Ellen Faull
Because of the
profound impact that Ellen had on my life, as a singer, as a teacher and
personally, it is necessary and fitting to honor her, here.
The purpose of this webpage is to help my
singers have a greater understanding and appreciation of their
"Vocal Grandmother," Ellen Faull. Every week, for
fourteen years, pretty much the first thing she would ask was, "how
are the grandkids?" As I look back, what an amazing thing it
was to have been able to discuss with her the "issues/problems" my
singers were having... and to glean from her great wealth of wisdom.
She also took great pride in their success, too... just as any
grandmother would.
As you read through this page's material, you will begin to
gain an understanding as to what an incredible person she was and how
lucky we have been to have had Ellen with us. The day that she
decided to move from New York City, to the Portland area, (Camas,
WA), was the day that
the NW singing culture was never going to be the same. Since
1990, Ellen Faull's impact on singing in the Northwest has been
profound and immeasurable. Had she not moved here, but to,
say, St. Louis or Phoenix, they would have been the lucky ones and
many of us, here, would still be messed up! I know that my life, both
as a singer, teacher and person, would not be anything like it is
today had she relocated somewhere else. This would have been the
case for countless other singers/teachers in the Northwest, as well.
A few years ago, following one of my lessons with Ellen, I had the
great fortune to take soprano
Hei-Kyung Hong,
(one of Ellen's stars at the Metropolitan Opera), to the airport,
(she was flying back to New York). On the way to PDX, Hei-Kung
told me, over and over and OVER, how we, "out here," have no idea
how lucky we are to have Ellen... and how much she is missed in New
York. With her passing, five years ago, we, too, are beginning
to learn just how lucky we truly have been.
Gallery
VAI CD Introduction of Ellen Faull (Best "in-depth" background)
Opera News article on Ellen Faull (excerpt)