First Lesson and Night Out

Yesterday was probably the best day I've had so far.  I slept in until 10am, got breakfast and a caffe latte with a few friends, and then had my first lesson with Cathy Kasch.  We focused on a relaxed jaw and pallet lift with tall vowels.  I really discovered a richer tone in 45 minutes with her.  It was a fantastic lesson.  She is convinced that I am a coloratura for sure.

After the lesson I sat in on some Figaro rehearsals.  They began to stage the opera.  While it is still considered a concert version (no costumes or sets) we are getting some staging.  There is still so much work to do.

We then had a master class on 18th century movement.  It was basically the ins and outs of royal walking, sitting, and bowing.  Very useful in opera.  Some of the boys found this master class way more stressful than anything involving singing or performing.  Absolutely no grace.

Following the masterclass was the best dinner I have had yet.  My roommate Amanda and I split Bruschetta, Insalta Mista, and a Grilled Veggie Pizza.  The quality of the veggies, olive oil, and cheese was incredible.

Then there was a concert where some of the singers in the program sang.  There are some incredibly talented people here.

After the concert we went out for some wine and other drinks.  It was one of the guy's birthdays and Sunday (today) is the only day we don't have to sing.  We hung out in the piazze with our drinks and actually met some other American students.  The one girl goes to K-State.  We bonded over Kansas talk.  The evening was a great time.

However, Sunday is truly a day of rest here.  There are only two or three stores open in the whole town.  No one is out, and there is nothing to do but search for internet signals and watch Italian tv.  I did find Italian "How I Met Your Mother."  That was quite interesting.  Other than that, it has been a restless day for me.  I haven't quite adapted to the Italian way yet.  I'm learning as I spend more time here that I eat, sleep, work, and play like an American.  I love being on the go, and even when I think I'm relaxing I may not actually be getting as much rest as is possible.