Documentary "The Audition" at the Music Academy of the West

[MrSkylark1]

Considering the great singers of the PAST, there are none today for these young people to learn from because the Voice Teachers (?) only have an Academic Degree while being accoustically challenged. Listen to SERGEI LEMESHEV, FLORENCE QUARTARARO, ANITA CERQUETTI, BENIAMINO GIGLI, GIUSEPPE DE LUGO, MADO ROBIN, ADA SARI, JOSEPH SCHMIDT, GIUSEPPE DE LUCA, ELIZABETH RETHBERG, MARJORIE LAWRENCE,not to mention TITO SCHIPA, and so MANY more.

[cbmtrx]

Thrilled by Ryan's performance only to be crushed by the end credits.

A beautiful, steady, controlled voice and by all appearances a wonderful, friendly fellow. RIP brother.

[1AdrianR]

Michael is fantastic!

[BassoProfundo87]

Ryan brings me to tears every time I listen to him at the beginning of this video. You can tell that he's prepared his whole life for this one moment. He just pours out his SOUL into that phrase and hopes for the best. You did it, man. You did it.

[music1977ify]

@hogdog11 Lamento di Federico

[BlazenSong]

Does anyone know the song that the soprano is singing at 1:23 ?

[jewelmarkess]

@BlazenSong At 1:23 is Casta Diva from Bellini's Norma.

[dbrel]

Great documentary -- I am fortunate enough to know one of these wonderful singers, Jamie Barton (she was a winner). Wait until you hear what has become of her voice since this was filmed -- unbelievable! She is the next big thing..

[grandmagrumpy]

@dbrel Michael has been active as well. Singing some major roles in Europe, I read.

I wish the Auditions would be broadcast every year

[SoHoPizza143]

Why is this the first time im hearing about this!!! where can i find it!?

[jewelmarkess]

@SoHoPizza143 About the only place I can think of is the Met opera website - either as a DVD from their "shop" or webcast rental via Met player. No free way, now... unless PBS rebroadcasts it.

[GilGalad236]

What is the aria that the slim blond girl begins at 1:38? I've heard it before but don't know the name.

[torstenwestphal1]

@GilGalad236

tornami a vaghehhiar from Handels Alcina. you should check out dessay singing it in Paris. LOVE IT

[torstenwestphal1]

@GilGalad236

and of course it is written tornami a vagheggiar

[LiteraryNobody]

Ryan Smith was a brilliant talent for Opera ...such a tragic loss :(

[grandmagrumpy]

I think you can still purchase the 2-hr DVD from the Met. I accidentally erased the program from my TiVo.  I had bought the DVD last year for a friend.

I wish they would broadcast the competition every year. There is such incredible talent there. But no, we get to watch American Idol. duh

[stankycheezeface]

Saw this today on PBS. i'm not a fan of opera....but this doc was AMAZING!!! SO much better than watching American idol. All of the contestants were brimming with talant and each was treated with dignity and respect through the process.

[ibjunior2]

I dated Ryan when he was at Morehouse and I was at Spelman. He was a great talent and he will be missed.  Rest In Peace.

[DigaoHagar]

Somebody knows the name of the first aria that appears in this video??

Thanks

[spyderwalk]

@DigaoHagar Lamento di Federico from L'arlesiana by Cilea.

[hkk321]

I really adored this, though it focused way too much on the tenors. I think anyone could watch it, not just opera fans--it zeroes in so dramatically on the stakes of the competition and the focus and nerves that it takes to win.

[curricurritribe]

awesome!

What is the aria that Ryan Smith is singing in the beginning!

[celloguy]

Where can I see this? I live in the UK...

[jewelmarkess]

@celloguy The only two ways I can sing of is either buy the DVD from the Metropolitan opera website (not sure if they deliver to the UK); or use Met player feature (if your browser and system supports it) where you could either "rent" the webcast of use their 7-day trial feature. Go to Met website, click "Watch and Listen" and then "Met player". Try Met player on HD samples first to see how it works for you. Then click on "The Audition". If you want a DVD, try Met Opera Shop there.

[jewelmarkess]

@jewelmarkess BTW - I meant to say "the only way I can THINK of" not "I can sing of"...

[grandmagrumpy]

You can see Alex Shrader and Angela Meade and Michael Fabiano on other YT clips.

and probably other.

[g4thz]

I'm in LOVE with Amber Wagner!

[clement2780]

Does anyone have the names of the singers and their arias? Also more recent auditions? Thanks everybody! Oh and what these singers are doing now.

[classicalgal14]

I fell I'm really ahead lol "Your NOT!" haha and she didn't win what a diva!

[g4thz]

@classicalgal14 lololol she meant tempo though

[phatphace]

Could someone please give me the full names of Angela and Michael. It's such a shame that the opera world is currently experiencing such a stark deterioration of its audiences, and I certainly doubt that it's revival will stem simply through cinema screenings of the MET. We need to be able to outsource artists of such caliber from a number of different avenues and steer away from becoming this superficial generation obsessed with gratifying image before talent.

[jewelmarkess]

@phatphace Angela Meade. Michael Fabiano.

[divamaryc]

Yes these are brilliant brilliant singers! It is so exciting to see their enthusiasm. Ryan was so very talented, it's so sad that he passed without realizing his ultimate dream, but I'm so happy he made it to this documentary. It was shown in the Live From the Met series in selected theaters also - I saw it there on the big screen, it was a thrill!

[bmayes09]

does anyone know what the name of the aria Ryan sing s at the beginning.

[jewelmarkess]

@bmayes09 Lamento di Federico ("E' la solita storia...") from Cilea L'Arlesiana.

[grandmagrumpy]

There are other classical competitions around the country (US). In L.A. the Jose Iturbi International Music Competition is in June at UCLA. There are 24 singers and 24 pianists. It's a wonderful event to see. Some of these have been at the Iturbe competition: Angela Meade and Amber Wagner are 2.

[jewelmarkess]

In my area they area, WNET/Thirteen shows it again on the 15th at 9pm.

[Lovelytenor1]

@jewelmarkess Someone has loaded some lieder items from a solo concert by me several years ago. Go to "Tenor Doug Bryson". Actually, I'm singing much better some 6 years later (out of work almost 2 years/had a chance to "work out") but no place to sing.

D

[jewelmarkess]

@Lovelytenor1 Thank you for letting me know. I love your voice.

[Lovelytenor1]

@jewelmarkess Just added, some Donaudy songs- "Tenor Doug Bryson".

[Lovelytenor1]

@jewelmarkess In keeping with the season,"Tenor Doug Bryson Danny Boy", just posted. Also, I agree with your comment about the badly sung arias from other countries.

[Lovelytenor1]

I was in the MET auditions 30+ years ago. I thought I placed about 4th. They chose a lady who should have been 8th & lasted about 2 weeks. There were several voices ready for the stage but were passed over. The gal who actually won NY finals never made it. It was an intro into the politics of the arts. I recall that Richard Tucker placed 2nd. When you go to an opera/play & somebody should not have gotten the role, think about it. Young singers, don't give up but find a way to make a living.

[goldenthroat86]

@Lovelytenor1: Excellent comment! More young singers need to know that competition winning singers aren't always the ones who end up having careers in opera. Some of us who didn't win the Met auditions are doing quite well. I'm personally acquainted with several past winners who are now doing nothing.

Every voice matures at its own pace. Don't give up. My old voice teacher, Richard Miller used to tell me. "It takes more than just a beautiful voice to have a career in opera."

[carapbin]

What is the name of this aria(1:39)?

[goldenthroat86]

@carapbin: The aria is : Tornami a vagheggiar from Handel's Alcina.

[carapbin]

Thank you very much.

[wumyumyum]

It was truly amazing. Brought me to tears several times. Alek is awesome. So sad that Ryan passed away shortly after.

[BV10707]

i saw this in my music literature class. at first i was like : this is gona be boring. but this documentary is AMAZING

[grandmagrumpy]

For incredible recent performance by Michael and Angela see this

watch?v=1zMi_3DMFmQ&feature=re­lated

[goldenthroat86]

The love the look on the other singers faces at 1:51 listening to Michael sing ! They know they're in big trouble. It's easy to read their lips with the soprano saying "wow!" and the baritone"what a voice." I found it funny that Michael wasn't sure that he was going to win. If anything, he was the best one of all.

[grandmagrumpy]

I just noticed that Kiera Duffy, a finalist performed here in LA last week! All of these are fine artists. The sites that discuss this audition will supply most of the names.

Support them. Find a concert. You won't regret it..

[grandmagrumpy]

Just before Ryan S was to take his turn singing in the semifinals, he said he was getting into his superman outfit, and took off his glasses and put them inside his jacket..

"Can you see without your glasses?" someone asked.

"Barely," he said. "That's the point.  It's a big bright blur."

[goldenthroat86]

Thanks for clarifying about that comment being out of context. . I saw the Audition, but I didn't remember that part.

[goldenthroat86]

2:04 "I just feel like I'm really ahead...You're not."

[jewelmarkess]

It's not what it appears when you hear it in context. Don't want to say more without giving out spoilers...

[grandmagrumpy]

no spoiler here. When I watch the 2-hr program my understanding was that she thought she was singing ahead of the orchestra.

She was told that the conductor was very good and would follow her. she didn't have to worry (about being ahead or behind).

[jewelmarkess]

You are right - she was talking about being ahead of the orchestra. It's just that taken out of context the exchange is easily misunderstood. Showing it out of context as here is not fair to this contestant but potentially intriguing to some perspective viewers - those brought up by reality shows.

[grandmagrumpy]

Jewelmarkess, Don't you think this is the best reality show of all time?

These 22 people putting it all on the line. All of them winners, really, because they've made it through multiple cuts to get to the semifinals.

[grandmagrumpy]

google this

My favorite intermissions: like Christmas morning for the heathen opera queen

Another rabid fan, mostly...

[grandmagrumpy]

That's a critic's review of this event. interesting

[jewelmarkess]

I was also looking for Ryan's singing here, there is nothing. What a loss!

For people who missed last broadcast or want to watch it again (I sure do) it'll be rebroadcast in some areas on 2/7 at noon on PBS (channel 13 in NY area), also at 3pm on WLIW (channel 21 in NY area). Not sure about other areas - check pbs website for local listings.

[yamaha317]

I know nothing about opera, but I loved The Audition. I have know idea what Ryan is saying but my stomach clenches and my eyes start to water when I hear his performance.  In a good way though. Everytime. He was so amazing.

[ErikaHildegardMeyer]

Haven't found any video of Ryan, what a tragedy that he passed away. All singers here are amazing talents!

[ScottAuc]

i watch this movie everyday I love it. A must see for everyone! I have a deep love for most of these singers they are great!

[jewelmarkess]

I saw it on PBS. It was brilliant. Very sad about Ryan.

Am I the only one who is upset about public's ignoring this documentary and these so very talented young singers while going wild over a badly sung aria on this-or-that-country got talent shows? I think this documentary is a must for all of the viewers of popular talent shows, so that they know what real talent is as well as what it takes to make it in opera. I hope they broadcast it again so more people can watch it.

[sprichbeeke]

No you are not..I saw the documentary yesterday...absoloutly great!

[grandmagrumpy]

I agree with you 100%

This should be shown on a commercial network.

This is a true competition. And to think that only 22 of the 1800 talented, trained singers made the semi finals says a lot about how tough it is to make it to the top.

[gypzyjz]

Oh my gosh!!! I TOTALLY 100% agree with you! Shows like American Idol make me SOOO angry sometimes bc while there are some truly talented ppl there, it seems like the demographic america doesn't REALLY know what REAL singing is. Real singing is THIS!!! To be selected as a finalist on for this competition is SOOO difficult that when one does, it is TRULY special and really means something. This documentary really captures that and all the ppl need to watch this!!

[g4thz]

@gypzyjz why is this more real than anything else?

[drummachine87]

@jewelmarkess I second the motion!

[cpanati]

@jewelmarkess I agree with you totally. On every point.

[sopranosd]

@jewelmarkess - I so agree. Stupid 'talent' shows make me ill. Cannot watch them. People think singers are American Idol contestants -- yike, the antitheses thereof! This documentary needs to be shown in the place of America's got talent, etc. on every network.

[NiymbleFingers]

@jewelmarkess You are so right.

[Pslm91v14n15]

@jewelmarkess I indeed tend to agree on the talent-from-some-country but I finally heard one on America's got talent that has promise! then the ruined it by singing rock songs >.< but the audition was beautiful [lys Agnes]

I did love this program when I saw it on PBS. Amazing talent these people have and I love that the people choosing really do have an ear for talent unlike voters who don't seem to know what talent is most of the time

[jewelmarkess]

@Pslm91v14n15 I agree the first audition showed a beautiful voice, but she wasn't at the level of young opera singers that compete in this competition (and she didn't want to be an opera singer, anyway, as I read) - she lacked training: Her habanera wasn't on pitch, clearly too difficult for her. She would've been eliminated in round one of a competition such as this one. She does have raw talent, I agree with that.

[Pslm91v14n15]

@jewelmarkess Indeed her 2nd performance was lacking and sounded forced.. and by no means did I think right off the bat she was Met worthy, just that she had more promise than most on the show. Though, without so much training who is Met worthy right away? Would be a rare sight to see! well, hear haha. [oh, and the show singers get too much hype because most don't know how to listen for technique, vote based on stories, and a bit does go the the purpose of the show which is to find raw talent]

[jewelmarkess]

@Pslm91v14n15 True. I agree with you on all points. Opera does require training because it's so difficult, like being an Olympic athlete. There were some spectacular early opera debuts in the past like Ponselle, Resnik, Patti, dal Monte (at La Scala), but most of them did have private instructions. Ponselle had very little traiing I think when she made her debut as Leonora in La Forza del Destino at 20, but it's an exceptional case.

[lisalisa817]

My husband and I watched this yesterday on pbs....it was sooo good.... I liked the cutie pie who could hit the high cs Alek

[BeemerGal]

Glorious! My emotions roared when I heard this..... I am buying the dvd today thru the giftshop. I will follow most of these singers. Ryans short time here has taught me to apprieciate those who are here. Oh. Thanks to all who give your dedication of rehearsing so we can enjoy your gifts of voice. God was good to you! : )

[LITTLEFRENCHFRY1]

I have same feelings as Belhavenblonde and APayne 1979. But what an enjoyable documentary! I am going to try to get the DVD.

[Belhavenblonde]

This was such a great way to spend the evening last night watching this! I agree, Alek was a shining star and we were crushed to see that Ryan passed away.

[APayne1979]

Saw this on PBS last night. I have such a ridiculous crush on Alek Shrader now. I was sad to see at the end that Ryan Smith died.

[lisalisa817]

@APayne1979 omg i know lol...he is definitely a babe

[mettanc]

just seeing this makes me nervous....since i was 16 i have been auditioning and i will never get comfortable with it...never.

[spirit2dance]

I saw this film at the IDFA in November. Brilliant!!!

[jewelmarkess]

It seems, like it is finally going to be on PBS. I just checked my local listings, and its listed on January 20th.

[cmoplanner]

The DVD of The Audition is available at the Met Opera store on their website.

[ncvscody]

His name was Ryan Smith. We used to sing together. He was a teriffic talent. Unfortunately he passed away last year of cancer. A terrible loss. He will be missed. He was singing E la solita storia del pastore from L'Arlesiana by Cilea. He rocked that aria every time. RIP Ryan.

[revdrcalm]

He was my new Pavarotti. I haven't had tears in my eyes since him. Ryan Smith was the first one who made the spine tingle since then. I'm grateful I got to hear as much as I did.

[grandmagrumpy]

If somebody could find videos of Ryan's singing, it would be a wonderful album, and a great tribute to him as well as a fund raiser for his family. Just saying.

(and I want that album)

[dramatico25]

i heard he passed away :(

[rtguy23]

what is that first song that the african-american guy is singing? i think it would be a good song for the guy who i have on my page... antoinne barnes... seems very dramatic... would like to hear more from all of these singers!!!!

[rtguy23]

oh I think the Nothung guy answered it! Thanks so much!!! Where can we find more about the guy singing this aria?

[brunouche]

Thank you so much, I really love this aria!

[brunouche]

Hello!! I just wanted to know what was the first aria we hear in this video? Wonderful cast!

Thank all very much!

[Nothung221]

Il Lamento di Federico from L'Arlesiana by Francesco Cilea. Get the version by Richard Tucker!

[burritoking27]

Ohh, you're talking about ryan? I think it was just a bad recording, or something. I mean, he was one of the winners! :) Then has passed away...

[ideiao]

1:11Brother,first thing you want to do!

Go learn italian bacause the only way to develop the voice is to know what you are singing ,and off course pronouncing it properly.

Good luck and best regards!

[burritoking27]

at 1:11 it's french..?

[ideiao]

Yes it is,I'm talking about1:13.Sorry for making confusion.

[erer2930]

I would like to know what year did you win that competition?

[softlavender]

Can someone please let me know when this is going to air on television? Thanks. (There's no Met HD in my area.) Please let me know before it airs, in plenty of time. Thanks again!

[erikcray]

This already aired. Not sure when it will again, or if it will.

[softlavender]

I think you misinterpreted my question. I mean when will it air on TV? The Met said that it would air on TV sometime this fall, but they didn't know when and they didn't know what program it would be aired as part of, or whether it would be a stand-alone feature.

[erikcray]

oh my heck! that's amazing! I didn't know that! Thanks for letting me know :) I couldn't make the HD show so now I'm super excited!

[jewelmarkess]

I just sent a note to PBS (WNET/Thirteen in my area) asking about when this will air. They sent me a reply saying that it's been offered to them but they haven't scheduled it yet, and that they'll take my email as a request to do so. If you are interested, please find the PBS website or the one of "thirteen" and write to them. The more people do so the most likely it'll be aired on TV. I missed it during HD broadcast season and I've been waiting and waiting and waiting for it to air on TV...

[softlavender]

OK, I just sent e-mails to both PBS and to my local station. Please everyone, do the same! Thanks.

[DeathEaterBeater]

just came from seeing this movie, i loved it, makes me want to get back into singing. Also, it makes me want to help support the opera since the "audience is literally dying".

[stupidboy32]

Its a shame to see him die...what amazing talent.

[dfarias88]

I hope they release this on dvd or something..... I didnt get to see it i was heart brokem

[thelivesofme1]

I LOVED this in the theatre. I really hope they release it on DVD or on PBS

[SchwarzeWitwe2]

I know!

[classicalgal14]

I loved Ryan's performance and I was torn when I heard he had died :( Tears RIP I love you forever

[dsmith702]

Just saw this film...very good.

Ryan R.I.P.

[vincedean]

Michael Fabiano is my friend and an amazing tenor ! Pay attention to him, he's going to be the most sought after tenor in the world ! Mark my words !

[lingcherd]

I wonder how he would have reacted if the judges gad decided not award a 6th winner.

[vincedean]

He is very competitive, that's what makes him great. He's FIERCE !

P.S. she said last but not least !

[vincedean]

You're an ass ! He's great !

And P.S. He made the movie interesting !

[Zva26]

@vincedean : I concur with you a thousand percent about Michael Fabiano. I've seen "Audition" four times, and find him to be incredibly intense and electric singer. His voice, to my ears anyway, is "red hot". I wish him every success and I am already paying a lot of attention to his work. I "tracking" him because I think he has the vocal equipment to set the opera world on fire. He's yet very young and I hope he takes great care of his god-given gift. He's a REAL artist!

[ScottAuc]

OMG DYING TO SEE THIS!!!

[Swordafish]

I can hardly wait to see this!

[semiramide1945]

It was so terrible that Ryan died so unexpectedly- a terrible tragedy

[dfarias88]

DIED?? REALLY? What a terrible tragedy it is very apparent that this young man possed emmence talent. Do you happen to know his full name?

[semiramide1945]

No, all I knew was Ryan Smith from here in Atlanta. I saw him in the met regional auditions here in 2007, he swept everyone away. He developed Lymphona with was extremely agressive and he died in Chicago less than 2 months later. I think he could have had a huge career so sad for his family. He had made a debut at the met in a small part in Ernani.

[dfarias88]

Wow, that is absolutley terrible.

[nyxB]

Ryan is amazing, what aria is he singing at the beginning?

[aroncooker]

"E la Solita Storia del pastore" from L'arlesiana by Cilea.

Ryan did a fabulous job communicating this piece. It is so horrible that he died. God Bless him

[nyxB]

What?! He died? Why, no way, I had no idea... that is horrible, indeed.

[aroncooker]

Unfortunately he did. He was diagnosed with lymphoma and died November 2008. Its terrible.

[erikcray]

awesoooome! I wanna see this! :D