I am off to London tomorrow evening - an almost exclusively family affair - I have a grandson (one of eight) who has his fifth birthday on Friday and will have a party on Sunday afternoon in the village in Sussex where my second son and his wife are bringing up three splendid boys and a girl. So I am going for that but will of course fit other stuff in as well - so watch this space!
Meanwhile Chicago opera lovers as well as those from further afield should take notice of Chicago's classical music station, WFMT. On February 11, Henry Fogel, former President of the CSO and a passionate amateur (in the positive and best sense) of opera, will be presenting what promises to be a fascinating survey of 20th century singers and singing.
This is something new at WFMT and you have a full year to experience it. Join WFMT for an all-day seminar on Saturday February 11, 2012 from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm CST -- streamed live with audio and video -- featuring audio recordings by the greatest singers in history, photographs, DVDs, and more.
Live from the WFMT Studios, before a studio audience, the day will feature a lecture, discussion, and great music. Henry is one of the world’s most knowledgable collectors of recordings generally including vocal records, as WFMT listeners have come to know well over the years.
Henry will lead a journey of great recordings of opera singers from the last century, including Luisa Tetrazzini, Rosa Ponselle, Mario Del Monaco, and Feodor Chaliapin, and what made these singers great. He'll discuss their personal experiences with Puccini, Mascagni, Leoncavallo, and Verdi and examine how opera singing has changed over the past 120 years.
The cost for the all day stream is just $20 for the general public and $15 for WFMT's Fine Arts Circle members (and you all should be members!). And all subscribers to this seminar will have on-demand access to it for one year. Information and registration here.
I should say that Henry is also a member of COT's board so do not be surprised to hear a few plugs for us. And be even more surprised if you don't!!


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