
Biography
BARITONE
In 2013-2014, Carl Ratner staged La Bohème for Harbor Country Opera in New Buffalo Michigan, and sang the roles of Benoit and Alcindoro. He returned to the Twin Cities for Russian Seasons of Minnesota’s collaboration with Voices of Vienna, an evening of “Russian Inspiration in Viennese Operetta,” performing music of Lehár, Kálmán, and Johann Strauss II. In 2014 he is scheduled to sing recitals of Russian song in Washington DC and at Bethune-Cookman University in Daytona, Florida, where he will also give a master class. “His performance as Puccini’s [Gianni Schicchi] was a delight—charming, indeed lovable, and nicely sung, too” – Opera Canada
In 2012-2013, Ratner was the featured soloist in a concert honoring the Russian Ambassador to the United States as part of a “Russia Day” celebration in Chicago. He returned to Naples, Florida, to perform the role of Pilate in Bach’s Saint John Passion, as well as the Bass solos in Cantatas 78 and 106 with The Bach Ensemble of Naples. He performed the cycle American Pierrot: A Langston Hughes Songbook, written for him by eminent composer Robert Patterson, at the Belvedere Chamber Music Festival in Memphis, Tennessee, having given the world premiere of the cycle at Western Michigan University the previous year. He directed Pagliacci for Opera at the Acorn in Three Oaks, Michigan and sang the bass solo in Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony with BeethovenFest in Kalamazoo and Messiah with the Kalamazoo Oratorio Society.
In 2011-2012, Baritone Carl Ratner performed the role of the Marquis in La Traviata with the Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra, Marullo in Rigoletto for Opera at the Acorn, and the Captain in Eugene Onegin with Opera Naples and the Naples Philharmonic. He sang a program Shostakovich songs at the Russian Cultural Center in Washington DC, and gave recitals in St. Paul, Ft. Myers, and Kalamazoo. He gave master classes at Florida Gulf Coast University, Wheaton College, Chamber Opera Chicago, and at Perugia Summer Music in Italy. He was baritone soloist for the Mass in B-minor with The Bach Ensemble of Naples, Florida.
Ratner was awarded a 2010-2011 Fulbright grant to perform in recital, give lectures and master classes, direct an American chamber opera, and research Russian art song at the St. Petersburg Conservatory in the Russian Federation. Upon his return, he toured the United States with a recital of Russian and American songs, including a performance at the Chicago Cultural Center as part of “The Soviet Arts Experience,” a multi-event collaboration organized by the University of Chicago. In 2011 he also returned to the Bach Ensemble of Naples Florida for a mixed program of sacred music as well as two performances of Messiah.
Read more... Other recent engagements include the role of Ping in Puccini’s Turandot with the Kalamazoo Symphony and Sharpless in the same composer’s Madama Butterfly, which he also directed, with the Battle Creek Symphony. Other operatic roles include Papageno in The Magic Flute, John Proctor in The Crucible, Ford in The Merry Wives of Windsor, and the title roles in Verdi’s Falstaff and Puccini’s Gianni Schicchi. His concert work includes Bach’s Magnificat and Mass in A major with The Bach Ensemble of Naples, Vaughan Williams’s Dona Nobis Pacem and Copland’s Old American Songs with the Cedar Rapids Concert Chorale, and performances of the Fauré Requiem, Orff’s Carmina Burana, and David Gillingham’s Lifesongs. His recital programs, remarkable for their breadth and creativity, have included works ranging from Rameau’s Thétis to Bolcom’s Cabaret Songs. He has performed in 13 languages. Ratner’s career also includes over two decades of experience as an opera director. He learned his craft assisting directors at major opera houses including Covent Garden (London), the Metropolitan Opera, Munich Opera, San Francisco Opera, English National Opera, New York City Opera, Lyric Opera of Chicago, Santa Fe Opera, and the Spoleto Festival in Italy, where he worked with eminent composer Gian Carlo Menotti. From 1994 to 1999 served as Artistic Director of Chicago Opera Theater, Chicago’s second largest opera company. He previously held the same position with Chamber Opera Chicago from 1984 to 1993. He currently serves as Director of Opera and Associate Professor of Voice for the School of Music at Western Michigan University, where he directs the annual opera production and teaches applied voice, opera workshop, vocal literature, and French and German diction. He received his Bachelor of Music degree in music history from the Oberlin Conservatory in Ohio and also participated in an internship in opera, dance, and drama production at The Juilliard School in New York City. He earned a Master of Arts in vocal pedagogy at Northeastern Illinois University in Chicago and his Doctor of Music degree in Vocal Performance from the School of Music at Northwestern University.
Stage Director
Carl J. Ratner’s career includes over two decades of experience as an opera director. He learned his craft assisting directors at major opera houses including Covent Garden, the Metropolitan Opera, Munich Opera, San Francisco Opera, English National Opera, New York City Opera, Lyric Opera of Chicago, Santa Fe Opera, and the Spoleto Festival in Italy, where he worked with eminent composer Gian Carlo Menotti.
He is the recipient of a 2010-2011 Fulbright lecture-research grant to the Russian Federation; he directed Menotti’s opera The Old Maid and the Thief, lectured on American art song, led master classes and appeared in recital at the St. Petersburg Conservatory of Music. In 2012 and 2013 he directed Pagliacci and La Bohème for Harbor Country Opera in Michigan, also performing the roles of Benoit and Alcindoro. “I left with a feeling of exultation….[The production] renews [one’s] faith in the vitality and immortal relevance of opera for the modern world.” – Opera Monthly (Cosi fan tutte)
In 2010, he returned to Opera Naples to direct The Magic Flute, conducted by Lucy Arner of the Metropolitan Opera. He has previously directed Rigoletto, Madama Butterfly, L’enfant prodigue, and Amahl and the Night Visitors for the company.
In 2009, he served as resident opera director for the Bay View Music Festival, staging a critically acclaimed production of The Marriage of Figaro. His much-admired staging of Madama Butterfly has been presented by Cedar Rapids Opera Opera Theatre, the Battle Creek Symphony, Opera at the Acorn in Three Oaks Michigan, and Bellissima Opera as well as Opera Naples.
Other productions include The Marriage of Figaro and La Bohème for Cedar Rapids Opera Theater and Susannah for Dupage Opera Theater. Of his staging of Susannah, the local critic wrote, “The production’s dramatic power owes itself to Carl Ratner’s decisive stage direction which never wavers in getting directly to the point….The stage direction becomes a tool to evoke the richly textured life of a town brimming with activity.”
From 1994 to 1999 Ratner served as Artistic Director of Chicago Opera Theater, staging numerous productions for the company including The Italian Girl in Algiers, The Tales of Hoffmann, The Grand Duchess of Gérolstein, Ariadne auf Naxos, Gianni Schicchi, The Ballad of Baby Doe, Bon Appétit, and Michael Ching’s brilliant sequel to Gianni Schicchi, Buoso’s Ghost. William Shackelford, critic for the international magazine Opera, called his direction of The Tales of Hoffmann “flawless” and stated that his staging of The Italian Girl in Algiers “revealed a genius for comic timing…. Rossini would have approved.”
From 1984 to 1993, he was Artistic Director of Chamber Opera Chicago, staging many repertory staples by Mozart, Verdi and Puccini, as well as more unusual fare such as Haydn’s World of the Moon, Bartok’s Bluebeard’s Castle, and Lawrence Rapchak’s The Lifework of Juan Diaz, for which Ratner adapted the libretto from the short story and teleplay by Ray Bardbury. Of his staging for the company of Cosi fan tutte, the critic for Opera Monthly magazine wrote, “”I left with a feeling of exultation….[This production] renews [one’s] faith in the vitality and immortal relevance of opera for the modern world.”
He currently serves as Director of Opera and Associate Professor of Voice for the School of Music at Western Michigan University, where he directs the annual opera production and teaches applied voice, opera workshop, vocal literature, and French and German diction. He received his Bachelor of Music degree in music history from the Oberlin Conservatory in Ohio and also participated in an internship in opera, dance, and drama production at The Juilliard School in New York City. He earned a Master of Arts in vocal pedagogy at Northeastern Illinois University in Chicago and his Doctor of Music degree in Vocal Performance from the School of Music at Northwestern University.
Press Materials
Baritone
Stage Director
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Reviews
Baritone
“His performance as Puccini’s [Gianni Schicchi] was a delight—charming, indeed lovable, and nicely sung, too”
From a tribute by Richard Covello
Reviewer for Opera Canada
“The Acorn’s Papageno was performed by the multitalented Carl Ratner, a singer, director, teacher, and actor–plus a magical flute player.”
Ed Vincent,
Oak Park Journal
“Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra’s ‘Turandot’ was thrilling. Soloists ranged from good to superb. Carl Ratner (Ping), David Wahrmund (Pang) and Peter Tantsits (Pong) sang and acted exceptionally well.
C.J. Gianakaris
Kalamazoo Gazette
Stage Director
COSI FAN TUTTE
“I left with a feeling of exultation….[The production] renews [one’s] faith in the vitality and immortal relevance of opera for the modern world.”
Opera Monthly
THE MARRIAGE OF FIGARO
“Stage director Carl Ratner has brought off a perfectly poised performance in which the humor is delicate in its delivery but positively deadly in its satire. He targets these characters for the petty, deceptive fools they are, but the moments of love and passion they share come across as deep and genuine.”
Chicago Tribune
L’ITALIANA IN ALGERI
“Ratner’s direction revealed a genius for comic timing…. Rossini would have approved.”
Opera
FALSTAFF
“The staging by Carl Ratner was superb. Every gesture worked, the comic timing was perfect, and the stage business, though amusing, was never distracting. It perfectly complemented the comic brilliance of Verdi’s score. The screen scene was particularly well handled. I would be overjoyed to see such a clean, good-humored production of (Shakespeare’s) Merry Wives. An opera with this level of theatricality is almost unheard of.”
Gray City Journal
(University of Chicago)
THE TALES OF HOFFMANN
“His English adaptation [was] intelligent and his direction flawless.”
Opera
BLUEBEARD’S CASTLE
“Bluebeard gets a compelling production…. The need for concentrated mood and atmosphere is acutely appreciated and met in Carl Ratner’s ritualistic staging.”
Chicago Tribune
Audio
Korngold – Mein sehnen, Mein Wähnen, Die Tote Stadt,
Rachmaninoff – In the Silence of the Secret Night
Gershwin – By Strauss
Berlin – Give Me Your Tired, Your Poor
Tchaikovsky – It Happened in Early Spring
Repertoire
Baritone
Composer | Larger Work | Piece | Language | Type | Location |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Adam | Cantique de Noël | O Holy Night | English | Oratorio and Sacred | St. Mary of the Lake Church, et al |
Arne | Comus | Preach Not Me Your Musty Rules | English | Recital Repertory | Oberlin Conservatory |
Bach | Cantata #106 | Bass solos | German | Oratorio and Sacred | Bach Ensemble of Naples, FL |
Bach | Cantata #78 | Bass solos | German | Oratorio and Sacred | Bach Ensemble of Naples, FL |
Bach | Magnificat | Bass solos | Latin | Oratorio and Sacred | Bach Ensemble of Naples, FL |
Bach | Mass in B minor | Baritone Solo | Latin | Oratorio and Sacred | Bach Ensemble of Naples, FL |
Bach | Missa Brevis in A Major | Bass solos | Latin | Oratorio and Sacred | Bach Ensemble of Naples, FL |
Bach | St John Passion | Pilate, Baritone arias | German | Oratorio and Sacred | Bach Ensemble of Naples, FL |
Ball | Song: | When Irish Eyes Are Smiling | English | Recital Repertory | Funeral |
Barber | Song: | Sure on this Shining Night | American | Recital Repertory | London Recital, et al. |
Beethoven | An die Ferne Geliebte | Complete Cycle | German | Recital Repertory | Bay View Festival, et al. |
Beethoven | Symphony #9 | Baritone Solos | German | Concert Repertory | BeethovenFest |
Bellini | Puritani | Riccardo: Duet: Suoni la tromba | Italian | Opera and Musical Theater | Private Recital |
Berlin | Miss Liberty | Give Me Your Tired | American | Recital Repertory | Saint Petersburg Conservatory of Music, et al. |
Berlin | Song: | I Love a Piano | American | Recital Repertory | Saint Petersburg Conservatory of Music, et al. |
Bernstein | Candide: | Easily Assimilated | American | Opera and Musical Theater | Cleveland Medical Association Recital, et al. |
Bernstein | Mass | Celebrant: Lauda, Lauda | American | Opera and Musical Theater | Oberlin Conservatory |
Bizet | Carmen | Escamillo: Votre Toast | French | Opera and Musical Theater | Opera Grand Rapids Guild |
Bizet | Pecheurs de Perles | Zurga: Duet | French | Opera and Musical Theater | Roosevelt University, et al |
Bizet | Song: | Agnus Dei | Latin | Oratorio and Sacred | St. Mary of the Lake Church |
Blantner | Song: | Katyusha | Russian | Recital Repertory | Western Michigan University |
Blitzstein | Cradle Will Rock | Mister Mister--Complete Role | American | Opera and Musical Theater | Northwestern University |
Bloch | Sacred Service | Baritone Solos (abridged) | Hebrew | Oratorio and Sacred | Temple Sholom of Chicago |
Bock | Fiddler on the Roof | Sunrise, Sunset | American | Opera and Musical Theater | Wedding |
Bolcom | Cabaret Songs: | Fur, Waitin', He Tipped the Waiter | American | Recital Repertory | Jewel Box Series |
Bolcom | Cabaret Songs: | George, Over the Piano, Black Max | American | Recital Repertory | Jewel Box Series, et al. |
Bonds, arr. | Joshua Fit the Battle of Jericho | American | Recital Repertory | Michigan Festival of Sacred Music, et al | |
Brahms | Liebeslieder Waltzes | #8-11 | German | Recital Repertory | Western Michigan University |
Brahms | Song: | Meine Liebe ist Grün | German | Recital Repertory | Northeastern Illinois University |
Brahms | Song: | O wüsst ich doch | German | Recital Repertory | Northeastern Illinois University |
Brahms | Songs: | Botschaft, Dein Blaues Auge, Mainacht | German | Recital Repertory | Northeastern illinois University |
Brahms | Songs: | Sapphische Ode, Von Ewiger Liebe | German | Recital Repertory | Northeastern Illinois University |
Brahms | Vier Ernste Gesänge | Denn es gehet dem Menschen | German | Recital Repertory | Northeastern Illinois University |
Brahms, arr. | Folk Song: | Da unten im Tale | German | Recital Repertory | Northeastern Illinois University |
Bulakhov | Song: | Shine, Shine, My Star | Russian | Recital Repertory | Russian Seasons of Minnesota |
Burleigh, arr. | Didn't My Lord Deliver Daniel | American | Recital Repertory | Michigan Festival of Sacred Music, et al | |
Burleigh, arr. | Go Down, Moses | American | Recital Repertory | Michigan Festival of Sacred Music, et al | |
Caccini | Song: | Amarilli, mia bella | Italian | Recital Repertory | Northeastern Illinois University |
Carissimi | Cantata: | Vittoria, mio core | Italian | Recital Repertory | Northeastern Illinois University |
Charpentier, M. | Magnificat in G | Baritone Solos | Latin | Oratorio and Sacred | Bach Ensemble of Naples, FL |
Cohan | Songs: | A Grand Old Flag | Amercan | Recital Repertory | Union Park Concert Series |
Cohan | Songs: | Give My Regards to Broadway | Amercan | Recital Repertory | Union Park Concert Series |
Cohan | Songs: | I'm a Yankee Doodle Dandy | Amercan | Recital Repertory | Union Park Concert Series |
Cook | Two Songs in Japanese | Japanese | Recital Repertory | Western Michigan University | |
Copland | Early American Songs | At the River, Long Time Ago | American | Recital Repertory | Cedar Rapids Concert Choir |
Copland | Early American Songs | I Bought Me a Cat | American | Recital Repertory | Saint Petersburg Conservatory of Music, et al. |
Copland | Early American Songs | Zion's Walls, Dodger | American | Recital Repertory | Cedar Rapids Concert Choir |
Coward | London Calling! | Parisian Pierrot | English | Opera and Musical Theater | Northwestern University, Western Michigan University |
Coward | Tonight at 8:30 | Karl: We were dancing | English | Opera and Musical Theater | Northwestern University, Western Michigan University |
Crolla | Song: | Car je t'aime | French | Recital Repertory | Wedding |
Debussy | Song: | Beau Soir | French | Recital Repertory | Western Michigan University |
Debussy | Trois Ballades de François Villon | Ballade que feit Villon à la requestre de sa mère | French | Recital Repertory | Northeastern Illinois University |
Donizetti | Don Pasquale | Malatesta: Bella Siccome un angelo | Italian | Opera and Musical Theater | Western Michigan University |
Donizetti | Lucia di Lammermoor | Enrico: Sextet | Italian | Opera and Musical Theater | Western Michigan University |
Dubois | Seven Last Words of Christ | Jesus: Complete role | German | Recital Repertory | Naples Orchestra and Chorus |
Dunaevsky | Songs: | Silence, Captain's Song, Heart | Russian | Recital Repertory | Chicago Cultural Center |
Durante | Song: | Danza, Danza Fanciulla | Italian | Recital Repertory | Oberlin Conservatory |
Faure | Songs: | The Palms, Crucifix | English | Oratorio and Sacred | St. Mary of the Lake Church |
Fauré | La bonne chanson | 9. L'hiver est cessé | French | Recital Repertory | Northwestern University, Western Michigan University |
Fauré | Requiem | Baritone Solos | Latin | Oratorio and Sacred | St. Marks Church |
Fauré | Requiem | Pie Jesu | Latin | Oratorio and Sacred | Funeral |
Fauré | Song: | Le parfum impérissable | French | Recital Repertory | Western Michigan University |
Fauré | Songs: | Lydia, Après une rêve, Le secret | French | Recital Repertory | Northeastern Illinois University |
Fauré | Songs: | Mandoline, Claire de Lune, Prison | French | Recital Repertory | Northwestern University, Western Michigan University |
Finkelstein | Hin'ni | Hebrew | Oratorio and Sacred | William Ferris Chorale | |
Firestone | Song: | If I Could Tell You | American | Recital Repertory | Private Recital |
Fomin | Song: | Those Were the Days | Russian and English | Recital Repertory | Russian Seasons of Minnesota |
Franck | Song: | Panis Angelicus | Latin | Oratorio and Sacred | St. Mary of the Lake Church |
Friedman | L'chi lach | Hebrew, English | Oratorio and Sacred | Moses Montefiore Temple | |
Gershwin | Porgy and Bess | Porgy: Bess, You Is My Woman Now | American | Opera and Musical Theater | Saint Petersburg Conservatory of Music, Union Park Concert Series |
Gershwin | Porgy and Bess | Sportin' Life: It Ain't Necessarily So | American | Opera and Musical Theater | Michigan Festival of Sacred Music, et al |
Gershwin | Song: | By Strauss | American | Recital Repertory | Saint Petersburg Conservatory of Music, et al. |
Gershwin | Songs: | Love Walked In, Love is Here to Stay | American | Recital Repertory | Saint Petersburg Conservatory of Music, et al. |
Gillingham | Lifesongs | Baritone Solos | American | Concert Repertory | Western Michigan University |
Giordani | Song: | Caro mio ben | Italian | Recital Repertory | Northeastern Illinois University |
Glinka | Song: | Do Not Tempt Me | Russian | Recital Repertory | Russian Seasons of Minnesota, Western Michigan University |
Gorney | Song: | Brother, Can You Spare a Dime | American | Recital Repertory | Saint Petersburg Conservatory of Music, et al. |
Gounod | Faust | Valentin: Avant de quitter ces lieux | French | Opera and Musical Theater | Auburn Community Orchestra |
Gounod | Song: | Ave Maria | Latin | Oratorio and Sacred | Various |
Gounod | Song: | Entreat Me Not to Leave Thee | English | Oratorio and Sacred | Moses Montefiore Temple |
Handel | Judas Maccabaeus | Arm. Arm, Ye Brave | English | Oratorio and Sacred | Michigan Festival of Sacred Music, et al |
Handel | Messiah | Bass solos | English | Oratorio and Sacred | Bach Ensemble of Naples, FL, Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo Oratorio Society |
Handel | Messiah | O Death Where is Thy Sting | English | Oratorio and Sacred | Bach Ensemble of Naples, FL |
Handel | Messiah | The Trumpet Shall Sound | English | Oratorio and Sacred | Bay View Music Festival |
Handel | Samson | How Willing My Paternal Love | English | Oratorio and Sacred | Michigan Festival of Sacred Music, et al |
Handel | Semele | Jupiter: Where E'er You Walk | English | Opera and Musical Theater | Northeastern Illinois University |
Haydn | Creation | Adam and Eve Duet | English | Oratorio and Sacred | Northwestern University, et al. |
Hernamnn | Song: | Ochi Chyornye | Russian | Recital Repertory | Russian Seasons of Minnesota |
Hogan, arr. | Song: | Ain't That Good News | American | Oratorio and Sacred | Bach Ensemble of Naples, FL European Tour |
Isaacson | Sim Shalom | Hebrew | Oratorio and Sacred | Temple Sholom of Chicago | |
Kálmán | Countess Maritza | Zsupan: Komm mit nach Varazdin | English | Opera and Musical Theater | Russian Seasons of Minnesota |
Kálmán | Die Bajadere | Radjami: Radjami's Aria | German | Opera and Musical Theater | Russian Seasons of Minnesota |
Kálmán | The Circus Princess | Mister X: Aria | German | Opera and Musical Theater | Russian Seasons of Minnesota |
Kern | Showboat | Duet: Make Believe | American | Opera and Musical Theater | Union Park Concert Series |
Kern | Showboat | Ol' Man River | American | Recital Repertory | Private Recital |
Kern | Song: | All the Things You Are | American | Recital Repertory | Saint Petersburg Conservatory of Music |
Korngold | Song: | Sonnett für Wien | German | Recital Repertory | Northwestern University |
Korngold | Tote Stadt | Frank: Pierrot's Tanzlied | German | Opera and Musical Theater | Northwestern University, Western Michigan University |
Leitch, arr. | Kol Nidrei | Hebrew | Oratorio and Sacred | Temple Am Shalom, Glencoe | |
Leoncavallo | Pagliacci | Silvio: Arias | Italian | Opera and Musical Theater | Recording |
Lopez | Avenue Q | I Wish I Could Go Back to College | American | Opera and Musical Theater | Bay View Music Festival |
Louiguy | Song: | La Vie en Rose | French | Recital Repertory | Wedding |
Lully | Amadis | Amadis: Bois épais | French | Recital Repertory | Oberlin Conservatory |
Magomaev | Song: | Blue Eternity | Russian | Recital Repertory | Russia Day Chicago |
Mahler | Song | Wer hat dies Liedlein | German | Recital Repertory | Northeastern Illinois University |
Malotte | Lord's Prayer | English | Oratorio and Sacred | Wedding | |
Massenet | Hérodiade | Hérode: Vision Fugitive | French | Opera and Musical Theater | Recording |
Massenet | Thais | Athanael: Voilà donc la terrible cité | French | Opera and Musical Theater | Northeastern Illinois University |
Medtner | Songs: | I Have Outlived My Desire, Echo | Russian | Recital Repertory | Western Michigan University |
Melton, arr. | Three Folk Songs for Baritone and Women's Chorus | American | Concert Repertory | Northeastern Illinois University | |
Mendelssohn | Elijah | Is Not His Word Like a Fire | English | Oratorio and Sacred | Michigan Festival of Sacred Music, et al |
Mendelssohn | Elijah | Lord, God of Abraham | English | Oratorio and Sacred | Michigan Festival of Sacred Music, et al |
Mendelssohn | Elijah | It is Enough | English | Oratorio and Sacred | Moses Montefiore Temple |
Menotti | Old Maid and the Thief | Bob: Bob's Aria | American | Opera and Musical Theater | Western Michigan University |
Mozart | Così fan tutte | Don Alfonso: Trio | Italian | Opera and Musical Theater | Northeastern Illinois University |
Mozart | Così fan tutte | Guglielmo: Non siate ritrosi | Italian | Opera and Musical Theater | Northeastern Illinois University |
Mozart | Così fan tutte | Guglielmo: Rivolgete a lui lo sguardo | Italian | Opera and Musical Theater | Auburn Community Orchestra |
Mozart | Don Giovanni | Giovanni: Deh, Vieni alla finestra | Italian | Opera and Musical Theater | Northwestern University, Western Michigan University |
Mozart | Nozze di Figaro | Count: Aria | Italian | Opera and Musical Theater | Northwestern University |
Mozart | Nozze di Figaro | Count: Duet w/ Susanna | Italian | Opera and Musical Theater | Northeastern Illinois University |
Mozart | Schauspieldirektor | Impresario--complete role | English | Opera and Musical Theater | Northwestern University |
Mozart | Zauberflöte | Papageno--complete role | English | Opera and Musical Theater | DuPage Opera Theatre, et al. |
Mozart | Zauberflöte | Papageno: Papageno-Papagena Duet | English | Opera and Musical Theater | Chicago Opera Theater outreach |
Nicolai | Lustige Weiber von Windsor | Ford | English | Opera and Musical Theater | DuPage Opera Theatre |
Offenbach | Orphée aux enfers | Jupiter: Fly Duet | English | Opera and Musical Theater | Bay View Music Festival |
Orff | Carmina Burana | Baritone Solos | Latin | Concert Repertory | Western Michigan University |
Patterson | American Pierrot: A Langston Hughes Songbook | American | Recital Repertory | Belvedere Chamber Music Festival (Memphis) et al. | |
Pfitzner | Der Arme Heinrich | Dietrich's Monologue | German | Opera and Musical Theater | Northwestern University |
Pfitzner | Songs | "Herbsthauch" and "Ist der Himmel…" | German | Recital Repertory | Northwestern University |
Portnoy | Meditation | Hebrew, English | Oratorio and Sacred | Temple Sholom of Chicago | |
Poulenc | Quatre Poèmes de Guillaume Apollinaire | Complete Cycle | French | Recital Repertory | Western Michigan University |
Puccini | Bohème | Alcindoro: Complete role | Italian | Opera and Musical Theater | Harbor Country Opera |
Puccini | Bohème | Benoit: Complete role | Italian | Opera and Musical Theater | Harbor Country Opera, Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra |
Puccini | Bohème | Marcello: Duet: Mimi, tu più non torni | Italian | Opera and Musical Theater | Opera Naples |
Puccini | Gianni Schicchi | Schicchi--complete role | English | Opera and Musical Theater | Northeastern Illinois University |
Puccini | Gianni Schicchi | Schicchi--complete role (cover) | English | Opera and Musical Theater | Chicago Opera Theatre |
Puccini | Madama Butterfly | Sharpless: Complete role | Italian | Opera and Musical Theater | Battle Creek Symphony Orchestra |
Puccini | Turandot | Ping: Complete role | Italian | Opera and Musical Theater | Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra |
Purcell | Duet | Sound the Trumpet | English | Recital Repertory | Western Michigan University |
Purcell | Rejoice in the Lord Always | English | Recital Repertory | Bach Ensemble of Naples, FL European Tour | |
Purcell | Song: | Hark, the Echoing Air | English | Recital Repertory | Northwestern University, Western Michigan University |
Purcell | Song: | If Music Be the Food of Love | English | Recital Repertory | Northwestern University, Western Michigan University |
Purcell | Song: | Music for a While | English | Recital Repertory | Northwestern University, Western Michigan University |
Rachmaninoff | Aleko | Aleko: Cavatina | Russian | Opera and Musical Theater | Russian Seasons of Minnesota, et al. |
Rachmaninoff | Songs: | At the Gates of the Holy Cloister | Russian | Recital Repertory | Saint Petersburg Conservatory of Music |
Rachmaninoff | Songs: | Everything Passes | Russian | Recital Repertory | Saint Petersburg Conservatory of Music |
Rachmaninoff | Songs: | I Was With Her, God Took Everything | Russian | Recital Repertory | Naples Opera Society, et al. |
Rachmaninoff | Songs: | In the Silence of the Secret Night | Russian | Recital Repertory | Saint Petersburg Conservatory of Music et al. |
Rachmaninoff | Songs: | Lovely Maiden, do not Sing | Russian | Recital Repertory | Saint Petersburg Conservatory of Music et al. |
Rachmaninoff | Songs: | Oh, no, I beg you; Spring Waters | Russian | Recital Repertory | Mostly Music of Chicago |
Rameau | Thétis | complete cantata | French | Recital Repertory | Northeastern Illinois University |
Ravel | Chants populaire | Chanson Hébraïque | Yiddish | Recital Repertory | Michigan Festival of Sacred Music, et al |
Ravel | Deux Mélodies Hebraique | Kaddish | Aramaic | Oratorio and Sacred | Michigan Festival of Sacred Music, et al |
Ravel | Deux Mélodies Hébraïque | L'enigme éternelle | Yiddish | Recital Repertory | Northwestern University |
Rodgers | Carousel | If I Loved You | American | Opera and Musical Theater | Western Michigan University, et al. |
Rodgers | Carousel | You'll Never Walk Alone | American | Opera and Musical Theater | Wedding |
Rodgers | Oklahoma | Curly: Duet: People Will Say | American | Opera and Musical Theater | Wheaton College |
Rodgers | Oklahoma | Curly: Oh What a Beautiful Morning | American | Opera and Musical Theater | London Recital |
Rodgers | Sound of Music | Edelweiss | American | Opera and Musical Theater | Saint Petersburg Conservatory of Music |
Rodgers | South Pacific | Some Enchanted Evening | American | Opera and Musical Theater | Western Michigan University, Mostly Music Chicago |
Romberg | Desert Song | One Alone, Desert Song | American | Recital Repertory | London Recital |
Rorem | King Midas | Excerpts | American | Recital Repertory | Northeastern Illinois University |
Rorem | Song: | Early in the Morning | American | Recital Repertory | London Recital, et al. |
Satie | Song: | Je te veux (male text) | French | Recital Repertory | Northeastern Illinois University |
Scarlatti, A. | Song: | Già il sole dal Gange | Italian | Recital Repertory | Northeastern Illinois University |
Scheer | Song: | American Anthem | American | Recital Repertory | Northeastern Illinois University |
Schmann | Myrthen Op. 25 | 1. Widmung | German | Recital Repertory | Northeastern Illinois University |
Schmidt | Fantastiks | Bell: Duet: Plant a Radish | American | Opera and Musical Theater | Temple Sholom of Chicago |
Schubert | Harfenspielerlieder | Complete Cycle | German | Recital Repertory | Northeastern Illinois University |
Schubert | Schöne Müllerin | 11. Mein! | German | Recital Repertory | Northeastern Illinois University |
Schubert | Schöne Müllerin | 6. Der Neugierige | German | Recital Repertory | Auburn Museum |
Schubert | Schwanengesang | 10. Fischermädchen | German | Recital Repertory | Northeastern Illinois University |
Schubert | Song: | Du bist die Ruh | German | Recital Repertory | Hollywood FL recital |
Schubert | Song: | Erlkönig | German | Recital Repertory | Never performed--never had a pianist who would play it! |
Schubert | Song: | Fischerweise | German | Recital Repertory | Hollywood FL recital |
Schubert | Song: | Ganymed | German | Recital Repertory | Auburn Museum |
Schubert | Songs: | An die Musik, An Silvia | German | Recital Repertory | Auburn Museum |
Schubert | Songs: | Heidenröslein | German | Recital Repertory | Northeastern Illinois University |
Schubert | Winterreise | Excerpts | German | Recital Repertory | Various |
Schumann | Dichterliebe | Songs 1-7 | German | Recital Repertory | Northeastern Illinois University |
Schumann | Liederkreis, Op. 39 | Complete Cycle | German | Recital Repertory | Mostly Music of Chicago |
Schütz | Duet | German | Oratorio and Sacred | Roosevelt University Ganz Hall | |
Sheremetev | Song: | Ya Vas Lyubil | Russian | Recital Repertory | Russian Seasons of Minnesota |
Shostakovich | Moskva, Cheryomushki | Boris: Introductory Song | Russian | Opera and Musical Theater | Chicago Cultural Center |
Shostakovich | Pushkin Songs, Op. 46 | Complete Cycle | Russian | Recital Repertory | Russian Cultural Center, Washington DC |
Stanford | Songs of the Fleet | 1. Sailing at Dawn | English | Concert Repertory | Western Michigan University |
Steinberg | Adon Olam | Hebrew | Oratorio and Sacred | Temple Sholom of Chicago | |
Steinberg | Duet | Eilu D'varim | Hebrew | Oratorio and Sacred | Temple Am Shalom, Glencoe |
Steinberg | R'tzei vimnuchateinu | Hebrew | Oratorio and Sacred | Temple Kol Shalom, Chicago | |
Strauss, J. | Fledermaus | Orlovsky: Act II | English | Opera and Musical Theater | Opera Naples |
Strauss, J. | Fledermaus | Orlovsky: Alternate Aria | Russian | Opera and Musical Theater | Russian Seasons of Minnesota |
Strauss, J. | Fledermaus | Frank: Act II | English | Opera and Musical Theater | Opera Naples |
Strauss, R. | Arabella | Mandryka: Act II Duet | German | Opera and Musical Theater | Western Michigan University |
Strauss, R. | Ariadne auf Naxos | Harlequin | German | Opera and Musical Theater | Northwestern University, Western Michigan University |
Strauss, R. | Frau ohne Schatten | Barak: Act III Duet | German | Opera and Musical Theater | Western Michigan University |
Strauss, R. | Songs: | Morgen | German | Recital Repertory | Northeastern Illinois University |
Strauss, R. | Songs: | Allerseelen | German | Recital Repertory | Northwestern University |
Strauss, R. | Songs: | Befreit, Zueignung | German | Recital Repertory | Northwestern University, Western Michigan University |
Stravinsky | Song: | Summer Moon | American | Recital Repertory | Saint Petersburg Conservatory of Music, et al. |
Sullivan | Gondoliers | Gondolieri | English | Opera and Musical Theater | Bay View Music Festival |
Sullivan | Song: | The Lost Chord | English | Oratorio and Sacred | St. Mary of the Lake Church |
Tchaikovsky | Duet | Evening | Russian | Recital Repertory | Saint Petersburg Conservatory of Music, Western Michigan University |
Tchaikovsky | Eugene Onegin | Captain: Complete role | Russian | Opera and Musical Theater | Opera Naples |
Tchaikovsky | Eugene Onegin | Onegin: Arias Act I and III | Russian | Russian Seasons of Minnesota | Russian Seasons of Minnesota |
Tchaikovsky | Songs | No Answer Now | English | Recital Repertory | Northeastern Illinois University |
Tchaikovsky | Songs, Op. 38: | 1. Don Juan Serenade | Russian | Recital Repertory | Saint Petersburg Conservatory of Music, et al. |
Tchaikovsky | Songs, Op. 38: | 2. It Happened in Early Spring | Russian | Recital Repertory | Saint Petersburg Conservatory of Music, et al. |
Tchaikovsky | Songs, Op. 38: | 3. At a Ball | Russian | Recital Repertory | Saint Petersburg Conservatory of Music, et al. |
Tchaikovsky | Songs, Op. 38: | 4. O If Only You Could | Russian | Recital Repertory | Saint Petersburg Conservatory of Music, et al. |
Tchaikovsky | Songs, Op. 38: | 6. Pimpinella | Italian | Recital Repertory | Northwestern University, Western Michigan University |
Tchaikovsky | Songs, Op. 6 | 6. Only the Lonely Heart | Russian | Recital Repertory | Saint Petersburg Conservatory of Music, et al. |
Trad | Song: | Danny Boy | English | Recital Repertory | Funeral |
Unknown | Duet | Nim-E O Si nun-ga | Korean | Recital Repertory | Northeastern Illinois University |
Vaughan Williams | Dona nobis pacem | Baritone Solos | English | Oratorio and Sacred | Cedar Rapids Concert Choir |
Vaughan Williams | Five Mystical Songs | 5. Antiphon | English | Oratorio and Sacred | St. Mary of the Lake Church |
Vaughan Williams | House of Life | Silent Noon | English | Recital Repertory | Oberlin Conservatory |
Vaughan Williams | Songs of Travel | Complete Cycle | English | Recital Repertory | Northeastern Illinois University |
Velasquez | Song: | Besame Mucho | Spanish | Recital Repertory | Bay View Music Festival |
Verdi | Ballo in Maschera | Renato: Eri tu | Italian | Opera and Musical Theater | Northwestern University, Western Michigan University |
Verdi | Don Carlos | Philip: Ella giammai m'amo | Italian | Opera and Musical Theater | Auburn Community Orchestra, Mostly Music Chicago |
Verdi | Falstaff | Falstaff: Complete Role | English | Opera and Musical Theater | Western Michigan University |
Verdi | Nabucco | Dio di Giuda | Italian | Opera and Musical Theater | Michigan Festival of Sacred Music, et al |
Verdi | Rigoletto | Marullo--Abridged Role | Italian | Opera and Musical Theater | Opera at the Acorn |
Verdi | Rigoletto | Rigoletto--Act I Duet | Italian | Opera and Musical Theater | Northeastern Illinois University |
Verdi | Rigoletto | Rigoletto: Quartet | Italian | Opera and Musical Theater | Western Michigan University |
Verdi | Traviata | Germont: Di Provenza | Italian | Opera and Musical Theater | Grand Rapids Vocal Music Workshop, et al. |
Verdi | Traviata | Germont: Duet | Italian | Opera and Musical Theater | Northwestern University |
Verdi | Traviata | Marquis--complete role | Italian | Opera and Musical Theater | Opera Piccola, Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra |
Wagner | Tannhäuser | Wolfram: O du mein holder Abendstern | German | Opera and Musical Theater | Auburn Community Orchestra |
Walton | Belshazzar's Feast | Baritone Solos | English | Oratorio and Sacred | Northwestern University |
Ward | Crucible | John Proctor--complete role | American | Opera and Musical Theater | Northwestern University, Chamber Opera Chicago |
Ward | Crucible | John Proctor--excerpts | American | Opera and Musical Theater | Wheaton College |
Weill | Dreigroschenoper | Macheath: Highlights | German | Opera and Musical Theater | Northwestern University |
Weill | Lady in the Dark | Tschaikowsky and Other Russians | American | Recital Repertory | Naples Opera Society |
Weill | Song: | Berlin im Licht | German | Recital Repertory | Northwestern University, Western Michigan University |
Willson | Music Man | Seventy-Six Trombones | American | Recital Repertory | London Recital, et al. |
Wolf | Songs: | Verborgenheit, Auf einer Wandrung | German | Recital Repertory | Northeastern illinois University |
Yon | Jesu Bambino | English | Oratorio and Sacred | St. Mary of the Lake Church | |
Zehavi | Eli, Eli | Hebrew | Oratorio and Sacred | Funeral |
Stage Director
Composer | Opera | Company | Date | Conductor | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Bartók | Bluebeard's Castle | Chamber Opera Chicago | 1993 | Rapchak, Lawrence | |
Bartók | Bluebeard's Castle | Chamber Opera Chicago | 1986 | Rapchak, Lawrence | |
Berg | Wozzeck | Metropolitan Opera | 1990 | Levine, James | Assistant Director to David Alden |
Bizet | Dr. Miracle | Western Michigan University | 2004 | Little, David | |
Bizet | Dr. Miracle | Northwestern University | 1999 | Ockwell, Frederick | |
Ching | Buoso's Ghost | Chicago Opera Theater | 2000 | Rapchak, Lawrence | |
Copland | Tender Land | Chicago Opera Theater | 1995 | Rapchak, Lawrence | |
Debussy | Enfant Prodigue | Opera Naples | 2006 | Noll, William | |
Delibes | Lakmé | Lyric Opera of Chicago | 1983 | Plasson, Michel | Assistant to Umberto Fassini |
Floyd | Susannah | DuPage Opera Theatre | 2002 | Bauer, Harold | |
Floyd | Susannah | Western Michigan University | 2002 | Park, Chung | |
Gluck | Alceste | Royal Opera, Covent Garden | 1981 | Mackerras, Charles | Assistant to Director John Copley, Janet Baker's Farewell |
Haydn | Mondo della luna | Chamber Opera Chicago | 1989 | Rapchak, Lawrence | |
Hoiby | Bon Appetit | Chicago Opera Theater | 1998 | Shaindlin, Timothy | |
Holst | Savitri | Oberlin College Opera Workshop | 1979 | Ratner, Carl | |
Leoncavallo | Pagliacci | Opera at the Acorn (Three Oaks, MI) | 2012 | Bauman, Philip | |
Leoncavallo | Pagliacci | Lyric Opera of Chicago | 1982 | Molinari-Pradelli, Francesco | Assistant Director to Fabrizio Melano, Zeffirelli production |
Massenet | Werther | Chamber Opera Chicago | 1991 | Rapchak, Lawrence | |
Menotti | Amahl and the Night Visitors | Opera Naples | 2006 | Noll, William | |
Menotti | Help! Help! The Globolinks! | University of Michigan | 1980 | Meier, Gustav | Assistant to Director Gian Carlo Menotti |
Menotti | Hero | Chamber Opera Chicago | 1989 | Rapchak, Lawrence | |
Menotti | Old Maid and the Thief | Saint Petersburg Conservatory | 2010 | Maminova, Daria | |
Menotti | Old Maid and the Thief | Western Michigan University | 2004 | Little, David | |
Menotti | Old Maid and the Thief | Northwestern University | 1999 | Ockwell, Frederick | |
Monteverdi | Orfeo | Western Michigan University | 2007 | Steel, Matthew | |
Moore | Ballad of Baby Doe | Chicago Opera Theater | 1994 | Taylor, Ted | |
Mozart | Così fan tutte | Western Michigan University | 2007 | Little, David | |
Mozart | Così fan tutte | Chamber Opera Chicago | 1991 | Rapchak, Lawrence | |
Mozart | Così fan tutte | Berkeley Opera | 1990 | Khuner, Jonathan | |
Mozart | Così fan tutte | Metropolitan Opera | 1989 | Levine, James | Assistant Director to Pamela McRae |
Mozart | Così fan tutte | Chamber Opera Chicago | 1985 | Leitch, Stuart | |
Mozart | Così fan tutte | Munich Opera | 1978 | Sawallisch, Wolfgang | Assistant to Director Gian Carlo Menotti |
Mozart | Don Giovanni | Chamber Opera Chicago | 1987 | Rapchak, Lawrence | |
Mozart | Nozze di Figaro | Bay View Music Festival | 2009 | Cheek, Timothy | |
Mozart | Nozze di Figaro | Cedar Rapids Opera Theatre | 2004 | Kleinknecht, Daniel | |
Mozart | Nozze di Figaro | Western Michigan University | 2003 | Miller, Joe | |
Mozart | Nozze di Figaro | Chamber Opera Chicago | 1990 | Rapchak, Lawrence | |
Mozart | Nozze di Figaro | Berkeley Opera | 1988 | Khuner, Jonathan | |
Mozart | Nozze di Figaro | Chamber Opera Chicago | 1984 | Rapchak, Lawrence | |
Mozart | Nozze di Figaro | New York City Opera | 1981 | Pallo, Imre | Assistant to Director John Copley |
Mozart | Zauberflöte | Opera Naples | 2010 | Arner, Lucy | |
Mozart | Zauberflöte | Western Michigan University | 2009 | Little, David | |
Mozart | Zauberflöte | Chamber Opera Chicago | 1993 | Rapchak, Lawrence | |
Offenbach | Contes d'Hoffmann | Chicago Opera Theater | 1999 | Rapchak, Lawrence | |
Offenbach | Grande Duchesse de Gérolstein | Chicago Opera Theater | 1997 | Vieth, Bradley | |
Offenbach | Grande Duchesse de Gérolstein | New York City Opera | 1981 | Almeida, Antonio | Assistant to Director Jack Hofsiss |
Poulenc | Mamelles de Térésias | English National Opera | 1981 | Unknown | Assistant to Director John Copley |
Puccini | Bohème | Harbor Country Opera (New Buffalo, MI) | 2013 | Bauman, Philip | also sang Benoit, Alcindoro |
Puccini | Bohème | Cedar Rapids Opera Theatre | 2002 | Kleinknecht, Daniel | |
Puccini | Bohème | Chamber Opera Chicago | 1992 | Rapchak, Lawrence | |
Puccini | Bohème | Jacksonville Lyric Theatre | 1988 | Nice, Carter | |
Puccini | Bohème | Chamber Opera Chicago | 1983 | Leitch, Stuart | |
Puccini | Gianni Schicchi | Western Michigan University | 2003 | Little, David | |
Puccini | Gianni Schicchi | Northwestern University | 2000 | Ockwell, Frederick | |
Puccini | Gianni Schicchi | Chicago Opera Theater | 2000 | Rapchak, Lawrence | |
Puccini | Gianni Schicchi | Chamber Opera Chicago | 1990 | Rapchak, Lawrence | |
Puccini | Gianni Schicchi | Chamber Opera Chicago | 1985 | Rapchak, Lawrence | |
Puccini | Madama Butterfly | Opera at the Acorn | 2009 | Torchinskiy, Anatoliy | |
Puccini | Madama Butterfly | Battle Creek Symphony Orch | 2008 | Harrigan, Anne | also sang Sharpless |
Puccini | Madama Butterfly | Village Players Theatre | 2007 | Torchinskiy, Anatoliy | |
Puccini | Madama Butterfly | Cedar Rapids Opera Theatre | 2000 | Kleinknecht, Daniel | |
Puccini | Madama Butterfly | Chamber Opera Chicago | 1989 | Rapchak, Lawrence | |
Puccini | Suor Angelica | Northwestern University | 2000 | Ockwell, Frederick | |
Puccini | Suor Angelica | Chamber Opera Chicago | 1985 | Rapchak, Lawrence | |
Puccini | Tabarro | Chamber Opera Chicago | 1993 | Rapchak, Lawrence | |
Puccini | Tabarro | Chamber Opera Chicago | 1985 | Rapchak, Lawrence | |
Puccini | Tosca | Chamber Opera Chicago | 1991 | Rapchak, Lawrence | |
Puccini | Trittico | Chamber Opera Chicago | 1985 | Rapchak, Lawrence | |
Purcell | Dido and Aeneas | Western Michigan University | 2010 | Bass, James | |
Rapchak | Lifework of Juan Diaz | Chamber Opera Chicago | 1990 | Rapchak, Lawrence | |
Ravel | Enfant et les Sortilèges | Northwestern University | 2001 | Brown, Dana | |
Rossini | Barbiere di Siviglia | Chamber Opera Chicago | 1988 | Rapchak, Lawrence | |
Rossini | Italiana in Algeri | Chicago Opera Theater | 1996 | Rapchak, Lawrence | |
Rybeck | Oval Portrait | Oberlin College Opera Workshop | 1980 | Rybeck, Alex | |
Schoenberg | Jakobsleiter | Santa Fe Opera | 1980 | Baustian, Robert | Assistant Director to Bodo Igesz |
Strauss, J | Fledermaus, Act II gala | Opera Naples | 2009 | Arner, Lucy | also sang Frank |
Strauss, R. | Ariadne auf Naxos | Chicago Opera Theater | 1996 | Hangen, Bruce | |
Strauss, R. | Rosenkavalier | English National Opera | 1981 | Mackerras, Charles | Assistant to Director John Copley |
Verdi | Ernani | Lyric Opera of Chicago | 1984 | Renzetti, Donato | Assistant Director to Fabrizio Melano |
Verdi | Falstaff | Western Michigan University | 2006 | Little, David | also sang Falstaff |
Verdi | Falstaff | Chamber Opera Chicago | 1992 | Rapchak, Lawrence | |
Verdi | Falstaff | Chamber Opera Chicago | 1987 | Rapchak, Lawrence | |
Verdi | Falstaff | Chamber Opera Chicago | 1986 | Rapchak, Lawrence | |
Verdi | Rigoletto | Opera Naples | 2009 | Noll, William | |
Verdi | Rigoletto | Metropolitan Opera | 1989 | Panni, Marcello | Assistant Director to Otto Schenk |
Verdi | Rigoletto | Chamber Opera Chicago | 1987 | Rapchak, Lawrence | |
Verdi | Traviata | Chamber Opera Chicago | 1988 | Rapchak, Lawrence | |
Verdi | Traviata | Chamber Opera Chicago | 1984 | Leitch, Stuart | |
Verdi | Traviata | English National Opera | 1981 | Mackerras, Charles | Assistant to Director John Copley |
Verdi | Trovatore | Metropolitan Opera | 1989 | Levine, James | Assistant Director to Fabrizio Melano |
Weber | Freischütz | New York City Opera | 1981 | Keene, Christopher | Assistant to Director John Copley |
Wolf-Ferrari | Segreto di Susanna | Chamber Opera Chicago | 1993 | Rapchak, Lawrence |
For a COMPLETE listing of: Repertoire|Resume|Reviews
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Video
Those Were the Days My Friends
Performance by Carl Ratner
Listen to Russian language expert linguist Carl Ratner discuss Russian Palatalized soft Consonants for American Singers.
Listen to Russian language expert linguist Carl Ratner discuss Russian Vowels for American Singers.
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