Here is my first official entry since my opening welcome letter yesterday. Yesterday was Sunday and it was a day off for the entire cast. Since we had the entire day off, it gave me the time and inspiration to set up this blog which I have named "Michael Hendrick TenorBlog", and it took a good deal of concentration for me to connect it to my website, www.michaelhendrick.com. I'm not exactly a computer expert when it comes to this type of thing. So yesterday, I never even came out of my apartment, nor did I even open the blinds of my windows! It was nice to just stay in and do nothing, but watch TV and use the computer. Beginning a week before the opening of any opera, I generally avoid shopping or being exposed to large numbers of people, since this reduces the chance of catching a cold or virus- the worst thing that can happen for any singer. I have found the best way to prevent this, is to stay in my apartment, sequestered from the world.

On Friday we had the final Sitzprobe for "Ariadne auf Naxos". A Sitzprobe is a sitting ("Sitz" in German) music rehearsal with orchestra. One is expected to sing full-voice for a Sitzprobe rehearsal. If possible, singers prefer that Sitzprobe rehearsals be held on the stage in the theatre where the performances will take place, because this way a singer can sing in the actual space of the theatre, which gives us an "introduction" to how it feels to sing in the actual space. However, this is not always possible due to practical issues. Often, theatres have strict rules about usage of the theater, as often it requires the technical crew to be on duty for such use of the theatre- and that crew has to be paid for their time, of course. Therefore it is often better financially for an opera company to put on the Sitzprobe rehearsal in a large rehearsal room instead.

After the "Sitz", there was a party for the cast, which was titled the "Sitz Recovery Party". It was held at the home of Christopher Hahn, Artistic Director of Pittsburgh Opera. He and his partner Ron hosted a wonderful and relaxing evening at their beautifully-appointed home. After filling up with wine, salad & pasta, with grilled salmon and grilled chicken, then came the chocolate cake, pumpkin cake, tiramisu, and cheesecake and coffee.

Rehearsals have been going for "Ariadne" for two solid weeks now. The first week was comprised of staging the "Opera" part of "Ariadne"- which is the story of Ariadne. So the singers who are only involved with the first part of "Ariadne"- the "Prologue" section, arrived a week after rehearsals began. This past week focused on putting together the "Prologue" section and then running the entire opera from beginning to end.

Tonight we have a final studio run-through of the opera, which means it will be our final rehearsal in the large rehearsal rooms. Beginning tomorrow, we will move to the stage for the rest of our rehearsals. The cast is of the highest level and we are all extremely prepared and ready to go forward, to our opening night on Saturday night.