AboutPamela Thomas Expertise Questions on Opera performance, repertoire, vocal technique, acting for opera. I have some 20 years experience in opera in both leading roles and chorus. I have sung with New York City Opera since 1981. I have studied voice in NYC for over 20 years and have also taught technique and coached singers in acting.
I am a 23 year old soprano who recently graduated from the Crane School of
Music at SUNY Potsdam with a Bachelor's in Voice Performance. I know that
this is probably difficult to answer without hearing my voice, but I was
wondering if you had any advice for some good opera repertoire for Grad
School auditions: which arias work well in an audition setting, which arias to
avoid, etc.? I've been told I'm somewhere in the realm of a Light Lyric
Soprano.
Thank you in advance for any help that you could provide!
Answer Hi Megan,
Why don't you send me a list of what you are singing now. That may give me a better idea of your voice and help me make suggestions. I think if you sing a really well known aria that you really need to sing it well. Also - what does your teacher say?
Most Graduate schools require at least 6 pieces - usually songs in Italian, English, French, German, one aria and one oratorio. Each school is different - and you can go to their website and see what their audition requirements are.
The most important thing is to pick pieces that you really love singing and that you sing well. Then you need to really prepare them (translate, interpret, be musical, etc.) so that you could sing them rolling out of bed (well, almost!).
Since the repertoire is massive - you should be able to find pieces that fit your voice and that you enjoy singing.
So - write me back and let me know what you are singing now and I'll see if I can make further suggestions.
