Robyn

Which Came First?

robynklassen@gmail.com (Robyn) — Tue, 19 Feb 2013 03:12:56 GMT

I did a fundraiser recital this weekend for the Vancouver International Song Institute. It was hosted in someone’s house, so the audience was small though they were crowded into the living room. My pianist, Terence Dawson, and I did a program consisting of contemporary English song. Most people I know would run screaming

We Regret To Inform You

robynklassen@gmail.com (Robyn) — Sun, 02 Sep 2012 21:59:37 GMT

In the fickle business of music, dealing with rejection has got to be the most difficult thing to learn. From university entrance auditions to landing that rent-paying gig, rejection is just part of our daily lives. It’s an awful truth that at some point, we all need to deal with.

Dress Rehearsal!

robynklassen@gmail.com (Robyn) — Thu, 19 Apr 2012 18:57:52 GMT

Last night we had our final dress rehearsal. Other than a large welt on my shin from running into a row of lights after a black-out, things went really rather well! After Tuesday's tech rehearsal, we all felt a bit anxious and defeated. All the performers showed up yesterday afternoon and exchanged stories of sleepless nights and anxiety dreams. Two and a half weeks does not feel like enough time to mount a brand new work! But ...

Love in Public: for the love of collaboration

robynklassen@gmail.com (Robyn) — Tue, 17 Apr 2012 05:16:43 GMT

I don't know that I've ever been involved in a show that required so much collaboration betwixt all artists involved: composer, director, pianist, dancers and singers! We are now well into the second week of staging this two-act Opera/Cabaret, Love in Public. The composer, David MacIntyre is present in all the rehearsals. Anytime the director needs a little extra time or a different tempo, or a slightly different sound, David jumps right in and adds a few notes.

A Diary of Love in Public

robynklassen@gmail.com (Robyn) — Thu, 29 Mar 2012 19:25:14 GMT

Next week I am going to be starting rehearsals for the production of a new show by Canadian composer, David MacIntyre entitled Love In Public. It is a full-length work in two acts, categorized as a cabaret. The text uses all 44 of Elizabeth Barrett Browning's Sonnets from the Portuguese. The words are glorious and they tell the story of Elizabeth and Robert's love affair. It was a thrilling and exciting time for both of them and their growing passion was kept utterly secret; hence the title of the work.

Convincing Your Audience that Attending Your Recital Is Less Painful Than Going to the Dentist

robynklassen@gmail.com (Robyn) — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 18:51:13 GMT

Let's face it. Sometimes trying to get people to come to your recital is like pulling teeth. In fact, sometimes it feels like people would rather go for a root canal than sit through 60 minutes of Schubert.