parterre box

151 comments

• Don Anon says:

  Sarah Coburn is covering Dessay in Sonnambula so she will probably be around.

  I saw her sing Carmina Burana with the New Jersey Symphony. She can hit all the notes but tried to “act” it and just came across as fake and calculating. I know many colleagues who would not be upset if they never had to work with her again.

  on January 28, 2009 at 11:32 PM
• deviafan says:

  I am seeing Eglise Gutierrez thrown around a lot as a possible replacement in Lucia. For some reason I am still on the fence with her. I have seen her (right after seeing S. Coburn in Lucia) and it was a mixed bag. Where I was totally impressed with Coburn and her voice, I was less impressed with Gutierrez. This is only going off one live performance, so I could be way off base, but the overall impression was less so with Gutierrez. For sure, Eglise has a good voice, and is a vivid artist, but the top seemed thin (and yes, I have seen the video of her Sonnambula with the really nice high F) but in Cincinnati the top notes did not ring out. I think she has a lot of work to do before she will be ready to sing in the larger houses. If she took on Lucia at the Met, it could go either way. My guess is not as spectacular as people would hope.

  on January 28, 2009 at 11:39 PM
• Cassandra says:

  Since you are all pressing me on this stupid Sarah Coburn issue, I will say this. I find the voice to be thoroughly run of the mill, and frankly, so do many others in the business which is why she sings in minor regional houses and covers at the Met.

  She’s a minor league actress, and on top of that a massively open homophobe.

  I find her father’s and her politics repulsive and disgraceful.

  Sour grapes? Bitch, please. I wouldn’t waste my time on even thinking about Coburn, much less writing about her if I didn’t have to read these absurd hyperbolic defenses of her “work.”

  on January 29, 2009 at 2:30 AM
• Graciella Scusi says:

  But Cassy, dear, you didn’t answer my question… couldn’t you post some excerpts of your singing? I would seriously like to hear them, and I bet I’m not the only one; my guess is that you are really very good.

  on January 29, 2009 at 2:57 AM
• Cocky Kurwenal says:

  Mrmyster, #105 directly addresses Kashania’s question, hence it concerns Cura.

  on January 29, 2009 at 4:26 AM
• Cocky Kurwenal says:

  I’ve given this Coburn woman a listen, and she strikes me as rather in the Dessay mould only with a better fundamental technique and a less distinctive timbre. Rather shallow artistry – I get the impression it is all about showing herself off to her best advantage, with serving the composer being a secondary concern at best. And the voice and technique, whilst good, are nothing compared to June Anderson in her prime. This is all based on several YouTube clips mind you, perhaps live I would change my mind. But I certainly wouldn’t seek out an opportunity to see and hear her live. The lady La Cieca posted a clip of strikes me as far more interesting.

  on January 29, 2009 at 4:47 AM
• armerjacquino says:

  Not casting someone for being homophobic would be the first step down a very very dangerous road indeed. Run of the mill voice, minor league actor- fine, don’t cast her. But however personally repellent I might find right wing politics I’d never use them as a reason not to employ someone.

  on January 29, 2009 at 7:19 AM
• Buster says:

  Thanks 103! – last time I heard Pamela Coburn and was deeply impressed was in 1997: Four Last Songs. I always wondered what happened to her afterwards.

  on January 29, 2009 at 7:34 AM
• Feldmarschallin says:

  Pamela Coburn was an ensemble member at the Bayerische Staatsoper in the 80′s. She has to be more than 50. I was never impressed with her and found the timbre ordinary. She would sing many of the Price roles without the vocal glamour of Price. If Popp, Varady or Price were not available then you would end up with her in many of their roles.

  on January 29, 2009 at 8:20 AM
• deviafan says:

  Cassandra (133) I do not know Sarah Coburn, and would have no idea if she is a homophobe or not? While that would really put me off to the singer, I still have to say that I enjoy the singing. Not all artists are “good” people. I am sure we don’t have to go down the list to acknowlege the history of great singers being bad people. That said, I really doubt this information is true. Knowing the tenor that she sang with in the Cincinnati (openly gay) he never mentioned anything at all about Sarah.

  on January 29, 2009 at 9:29 AM