Hi Family!
Just a quick note that things are well in Sardegna. The weather is nice, in the 50's, partly cloudy, a little windy, but sunny. The people are so very nice. Tonight we dined with family and friends of the Company directors. We had a 7 course meal, all made from scratch, meats aged and raised in Sardegna, foods unique only to Sardegna. It was all wonderful. We then had music from a player of the Launeddas, which is an ancient instrument, kind of like a small set of bag pipes without the bag. There was dancing, and many jokes. I've even started to pick up a little Italian. Tomorrow is our first concert, with Harp. I will keep you updated, and include some pics in the next blog, maybe tomorrow. Love you all.
Buona notte
-patrick-
Friday, November 21, 2008
Thursday, October 23, 2008
A whole lotta cold goin on..
Hi Family! So I thought I'd hop on to give a quick update. Cat and I are doing pretty well over here in NJ. Recently I had a chance to go and hang out with the actual members of NazRock! We had a good time, ate at the Golden Arches, and I got to see the progress on the Kitchen and living room remodeling. It looks like the makings of what will be a wonderful space for food, family and friends.
It's getting cold. But it's wonderful to see summer into fall, into winter, and back into spring.
Cat's busy. Very busy. There's a lot going on. December 7th is her Recital, a Recital that will live in infamy, no doubt. She's working hard with two Choirs, including the world-famous Westminster Choir, which is recording an album this year. Last week we headed into New York. She had an audition with Diamond Opera Theatre, the same company I did Red Carnations with last Spring. After her Audition they hired her on the spot, asking her and I to present a recital on Valentines day, 2009. Naturally, the theme will be famous love arias and duets. It's a wonderful opportunity, and we love any reason to go up to the Hudson NY area. It's gorgeous up there.
In other semi-exciting news, things have been looking up for me. My official weight loss since June is now at 34 lbs. We have both set goals for ourselves, and are both doing great. I recently finished a production of a Vienesse Operetta called Sari.
It was a fun little production, and I recieved many complements from peers. Mom and Dad, Jose Melendez, a guy I often refer to, is the gentleman sitting down. I work with him quite a bit. Later this month I'll be a guest singer at a Faculty recital for Neumann College her in Philly. Jose will be playing for that.
Also exciting, I just found out I will be flown to Sardinia, the island off the coast of Italy, to sing in several concerts, participate in masterclasses in November. I will be spending Thanksgiving there, so sorry Wells fam as I will be there singing Italian favorites. It's a daunting task, having to sing Italian songs to Italians. But I'm looking forward to the opportunity to travel, be heard, and see a beautiful piece of the world. Cat will be back in CA spending thanksgiving with her Dad, Brother, and family. I'm sure she'll want to see every one of our side as well. She's already talking about it.
I've got to get to Church rehearsal. Things are busy out here. We miss everybody and think about you guys a lot. I'll post again soon, as things are ever-changing around here these days. God bless you family.
It's getting cold. But it's wonderful to see summer into fall, into winter, and back into spring.
Cat's busy. Very busy. There's a lot going on. December 7th is her Recital, a Recital that will live in infamy, no doubt. She's working hard with two Choirs, including the world-famous Westminster Choir, which is recording an album this year. Last week we headed into New York. She had an audition with Diamond Opera Theatre, the same company I did Red Carnations with last Spring. After her Audition they hired her on the spot, asking her and I to present a recital on Valentines day, 2009. Naturally, the theme will be famous love arias and duets. It's a wonderful opportunity, and we love any reason to go up to the Hudson NY area. It's gorgeous up there.
In other semi-exciting news, things have been looking up for me. My official weight loss since June is now at 34 lbs. We have both set goals for ourselves, and are both doing great. I recently finished a production of a Vienesse Operetta called Sari.
It was a fun little production, and I recieved many complements from peers. Mom and Dad, Jose Melendez, a guy I often refer to, is the gentleman sitting down. I work with him quite a bit. Later this month I'll be a guest singer at a Faculty recital for Neumann College her in Philly. Jose will be playing for that. Also exciting, I just found out I will be flown to Sardinia, the island off the coast of Italy, to sing in several concerts, participate in masterclasses in November. I will be spending Thanksgiving there, so sorry Wells fam as I will be there singing Italian favorites. It's a daunting task, having to sing Italian songs to Italians. But I'm looking forward to the opportunity to travel, be heard, and see a beautiful piece of the world. Cat will be back in CA spending thanksgiving with her Dad, Brother, and family. I'm sure she'll want to see every one of our side as well. She's already talking about it.
I've got to get to Church rehearsal. Things are busy out here. We miss everybody and think about you guys a lot. I'll post again soon, as things are ever-changing around here these days. God bless you family.
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
You wont find this on his website..
I thought I would move this discussion to a blog, since I've been so long winded. Those of you who don't know what I'm talking about can refer to our discussion on politics on the Nazarro blog entitled, "suspension of nazrock".
One of the few issues Obama has actually voted on is abortion. In fact, he's done much more than that. He's used it to "excite his base and raise money." In 2004 Michelle Obama sent out a fundraising email on behalf of her husband. The hook was the 2003 Congressional ban on partial-birth abortions. Even certain Democrats voted for the ban referring to it as, "as close to infanticide as anything I have come upon..." (Senator Patrick Moynihan, NY). In the email she describes the law as a "ban on a legitimate medical procedure" that "is clearly unconstitutional and must be overturned.......On march 16th we have a chance to nominate a candidate who will be tireless in the fight to protect women's rights." In 2007 Obama offered a statement against a Supreme court ruling upholding the 2003 ban. He said it was a restriction on "a woman's right to choose", and cited lack of "women's medical concerns". Family, he wasn't just talking about abortion. He was talking about Partial-birth Abortion. In 97 he voted "present" (effectively a "no") on two different partial-birth abortion bans that came to the floor. One bill passed, 44 to 5. Obama tried to explain that the bill contained no exception for the health of the mother in his book, Audicity of Hope. When is partial-birth abortion ever necessary to a mother's health? A health coalition, the Physicians Ad Hoc Coalition for Truth, a group of 600 doctors wrote,"Never is the partial-birth procedure medically indicated."
Obama wants to see all restriction on abortion erradicated. in 2007 speaking before the Planned Parenthood Action Fund he said "The first thing I'll do as President is sign the Freedom of Choice Act." Listen close, this bill would cancel every state, federal , and local regulation on abortion, no matter what. It would abolish all state restrictions on govt funding of abortions. If Obama becomes president and lives up to this promise, everyone who pays income tax would be paying to fund abortions. By promising to sign this into law, he's eliminating laws which protect our nurses (hey, I know a few nurses) and doctors from losing their jobs if they refuse to participate in abortions. He's promising to abolish requirements for parental notification and informed consent for mothers considering the procedure. There are Pro-life groups that argue it would even remove the requirement that only licensed physicians perform abortions.
This is one area where Obama has a real record.
One of the few issues Obama has actually voted on is abortion. In fact, he's done much more than that. He's used it to "excite his base and raise money." In 2004 Michelle Obama sent out a fundraising email on behalf of her husband. The hook was the 2003 Congressional ban on partial-birth abortions. Even certain Democrats voted for the ban referring to it as, "as close to infanticide as anything I have come upon..." (Senator Patrick Moynihan, NY). In the email she describes the law as a "ban on a legitimate medical procedure" that "is clearly unconstitutional and must be overturned.......On march 16th we have a chance to nominate a candidate who will be tireless in the fight to protect women's rights." In 2007 Obama offered a statement against a Supreme court ruling upholding the 2003 ban. He said it was a restriction on "a woman's right to choose", and cited lack of "women's medical concerns". Family, he wasn't just talking about abortion. He was talking about Partial-birth Abortion. In 97 he voted "present" (effectively a "no") on two different partial-birth abortion bans that came to the floor. One bill passed, 44 to 5. Obama tried to explain that the bill contained no exception for the health of the mother in his book, Audicity of Hope. When is partial-birth abortion ever necessary to a mother's health? A health coalition, the Physicians Ad Hoc Coalition for Truth, a group of 600 doctors wrote,"Never is the partial-birth procedure medically indicated."
Obama wants to see all restriction on abortion erradicated. in 2007 speaking before the Planned Parenthood Action Fund he said "The first thing I'll do as President is sign the Freedom of Choice Act." Listen close, this bill would cancel every state, federal , and local regulation on abortion, no matter what. It would abolish all state restrictions on govt funding of abortions. If Obama becomes president and lives up to this promise, everyone who pays income tax would be paying to fund abortions. By promising to sign this into law, he's eliminating laws which protect our nurses (hey, I know a few nurses) and doctors from losing their jobs if they refuse to participate in abortions. He's promising to abolish requirements for parental notification and informed consent for mothers considering the procedure. There are Pro-life groups that argue it would even remove the requirement that only licensed physicians perform abortions.
This is one area where Obama has a real record.
Monday, May 26, 2008
diamond in the rough
Hi Family. For all that we have missed the past several weeks, Cat and I are both very sorry. Calls to family for Birthday wishes, sisters I didn't get to talk to on Mother's Day, other events we may not have recognized we are sorry for missing out on. Things have been hectic as our summer plans have changed slightly, but more on that in a minute.
On May 11th I(Patrick) drove three hours north to a small riverport town in NY state called Hudson. There I spent the next week rehearsing and performing a one act opera for Diamond Opera Theatre. I was not initially looking forward to it as I had not really spent enough time on the Opera and wasn't fully prepared going into rehearsals. I spent 12 hours the day before I left memorizing the 98 page opera and, luckily, it stuck. I arrived in Hudson in the evening and was instructed to meet the cast, director, and others at the theatre. The theatre is on a street which paralleled the Hudson river, right across from the train station. The theatre, as it turned out, started it's life as a Foundry, then it was a glue factory (not horse, but rabbit), and now has been turned into Hudson's epicentre of fine arts(minus a parking lot and proper facilities).
It didn't look like much from the outside, but it turned out to be a great space for performing .
After the first two days, Cat took the train up and joined me. My schedule lightened up a bit and we were able to explore. We discovered the the town was really dying until about 7 years ago. With such a convenient train station, it's attracting couples from the city and the place is in the process of coming alive again. We found several amazing places to eat with fresh, wonderful , locally grown and raised ingredients. We visited the Company director's wine shop in the neighboring town of East Chatham, and we discovered American History in a form we had not experienced ourselves before. We stayed at a beautiful bed and Breakfast, the house was a little more than a century old, and had every comfort you would expect in a near-palace. The owners were an amazing pair. In the 80's they were members of a pretty successful band who toured with the B-52's. They lived in Hollywood for a time and worked in entertainment. Dini, who cooks an amazing breakfast, is close friends with Kate Pearson, the female singer in the B-52's. The stories he had were colorful and great. They were a welcoming and very fun couple.
We visited the 7-booth large Farmer's market and immediately made the mistake of buying local cheese from a gentleman who hadn't quite mastered his craft yet. The sharp cheddar he was "still working on" tasted of body odor. And there must be more churches per capita in Hudson than in any other city. No matter where you are the town, you are within 100 feet of a church. This picture shows part of City hall and yes, a church, in the background. This Catholic church shares the same block with the local Presbetyrian church.
Needless to say, we enjoyed ourselves thoroughly. The performances came around 5 days into the trip. I enjoyed working with the two others in the cast, though it was an interesting mix of personalities between the three of us. I'm convinced I'm the only conservative in all of Opera. These are just a few stills from the recording, which I'll have up on Youtube as soon as I am able.
We had a great time, it was wonderful and I got a great review, "Tenor Patrick Layton... has a vibrant lyric tenor voice that complimented... and made its own telling points with his brilliant top." John Paul Keeler, Hudson-catskill papers. The people were wonderful, and I'll look forward to returning there soon for a recital which is going to be planned for the fall.
Okay, as for this summer here are the plans. Cat is flying back to CA in Mid-June. She'll be taking two courses and working for her cousin. I will not be with her as I've been offered two covers and 4 concerts with Opera New Jersey this summer. It's a great opportunity to fatten my resume and schmooze with a few companies. I will be flying out the last weekend in June for 4 days but, unfortunately wont be able to stay for the 4th of July. I hoping to get a round of golf in with Dad and ...?, and some swimming with whom ever I may find still in CA.
We love you guys, and we will continue to try to keep in touch. The blogs have been great and I hope I'll get to see you all in CA on that weekend.
-pat and cat-
On May 11th I(Patrick) drove three hours north to a small riverport town in NY state called Hudson. There I spent the next week rehearsing and performing a one act opera for Diamond Opera Theatre. I was not initially looking forward to it as I had not really spent enough time on the Opera and wasn't fully prepared going into rehearsals. I spent 12 hours the day before I left memorizing the 98 page opera and, luckily, it stuck. I arrived in Hudson in the evening and was instructed to meet the cast, director, and others at the theatre. The theatre is on a street which paralleled the Hudson river, right across from the train station. The theatre, as it turned out, started it's life as a Foundry, then it was a glue factory (not horse, but rabbit), and now has been turned into Hudson's epicentre of fine arts(minus a parking lot and proper facilities).
It didn't look like much from the outside, but it turned out to be a great space for performing .
After the first two days, Cat took the train up and joined me. My schedule lightened up a bit and we were able to explore. We discovered the the town was really dying until about 7 years ago. With such a convenient train station, it's attracting couples from the city and the place is in the process of coming alive again. We found several amazing places to eat with fresh, wonderful , locally grown and raised ingredients. We visited the Company director's wine shop in the neighboring town of East Chatham, and we discovered American History in a form we had not experienced ourselves before. We stayed at a beautiful bed and Breakfast, the house was a little more than a century old, and had every comfort you would expect in a near-palace. The owners were an amazing pair. In the 80's they were members of a pretty successful band who toured with the B-52's. They lived in Hollywood for a time and worked in entertainment. Dini, who cooks an amazing breakfast, is close friends with Kate Pearson, the female singer in the B-52's. The stories he had were colorful and great. They were a welcoming and very fun couple.
We visited the 7-booth large Farmer's market and immediately made the mistake of buying local cheese from a gentleman who hadn't quite mastered his craft yet. The sharp cheddar he was "still working on" tasted of body odor. And there must be more churches per capita in Hudson than in any other city. No matter where you are the town, you are within 100 feet of a church. This picture shows part of City hall and yes, a church, in the background. This Catholic church shares the same block with the local Presbetyrian church.
Needless to say, we enjoyed ourselves thoroughly. The performances came around 5 days into the trip. I enjoyed working with the two others in the cast, though it was an interesting mix of personalities between the three of us. I'm convinced I'm the only conservative in all of Opera. These are just a few stills from the recording, which I'll have up on Youtube as soon as I am able.
We had a great time, it was wonderful and I got a great review, "Tenor Patrick Layton... has a vibrant lyric tenor voice that complimented... and made its own telling points with his brilliant top." John Paul Keeler, Hudson-catskill papers. The people were wonderful, and I'll look forward to returning there soon for a recital which is going to be planned for the fall.
Okay, as for this summer here are the plans. Cat is flying back to CA in Mid-June. She'll be taking two courses and working for her cousin. I will not be with her as I've been offered two covers and 4 concerts with Opera New Jersey this summer. It's a great opportunity to fatten my resume and schmooze with a few companies. I will be flying out the last weekend in June for 4 days but, unfortunately wont be able to stay for the 4th of July. I hoping to get a round of golf in with Dad and ...?, and some swimming with whom ever I may find still in CA.
We love you guys, and we will continue to try to keep in touch. The blogs have been great and I hope I'll get to see you all in CA on that weekend.
-pat and cat-
Friday, May 9, 2008
Atlantic City and the MET, a scatter-brained blog
Hi family. Sorry we've been out of touch for what seems like a very eventful several weeks. Shane, Happy Birthday! Kevin, Congratulations on your first communion! The Chicago clan looks GREAT! It was really good to see the CA contingent, even given the circumstances. We are doing alright here, trying to solidy plans for the summer.
Speaking of the summer, so many things have come up. Cat (who is doing really well) will definitely be spending the bulk of the summer back in California, working for her cousin and taking a couple of classes she can't get here. We're working out whether or not I will be here in NJ, or there in CA. I recently had an audition for the Metropolitan Opera chorus. It was by invitation only, there were 11 of us there. It was a good experience, and I'm sure you wont be seeing me on that stage anytime soon, but I'll keep you posted if something miraculous happens. I've also been offered a Studio Artist position with Opera New Jersey for the summer, covering two roles and performing in concerts, masterclasses, as well as singing in chorus. And also I've been in touch with old contacts from California who would welcome me for the summer with open arms. Needless to say, there's a lot to work out in the next couple of weeks. On Sunday I travel north to Hudson, NY where I will spend the week doing 6 performances of a one act opera called Red Carnations. It's a small company, but they pay well and they're putting me up for the week. I'm hoping to get a good review and will certainly post it if that happens.
To treat ourselves, Cat and I spent the day in Atlantic City last week. It was suprisingly fun. It's like a little slice of Las Vegas (the good and the bad), with the exception that you could not find a 5 dollar table. They have a massive outlet mall and Cat and I spent the day mostly window shopping. Though Cat managed to find a few steals at the Coach outlet, while I spent my time looking at shoes. For dinner we made reservations at Bobby Flay Steak. He is one of our favorite chefs, and we were thrilled to have the opportunity to taste his food. There was a lobster bar with lobsters on display that were the size of VW Beetles. Cat and I both had American Kobe strip steaks. We both agreed we had never had a meal as remarkable as this one. Everything was amazing.
We finished the night gambling our small budget away, and both agreed it was a great time.
Cat's doing great. She's so amazing, and very strong. She continues to be a source of strength for her family, and I relish the role of husband, being there for her in any way I can. She was able to finish her semester and, while she didn't make dean's list, she came away relatively unscathed and still in the running for a great Master's program after her undergrad. Vocally she's becoming a remarkable young mezzo, and will more than likely being starring in future productions at Westminster Choir College.
We're thinking of our family, we love you guys and miss you. We hope for nothing less than the best for you, and we hope to see you soon.
-Patrick & Catharine-
Speaking of the summer, so many things have come up. Cat (who is doing really well) will definitely be spending the bulk of the summer back in California, working for her cousin and taking a couple of classes she can't get here. We're working out whether or not I will be here in NJ, or there in CA. I recently had an audition for the Metropolitan Opera chorus. It was by invitation only, there were 11 of us there. It was a good experience, and I'm sure you wont be seeing me on that stage anytime soon, but I'll keep you posted if something miraculous happens. I've also been offered a Studio Artist position with Opera New Jersey for the summer, covering two roles and performing in concerts, masterclasses, as well as singing in chorus. And also I've been in touch with old contacts from California who would welcome me for the summer with open arms. Needless to say, there's a lot to work out in the next couple of weeks. On Sunday I travel north to Hudson, NY where I will spend the week doing 6 performances of a one act opera called Red Carnations. It's a small company, but they pay well and they're putting me up for the week. I'm hoping to get a good review and will certainly post it if that happens.
To treat ourselves, Cat and I spent the day in Atlantic City last week. It was suprisingly fun. It's like a little slice of Las Vegas (the good and the bad), with the exception that you could not find a 5 dollar table. They have a massive outlet mall and Cat and I spent the day mostly window shopping. Though Cat managed to find a few steals at the Coach outlet, while I spent my time looking at shoes. For dinner we made reservations at Bobby Flay Steak. He is one of our favorite chefs, and we were thrilled to have the opportunity to taste his food. There was a lobster bar with lobsters on display that were the size of VW Beetles. Cat and I both had American Kobe strip steaks. We both agreed we had never had a meal as remarkable as this one. Everything was amazing.
We finished the night gambling our small budget away, and both agreed it was a great time.
Cat's doing great. She's so amazing, and very strong. She continues to be a source of strength for her family, and I relish the role of husband, being there for her in any way I can. She was able to finish her semester and, while she didn't make dean's list, she came away relatively unscathed and still in the running for a great Master's program after her undergrad. Vocally she's becoming a remarkable young mezzo, and will more than likely being starring in future productions at Westminster Choir College.
We're thinking of our family, we love you guys and miss you. We hope for nothing less than the best for you, and we hope to see you soon.
-Patrick & Catharine-
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
Abduction this weekend
Hi Family! I hope everyone is doing well besides the epidemic in Chicago, and small procedures in CA. This coming weekend we'll be opening Mozart's The Abduction from the Seraglio. On Saturday we had a run through for an audience of highschool students and friends.
Belmonte opens the opera wishing he could enter the Palace, to save his beloved Konstanze.
It's not long before Belmonte and his trusted servent are overpowering the grumpy Osmin who refuses to let them through.
But eventually Belmonte is reunited with his love, Konstanze. And the celebrate by singing a 10-minute-long duet......
About there imminent death......
But it all ends happily ever after. The run-through was a success, it was recorded by a local news station and I may have video of that to post here as early as tomorrow. My first public performance is this Saturday the 1st. It may be reviewed by the Washington Times and another arts blog. I'll certainly put those up when they are published....if they're good. HA! Love you family!
Belmonte opens the opera wishing he could enter the Palace, to save his beloved Konstanze.
It's not long before Belmonte and his trusted servent are overpowering the grumpy Osmin who refuses to let them through.
But eventually Belmonte is reunited with his love, Konstanze. And the celebrate by singing a 10-minute-long duet......
About there imminent death......
But it all ends happily ever after. The run-through was a success, it was recorded by a local news station and I may have video of that to post here as early as tomorrow. My first public performance is this Saturday the 1st. It may be reviewed by the Washington Times and another arts blog. I'll certainly put those up when they are published....if they're good. HA! Love you family!
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
In-laws and International travel
Hi Family!
Just wanted to give a quick update of the last couple of weeks. Cat's parents came to visit us for a week of sight-seeing, catching up. While I was mostly busy working, Cat took her parents all over the place, touring Princeton, the historical sights of Philadelphia, the giant Hershey's store in NY and, of course, Rockefeller center.
All in all it was a good time, they were excited to see us, and we were happy to have them. This past weekend, while Cat prepared for the start of second semester , I was off to Puerto Rico to compete in the MET district auditions in San Juan. I flew in late on Saturday and shuttled over to Thrifty to pick up my rental. I had reserved a mid-sized vehicle. As fate would have it, mid-sized in Puerto Rico , is not the same in the US. So I stuffed myself into my midsized Toyota sardinia , and was off to the lavish Diamond Palace Casino in the upscale district of Condado. Once again, expections were a bit high. The casino portion of the hotel was no bigger than Mom and Dad's living room, and filled with the sounds of gamblers banging the sides of the machines to make sure it was working correctly. The Hotel room, while it had a nice view, 
itcould have used a bit more TLC.
I did find that the beaches were beautiful, the people were mostly kind and welcomed you with a smile.
Sunday was the day of the competition. The auditions were open to the public, which was great because the audience was enthusiastic and appreciative. I also felt good because my accompaniast was also my coach and the Director of the Young Artist Program for New Jersey Opera. I sang very well. No mistakes, free and full. I was really happy with how I presented myself. Jose was also suprised at how well my audition went. We were both disappointed when I was not selected as one of the top three to move on to Regionals, however, the talent level was very high, and these competitions ride on the preferences and subjective opinions of the judges.
So it's on to the next events, which include a cover of the Duke in NJO's Rigoletto, coming up the end of February, and also the lead role of Belmonte in Mozart's Abduction from the Seraglio with Bel Cantanti Opera in Washington DC. That opens in the end of February.
Cat is looking forward to a promotion at Westminster Choir College. The teaching staff has been so impressed with her that they have put her in their top group, Symphonic Choir, which will be performing at Carnegie Hall in the spring. She is really thriving at the school, and her voice is becoming something unique and beautiful, two qualities of a top singer.
We love you all, and miss you guys very much. We think about you constantly, and hope everyone is enjoying life as much as we are here in NJ.
-Pat & Cat-
Just wanted to give a quick update of the last couple of weeks. Cat's parents came to visit us for a week of sight-seeing, catching up. While I was mostly busy working, Cat took her parents all over the place, touring Princeton, the historical sights of Philadelphia, the giant Hershey's store in NY and, of course, Rockefeller center.
All in all it was a good time, they were excited to see us, and we were happy to have them. This past weekend, while Cat prepared for the start of second semester , I was off to Puerto Rico to compete in the MET district auditions in San Juan. I flew in late on Saturday and shuttled over to Thrifty to pick up my rental. I had reserved a mid-sized vehicle. As fate would have it, mid-sized in Puerto Rico , is not the same in the US. So I stuffed myself into my midsized Toyota sardinia , and was off to the lavish Diamond Palace Casino in the upscale district of Condado. Once again, expections were a bit high. The casino portion of the hotel was no bigger than Mom and Dad's living room, and filled with the sounds of gamblers banging the sides of the machines to make sure it was working correctly. The Hotel room, while it had a nice view, 
itcould have used a bit more TLC.
I did find that the beaches were beautiful, the people were mostly kind and welcomed you with a smile.
Sunday was the day of the competition. The auditions were open to the public, which was great because the audience was enthusiastic and appreciative. I also felt good because my accompaniast was also my coach and the Director of the Young Artist Program for New Jersey Opera. I sang very well. No mistakes, free and full. I was really happy with how I presented myself. Jose was also suprised at how well my audition went. We were both disappointed when I was not selected as one of the top three to move on to Regionals, however, the talent level was very high, and these competitions ride on the preferences and subjective opinions of the judges.
So it's on to the next events, which include a cover of the Duke in NJO's Rigoletto, coming up the end of February, and also the lead role of Belmonte in Mozart's Abduction from the Seraglio with Bel Cantanti Opera in Washington DC. That opens in the end of February.
Cat is looking forward to a promotion at Westminster Choir College. The teaching staff has been so impressed with her that they have put her in their top group, Symphonic Choir, which will be performing at Carnegie Hall in the spring. She is really thriving at the school, and her voice is becoming something unique and beautiful, two qualities of a top singer.
We love you all, and miss you guys very much. We think about you constantly, and hope everyone is enjoying life as much as we are here in NJ.
-Pat & Cat-
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