After almost 20 years of singing opera professionally, an opportunity arose rather suddenly in West Texas which would allow me to be home, providing for my family not only financially, but also as the father and husband I felt I was not able to be on the road.  I feel blessed and thank God to have had a career beyond anything I could have imagined, and I am thankful to all of you who helped make that possible.   I am especially grateful to those who allowed me to withdraw from obligations that otherwise would not have made this business opportunity a reality, especially the Semperoper Dresden and Theater an der Wien, and for John Miller's generous work.  While I will miss singing, I have no doubt that this is the correct decision.  Opera and the arts are dear to me, and I have enjoyed sharing a humble gift which God has given me, but I now have a higher calling to which I hope to attain.

Mel Ulrich