You are not seeing double, the New York District and Eastern Region are one and the same. We are the same dedicated and enthusiastic group of volunteers and the singers who participate in the Eastern Region
Eastern Region Finals at Merkin Hall, December 13th
JAMES MCCRACKEN (tenor) and SANDRA WARFIELD (mezzo-soprano) were that great rarity in the world of opera - two international stars acclaimed for their vocal, dramatic and artistic prowess, happily married (to each other) for thirty-four years, singing lead roles in the world’s greatest opera capitals (New York, London, Vienna, Berlin, Zurich, Venice, Buenos Aires, San Francisco, Barcelona), deeply committed to singing together whenever they could, and fierce champions of each other’s talent. Among Jim’s most famous roles were Otello, Calàf, Manrico, Radamès, Canio, Don José, Samson, and Florestan. Sandra’s signature roles included Carmen, Amneris, Dalila, Azucena, Octavian, Santuzza, and Prince Orlofsky. While Jim primarily played heroic figures, Sandra, as a mezzo, split her time equally between temptresses, hideous crones, or men. If she wasn’t cast as Jim’s lover, she was likely to play his mother.
Opening nights, thunderous applause, floral tributes, award-winning recordings, singing for Presidents and Heads of State, collaborating with the most famous conductors and artists in the world-- these were the trappings of success. But their journey to stardom was far from quick, straightforward, or easy.
