whew what a day...
glad the competition is over.
It went extremely well--better than I had actually anticipated.
The first round felt so easy and was actually just very enjoyable. The acoustical sound in that hall was better than I had ever remembered it being.
I didn't really expect to get into the finals because I was competing against so many wonderful fellow graduate students---and surprisingly I was one of four to make it into the finals, which was an honor in itself.
The final round went very well...I wasn't real pleased about beginning the graduate round...I hadn't planned on that and so when I foudn out I quickly changed my beginning song to something I NEVER KNEW, which a piece I definitely wanted to get out there and do. The Bellini piece went ok, it wasn't the best it had ever been...the Duparc went very well....although it is literally like singing a major Wagnerian aria because of the extensive range and vocal demand set against the fiercest accompaniment.
A baritone is NEVER going to beat a woman in a competition, particularly the soprano--which is why I was very happy that Joan placed first and Courtney placed second. Though dissapointed that Kate and I took third I am still honored that we placed and were able to get some $$$ out of the deal---very much an honor. I also now have an offter to go to Italy this summer...the judges were very complimentary of my work and my artistry and asked if I would be interested in going---so this is something I will be looking into, as it falls in line right before my Germany program that I'm already doing. I would LOVE to do it--and it would be an oppportunity to definitely learn Italian and do some great singing that falls in the bel canto line-which are the principles both my previous and current teacher teach. So we'll see.
I wish I could have heard everyone today---but it's extremely hard to be competitive with your own peers--with those friends whom you share classes and experiences with...I never want to be in that state of mind with those people that I care about. So my energy just had to be spent focusing in on what I was doing---but Kudos to everyone who got up there and sang--I know everyone kicked ass!!!!
I've kicked back with my pianist tonight and now I'm heading to bed.
XOXOXOOXO
Justin