Leslie Barcza at barczablog interviews soprano Simone Osborne (pictured above), a member of the Ensemble Studio who will be debuting the role of Gilda with us this fall. She talks about the challenges the role of Gilda presents:

"The music for Gilda is extremely challenging in itself but trying to create a believable, multi dimensional, significant character is an equally difficult task. I refuse to believe that Gilda is simply a love stricken ingénue. Luckily for me (and the COC audiences), the incredible stage director, Christopher Alden, will be leading the way for us and I am very much looking forward to creating my first Gilda with him. In terms of the vocal writing, the role sits relatively high and in certain sections the orchestration is very thick. As a young singer, there is a tendency to want to prove yourself and put your best foot forward. This role will be an exercise is singing smart and not allowing the energy and excitement from the pit overwhelm my good judgement!" [read the full interview]

Alexander Neef wound up his summer travel season at Santa Fe with performances of Faust, Wozzeck, and Vivaldi's Griselda. Catch up on his two most recent blog posts here and here.

The Guardian's How to Enjoy Opera series includes an article on surviving your first opera as well as Fiona Maddocks' list of opera's top 50 works.

You might enjoy this story of a granddaughter's tribute in ink to her opera-loving grandmother. Part I, Part II, Part III.