Da Capo

Humble Beginnings

Last evening I was given the opportunity to enjoy colleagues singing in the Berlin Philharmonie "production" of Salome. A good review here. I'll be interested what Herheim does with this cast when it opens at Salzburg. Brought back many memories.

Here's a screen shot of that memory from San Diego Opera's archive page.

Sitting there listening to these fantastic singers made me realize I had never taken the time to thank SDO for their giving me that tiny one-liner role, specifically the General Director, Ian Campbell.

I had been a young artist with the company, and also spent a couple of seasons singing in the chorus under Martin Wright. (Congrats to him for this week being named chorus master at Lyric Opera Chicago beginning 2012.) It was a great time to be singing in San Diego.

But it was also a very instructive time as well. One of the most painful things was doing a coaching with Martin and my asking with great hope how long it needed to be before singing a leading role on the SDO mainstage. I imagined an answer of "2 or 3 seasons*, because that's how far in advance Ian plans things." That was not the answer I got back.


"I think you'll be ready to audition in about 8-10 years." My heart sank.

And in hindsight, I can now understand and deeply appreciate Ian Campbell's gesture of hiring me to do the 2nd Nazarene. He was trying to sustain one of his own young artists thru the meager times we all face coming out of young artist apprenticeships. So, let me just say thank you to everyone in San Diego, especially Ian, Marianne and Roger Pines (now also at LOC). Your belief in me, your fantastic track record of wise financial decisions keeping a company going thru very tough economic times, your support of new works ... Your tireless efforts are very much appreciated.

That Salome was a great way to begin a foray into Regie Theater. I hope everyone there can appreciate the distance we've travelled. My wife reminded me on the way home from the concert of this. "Do you remember that Salome? I was so mad at you for admitting to sneaking onstage to catch a glimpse of a 2 second topless Salome. And now?!?? Calixto Bieito!"

So, here's that audition Ian. Enjoy!

(Not for the faint of heart. Clip contains nudity)

*I once had a chorus tenor come up to me as I was singing Alfredo in Kansas or somewhere and say: "I'm giving myself 6 months to be where you are at, singing leading roles." Never underestimate a tenor's ability of self-deception.