My Heart Belongs to Hungary.

It's true. It is theirs forever. Nearly five years ago, I stepped foot on Hungarian soil, and since that moment, my heart has been taken by this beautiful and incredible corner of the world. Now, returning to this place, once again, I love it more and more with each moment. I think I would stay forever if I could. ;) No matter, I will return again and again. :)

I must apologize for, yet again!, neglecting this little page. I have been overwhelmed with beautiful moments and living life...documenting it has not been my strong point. (I must retract my statement about no airport trouble with The Hair, though...the U.S. let me go untouched. The UK, however, had a pat-down to hand out and questions to be had at customs! Ha! Ridiculous!)

Two days in Budapest and then it was off to Kecskemét. I was good about journaling in my new notebook...for about two days as well. And then I got so caught up in the moments that the journal was quickly left to collect a little dust. 

I spent my little weekend in Budapest reacquainting myself with my dear city. Wandering around Pest and discovering little gems. I got "lost" in this little music store on Museum korut for over an hour and finally just had to pull myself away to continue on my adventures! Found some lovely Hungarian musical jewels...and more to see if I can incover still in my time here! ;) 

I met up with Dr. M by the Opéra ház and was quickly whisked away to Liszt Ferenc tér to meet Her friend Lillla and her family. I never thought the day would come that I was meeting up with Dr. M...IN HUNGARY!!! So wonderful. Made new Hungarian friends, and we spent the good part of over two hours talking away. Such a treat! Lilla's husband is a composer, so we talked much about what about the music makes us love it so much. The whys, the whats, the hows, etc.  Lilla's daughter Beatrix and I then when to dinner and drinks and walked around for a bit. A bit of a late night, but it was fun! 

Sunday mornings in Budapest are among my favorite things, and I spent mine last week exploring over to the castle district. A beautiful morning climbing steps, meandering about, chilling with my buddy Zoltán (the Kodály statue...teehee!),  met a lovely older British couple, and then found my way to sipping cappuccino and eating apple strudel. Yum! And I may have already bought two new scarves... ;)

After all that, it was off to Kecskemét to hang out with Kodály for "real"...

I love this place. Feels like another "home" to me. :) It may have been five years, but it felt like I picked up right where I left off. Yes, I have grown in incredible ways since then, especially musically. I remember everything, though, like it was yesterday...including where the yogurt was in the grocery store. (Yes, that is a little weird. Haha!) And as for language, my Hungarian skills quickly came flooding back, and I have begun building upon them more and more each day. :) I so wish I could be fluent one day. 

This first week has been absolutely beautiful. János apparently didn't know I was coming till Dr. M said something just moments before I met him in the hallway. What a beautiful surprise last Monday morning! :) That man is such an incredible teacher and musician, and I am so blessed to have a little more time with him this summer. :) A little scary how he remembers EVERYTHING about me! And one of the first things he said to me was that he watched my recital online! What?! Then, of course, he proceeded to tell me everything he liked and didn't like about it. Total honesty.  Wouldn't have it any other way, János! ;)

I have daily lessons with him and also daily coachings with the BRILLIANT pianist Balazs and also with Roland, the chamber coach from my days here before. Balazs is seriously incredible. Such a kind, gentle soul and a genius. I think I overwhelm him, though, with my bubbliness and continuous questions. He cracks me up, too...one day in a coaching I was late on the beat after a high note, and he turned to me and said, "Don't be a good soprano....be a bad one and be on time!" Haha! Too perfect. Roland seemed pleasantly surprised to see me, too. I do not believe he expected me, either. It is fun to surprise people like this...person they least expect to randomly show up. Love it. ;)

It's been an intense week of singing, a little tired, but loving my moments with these wonderful Hungarians. Singing in a masterclass on Tuesday evening, so I have quite a bit of work ahead of me still. You know that philosophy to always be prepared? So true. Because I am programmed to sing something I never intended to coach here...until János asked me to bring it in. Oh, boy! Nothing like a crash course and pulling together that "professional soprano" bit. (P.S. Travelling as a singer is probably one of the coolest things ever. Just saying. Teehee!)

Amidst all this beautiful music, I have also been soaking in Hungary. Strengthening my Hungarian, make the most of everything, eating way too much delicious food, discovering new jewels in this town, "living," again, in my dear Hungary...and going to see Despicable Me 2 in Hungarian. Let me tell you, it was still hilarious! And, of course, causing a bit of ruckus in Kecskemét! Wouldn't be me if I wasn't! ;) 

Oh, and I cannot forget to mention my awesome new Australian friend James. What a hoot! He and I are some sort of kindred spirits because we are both crazy, bubbly, overly imaginative, and basically just a couple of 5-year olds in adult bodies! He is absolutely brilliant, and we have had many lovely conversations and hopped off for ice cream together after he observed a lesson of mine. 

The new week began with a rest day on Sunday, including a beautiful Sunday morning stroll to the Bozso museum. I have a new favorite artist now. Seriously, his paintings are phenomenal. Such beauty of light and shadow. 

The darling ladies working at the museum spoke only Hungarian, so that meant more practice for me! I somehow ended up very roughly being the translator between English and Hungarian. I find this language like a fun little puzzle. It is like a game to me to try to figure it out. After our wonderful tour, we sat talking to the ladies for a short while, and then the one that had been our guide through the galleries showed us the way to the actual church from the one painting I absolutely fell in love with. Adventure time! So cool! ;) 

 

What this next week has in store? The world only knows.... Muhahaha! I'm excited to discover all of its beautiful moments, however. 

And the adventures begin!

Last night, began my six-week crazy European adventure, landing in London this morning. Here for a few hours doing nothing till I hop my flight to Budapest. I shall keep this brief, as I have limited Internet time at the moment. 

Sorry to disappoint that my hair caused no disturbances at security check points yesterday evening. What craziness shall ensue over the coming weeks? Only Jesus knows! Haha! All I know so far is that it has been an overwhelming past couple of weeks, and as the journal my monkey is holding tells me, I must "keep calm and carry on." 

Here we go, bluebird! See you in good ol' Hungary! ;)

The Whirlwind of My Life

I cannot believe I have left this space for so long!!! I think I realize how far behind I am on writing...and then procrastinate because there is so much to catch up on! Haha! It's a vicious cycle! It has been an incredible whirlwind that past two months!

In a nutshell...

Recital videos are up on YouTube! You can find them at: https://www.youtube.com/user/SopranoSngbrd/videos

The Ariettes Oubliées made a second appearance in a performance at my dear friend Ya-Chun's graduate recital. Such a joy to perform with her! :) I also decided I would do my own hair for this recital...after more than TWO HOURS sitting in front of the mirror with a curling iron, I decided I have too much hair! Haha!

Purchased airplane tickets to Europe... Ha! (More on that in a minute...)

I completed my Master of Music!

Got a glorious, unending case of laryngitis, which of course, is the perfect thing to happen to a soprano!

A mere two days after the voice began to return, I was jetting off to my alma mater in Ohio for a gig--after a full day of teaching!--with gown and glitter heels in tow. It was so incredible to be back on campus...and to be there as a "professional soprano." And traveling anywhere as such is such a magnificent feeling. This is my life...and I LOVE it!!! Let's keep this rolling... ;)

Oh, and what happens when Miss Big Hair (my Boston-branded nickname...hehe!) goes through airport security THIS time?! THEY MADE ME TAKE MY HAIR DOWN!!! Yes, that's correct. I set off the metal detector, and after removing my jewelry, and I was asked in a rather hostile tone, "What is in your hair?!" I said, "Excuse me?!" And then, the guard proceeded to tell me I had to take it down, or I would be submitting myself to a full-body search. I said, "Okay...but I warned you that you didn't want to see what happens when I take the hairpins out..." The locks unfurled in an unruly manner, and the jaws of the couple in line behind me hit the floor. The guy said, "Uh...nice...hair..." and then realized it was okay to laugh when I started making jokes. Haha! PRICELESS!!!! Apparently, my hair looks suspicious. You never know what could be hiding in there... ;) 

They treated me like a total princess when I was there! Teehee! As soon as I walked through the door, they were making sure I had water and anything else I needed and giving me full reigns of the hall.  My flight had been delayed in Philly, so I didn't get to Ohio till after midnight...then didn't get to bed till 2am....to wake up bright and squirrely for a morning rehearsal and an afternoon performance. Adrenaline, a ton of water, a dose of caffeine, a wonderful vocal technique, and some B vitamins fed to me by my coach's husband got me through! Tim, the man in charge of the whole event was a doll. Once I put on my heels for the rehearsal, he looked at me, and said, "In those shoes, girl, you can have whatever the hell you want!" haha! I am not one to be the "Kathleen Battle" diva, but I have to admit the attention is fun. ;) He also owns a spa, and I was given a generous gift certificate. So sweet!

A visit to Ohio also meant seeing the lovely Lynn, whom the concert I was brought to sing for was in honor, my dear friend Sarah, my long-lost love Que and his new beau, Alex, a happy slue of old professors and friends, staying with my "Ohio family," Barb, Tim, and the girls...they are my home away from home always, many visits to Cherbourg Bakery to see Geri and the crew, midnight chats over wine on Geri's porch, an impromptu parlor performance with Que before the electric went out for a little while, dinner with my long-lost Chad, reuniting with my darling Caitie, lunch with Dr. M, midnight chats with Barb after everyone else had gone to bed, making oobleck with the girls, and seeing dear, sweet Nonni for a couple hours before I had to leave town... It was a glorious four-day reunion, and I was overflowing with joy to see everyone, catch up with them, and share all that I have done in the past two years. It was as if I never left....one of those visits where you can pick up right where you left off. Love. :)

After four days in Ohio, it was four days visiting home in PA. Days filled with watching Becca play soccer, reuniting with the dog Rafiki (that almost snuck in my bag to come back to Boston with me!), Xander being my shadow, and watching his caterpillar build its chrysalis. That kid is too much! Haha!

Then, it was back to Boston to spend the week packing up my apartment. Meanwhile...

With practically a day's notice, I learned and performed the Fauré Requiem...and then moved to a new apartment for the summer...about an hour after the concert. Yes, I am crazy.

Since then, I have been working as much as I can, practicing, battling a ridiculous allergy roller coaster, from which I lost my voice AGAIN last weekend ( -_- highly unamusing), attempting to also keep somewhat of a social life, and squeezing in a couple of much-needed technically-based voice lessons because...

Europe...

I leave in just under 3 weeks for a 6-week romp around Europe. Yes, this is totally happening! Ack! :) There must be something about huge, life-changing events that prompt me to do drastic things, like purchase plane tickets to Europe...because I did this three years ago when I graduated college, too... Hehe! ;)

This trip is of a little different nature, though, not just [entirely] a gallivant. I will be returning to Hungary for a 3-week singing course with the wonderful János, Roland, etc. at the Kodály Institute. :) I cannot wait to see and sing for them, again! A lot happens in 5 years...especially in the voice! It is going to be exciting to show them the difference and delve into the Hungarian music world once again. And surprise! I also discovered that Dr. M and a few colleagues from undergrad will also be in Kecskemét at the same time! Crazy small world! It has turned into quite the "reunion" summer! 

After 3 weeks in my beautiful Hungary, I will be meeting up with my friends Christa and Vince for a road trip to their house in Switzerland, perhaps via Salzburg, a holiday in Croatia via Milan, and then back to Switzerland for a few days before I fly back to Boston.

In the meantime...I am in the midst of hardcore apartment hunting because directly following my return to the States, I must move to a new (and hopefully semi-permanent, and by that I mean, God-willing, minimum 2 years!) apartment...AND THEN roll right into orientation week and a new school year. Oh yeah...I graduated with the Master of Music, but I didn't think I had had enough just yet, so I signed on for one more year for a performance diploma. Haha! 

And there you have the continuing adventures of a crazy soprano on her "Big Hair" head... ;) 

Stay tuned for more adventures and anecdotes leading up to and throughout my European excursion! :)

I will leave you with some of the recital photos I received from my aunt whilst at home...

I could have danced all night! (...and slept the whole next day...)

And then as quick as that, the recital was over. What an incredible night it was, though! :) From the first notes to the last resounding of applause in the hall to the final reception guests bidding their congratulatory comments and good nights, the evening was simply "perfect." Sure there were a few mistakes here and there, but they were nothing to devote any energy troubling over. I don't think I would change a thing. (Except maybe my throat not feeling so dried out! haha! Singer problems.)

Purple dress...what a surprise! ;)

I think all this comes from being so incredibly aware in the moment and so comfortable with the music. Finding this "zone" in the music was so exhilarating! The nuances, the shadings, the playing with the text and colors I could add...taking those spontaneous risks made it all feel so alive. What energy it inspired in myself, my collaborators, and the audience! It was palpable and fueled the excitement and joy more! This is the professional world. And I LOVE it! I cannot wait for this to be my life all the time! :)

above photo credits to my cousin Elana

above photo credits to my friend Bradley, who was taking screen
shots during the live-stream! :)

(More photos to come when I receive the disc from my aunt's camera!)

It was an absolute JOY to share this program with everyone! I cannot wait to do it, again! :) It is a weird feeling that it is "over," but I also know that it is really just the beginning. One of the really exciting things about this program is that literally each and every piece will be like a permanent fixture in my personal repertoire, to be sung for years and years to come. What a treat!

And if you were not able to tune in, never fear! Once I receive my recordings, I will be doing a little YouTube posting! ;)

I barely slept that evening, though, and in turn, was so deliriously tired on Friday that I couldn't actually see straight. I went to see my voice coach, who unfortunately couldn't make it to the recital (because I was a total idiot and didn't look at the calendar when I scheduled my recital...and it landed on Holy Thursday. -__- Stupid, Samantha!), and I was like, "I feel drunk, and I only had maybe a quarter a glass of wine last night!" He was laughing so much! Despite not being able to come, he was so overjoyed and had so many things to say and commentary he had heard from all around. I am so lucky to have such caring teachers and coaches! Jayne, too, was the sweetest, checking in with me throughout the entire performance. So blessed. :) 

Now, it's on to the next project in my performing schedule this spring! In just 12 days, I will be performing Debussy's Ariettes Oubliees, once more, on my friend Ya-Chun's collaborative piano recital. (You can tune in for the online live-stream broadcast at this link: http://www.concertwindow.com/shows/ya-chun-shih-collaborative-piano)

Next Stop: Recital!

How it got to be so long since I last posted, I don't even know! School, work, daily rehearsals, coaching, lessons, teaching, and intense recital prep has kept me crazy busy. Nonetheless, I am alive! And...

I am presenting my Master of Music recital this Thursday! Hooray! I am SO excited! :) It is going to be brilliant. I get to work with some incredible colleagues who are all so enthusiastic about the music, singing some absolutely beautiful songs by faculty member and good friend Vartan Aghababian (seriously, he should be famous!), and...I have a lovely purple dress and glittery shoes! Also, I am overwhelmingly grateful for my dear teacher and mentor, Jayne, who couldn't be a more perfect match for me, and for my awesome coach, Mr. Moll, for putting up with me, answering my endless amount of ridiculous questions, and fixing that one vowel for the 58th time! I am so lucky to work with you guys. :)

What is even more exciting is that even if you are not in Boston, you can WATCH THE LIVE-STREAM BROADCAST ONLINE!!! What?! Yes, it's true! Click the link below just before 8pm on Thursday, March 28th, and voila! I'll be singing in your living room! ;)

http://www.concertwindow.com/shows/samantha-dearborn-soprano


Family members come into town tomorrow...here we go, crazy! ;) As my undergraduate teacher always said, "See you at the double bar!"

Cheers! (And enjoy the show!)


P.S. Oh, and my newest nickname is "Big Hair".... Haha! Much better than Squirrely or Honey Boo Boo! Oh...

2013: The Year of the Awesome!

Photo Credit: Ya-Chun

The New Year started off a little bumpy,  but it is shaping up into some very exciting endeavors! I'm now calling it "The Year of the Awesome" after discovering Kid President's "Pep Talk." If you haven't already (or even if you have!), watch it! It'll be a fabulous next 3 minutes of your life, and you have the most wonderful laughter. Promise. :)


Exciting new discoveries in my voice. My voice coach said I'm finally growing into my "big girl" voice. hehe! He's so silly! In any case, I really enjoy my coachings with him. :) He's been really good for me. Our coachings are always a little ridiculous, though. For instance, last week, this exchange happened:

Me: singing a Purcell song
Him: "Where's your leT THe?! Ach! Julie [Andrews] would be so disappointed... *shakes his head in disappointment*

I was a little worried coming off of the holidays, feeling a little vocally out of shape and not as prepared as I felt I needed to be on my recital rep. However, something happened in that last week of the holidays, and I walked into the semester with a "sudden" grounding. It's crazy...and AWESOME! :) This is when music is the most fun, adding all the nuances and playing with colors and inflection of the words. Love!

Also happening in my life... You are looking at the newest Visiting Faculty member of my school's community music program, teaching a group voice class for 8-10 y/os! (Yes, that's right...I'm a student in the conservatory AND a faculty member in the community programs. I live in this crossover world of the school.) I have a mailbox with the "big kids" now and a faculty key! Crazy...and AWESOME! What an opportunity! :)

Recital prep is well underway. It is all starting to settle and come together, bit by bit. There are still a few pieces definitely still "under construction," but they will get there in time. :)

Sang a competition in Rhode Island a couple weeks ago. Didn't win, but singing well means more than that. (And the one judge's face when I sang the required piece was priceless! And made the whole thing worth it! Literally, it was the boy's face in the new Kraft Mac 'n Cheese commercial.) Plus, gave my roommate and I a little crazy adventure for the afternoon!

Photo Credit: Amanda

And most recently, I sang in a masterclass with Martin Katz yesterday! What fun! And what an incredibly brilliant man! He was in town for recital with soprano Karita Mattila (which has since been cancelled due to the current blizzard...), and since Mr. Katz is the former teacher of my voice coach, he kindly paid us a visit to spend a couple hours working on beautiful art songs with us. What a treat!

Photo Credit: Jaime

In other news, my hair is still an every day topic of discussion at school and on Facebook, and I actually find it hilarious! I think it's funny how every time I walk into a room, the greeting is not, "Hi, Samantha!" No, it's "Whoa! What's with your hair today?!" Ha! Ridiculous! Dr. D's most recent name for me is Squirrely, after a squirrel tried to claw its way through my bathroom window...and the joke was made that he saw the opportunity for a new nest. haha! Oh, boy! All this talk of "woodland creatures," so now, I've basically turned into Giselle of Andalusia in Enchanted? I wore my hair completely down the other day, and I think I disrupted the universe or something.

And now, we have "Winter Storm Nemo" (How can I take this seriously when they name it that?!)...school's closed, basically the whole city of Boston has shut down, the trains stop running in two hours, and we'll probably be house-bound till Sunday at the least. (You would think that New Englanders would be accustomed to winter weather, but they seem to freak as much as Ohioans did... 

Photo circulating Facebook

So...I'm slowly chipping away at my to-do list, trying to use the time productively and need to get some recital work done for sure! I have gummy bears, "Anastasia" wine (hehe! Okay...so I added the 'a' at the end of a Greek wine...), and going to take my hand at homemade chicken noodle soup! Mmm!