SUMMER Performnces in Italy & France

Singing Verdi, whether the Requiem and/or opera, as I did recently in Italy, is icing on the cake. The audience knows every word. Great involvement with artist and public. I love it and every time I sing Italian works in Italy, I always feel as though the public is right up there with me. One has a similar feeling in Russia.
I included Joseph Marx songs in my recital program in France this time. This year of 2007 is a 'Marx Year' and the French public was very enthusiastic about this composer, who is new to them. I have included a couple of 'live' Marx songs on the Audio (sound clips) section of my website, for updated interest. I substituted Marx for Strauss, which works well (the next best to singing Strauss songs are those of Marx). The rest of the recital consisted of Russian composers, including, but not exclusively, Tchaikovsky and Rachmaninoff, Italian Liszt and French Respighi. A big singing recital program and greatest fun.
Further recitals and Master Classes postponed until next July 2008 in Austria. More on these later.
Gerd Ohlssen was a marvelous recital partner this year and a personal Verdi opera and Requiem audience critic for me. I felt in 'mother's lap'...