I've been spending a lot of time this year making a real effort to familiarize myself with more repertoire - largely opera, although some operetta as well. I've seen five operas at the Met, I've been watching DVDs and buying and studying scores. It's opening my eyes up to the particular conducting challenges of these works, and also making me aware of what I value in a musical theater piece.
I've been named as a semifinalist for The American Prize's opera conducting competition this year, for last year's Sorcerer. We'll see how that goes. Although the time off has been great, I'm starting to look for new conducting opportunities, and possibly creating my own. Stay tuned... | 