We’ve had a bit of drama over the past few days. Trevor Haumschilt, the baritone in the cast, had been belting out his songs like a champ, seemingly tireless day after day. He’s a very tall guy, with a football player’s build, and he looks indestructible. Imagine my shock when he wrote yesterday morning to say that he was abruptly suffering from sharp pain in his throat, and that he’d gone to the ENT. Happily, the doctor reassured him that there was nothing serious amiss—no hint of damage—but that he’d have to be very careful in the next few days if he was to have even a chance of singing the concert on Thursday. He’s been on complete vocal rest for two days now, and he won’t really open his mouth to sing until Thursday. Today he whispered that he was feeling a little better. I smiled and said, “Good. Now shut up.”

I’m not the only pianist in the show: Francesco Barfoed is partnering me. He is a beautiful player, flexible, consistent, and a technical whiz. He took on the gnarliest songs and nails them every time—a colleague sent from heaven.  

PICTURED: the artist (Trevor Haumschilt) and his understudy (Andrew Garland)

Ned at 100: A Rorem Celebration will be performed at The Peter Jay Sharp Theater at The Juilliard School on Thursday, January 18, 7:30PM. Tickets and livestream available here.