I was watching the Bears-Vikings game on FOX just a few minutes ago, 11/25/2012, and, after the half, FOX switched to a different game. I am very disappointed with FOX NFL programming for choosing to change to the Atlanta/TB game. I switched stations immediately. Thanks for the non-existent loyalty to this particular sports fan, FOX!

Return from the other Holy Land, MN

Returning to Minnesota the end of May for a week made me realize how long a winter truly can be. Upon arriving in'the holy land' I learned that the ice went out on 'the lake' on April 27th, which meant mine and my son's Polar Bear Experience of being the first to dive into 'the lake' post ice melt could truly be a harrowing one. I am reporting it was harrowing and I'll leave it at that. I think I am finally back to normal. We also managed to do some fishing and caught 3 good size Northern Pike which we filleted and had for supper with some left over for a later meal. Fresh, feresh water fish tastes great!
Visiting family and friends was also one of our goals as was visiting Gustavus Adolphus College (GAC), my alma mater, in St. Peter, MN. It was at GAC where I and several other alums were honored at a dinner for our achievements in our respective fields of work. I was honored to be introduced by a former professor of mine, Dr. John McKay. He is a wonderful pianist and I thank him for his introduction at the dinner. I also managed to persuade him into accompanying me at the piano while I sang "La fleur que tu mavais jetee" from Bizet's Carmen. john's playing helped to bring down the house! Thank you, John and thank you GAC!
I'm now at home preparing the role of Cavaradossi for a Tosca in Mercatello, Italy on July 10...right around the corner! More later, M

It's great to be back home in Las Vegas after a good 2 month visit in NY. My CV, which seemed a little overwhelming at first, is for the most part done, my work on my new role of Erik in
Der Fliegende Holländer is coming along. I think the work I do on Cavaradossi for Italy in July will help with Erik. Nonetheless, I will bring Erik and Eisenstein with me when I go to do Cavaradossi in July.

It was great to see all my friends in NY. Especially good to see Brian Jauhiainen. A good man. I hope to meet his son someday as well as greet his wife, Ali, in person. Been too long!

I also neglected to put on my calendar that I will be performing in Steamboat, CO on the evening of August 18. This is an Emerald City Opera production in conjunction with the Steamboat All Arts Festival. The role is Eisenstein in Die Fledermaus, a kind of zwischen role for me but a good one. Fits my look for the moment, I think.

Have a beautiful day! Mark

It's been a while since I've posted anything and I apologize. I'm currently in NY covering a role in the MET's production of Strauss' Capriccio. The opera has been going well with a great cast. The story for me is a little weak but the music is wonderful. So, in this case, for me, what is more important, the music or the text? In this opera I believe it is the music by a long shot!

Spring in NY has been a real mix and I miss the spring in Las Vegas, which is beautiful. In NY, the Daffodils and Tulips are blooming with buds getting bigger on the trees. Easter is right around the corner. My friends here are busy and surviving...the way of the arts these days. One needs to be busy all the time just to survive.

So great to reconnect with friends and music here in NY!

The weather in Las Vegas is really great this time of year! I'm working with the guys in my tenor group, T4U, in preparation for a Christmas concert at my church. Good natured guys with heart, each one of them. Also rehearsing with my friend Bud Crystal tomorrow morning. Looking forward to seeing Bud for I have not seen him for several weeks. I'm working on Christmas music and 2 different concerts, opera highlights both of them. One in Illinois and one in Florida. Much fun!

Enjoyed working on my Strauss and Liszt songs today for my recital. Beautiful music for a beautiful day! Later, in the evening I was called by a "political pollster" who seemed to have biased questions about Senator Reid. The final question was whether I was going to support the Tea Party or oppose the Tea Party. I said I would not support the Tea Party but not oppose them either. The "pollster" wrote down that I oppose the Tea Party. It seems to me this was a bogus poll done by someone or a group of people trying to get bad press out on all candidates but the Tea Party candidate. I am now definitely against the Tea Party! Manipulation up the butt! I need a shower!

Currently enjoying the beginning of a beautiful Nevada fall. It helps to be working on AI of Tosca with a performance of "Recondita armonia" followed by the duet "Mario! Mario! Mario!" with one of my more advanced students singing the role of Tosca. That performance is this Friday, the 15th, at 8 PM at Our Lady of Las Vegas Catholic Church. Just happen to have a concert the same day at 12 noon, at Lloyd George Federal Courthouse. It's free and open to the public in the Jury Selection Room. The music will be oper, operetta, Broadway and some jazz. I'm really busy on Friday, yikes!