Episode 95: Ira Siff

Ira Siff is a native New Yorker, who grew up on the standing room line of the old Metropolitan Opera, worshiping the famous singers of the 60s.  A graduate of the Cooper Union, with a degree in Fine Arts, Ira studied voice, and made his debut as a tenor in 1970. For the next decade, he performed roles in opera, operetta and musicals in New York, at The New York Shakespeare Festival, Circle in the Square, Playwrights Horizons, and other venues. Turning to cabaret, Ira created an act using vocal parody of opera, jazz, and other styles of music, gaining critical acclaim, and a loyal following.  He has also given master classes in bel canto and verismo for the Metropolitan Opera Guild since 2008, and has presented sold-out lectures for the Met Guild  on a variety of opera topics.  Since 2007 he has served as commentator on the Met's Saturday afternoon radio broadcasts.