In 2007 I had the privilege of taking part in Marilyn Horne’s The Song Continues. I attended a masterclass where she coached Jamie Barton on Gustav Mahler’s Urlicht. Ms. Barton’s performance was, of course, unforgettable. Anyone in the room who hadn’t previously heard her voice (myself included) knew she was destined for a greatness. More vividly than the singing, I remember Ms. Horne’s charge : “When you sing these words you have got to believe them…or act like you do.” She then shared how this music brought her comfort when her brother died. She would put this on with headphones and pace around the room.

      That moment brought so many discoveries for me: the symphony, the singer, Ms. Horne’s relationship to the piece and her charge to all those who perform it after her.