[Aretha
Franklin (Rick Diamond, Getty Images)]
John
Malveaux of www.musicuntold.com
alerts AfriClassical to Aretha Franklin's search for future stars in
the world of opera:
“American
Idol, The Sing-Off, The Voice —
there's no shortage of over-the-top, glitzy, ratings-driven music
competitions on TV. And now Aretha Franklin is getting in on the
singing contest circuit, but she's turning her searchlight on the
world of classical music.
That's
right — the Queen of Soul is searching for the next great opera
singer.
"'Some of the older classical singers like Jessye Norman,
Leontyne [Price] and Barbara Hendricks are retiring, they're not
singing anymore, and I'd like to see some younger singers come along
and take their place,' Franklin says. (Actually, Price retired from
the opera stage in 1985.)
“If she likes what she hears, Franklin will sign one, two or
maybe even three performers to her label, Aretha's Records, and help
them get established in the world of classical music. The
competition itself is decidedly low-tech. Franklin is asking
interested 18- to 40-year-olds to send their demos — via CDs or
cassettes — to her directly. There's no studio audience and no
toll-free number for you to call or text your vote. Just your demo,
an 8-by-10 head shot and a resume. And no original songs allowed.
“If you're interested, the address is:
Aretha's Records
c/o Thav, Gross, Steinway & Bennett
30150
Telegraph Road
Bingham Farms, MI 48012
"'I'd like to hear them sing the classics,' Franklin says.
'Things like “Nessun Dorma.” ' Giacomo Puccini's aria from his
opera Turandot is what Franklin herself famously sang when
she filled in for uciano Pavarotti at the 1998 Grammy Awards.”
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