Testimonials
Summer Program for Emerging Singers 2012
Austin Thompson, baritone - University of Southern California
“My summer with the Opera Academy of California completely surpassed any expectations I may have had going into the first day of the program. Although in its second season as a summer program, the six-week intensive experience, under the guidance of acclaimed director Yefim Maizel, had an incredible impact on my growth as an artist. Participants had access to all the tools a young artist could hope for during their stay in scenic San Francisco, including master classes with top professionals in the field (Sheri Greenawald, Susanne Mentzer, Lotfi Mansouri, Marci Stapp, etc.), three fully staged operas, five opera scene programs, acting classes, Alexander technique, and interaction with top conductors and stage directors from the immediate Bay area and other parts of the world. In addition, the program is divided into three levels, from introductory to advanced, to cater to the needs of every artist in attendance.
This program is not to be taken lightly, as the extensive work load is physically and emotionally challenging. However, is it excellent preparation for the very intense world of professional singing and allows you to learn how to pace yourself in an environment that is safe and fun. OAC is an incredible opportunity for emerging singers, and I have no doubt that the program will continue to grow under the leadership of a strong and professional faculty.”
This program is not to be taken lightly, as the extensive work load is physically and emotionally challenging. However, is it excellent preparation for the very intense world of professional singing and allows you to learn how to pace yourself in an environment that is safe and fun. OAC is an incredible opportunity for emerging singers, and I have no doubt that the program will continue to grow under the leadership of a strong and professional faculty.”
Spencer Dodd, baritone - Southern Methodist University
“The Opera Academy of California program was a fantastic learning and working experience. I sang in all three of the operas and in many of the scenes programs, which was great because it gave me the opportunity to perform a wide variety of different repertoire with many different directors and conductors.
I wanted an environment where I had the chance to get hands on experience performing with professional level faculty, and I got it. Their instruction and guidance led to great performances, and also gave me invaluable tools to help me with the performances down the road.
The standards set by the faculty were high, and I was continually challenged which helped to refine and bring out my best. I recommend Opera Academy of California for those who are dedicated and truly desire to grow as a singer.”
I wanted an environment where I had the chance to get hands on experience performing with professional level faculty, and I got it. Their instruction and guidance led to great performances, and also gave me invaluable tools to help me with the performances down the road.
The standards set by the faculty were high, and I was continually challenged which helped to refine and bring out my best. I recommend Opera Academy of California for those who are dedicated and truly desire to grow as a singer.”
Andres Ramirez, tenor - San Francisco Conservatory of Music
“My time at OAC under the artistic direction of Yefim Maizel proved to be challenging as well as essential in my growth as an operatic performer. Throughout the six week program I was presented with an extraordinary, intensive education in classrooms as well as on stage.
Mr. Maizel provided a first rate faculty to guide all the students through this journey. At every turn we were treated like professionals and, accordingly, were held to a high level of professionalism. I recommend OAC to any young singer with a strong work ethic who is ready to start taking strides towards building a professional career.
Following my experience with OAC I feel more prepared for the obstacle course that is the pursuit of an operatic career and wholeheartedly thank Mr. Maizel and his colleagues for entrusting me and my peers with their depth of knowledge.”
Mr. Maizel provided a first rate faculty to guide all the students through this journey. At every turn we were treated like professionals and, accordingly, were held to a high level of professionalism. I recommend OAC to any young singer with a strong work ethic who is ready to start taking strides towards building a professional career.
Following my experience with OAC I feel more prepared for the obstacle course that is the pursuit of an operatic career and wholeheartedly thank Mr. Maizel and his colleagues for entrusting me and my peers with their depth of knowledge.”
Sophie Delphis, mezzo-soprano - University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
“I have participated in the Opera Academy of California two years in a row. The progress that I have seen in myself and in my peers over the course of this six-week intensive has been incredible both times. For young singers, the opportunity to perform is as imperative as it is hard to come by; OAC’s numerous productions, scenes programs, concerts and master classes allow us to apply and develop the work we do during the school year. Not only do we have the chance to work with remarkable professionals in all fields – directors, conductors, pianists, coaches, voice teachers, etc… – but we are also empowered to take ownership of our roles in making shows and the company as a whole run smoothly.
It is evident that the entire faculty truly cares about our development, as well as our fellow singers in the Academy. The environment manages to be simultaneously highly demanding and highly supportive, and I am still amazed after my second year how much we are able to accomplish in a relatively short period of time.”
It is evident that the entire faculty truly cares about our development, as well as our fellow singers in the Academy. The environment manages to be simultaneously highly demanding and highly supportive, and I am still amazed after my second year how much we are able to accomplish in a relatively short period of time.”
Ellen Presley, mezzo-soprano - San Francisco Conservatory of Music
"My experience at the OAC 2012 Summer Program was an incredible one. This is my fifth opera summer program and I have never performed as much! I learned so much from the wonderful faculty and felt myself making progress every day. The immersive and intensive schedule enabled me to explore the many facets of opera performance through a wide variety of seminars, master classes, and coachings.
The core of the program is dedicated to providing many opportunities for young singers to perform; because of this, I was able to learn by doing, an experience that is irreplaceable. Almost every day I had exciting and challenging rehearsals that made me think deeply about all the factors it takes to bring a character to life. It was inspiring to be surrounded by such a talented and caring group of faculty and singers. Thanks to all that was offered at OAC, I truly feel that I got months’ worth of training and experience in just one summer."
The core of the program is dedicated to providing many opportunities for young singers to perform; because of this, I was able to learn by doing, an experience that is irreplaceable. Almost every day I had exciting and challenging rehearsals that made me think deeply about all the factors it takes to bring a character to life. It was inspiring to be surrounded by such a talented and caring group of faculty and singers. Thanks to all that was offered at OAC, I truly feel that I got months’ worth of training and experience in just one summer."
Gabrielle Guidi, soprano - Notre Dame de Namur University
"The Opera Academy of California summer program was one of the best summer programs I have ever attended. The overall experience for the emerging singer was a challenging and inspiring immersion into the world of opera and vocal performance. The bar was set high, beginning with a full day of costume fittings and rehearsals on the day of arrival. During this exceptional six weeks, the company staged and performed three full-length operas, three aria recitals and five opera scene evenings. None of this would have been possible without an extraordinary faculty of world-class professionals led by esteemed stage director, Yefim Maizel. Their combined dedication and commitment to the individual growth and development of each of the forty-five singers in the program created a collaborative and supportive environment where the best of performance and artistry were both expected and made possible. In addition to the myriad of performance opportunities, eight master classes and classes in acting, recitative preparation, auditioning and real world advice regarding career planning were offered with invaluable information that could be put to use immediately.
It was a privilege to work with such passionate and dedicated faculty – artistic directors, conductors, stage directors and accompanists who mentored every singer with their vast knowledge and experience combined with great caring and humor. Bravo tutti!!"
It was a privilege to work with such passionate and dedicated faculty – artistic directors, conductors, stage directors and accompanists who mentored every singer with their vast knowledge and experience combined with great caring and humor. Bravo tutti!!"
Ashly Welch, soprano - Pepperdine University
"Before OAC, I was ready to pursue a different dream other than a career in opera but I decided to try this program first before committing to that decision. The singers, faculty, guest artists and great music at the core of this program, rekindled my love for opera.
Because of the wonderful musical experiences I had along with amazing new friendships, I canceled my plans of returning home and instead stayed in San Francisco to continue on with my restored passion for music."
Because of the wonderful musical experiences I had along with amazing new friendships, I canceled my plans of returning home and instead stayed in San Francisco to continue on with my restored passion for music."
Elisa Jordan, soprano - Point Loma Nazarene University
“Opera Academy of California (OAC) is not for the weak of mind or heart. This program will whip you into operatic shape, putting on stage three fully produced operas, several master classes, and scenes performances in six short weeks! We worked almost every day rehearsing, observing, and always learning.
This program takes and develops mental and physical stamina, performing under professional batons, in the role or scene as in a professional setting, as well as behind the scenes. OAC provides many opportunities to perform in concerts and in operas. You learn what “preparation” means in the professional setting, away from the comforts of home and university.
OAC will guide you to find your inner strength, courage, and voice. “
This program takes and develops mental and physical stamina, performing under professional batons, in the role or scene as in a professional setting, as well as behind the scenes. OAC provides many opportunities to perform in concerts and in operas. You learn what “preparation” means in the professional setting, away from the comforts of home and university.
OAC will guide you to find your inner strength, courage, and voice. “
Shannon Mills, soprano - California State University, Fresno
“The OAC Summer Opera Program experience is in one word intense! Having just graduated with a Master of Arts in Music Performance I felt challenged. This program is a simulation of what a singer would experience in a professional opera company.
The teachers and staff are of the highest caliber and strive to push you to your limits. The atmosphere that they create is one of the highest professionalism and seriousness to the art of opera. It is not a “cuddling” experience but still nurturing and supportive to where you feel at the end that you have accomplished a great deal and experienced an immense amount of personal growth.”
The teachers and staff are of the highest caliber and strive to push you to your limits. The atmosphere that they create is one of the highest professionalism and seriousness to the art of opera. It is not a “cuddling” experience but still nurturing and supportive to where you feel at the end that you have accomplished a great deal and experienced an immense amount of personal growth.”
Andrea Fuentes, soprano - University of California, Los Angeles
"The OAC offers an extremely intensive course with what feels like just enough time to sleep! Come with your music really well prepared (seriously, have it down cold!) and with your mind in the game and you're going to learn a lot. The faculty are ready to help you give your best performance possible (they will even find time to coach you outside of class and rehearsal times), but you've got to be ready to learn.
This is a serious program that asks you to rise to your highest level."
This is a serious program that asks you to rise to your highest level."
Erin McAdams, soprano - San Diego State University
“During my six weeks at OAC, I was challenged on a daily basis, and because of this, grew immensely as a performer. Every conductor, director, and coach that I worked with at OAC was of the highest professional caliber, and I felt that all of them had a vested interest in contributing to my growth as a performer. I especially enjoyed working with David Ostwald, who challenged me to think about developing my characters onstage in completely new ways.
I would highly recommend this program to any singer who wants to take her performance skills to the next level. The program is extremely rigorous and demanding, which in the end pays off in a wonderful sense of accomplishment and a new set of skills to utilize on the musical journey.”
I would highly recommend this program to any singer who wants to take her performance skills to the next level. The program is extremely rigorous and demanding, which in the end pays off in a wonderful sense of accomplishment and a new set of skills to utilize on the musical journey.”
Victoria Lim, soprano
“My two summers at the Opera Academy of California were unforgettable. I met so many different people and was able to learn from every single person I worked with. Also, the faculty members were extremely approachable and helpful.
I would recommend this program to any aspiring singer seeking a well-rounded summer program with many performance opportunities.”
I would recommend this program to any aspiring singer seeking a well-rounded summer program with many performance opportunities.”
Jennifer McMullen, soprano - Ohio State University
“For an aspiring opera singer, OAC is an advantageous way to spend the summer. All OAC participants get to work with some of the industry's finest stage directors, conductors, and coaches. The directors establish the high expectations of a professional rehearsal process, while challenging each individual cast member to become a convincing character with clear dramatic intent. The maestros give individual feedback to each singer to inspire musically driven phrases and clarity in ensemble work. OAC is also generous in awarding work study scholarships.
As a work study, I gained insight into jobs related to opera production and management that sparked my interest, such as stage crew work and supertitle production.
Thank you for the opportunity to work and sing at OAC! I gained invaluable experience and insight for the future. Most of all, thank you for devoting six weeks of restless work to give young singers a chance to learn and grow.”
As a work study, I gained insight into jobs related to opera production and management that sparked my interest, such as stage crew work and supertitle production.
Thank you for the opportunity to work and sing at OAC! I gained invaluable experience and insight for the future. Most of all, thank you for devoting six weeks of restless work to give young singers a chance to learn and grow.”
Sharon Rogers, soprano - California State University, Fresno
"The six weeks I spent at the OAC this summer gave me an exciting and rewarding experience.
The faculty dedicated their time and energy to teaching and guiding me through the course and gave me the encouragement I needed to do my best. It was also exciting for me to work with several stage directors and music conductors. In addition, I made many caring and supportive friends.
The OAC helped me become a better performer and a better team player. It's a lot of hard work, but anyone who attends this program will get the opportunity to work with a highly professional faculty, improve their performance skills, and boost their overall talents to another level."
The faculty dedicated their time and energy to teaching and guiding me through the course and gave me the encouragement I needed to do my best. It was also exciting for me to work with several stage directors and music conductors. In addition, I made many caring and supportive friends.
The OAC helped me become a better performer and a better team player. It's a lot of hard work, but anyone who attends this program will get the opportunity to work with a highly professional faculty, improve their performance skills, and boost their overall talents to another level."
Elizabeth Patterson, soprano - Duquesne University
"Opera Academy of California offers a caliber of faculty unmatched by other summer programs. It maintains an exceptionally large faculty with a great diversity of musical perspectives and professional connections. Working with the best of the best, the student is likewise challenged to contribute her highest level of artistry."
Abigail Triemer, soprano - Wichita State University
“The OAC summer program was probably one if the hardest things I've ever done and certainly the best. I learned so much about myself and what I need to accomplish to be successful in the opera world. The amazing, world class faculty members at OAC made me grow tremendously as a musician and artist in a few weeks.”
Erica Maureen Wilens, soprano - Sacramento State University
“Opera Academy of California was the best way for me to spend six weeks of my summer. I got to work with distinguished directors such as Yefim Maizel, David Ostwald, Rod Gomez, and Michael Sokol, each of whom brought a new perspective of the art to the table. The conductors were extremely insightful and helpful, especially when tackling such a difficult work as Poulenc’s Dialogues of the Carmelites.
There was a level of expectancy coming into each rehearsal for all of the singers to be prepared musically and with their blocking that helped us strive to be our best and grow. It was a supportive environment filled with passion for the art. There were many helpful coaches and teachers available for us to work with; they helped me tackle and fix the vocal health issues I faced coming into the program.
I left singing better than I had in months and with a feeling of such growth and accomplishment that I am truly grateful to Mr. Maizel for creating this wonderful opportunity.”
There was a level of expectancy coming into each rehearsal for all of the singers to be prepared musically and with their blocking that helped us strive to be our best and grow. It was a supportive environment filled with passion for the art. There were many helpful coaches and teachers available for us to work with; they helped me tackle and fix the vocal health issues I faced coming into the program.
I left singing better than I had in months and with a feeling of such growth and accomplishment that I am truly grateful to Mr. Maizel for creating this wonderful opportunity.”
Summer Program for Emerging Singers 2011
Christian A. Sanders, tenor
"The Opera Academy of California summer program, located in San Francisco, CA and run under acclaimed stage director Yefim Maizel, was one of the best summer program experiences that I have had. Although on its inaugural season, Mr. Maizel set the bar unbelievably high. During the six week program a cast of around forty select singers from around the country staged three full-length operas, five two hour long scenes concerts, three Aria Recitals (which were located in the beautiful, historic Old First Church), and eight master classes with such distinguished technicians as Lotfi Mansouri, Sheri Greenawald, Erie Mills, Marcie Stapp, and Jane Randolph.
It might sound like a huge amount of work, and, frankly, it is; however, that is exactly the benefit in a program like this. Emerging artists are allowed the opportunity to feel what it is like to work alongside artistic directors, conductors, and stage directors to create professional-quality productions.
In addition to all this, the faculty at OAC truly care for each of the participants in the program. They are esteemed professionals who take the time to assist young singers in their journey. That alone made the entire six weeks worth it for me. The boost to my resume was just an added bonus. I highly recommend this program to any singer who wishes to learn a myriad of new repertoire in a short time under the guidance of working world-class professionals. This program prepares you for the real world and gives singers the tools they need to succeed in that world."
It might sound like a huge amount of work, and, frankly, it is; however, that is exactly the benefit in a program like this. Emerging artists are allowed the opportunity to feel what it is like to work alongside artistic directors, conductors, and stage directors to create professional-quality productions.
In addition to all this, the faculty at OAC truly care for each of the participants in the program. They are esteemed professionals who take the time to assist young singers in their journey. That alone made the entire six weeks worth it for me. The boost to my resume was just an added bonus. I highly recommend this program to any singer who wishes to learn a myriad of new repertoire in a short time under the guidance of working world-class professionals. This program prepares you for the real world and gives singers the tools they need to succeed in that world."
Siobahn Sung, mezzo-soprano - San Diego State University
"My experience at Opera Academy of California exceeded and transcended all expectations. From beginning to end, I felt fortunate to interact with such a distinguished and knowledgeable faculty, as well as a group of exciting, young talent.
The opportunities to meet new people and perform were continuously afforded to us, and every moment was utilized to its greatest extent. This program is a paragon of variety and excellence. Everyone who attends WILL walk away with better foundational skills, many valuable connections and friendships, but most importantly: new insights about their voice.
I do and will continue to recommend this program to all the singers I know."
The opportunities to meet new people and perform were continuously afforded to us, and every moment was utilized to its greatest extent. This program is a paragon of variety and excellence. Everyone who attends WILL walk away with better foundational skills, many valuable connections and friendships, but most importantly: new insights about their voice.
I do and will continue to recommend this program to all the singers I know."
Morgan Harrington, soprano
"Opera Academy of California’s Summer Program, helmed by founder and Artistic Director, Yefim Maizel, is a fantastic opportunity for dedicated, focused, passionate emerging singer/performers to hone, enhance and polish their craft. Indeed, with multiple full-length opera productions, opera scenes performances, master classes (with such greats as Lotfi Mansouri, Dolora Zajick, and Sheri Greenawald), aria recitals, and much more, the singer has ample opportunity to build practical experience offstage as well as a tremendous amount of vital performance experience onstage.
Throughout this process, singers are guided and nurtured by a wonderful faculty of top professionals in the opera music business who set and instill a solid foundation of high professional standards as well as encourage singers to explore and grow as performers.
OAC is an incredible crucible of experience for the emerging singer, which I continue to highly recommend."
Throughout this process, singers are guided and nurtured by a wonderful faculty of top professionals in the opera music business who set and instill a solid foundation of high professional standards as well as encourage singers to explore and grow as performers.
OAC is an incredible crucible of experience for the emerging singer, which I continue to highly recommend."
Katharine Steffens, soprano - State University of New York, Purchase
"OAC is an intensive summer program for the dedicated performer who wants to expand his/her repertoire and network with some of the greats in the industry. The artistic director, Yefim Maizel, conducts the program with high expectations that foster a ‘real-life’ professional attitude toward one's craft and colleagues.
The master classes were fantastic, the location was great (you can’t beat views of the Golden Gate bridge and Alcatraz island), and I was very pleased with the overall quality of the singers. I made professional contacts and friends for life that I will surely run into down the road. One piece of advice though: bring your jacket! In the words of Mark Twain “The coldest winter I ever spent was the summer in San Francisco!”
The master classes were fantastic, the location was great (you can’t beat views of the Golden Gate bridge and Alcatraz island), and I was very pleased with the overall quality of the singers. I made professional contacts and friends for life that I will surely run into down the road. One piece of advice though: bring your jacket! In the words of Mark Twain “The coldest winter I ever spent was the summer in San Francisco!”
Chloe Smart, soprano - San Jose State University
"Opera Academy of California is undoubtedly one of the most important steps I've taken thus far to becoming a professional singer. The performance experience and one on one attention from esteemed faculty gave me a much clearer idea of what to expect in the opera world than what I had before.
Yefim Maizel offers a rigorous schedule and high expectations: the best environment for growth. In addition to Yefim Maizel and his faculty's influence the friendships I made with colleagues has continued to provide a loving and constructive support group to this day.
I recommend Opera Academy of California to the singer who is dedicated, intelligent, focused, and ready to take on the most rewarding challenge."
Yefim Maizel offers a rigorous schedule and high expectations: the best environment for growth. In addition to Yefim Maizel and his faculty's influence the friendships I made with colleagues has continued to provide a loving and constructive support group to this day.
I recommend Opera Academy of California to the singer who is dedicated, intelligent, focused, and ready to take on the most rewarding challenge."
About Our Faculty
Chris Nelson, tenor - Indiana University, Bloomington
"Yefim Maizel provides a creative, safe, and collabrative environment for all levels of performers. His knowledge in theatre history and tradition is accessible and vast. Yefim has the ability to create performers and performances of opera that are stimulating, developed and musical. Personally, Yefim helped me fulfill becoming a character on stage."
Laurie Thomas, soprano - University of Northern Iowa
"Jane Randolph has established herself not only as a wonderful performer, but also as a tremendous teacher. In my few experiences with her, she made me feel completely comfortable and I was able to glean practical information that I could use immediately to enhance my vocal technique."
Leigh Akin, mezzo-soprano - University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee
"This faculty is truly exceptional. This is a collection of some of the most important and influencial people in the opera community, and in the unique musical community of the bay area.
Sheri Greenawald is a truly exceptional technician, and being an audience member for one of her master classes was profoundly inspiring. David Cox brings energy and insight to his stage direction, and puts great care with character development. Johnathan Kuhner, Jane Randolph and Robert Britton are all experts, extremely knowledgeable and invaluable resources for musical, and personal development. Collaborative pianists Codrut Birsan and Hatem Nadim were an indespensible part of my experience, they went above and beyond to offer a fantastic music making experience; they made themselves available with every free moment to help polish, refine and perfect every performance. The opportunity to work with these musicians was truly a privilege."
Sheri Greenawald is a truly exceptional technician, and being an audience member for one of her master classes was profoundly inspiring. David Cox brings energy and insight to his stage direction, and puts great care with character development. Johnathan Kuhner, Jane Randolph and Robert Britton are all experts, extremely knowledgeable and invaluable resources for musical, and personal development. Collaborative pianists Codrut Birsan and Hatem Nadim were an indespensible part of my experience, they went above and beyond to offer a fantastic music making experience; they made themselves available with every free moment to help polish, refine and perfect every performance. The opportunity to work with these musicians was truly a privilege."
Sophie Delphis, mezzo-soprano - University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
"Yefim Maizel is an incredibly meticulous director. He brings a very wide scope of knowledge and culture to his stage vision, but also an understanding of his actor-singers' particular energies. Above all, his keen musicianship sets him apart from any other director; it is a tremendous learning opportunity for younger performers to work with him.
Jun Nakabayashi is a sensitive and knowledgable maestro. Perhaps more importantly in his work with younger, pre-professional singers, he is also good-humored and, though demanding, very patient. It can be difficult to learn to sing with a conductor, but doing so with Maestro Nakabayashi feels like a safe growing experience.
Jonathan Khuner is diligent and demanding, both in his way to conduct and to coach. His deep knowledge of the music, as well as performance practice and context, make him a wonderful tool for singers. He is patient and unrelenting, a golden combination for someone working with pre-professional singers."
Jun Nakabayashi is a sensitive and knowledgable maestro. Perhaps more importantly in his work with younger, pre-professional singers, he is also good-humored and, though demanding, very patient. It can be difficult to learn to sing with a conductor, but doing so with Maestro Nakabayashi feels like a safe growing experience.
Jonathan Khuner is diligent and demanding, both in his way to conduct and to coach. His deep knowledge of the music, as well as performance practice and context, make him a wonderful tool for singers. He is patient and unrelenting, a golden combination for someone working with pre-professional singers."
Carey Goldenberg, soprano - University of Miami
"I had the great pleasure of working with Jonathan Khuner in a Mozart scene from Don Giovanni, as well as a Richard Strauss scene from Arabella. I learned the very different styles of recitative in a standard Mozart scene, as opposed to an accompanied recitative in Arabella from Jonathan's recitative class, as well as our private coachings. Jonathan's strict attention to diction, detail, and style aided me not only in these particular scenes, but also in my study of current repertoire."
Miriam Drumm, mezzo-soprano - Indiana University, Bloomington
"Working with Rod was fantastic. He has so much passion for what he does and can easily express what he’s looking for. He truly helped me in all aspects of my performance and characterizations for my role."
Erin Tompkins, mezzo-soprano - Southern Methodist University
"As an opera stage director, Yefim Maizel brings a level of preparedness to rehearsal that is foreign to most of today's young American performers. As compliment, he is also an attentive listener and collaborator. Forever raising the bar to meet, and further test, the potential of the idividual artist, his is as great a leader as he is a mentor, and worthy of our trust. It has been an honor.
Jun Nakabayashi made our recent production of La Calisto an unforgettable one. In addition to a great sense of humor and adaptability to various levels of preparation on the part of the singers, he adheres adamantly to his own secrets to great recitative. For example, to paraphrase: Just because a syllable is unstressed does not mean one should let the air out of the balloon and allow the entire word to become indistinguishable.
Valery Ryvkin is another world class coach and conductor. Take note my fellow singer friends, he misses absolutely nothing! He conducted a recent summer performance of Suor Angelica and amazed me with the number of irons he kept in the fire throughout every single rehearsal. An astoundingly perceptive musical leader and, refreshingly, a bit of a comedian as well! I think any budding professional singer would feel honored to work with him."
Jun Nakabayashi made our recent production of La Calisto an unforgettable one. In addition to a great sense of humor and adaptability to various levels of preparation on the part of the singers, he adheres adamantly to his own secrets to great recitative. For example, to paraphrase: Just because a syllable is unstressed does not mean one should let the air out of the balloon and allow the entire word to become indistinguishable.
Valery Ryvkin is another world class coach and conductor. Take note my fellow singer friends, he misses absolutely nothing! He conducted a recent summer performance of Suor Angelica and amazed me with the number of irons he kept in the fire throughout every single rehearsal. An astoundingly perceptive musical leader and, refreshingly, a bit of a comedian as well! I think any budding professional singer would feel honored to work with him."
Raquel Fatiuk, mezzo soprano - San Francisco Conservatory of Music
"Ryan Murray was a great pleasure to work with. He is very energetic and passionate about the music. I felt very confident and secure with him as my conductor and hope to again work with him in the future."
Dana Maelzner, soprano - University of Kentucky, Lexington
"I enjoyed working with Yefim Maizel. His committed directing work with singers impressed me. Yefim cares about singers, meets singer-actors coming from various levels of experience and brings them to a higher level. He is interested in what YOU, the artist, have to say. He will guide you and give you suggestions/angles until you give him the character that is unique through your experience with the part.
As a leader of a summer program, he operates with integrity and skill and cares deeply for all participants."
As a leader of a summer program, he operates with integrity and skill and cares deeply for all participants."
Ariana Wehr, soprano - Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge
"Jonathan Khuner has incredible musical insight and after working with him I strive constantly to be a more accurate, sensitive singer- especially when dealing with difficult music. He pushed me to be better musically than I had ever been before and I am a better singer because of it.
Jun Nakabayashi requires an intellectual component from his singers that I had not previously been expected to capture. He showed me that there is always an emotional/textual consideration that the music describes and he asks the singers to find that for themselves. The result is a very intimate and personal performance. I believe that I interpret music more personally since having worked with him.
Working with David Cox really forced me to be a better actor. His acting approach made me take the stage and not apologize for it- and that is such a great lesson in so many ways. I definitely take that with me into every role I do now. "
Jun Nakabayashi requires an intellectual component from his singers that I had not previously been expected to capture. He showed me that there is always an emotional/textual consideration that the music describes and he asks the singers to find that for themselves. The result is a very intimate and personal performance. I believe that I interpret music more personally since having worked with him.
Working with David Cox really forced me to be a better actor. His acting approach made me take the stage and not apologize for it- and that is such a great lesson in so many ways. I definitely take that with me into every role I do now. "