Meryl Streep was downright hilarious in Florence Foster Jenkins as a 1940s New York City socialite with bigger than life dreams of becoming a distinguished opera singer.
Based on a true story, what was the most pleasing voice to Foster (Streep) was unbeknownst to her, considered the ‘worst’ opera voice in the world. With her ear and reputation dutifully protected by her husband St. Clair Bayfield (played by Hugh Grant), Foster felt herself befitted for the grandeur of the prestigious Carnegie Hall; a length at which she found was something worth dying for.
A talented pianist from in her youth, she discovered her passion for performing at the age of 7; but after losing the use of her hands, a seemingly unaware Foster began singing a tune of her own beat.
Renowned vocal instructor and professor of music, Arthur Levy talked about working with Ms. Streep, who already had a great singing voice, in preparation for her role as the amateur soprano Florence Foster Jenkins. “Working with Meryl was kind of road-mapped,” Levy described.
In honor of the movies release on DVD and Blu Ray, Levy hosted a Music Salon at Feinstein’s/54 Below, also known as Broadways Supper Club, where invited press had a one-on-one vocal coaching experience with Mr. Levy himself.
A member of the National Association of Teachers of Singing, Levy is a vocal consultant and master class teacher at the Glimmerglass Opera and the Roundabout Theatre.
Having coached dignitaries from the stages of theatre to Hollywood such as Oliver Platt, Lauren Graham, Lea Michelle (of Glee), MET tenor Yonghoon Lee and more; if Levy can be deemed an expert on good singing, he most certainly can take on the challenge of training someone on how to do it horrifically.
Released in DVD/Blu Ray format on December 13th, Florence Foster Jenkins, a sweet holiday stocking stuffer as well.
