What The FACH?! Second Edition: The Definitive Guide for Opera Professionals Auditioning and Working in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland

If you are looking to expand your opera career to Germany, Austria, and Switzerland... If you want to work as a full-time singer (Fest) in one or more opera houses... If you are curious about what life is like as a singer in a German-speaking Fest ensemble... If you want to become fluent in German... What The FACH?! (http://www.what-the-fach.com) gives you a detailed, first-hand look into life as an English-speaking opera singer in the German theater system. Written by a full-time opera singer working in Europe, this invaluable resource is a 'must have' for every singer wanting to break into the German-speaking opera world. The bestselling guide is back for its Second Edition with detailed information covering virtually everything you can think of, including everything you never thought to think of but still need to know! There are countless English-speaking singers already working in the German-speaking world, and with What The FACH?!, you can have the knowledge they already possess in hand. READ WHAT OPERA PROFESSIONALS ARE SAYING... "...a comprehensive resource for decoding the mysteries of professional singing in Europe..."-- HUGH RUSSELL, Canadian baritone "...without a doubt the best reference of its kind. ...What the FACH?! answers the obvious and not-so obvious questions - in a concise and very funny way - that one comes across while working in Central Europe's 'Fest' opera system..."-- KATE ALDRICH, American mezzo-soprano "Any singer planning an audition trip to Germany should READ THIS BOOK FIRST! It will answer multiple questions, help in travel planning, seve them money AND prevent many headaches!"-- KIRSTEN GUNLOGSON, American mezzo-soprano "Not only is this book a MUST HAVE for any singer who has considered going to Europe, it is also a wildly entertaining read!"-- COREY MCKERN, American baritone "What the FACH?! is a witty, common sense approach to one of the most challenging endeavors for a developing artist in today's operatic world. A nearly encyclopedic amount of information presented in a format that will keep you informed, inquisitive and amused."-- PATRICK CARFIZZI, American bass-baritone "What a valuable service for novice and well-traveled artists alike!"-- GARNETT BRUCE, American stage director What you get with What the FACH?! SECOND EDITION: A 252 page survival guide detailing the most specific information to date for opera singers, conductors, stage directors, and pianists/accompanists, wanting to tour the German-speaking world. An 18-page German/English Phrasebook and Dictionary specifically designed for opera singers, coaches, conductors, and stage directors. In-depth interviews with working professionals. These interviews include singers, conductors, pianists, directors, opera administration, and a lengthy discussion with NYIOP Founder and CEO David Blackburn. A 7-page comprehensive glossary - prepared by a medical doctor - of any and all prescription and non-prescription medications that you might need. Generic names and specific brand names for individual countries are all included. Personal, first-hand accounts and experiences to help you prepare for, and understand, what you will encounter.

Philip Shepard (his pen name) is an American opera singer who has been living and working in German-speaking Europe for the past number of years. He has performed with numerous opera companies throughout North America and Europe, and has performed as a Fest member of opera companies in Germany and Austria, as well as a guest with numerous theaters and orchestras.