Grammy’s Singing Smiles

I am not just smiling….. I’m beaming from ear to ear. Our grandchildren never cease to amaze me. John and I are just two average people who are not especially talented at anything. I have no idea how we ended up with such beautiful and talented grandchildren. They did not inherit from me!

As you already know if you read my blog, our 11 year old granddaughter, Claire, auditioned for and got a main part in the LA Opera’s production of Noah’s Flood which was performed in April.

This is a community opera written by Benjamin Britten and is only to be performed in a cathedral. It gives community singers the opportunity to perform along side opera professionals. (I think Noah, his wife and God were the only professionals but I could be wrong. I know Noah’s wife flew in from New York to do the show.)

It was performed in the LA Cathedral.

We would not have been surprised if Claire (on the right) had gotten a part in the chorus or as one of the animals but it blew us away that she got a main part as of one of Noah’s daughter-in-laws with solo parts. (I guess they married young in Noah’s day???)

I got these pictures on line at www. laopera.com. We were not allowed to take pictures during the opera. The picture on the left is from a rehearsal were the two girls are helping Noah build the ark. The picture on the right is from the opera.

This is the LA Opera Orchestra. The opera and orchestra are directed by…

James Conlon. Claire was very excited to work with this famous conductor.

More pictures from the web site. Claire is standing on the right side.

Claire is on the left side of the door of the ark and standing in the front on the platform.

Pictures of the flood.

The curtain call. Claire is on the left with her hand up.

James Conlon with the principals of the cast.

These are pictures I took after the show. (Sorry about the blur)

Claire was really sad after the last performance of the Opera but we tried to cheer her up with a Teddy bear and some flowers…..

…and a late night Japanese dinner with a fancy dessert.

Now… you might think that this 11 year old girl is resting now after all the hard work of having a main part in this opera….. but….. no…no…no!

After James Conlon worked with Claire in the community opera he invited her to be in Tosca which is not a community opera…. it is a regular opera in the LA Opera 2013 season.

She does not have a principal part like she did in Noah’s Flood. She does not have a solo. She is a part of the choir….(Not that you can see her but she is the 3rd choir member on the left side on the stage.)  She is on stage of most of the first act and sings a lot (In Italian I think).

This is really a big deal for our little gal…. and it is a big sacrifice for her family. Mindy and Ernie drive her to LA almost every evening and Grampy has helped by taking her back in the day time to attend school at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion (which is required by law for child performers.)

However, since Claire dreams of being a professional singer as a career, the family thinks this opportunity to sing with the famous LA Opera is too good to pass up.

And that my friends is why my heart is full of smiles tonight. Claire’s singing thrills my soul and blesses my life.

I’m going to be away from my computer for awhile but I will be back to visit you when I can.

Hugs and best wishes to all of my dear blog friends,  Grammy Lura