Fewer updates and picture this week, as I have spent the last ten days in an intensive blitz of opera business.  Here are some highlights of the process:

- 36 audition requests sent
- Three auditions scheduled
- Two incoming phone calls auf Deutsch (From the Staatsoper Berlin!)
- One cover letter translated into French

I have been frustrated that I have not been offered as many auditions as I would like.  On the other hand, one of the three auditions I have confirmed is with the Staatsoper Berlin.**  Picking up up some work there would be great, so please “drückt mir die Daumen” on Monday when I go in to sing for them!* 

I’m much more nervous about having to speak with them in German before and after the audition that I am about the actual singing.  As a result I have instituted a NO ENGLISH weekend policy:  all German, all the time for Saturday and Sunday!  We’ll see how it goes!

* This literally means to “press your thumbs” for someone, and is the Deutsch  way of wishing someone good luck!

** You may have read a previous version that said Deutsche Oper rather than Staatsoper Berlin.  This acutally an even better audition opportunity - but thank God I asked the chorusmaster to send me an e-mail confirmation!