I’m taking a little departure from the normal Italian Christmas in South Philadelphia (if that’s normal), and I’m spending a week in Munich enjoying new traditions, foods, people, and shopping until we drop.
I got to thinking of our many alumni who live and work in Germany.
One of my favorites is Edward (Ted) Randall, who is an amazing tenor with a home in Chemnitz, Germany. Many years ago we did a production at AVA over the holidays called The Toy Shop, and I was in touch with him recently about some operetta music. He is married and lives with his wife and children full-time in Germany. He has a wonderful web-site is now singing Bacchus in Ariadne auf Naxos, and the Prince in Love for Three Oranges to smash reviews.
Other alums that I know are living in Germany are of course that great soprano Caroline Whisnant, who is located in Mannheim. I know that Rebecca Carr, soprano visited her last week. I’m not sure how long Caroline will be in Germany, but she does tons of work in the USA too.
I have chatted (on email) with soprano Joneva Kaylen, who I knew from my student days at AVA, and also bass-baritone, Thomas Carson another alum who is living and working in Germany. Tenor Richard (Rick) Brunner is also working in Germany.
Tenor Gioacchino Lauro LiVigni, was recently singing in Frankfurt when he ripped his Achilles tendon. Because of that he had surgery and was not able to do the last four shows. But as all good things that happen at the holidays, we wrote to say that because of this, he is able to spend the holidays with his beautiful wife and daughters.
You already know that Markus Beam and Nicole Piccolomini are in Berlin. Markus had a break for the holidays and is now home in the USA. As a matter of fact he sang a gala concert in South Jersey last week with Michele Scanlon, and I got to see him while he was at AVA for a visit. He’s back doing auditions for next season in NYC and Philadelphia. Nicole isn’t so lucky and is opening Luisa Miller on December 26th, so she has to stay in Berlin.
I know I’ve missed a few, but I’m wishing them all a Frohe Weinachten und ein glückliches Neues Jahr!
Hello Danny,
Can you share with information about Thomas Carson, living and singing in Germany? I recall his days at AVA. Is he singing in opera houses in Germany?
Posted by: William Dean | February 24, 2011 at 07:30 PM