Opera Auditions: Preparation and Techniques 

Founding Artistic Director and Conductor of the critically acclaimed Gotham Chamber Opera in New York City, Neal Goren is a frequent guest conductor throughout North American and Europe.  As a recital accompanist, he has collaborated with many of opera’s leading singers, including Leontyne Price, Kathleen Battle, Harolyn Blackwell, Haken Hagegard and Thomas Hampson.

A member of Westminster Choir College’s voice faculty, Susan Shiplett Ashbaker is an independent artistic advisor/consultant, an opera/vocal coach and a National Council auditions judge.  Her experience on both sides of the opera industry gives her a rare and comprehensive approach to the key elements of career advancement for singers as well as a unique vantage point in the administration of opera companies, arts organizations and institutions of higher learning.