This is one of the most spectacular productions I have ever been a part of. Visually there is so much going on on stage. The set rotates to show 2 sides, the first is a medieval colourful village based on the waterside buildings in Gent. The second is Gent's Gravensteen (castle) with a huge baby eating monster emerging out of it. Then we have some truly extraordinary costumes. My costume is a full length one shouldered dress with an exadurated shoulder and sleeve. On the front is a painted Picasso-esque face in green, blue and lilac. And then the hair and makeup - underneath a huge black beehive wig with fringe, my face is painted completely white with deep green eyebrows and lips and a curved line down my cheek connecting them. Every single person on stage is completely different. The costume and makeup department have really excelled themselves in this visual explosion of colour. https://operaballet.be/en/programme/2019-2020/der-schmied-von-gent
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Here is the first sneak peak of one of the songs from the new album I recorded with Operose. I can't wait for the full album to be released. I really feel that the band has come a long way since our first album. We've just had our first reviews come in of the pre-release that we sent out, and the first one to come back is simply incredible!
http://getreadytorock.me.uk/blog/2020/01/album-review-serpentyne-operose/?fbclid=IwAR0T60IbNtjiK5Xqlep3jhYxeowtXWmi8vR7a9dnZk5Ys9YJOHsa9SZgBfk and https://metalplanetmusic.com/2020/01/album-review-operose-into-the-starlight/?fbclid=IwAR0sDp2SGLPKeQkg4eBBnUdPBloP-l3w5fBVFeWDkB2edxbGNz8dgHPGzVg A short quote from a much longer review of the album: "all huge vocals from Coleman float deliriously". [...] You don’t need to like opera to enjoy this release, although it would certainly be a bonus, all you need to have is an appreciation of some incredible and groundbreaking music that will beguile, intrigue and thrill you. Music to get lost in." Review by Paul Monkhouse for MPM Well here it is... It's taken me a long time to write this blog post. It's been over a month now since we last performed on VTM's Belgium's got Talent for the Semi-final. I finally feel like I might be able to attempt to put into words what an incredible experience it was.
It's important to begin by stating that we were both absolutely petrified about speaking Flemish on national television. After living in Belgium for such a short amount of time, neither of us feel confident in our speaking abilities yet. So for us, our biggest challenge was being able to hold meaningful and articulate conversation in a language that we had a very limited ability in. Reisha and I had created a list of all of the possible questions that we thought might come up and prepared answers in advance to each and every single one of them. We then translated this all into Dutch using good 'ole trusty Google Translate. And then once we had a rough guide for what to say, we ran these by some of our Flemish speaking colleagues so that they could help us with pronunciation tips, vocabulary and grammar. Prepare, prepare, prepare. We didn't want to humiliate ourselves on National television. I was far more nervous about the speaking and interview part than I was about the actual singing. With regards to the Semi-final, we have had lots of feedback to say "why did you pick that song?", "Why did you pick those dresses?" and "How did you make the decisions?". The truth is that we didn't really make any decisions for ourselves at all. The TV producers chose this song after we performed a selection of 9 songs to them. This was the one they said that they thought was best for us. Then a stylist asked for our dress sizes. We didn't have any idea what we would wear until we turned up on the day, and these were our only option. I'm not sure I would ever choose a dress with a cape attached for myself to wear normally (to quote The incredibles movie "NO CAPES!"), but it was quite fun swooshing around on stage wearing it. We also didn't have a say in the choreography (yes we were choreographed to stand still). Every single look into or away from a camera lens was choreographed. Our smile to each other at the end of the introduction was choreographed. Even our hug with each other after we finished singing was choreographed. Ever bar had a purpose and we had set musical queues to remember. It was my first time singing with an in ear playback system. This was kind of like singing to a live recording of yourself in some bluetooth earphones. It felt weird. I wasn't used to it. Especially because I am used to only hearing my own voice in my own head - but this time I could also hear Reisha's voice in there too. We got to sing it through three times in rehearsals. I'm not sure I quite got used to it by the time of the performance, but it was a lot less distracting. Then when the moment to sing finally came, it was over so quickly. I'm pretty sure that I had an out of body experience. All I remember of it (and this is the part that I hope stays with me forever), is looking out into the audience as the introduction started playing, and seeing 40 of our friends and family dancing around and waving homemade flags and banners at us that they had made. That made me smile. It made me feel so loved. So yes, I really enjoyed my time singing on Belgium's got Talent, but the most important part was how supported I felt by my friends, family and colleagues. And how supported I felt sharing the stage and singing with one of my best friends - she is so funny and talented and she inspires me to do great things. So thank you to everyone who came to the studio to support us live in the audience. Thank you to our families who travelled all the way from England to Belgium to be there. Thank you to everyone who watched at home and enjoyed our performance. Thank you to everyone who took the time to vote for us. And thank you to Reisha for being an amazing friend. J x P.S. You can see from some of the stills that I have attached to this blog a couple of the outfits that we wore on the programme, including the aforementioned cape dresses. We chose the other two outfits and brought them ourselves. We feel that these reflect who we are much more authentically than what we were made to sing in. TO WATCH LIVE:
FIRST CREATE AN ACCOUNT ON THE VTM WEBSITE. To watch live, on the vtm.be homepage Click the BLACK button in the pink/red banner (top left) that says “Kijk op VTM Go”. Then, click at the top centre the button that says “LIVE” Show is aired on the 13th December at 8:40pm Belgian Time (7.40pm UK time) >>>> TO WATCH ON CATCHUP: FIRST CREATE AN ACCOUNT ON THE VTM WEBSITE. To watch on catch up, click this link: https://vtm.be/vtmgo/belgiums-got-talent~p259d489c-f49a-4482-bda9-f1d0c5d07de1 You want to watch us on Season 6, Episode 13. Show 6 >>>> TO VOTE: FIRST CREATE AN ACCOUNT ON THE VTM WEBSITE. You can vote online via this link - ONLY directly after the show has finished at around 10.30pm until midnight (Belgian time) [or 9.30pm-11pm UK time] on the same day. - There is limited time to vote. Here is the link: https://vtm.be/belgiums-got-talent/stem/ >>>> TO FIRST CREATE AN ACCOUNT / REGISTER How to register online to watch/vote for our semi-final performance on Belgium's got Talent on Friday 13th December @8:40pm Belgian time (7:40 UK time). I recommend creating an account for the channel VTM in advance. >>>> How to create an account to watch Belgium's got Talent online: Create an account to watch online: Go to https://vtm.be Click the circle button with a head an shoulders shape in it in the top left hand corner. Or it is the white text that says “Regesteren” next to the white button that says “Aanmelden” on the top right. Note: I made these instructions using my iPad. It may be different on other devices. If you get stuck, use GOOGLE TRANSLATE to help you. >>>> A log in screen should open. Click on the small pink text that says “Registreren” [register] >>>> A new log in opens that says: “Vul je even je e-mailadres in? Dan kunnen we direct verder.” [Enter your e-mail address? Then we can proceed immediately.] Enter your email address in the box that says “E-mailadres” Enter the same email address AGAIN in the box that says “E-mailadres bevestiging” [confirm email] Click the red/pink button “Volgende” [next] >>>> A message will come up saying: “Zegeuhm, hoe zal ik het zeggen… Ik zie dat je nog geen account hebt. ‘k Zal met spoed eentje aanmaken voor jou ;)” [Hey, how shall I say… I see you don’t have an account yet. I will urgently create one for you] “Wat is jouw voornaam en familienaam?” [What is your first name and surname?] Enter your first name in the box “Voornaam” Enter your surname in the box “Naam” Click the red/pink button “Volgende” [next] >>>> A message will come up saying “ *Yourname*, toffe naam.” [cool name] “Safety first nu. Welk supergeheim wachtwoord ga je gebruiken voor je account?” [Safety first now. Which super secret password will you use for your account?] Create a password in the box: “Wachtwoord (minimaal 8 karakters)” [Password (min 8 characters)] Repeat the same password in the box that says: "Wachtwoord bevestiging” [confirm password] If you want to see what you are typing click “Toon wachtwoord” [Show password] Click the red/pink button “Volgende” [next] >>>> A message will come up saying “In Welk land soon je?” [In which country do you live?]” From the drop down menu for “Land” [Country] Select “Belgie” [Belgium] Click the red/pink button “Volgende” [next] >>>> A message will come up saying “Volgend vraagje: Waar woon je eigenlijk?” [next question: Where are you actually living?” You only need to fill out the boxes “Postcode” and “Woonplats” In the box named “Postcode” enter: 9000 In the box named “Woonplaats” [Residence] enter: Gent Click the red/pink button “Volgende” [next] >>>> A message will come up saying “Ah, het prachtige Gent.” [Ah, the beautiful Ghent.] “En wat is je geboortedatum?” [And what is your birthday] Enter your birthday or any date in the boxes “Geboortedag” [Day of birth] “Geboortemaand” [Month of birth] “Geboortejaar” [Year of birth] Click the red/pink button “Volgende” [next] >>>> A message will come up saying “ ’t Staat op onze verjaardagskalender!” [It is on our birthday calendar] Next it asks for your “Telefoonnummer” [Telephone number] You don’t have to enter anything. Click the red/pink button “Volgende” [next] >>>> A message will come up saying “Met welk geslacht identificeer jij je?” [Which gender do you identify with?] M= Mann [male] V= Vrouw [female] X= [don’t want to say / other] Click any of the options and then Click the red/pink button “Volgende” [next] >>>> A message will come up saying “We houden je graag op de hoogte van nieuwe programma’s, acties en exclusieve uitnodigingen. Geef aan als je dit graag wil.” [We would like to keep you informed of new programs, promotions and exclusive invitations. Indicate if you would like this.] Don’t tick the box. You don’t want spam. Click the red/pink button “Volgende” [next] >>>> A message will come up saying “Hopla… je account is klaar!” [Yay… your account is ready] “Enkel nog de algemene voorwaarden en privacy policy aanvaarden en je kan verder” [Only accept the general terms and conditions and privacy policy and you can continue] Tick the little box to accept the terms and conditions. Click the red/pink button “Bevestig” [Confirm] >>>> A message will appear: “ We hebben je een verificatiemail gestuurd. Ga naar je mailbox en verifieer je e-mailadres.” [We have sent you a verification email. Go to your mailbox and verify your email address.] It also says “Heb je geen e-mail ontvangen op *youremailaddress* ?” [Have you not received your e-mail at *youremailaddress* ?] In pink it says: “Stuur hem nog eens uit” [Send it out again] “Ik heb een foutje gemaakt, dit is mijn mailadres niet” [I have made a mistake this is not my email address] Fingers crossed you got it right. Click the black button “Volgende” [Next] You will be taken back to the VTM website. >>>> Go to your email. You should have an email from “VTM” titled “Bevestig je registratie” [Confirm your registration] Open the email. Click on the blue button that says “Bevestig en start met kijken” [Confirm and start with watching] >>>> Congratulations you have created an account so that you can watch live or on catch up and vote. >>>>
The new season begins with a Verdi Festival. A trilogy of Verdi Masterpieces for audiences to get their teeth stuck into. Beginning with Don Carlos - performed in the original and slightly longer French version. For me the most memorable part of this production will be our fabulous costumes. I get to wear some incredibly comfortable blue silk pyjamas with a Pope style white pointed hat on my head. I sometimes find it hard to recognise myself when I see photos of myself in the production. I love the music in this piece. I once had tickets to go and watch it at the Royal Opera House. I was sat in my seat ready to have my mind blown by this piece - when they announced that the performance was going to be cancelled and all tickets would be refunded! The soprano singing "Elizabeth" had been taken to hospital last minute and they did not have a cover available. I remember, feeling so disappointed that I could not watch the full opera. The Royal Opera House did put on a few small scenes and arias for the audience that didn't involve this key character. It was so magical to hear these clips. I felt so frustrated, and I could not wait to one day be able to see it again. Who would have thought that the first time I would be watching the opera, would be from inside this production with Opera Vlaanderen? (Someone touch some wood to try and not tempt fate! We have only done one of our thirteen performances so far. I really don't want the same thing to happen again.) https://operaballet.be/en/programme/2019-2020/don-carlos Photos: Annemie Augustijns
After a lovely long summer vacation, I will soon be heading back to my beloved Belgium for the next season of singing high notes in the Chorus for Opera Vlaanderen. We have a great season planned and will be revising Macbeth in Gent and Luxembourg. We have a new intendant at the head of the company, and he has programmed some more pieces that fuse together the ballet and opera companies. I am excited to be a part of each of these productions.
Verdi: Don Carlos Verdi: Requiem Verdi: Macbeth Dvorak: Rusalka Schreker: Der Schmied von Gent Wagner/Verdi: C(h)oeurs 2020 Mozart: Cosi fan Tutte Schumann: Faust Wish me luck! It's going to be another busy year. Jennifer x {note: We were almost ready to open our production of C(h)ours 2020 when covid hit and the rest of the season was cancelled} I had such a fantastic day. What an honour it was to perform with the Yorkshire Festival Orchestra, under the direction of Ben Crick, for the York Proms.
York is the kind of city that leaves a lasting impression on all her visitors because of the wealth of history, architecture and culture that the locals are lucky enough to live right on top of. York has a number of festivals each year, which incorporate music, arts, food, comedy and more. However, York didn't have its very own summer proms event, which is a central feature of the entertainment calendar for many other towns and cities. In 2017, a passionate local team launched the first York Proms to a sell out crowd in the York Museum Gardens, overlooked by the one thousand year old ruins of St Mary’s Abbey. Bathed in glorious summer sunshine, 2000 music lovers enjoyed their picnics, waved their flags and sang along to a selection of proms favourites and music from across the classical and musical theatre repertoire. The songs I performed were: Quando M'en Vo from 'La Boheme' by Puccini O mio babbino caro from 'Gianni Schicchi' by Puccini Medley from 'The Sound of Music' by Rogers and Hammerstein Poor Wandring One from 'Pirates of Penzance' by Gilbert and Sullivan Nella Fantasia by Morricone/Ferrau Tonight from 'West Side Story' by Bernstein Jerusalem by Blake/Parry Rule Britannia by Thomson/Arne Pomp and Circumstance (Land of Hope and Glory) by Elgar/Benson For more information about the event, please visit the website: https://www.yorkproms.com Jennifer in patriotic mood for York Promshttps://www.yorkpress.co.uk/news/17758144.jennifer-patriotic-mood-york-proms/ Wow! - I can't believe it is the final opera this season - opera number 7 with Opera Vlaanderen. It has been a very intense year with some very challenging pieces of music, to learn and perform in very limited time. I am so glad that we are finishing the season with this opera. Verdi's Macbeth is a true masterpiece; and also super fun to perform in. This is a high energy production with lots of movements and physicality. I really feel like I am getting a work out during the witches scenes. During rehearsals, my Fitbit detected that I was doing some kind of "sporting activity". I found that quite amusing because I was just doing my job. In the photo above, I am the witch on the far left, with what looks like a rainbow over my head, the slow exposure really captures the movement of waving these paper streamers (or the Flemish word: Slingers) in the air. I think this shot really shows well the energy that we put into this scene in the 3rd act. We are only performing Macbeth in Antwerp this time. It will return again later in the year, during next season, for performances in Gent and Luxembourg. Let's hope they don't run out of the fake blood before then! We use so much of it in this production. https://operaballet.be/en/programme/2018-2019/macbeth Photos: Annemie Augustijns |
AuthorJennifer Coleman - is a classical / opera singer, and vocal coach, performing across the UK and internationally. Archives
January 2024
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