Date sent: Mon, 24 Jan 2000 11:50:50 EST
Subject: Pre-performance abstinence
To: vocalist
Send reply to: VOCALIST <vocalist>

Hello, List!

I finally got around to reading DiStefano's entertaining interview in last
month's Opera News, and was intrigued by his anecdote of abstaining from sex
before his Duke performances, the effect of which caused him to experience
pain with his highnotes until he put a bag of ice in his tights (to which his
management decided the best solution was to ban his girlfriend form the
hotel.)
My question is this: What do any of you know of that old adage of abstinence
before performances? Is it the effect the same for men as for women? Is
there any medical evidence supporting the benefits or liabilities regarding
this?
Thanks so much! TinaO