MY OPERA VISION STATEMENT

Opera is an art form marked by a coming together of many elements of aesthetic interest, most notably libretto, musical compositions, orchestras, stage sets, often dancing---and always singing actors, whose voices are developed to their fullest potential for beauty, strength, and expressiveness. This expressiveness is sometimes referred to in opera as vocal acting. In addition to years of technical training, caretaking of the singing voice in opera is of utmost consideration. Although worked very hard, the singing voice is never abused.

Because no two singing actors will ever sound exactly alike, think alike, or bring to the stage exactly the same experiences, these performers will have a considerable impact on how an opera will look or sound. To that extent, opera will forever be a living, dynamic force within the world's artistic milieu for generations to come.

Classic western, or classic cowboy, is not generally thought of as opera---and strictly speaking it is not opera---but it does come amazingly close to being classical Americana in its style and needs the classically trained voice to sing a great deal of it, well. One might compare the genre to light opera---or light, classical music---although there will always be the naysayers.