On Saskia and Singing

I'm sneaking in a little update on Saskia, who does not wish to be the subject of my blog posts.

We dropped her off yesterday at her summer opera program at the Walnut Hill School for the Arts.

Such a coup she got in. Such a chance (I hope it is not the last such chance we are able to wrangle her) for intensive study of her art, surrounded by kids who get her, who share her passion.

Such a beautiful place that school is.

Such a beautiful country she will visit as part of this program. (Italy, Readers, Italy!!)

Such a voice. I am waiting for the day she feels less burdened by praise, less like someone undeserving of her gift. Less embarrassed by our utter joy in her.

I am waiting until she allows me to post a video (or audio recording) of her performing. I hope that day comes soon, because I can't stand the wait. I know it is TOTALLY NOT COOL to brag about your kids, but man, I just want the world to hear her.

Fifteen-and-a-half years old, and this summer she is singing Fiordiligi in Mozart's Cosi Fan Tutte. (A scene, not the whole shebang, but wow.)

This is the duet, "Prendero quel brunettino," that she'll sing with another girl as part of her scene:

 

(NOT Saskia, just in case you were wondering.)

 

So that's my Saskia post. Stay tuned, because I'm hoping after these three weeks she will allow me to show her off a little more.