little while longer while I bake. I think my next step will become apparent to me this Summer.

I look forward to coming home most of all in May! I will be leaving my Church home with a recital on May 16th in the afternoon. There is still so much to be done- but no time like the present right??

Best to all!! I'll let you know what happens!

Anna V :)

P.S. Oh I almost forgot to mention. I just said yes to another fill-in soprano gig. The Orchestra needs a Soprano to practice snippits of Gounod's Faust. They need a Marguerite for the Jewel song! Any chance to perform with orchestra is a huge opportunity for young singers...well for any singer really!