Alan's Blog...It's all Gesamtkunstwerk to me!

Thoughts from nearly 40 years on the professional stage

St. Louis Wagner Concert with La Brewer

I have often sung excerpts from Wagner operas or even complete Wagner operas in concert settings. Saturday, May 1, was one of those evenings--and it was one of those evenings that, when it’s all over, you say, “Gee, I’m glad God wanted me to be a singer”. This music is so powerful and beautiful and to have a concert like this helps to bring just why you spend all of the hours in preparation and the days, weeks, and months on the road into focus.

The concert was with the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra under the baton of Maestro David Robertson. I was joined by the incredible soprano, Christine Brewer. The performance included music from “Lohengrin”, “Die Meistersinger”, “Tristan und Isolde”, and “Die Walkure”. I sang on the “Walkure” portion of the program. It was wonderful music making and a great evening of collaboration between all involved. The orchestra is simply one of the finest. This was the first time I’ve worked with Maestro Robertson--wow, am I impressed!!!--such sensitivity and grace.

What can I say about Christine that hasn’t already been said so many times. She is simply amazing. This incredibly rich sound with unbelievable musical distinction just pours out of her throat. What’s more, she is a cherished friend. We have had a wonderful time putting this together. Every time we get a chance to work together just warms my heart. I hope it happens much more often in the future.

What also made this evening special was having so many friends in attendance--people I haven’t seen in so many years. I appreciate each person taking the time to come to St. Louis and support me and this concert. Your friendship and guidance over the years has meant so much. You helped make this a truly extraordinary night for a road weary singer. Here’s hoping it won’t be 7 months, 4 years, 30 years, or even longer until I see you all again.

This concert was broadcast over the internet as well. I’m glad that friends and family heard this event from so many different locales. Thanks to all of you as well who have written and said you heard it.

Yes, evenings like this give you encouragement and confirmation once again that music does make a difference in people’s lives. It is a great gift that we have been blessed with. With evenings like this on the docket, I think I’ll continue to sing for awhile. I think that’s what the Lord has planned. And wow, we get to do it all over again this afternoon. Praise God!!!

Oh--two of the pictures are from inside the GORGEOUS Powell Hall where the concert took place. The other is from the Cathedral Basilica here in St. Louis--one of the most gorgeous Cathedrals I’ve ever seen (and I’ve seen a lot of them). The mosaics are incredible. I believe I read that the Cathedral has the largest collection of mosaics in the world. I can believe that. It’s another expression of great beauty through art.