On December 9, CFUV 101.9 FM played four selections from the "In Praise of Christmas" CD which my sister and I recorded in 2005. They chose "The Boar's Head Carol", "the Birds", "Let us the Infant Greet" and "Lo, How a Rose E're Blooming". Our "In Praise of Christmas" CD features traditional British carols, sung in harmony with harp (me) and guitar (Liz) accompaniment, as well as a few lesser-known Christmas art songs: "The Birds" by Benjamin Britten, "Maria Wiegenlied" by Max Reger, and "Along the Little Road to Bethlehem" by Michael Head.
"In Praise of Christmas" gets air-time CFUV 101.9 FM
On December 9, CFUV 101.9 FM played four selections from the "In Praise of Christmas" CD which my sister and I recorded in 2005. They chose "The Boar's Head Carol", "the Birds", "Let us the Infant Greet" and "Lo, How a Rose E're Blooming". Our "In Praise of Christmas" CD features traditional British carols, sung in harmony with harp (me) and guitar (Liz) accompaniment, as well as a few lesser-known Christmas art songs: "The Birds" by Benjamin Britten, "Maria Wiegenlied" by Max Reger, and "Along the Little Road to Bethlehem" by Michael Head.
Opera Idol - video footage
"Que fais-tu, blanche tourterelle" from Romeo et Juliette by Gounod. This performance won the People's Choice award and a spot in the "Top 3".
"Aria Ioanna" from Orleanskaya Deva by Tchaikovsky. This performance was part of the "Top 3".
Opera Idol - The results....
the Top 7
Well, Opera Idol was a success! There was a great turnout and lots of positive feedback. Not to mention that I had a blast with my singer friends.
I didn't come away empty-handed, either. I got the "People's Choice" award, voted by the audience - THANK YOU! - and a place in the "Top 3"!
It was a fantastic evening with lots of great singing. I feel very fortunate to have been awarded "People's Choice" and a place in the Top 3, to have had the chance to sing in front of our distinguished panel of judges and also to have been given the publicity in the Times Colonist and the 'A' Channel TV spot.
What a wonderful experience!
Coming soon....lots of harping gigs at Christmas parties and church services, followed by POV's production of Handel's Semele in the New Year for which I will be in the chorus. I'll keep you posted!
Opera Idol TV Spot!
The preliminary round for Opera Idol went extremely well last night - we find out tonight at the start of the show who the final top 7 are. In the meantime, there's a TV spot airing today on which clips of my performance and an interview may be showed:
The spot for The Daily is now playing on Shaw (channel 11). The video clip is now available to watch on Monday Magazine's website (www.mondaymag.com) and is very good. The A Channel piece (channel 12) may have aired on last night's late news, but I didn't watch. However, it will for sure be on the arts report this evening on A Channel. The arts report with Adam Sawatsky will be on between 5:45 and 6:00 p.m., so have a look.
The spot for The Daily is now playing on Shaw (channel 11). The video clip is now available to watch on Monday Magazine's website (www.mondaymag.com) and is very good. The A Channel piece (channel 12) may have aired on last night's late news, but I didn't watch. However, it will for sure be on the arts report this evening on A Channel. The arts report with Adam Sawatsky will be on between 5:45 and 6:00 p.m., so have a look.
Times Colonist spread - front page of the Arts Section!
What an honour! On December 2 I was featured on the front page of the Arts Section of the Times Colonist! Along with quotes from my interview with Grania Litwin last week, there were two pictures of me - one of me auditioning for the Opera Idol panel and one of me warming up before the audition.
Here is an excerpt from the article:
Mezzo-soprano Kathryn Humphries is pumped up with anticipation, but the 23-year-old is also feeling the tension beginning to build as she prepares to compete in the first ever Victoria Opera Idol on Friday.
"It is the most fun thing I could possibly be doing," said the singer who performs in the Pacific Opera Victoria chorus.
"From the social aspect, these are all my fellow singers, and we have a wonderful rapport. But this is also a great chance to test my stage legs, to get more performing experience. Every chance you get in front of an audience is a good time to test yourself under different nerve situations and in different halls."
Humphries is one of 11 contestants chosen to take part in the Victoria Conservatory of Music's Opera Studio event in Alix Goolden Hall. Auditions have been underway for two weeks, and on Thursday night the final seven will be selected in a closed session.
Making it through the first round was the first step for this young Victoria singer who comes from a musical family but only began singing seriously at 18. She did a bachelor's in music at Acadia University in Nova Scotia, and even worked at Macaroni Grill for a while, waitressing and singing for customers. She had only one semester of study with the Opera Studio here, but she hopes to make a big impression Friday.
"It is the most fun thing I could possibly be doing," said the singer who performs in the Pacific Opera Victoria chorus.
"From the social aspect, these are all my fellow singers, and we have a wonderful rapport. But this is also a great chance to test my stage legs, to get more performing experience. Every chance you get in front of an audience is a good time to test yourself under different nerve situations and in different halls."
Humphries is one of 11 contestants chosen to take part in the Victoria Conservatory of Music's Opera Studio event in Alix Goolden Hall. Auditions have been underway for two weeks, and on Thursday night the final seven will be selected in a closed session.
Making it through the first round was the first step for this young Victoria singer who comes from a musical family but only began singing seriously at 18. She did a bachelor's in music at Acadia University in Nova Scotia, and even worked at Macaroni Grill for a while, waitressing and singing for customers. She had only one semester of study with the Opera Studio here, but she hopes to make a big impression Friday.
See the full article here:
http://www.timescolonist.com/entertainment/curtain+going+Victoria+Opera+Idol/1020513/story.html
glitwin@tc.canwest.com
© Copyright (c) The Victoria Times Colonist
Interview with Grania Litwin
Today I was interviwed by Grania Litwin (Times Colonist Arts reporter) on the subject of the upcoming "Opera Idol" competition. She recorded my preliminary audition before the panel of judges (aria and monologue) and asked me a few questions afterwards about the competition and my position as a community member (non-Opera Studio member) auditioning for the "wild card" position.
Sound clips may appear on the radio soon! I'll keep you posted!
Sound clips may appear on the radio soon! I'll keep you posted!
3 down, 1 to go...
St. Cecilia's Day went off without a hitch! What a thrill to sing in Christ Church Cathedral - just me and the piano.
Now onto the final competition in this month of crazy preparations - Opera Idol!
DATE/TIME: Friday, December 5, 7:30 pm
EVENT: VCM & Opera Studio present Opera Idol
VENUE: Alix Goolden Performance Hall, 907 Pandora ave.
TICKETS/ADMISSION: $18 / $15 from the VCM or at the door
INFO: 250-386-5311 ext 254
LINKS: www.vcm.bc.ca/opera/index.html
Aspiring divas test their operatic chops in high-octane opera antics, presenting world-famous and beloved arias, duets and ensembles. A guest panel of celebrity judges and performers from the Victoria arts and media scene compliment this evening of unforgettable vocal performance.
Opera Idol…Be Heard. Be Seen. Be an Idol
Now onto the final competition in this month of crazy preparations - Opera Idol!
DATE/TIME: Friday, December 5, 7:30 pm
EVENT: VCM & Opera Studio present Opera Idol
VENUE: Alix Goolden Performance Hall, 907 Pandora ave.
TICKETS/ADMISSION: $18 / $15 from the VCM or at the door
INFO: 250-386-5311 ext 254
LINKS: www.vcm.bc.ca/opera/index.html
Aspiring divas test their operatic chops in high-octane opera antics, presenting world-famous and beloved arias, duets and ensembles. A guest panel of celebrity judges and performers from the Victoria arts and media scene compliment this evening of unforgettable vocal performance.
Opera Idol…Be Heard. Be Seen. Be an Idol
Lieder Competition Prize
I was the 25th of 25 competitors...in other words, the very last performer. It was a long night!
Yesterday I competed in the 26th annual German Lieder competition at the Victoria Conservatory, and came away with 2nd place in the solo category! My 2 selections from Leider eines fahrenden gesellen by Gustav Mahler were very well received, and I received many compliments on my repertoire choice, and how the Mahler was a lovely way to end off the competition. It was a beautiful evening with many talented singers, and I feel extremely honoured to have been given the 2nd place prize.
Now onto the next thing....St. Cecilia's Day Celebration at Christ Church Cathedral at 3:30pm on Saturday the 22nd (tomorrow). I'll be testing out some of my "Opera Idol" arias plus a new Oratorio Aria and bringing back some favorite art songs. This will be another amazing event for musical talent, and it lasts all day long!
Yesterday I competed in the 26th annual German Lieder competition at the Victoria Conservatory, and came away with 2nd place in the solo category! My 2 selections from Leider eines fahrenden gesellen by Gustav Mahler were very well received, and I received many compliments on my repertoire choice, and how the Mahler was a lovely way to end off the competition. It was a beautiful evening with many talented singers, and I feel extremely honoured to have been given the 2nd place prize.
Now onto the next thing....St. Cecilia's Day Celebration at Christ Church Cathedral at 3:30pm on Saturday the 22nd (tomorrow). I'll be testing out some of my "Opera Idol" arias plus a new Oratorio Aria and bringing back some favorite art songs. This will be another amazing event for musical talent, and it lasts all day long!
Opera Studio presents Handel's "Giulio Cesare" in April 2009
I will have the pleasure of playing the role of "Sesto" in Handel's Giulio Cesare with the Victoria Conservatory's Opera Studio program in the spring. Sesto is one of Handel's most well-known "pants/trouser roles" for Mezzo-soprano - I'm extremely excited to play him!
April 1, 2, 3 and 4, 2009
8:00 pm
Tickets on sale as of March 1, 2009
Metro Theatre, 900 Johnson st (Victoria Conservatory of Music)
Tickets are $18 Adults/$15 Students & Seniors
April 1, 2, 3 and 4, 2009
8:00 pm
Tickets on sale as of March 1, 2009
Metro Theatre, 900 Johnson st (Victoria Conservatory of Music)
Tickets are $18 Adults/$15 Students & Seniors
December - upcoming appearances
December seems to be the busiest month for musicians, myself included! I'm doing a lot of performing in both of my musical identities - opera and harping. Many of these events are open to the public, so please come by - I'd love to see you!
Here's the when and where:
VCM Opera Studio presents OPERA IDOL
(I have to make it past the preliminary round to this public performance, but if I don't, you should go anyway!)
December 5, 2008, 7:30 pm
Alix Goolden Hall, Victoria Conservatory of Music
Tickets on sale as of October 15, 2008
$18 Adults/$15 Students & Seniors
http://www.vcm.bc.ca/opera/index.html
Christmas at the Castle Concert Series
This will be my third year as part of Craigdarroch's Christmas at the Castle Concert series.
I'll be performing twice at Craigdarroch Castle this season. I will be serenading the castle's visitors with traditional Christmas Carols accompanied by myself on the harp. Most selections are found on my "In Praise of Christmas" CD which I recorded with my sister Elizabeth a few years ago.
Performance dates and times:
Monday, Dec. 22 - 1:30-2:30
Saturday, Dec.27 - 5:30-6:30
Craigdarroch Castle, 1050 Joan Crescent
http://www.thecastle.ca/events.htm
I will also be playing and singing at a few private Christmas parties and Church services through the month of December (4 so far...)
The Humphries Clan will be providing musical entertainment at the Christmas Eve service at Oaklands Chapel.
A few other appearances are in the works, yet to be confirmed.
Here's the when and where:
VCM Opera Studio presents OPERA IDOL
(I have to make it past the preliminary round to this public performance, but if I don't, you should go anyway!)
December 5, 2008, 7:30 pm
Alix Goolden Hall, Victoria Conservatory of Music
Tickets on sale as of October 15, 2008
$18 Adults/$15 Students & Seniors
http://www.vcm.bc.ca/opera/index.html
Christmas at the Castle Concert Series
This will be my third year as part of Craigdarroch's Christmas at the Castle Concert series.
I'll be performing twice at Craigdarroch Castle this season. I will be serenading the castle's visitors with traditional Christmas Carols accompanied by myself on the harp. Most selections are found on my "In Praise of Christmas" CD which I recorded with my sister Elizabeth a few years ago.
Performance dates and times:
Monday, Dec. 22 - 1:30-2:30
Saturday, Dec.27 - 5:30-6:30
Craigdarroch Castle, 1050 Joan Crescent
http://www.thecastle.ca/events.htm
I will also be playing and singing at a few private Christmas parties and Church services through the month of December (4 so far...)
The Humphries Clan will be providing musical entertainment at the Christmas Eve service at Oaklands Chapel.
A few other appearances are in the works, yet to be confirmed.
"Harbour Lights" gets air-time on Remembrance Day
I was thrilled to find out (via email from my Dad) that I was played on the UVIC radio station on Remembrance Day! Apparently one of the "Harbour Lights" CDs that I recorded with my sister Elizabeth 4 years ago made its way into the hands of one of the disk jockeys at CFUV 101.9 FM, and they chose a few of mournful celtic ballads to play on Remembrance Day. "Bonny Portmore", "Black is the Colour" and "Skye Boat Song" were played.
Here is an excerpt from the UVIC radio website:
In recognition of Remembrance Day, CFUV 101.9 FM, Victoria’s campus/ community radio station, is presenting a four hour program of readings and music. The broadcast is scheduled to air Tuesday 11th November from 10am-2pm, as a tribute to victims of war.....Song recordings include Major Michael Mitchell (Canadian Militia), Chor Leoni men’s choir of Vancouver, and Kathryn Humphries from Victoria.
November - upcoming appearances
November is proving to be a busy month! I'm singing in a German Lieder competition and a St. Cecilia's Day Celebration Music Marathon, preparing for an audition and another competition!
These events are open to the public, so please come and enjoy some beautiful music performed by many talented musicians! Here are details on when and where these events are happening:
Victoria Conservatory of Music Annual Lieder Competition, Senior Division
I'll be performing two fabulous songs from Mahler's "Lieder eines Fahrenden Gesellen" (Songs of a Wayfarer)
7:30 pm, Thursday November 20
Alix Goolden Hall, Victoria Conservatory of Music
A CELEBRATION FOR ST CECILIA
MUSIC ALL DAY at CHRIST CHURCH CATHEDRAL
St Cecilia’s Day
Saturday, November 22, 2008
8:30am-6:30pm (My performance slot is from 3:30-4pm)
On Saturday, November 22 2008, music will be performed throughout the day at Christ Church Cathedral in honour of the patron saint of music, St Cecilia.
Starting at 8:30am with a performance of Henry Purcell’s “A Morning Hymn” through to 7pm when his “An Evening Hymn” will be presented, Christ Church Cathedral will be filled with continuous music. Throughout the day, the cathedral’s musical resources will be heard both as part of regular church services as well as performances by musicians with connections to the cathedral.
At the 8:45am Eucharest Service, the Cathedral Choir will sing a mass by William Byrd. At 5:15pm, the St Christopher Singers will sing a Festal Choral Evensong featuring the music of Felix Mendelssohn, including his celebrated anthem “Hear My Prayer”. As well, the public can experience performances by young musicians Holly Birkeland and Tamara Rusque, Chalium Poppy, Paul Boughen and Kathryn Humphries. There will also be performances by well-known Victoria artists: Vox Humana, The Odd Hack Band, the Victoria Children’s Choir, Michael Gormley, Nicholas Fairbanks and Paul Boughen.
The cathedral feels it fitting that on the feast day honouring the patron saint of music, that its doors be opened so that the public can have ready access to wonderful music. There will be no charge for entry.
For further information, please contact Michael Gormley or Laura Bird at 250-383-2714
These events are open to the public, so please come and enjoy some beautiful music performed by many talented musicians! Here are details on when and where these events are happening:
Victoria Conservatory of Music Annual Lieder Competition, Senior Division
I'll be performing two fabulous songs from Mahler's "Lieder eines Fahrenden Gesellen" (Songs of a Wayfarer)
7:30 pm, Thursday November 20
Alix Goolden Hall, Victoria Conservatory of Music
A CELEBRATION FOR ST CECILIA
MUSIC ALL DAY at CHRIST CHURCH CATHEDRAL
St Cecilia’s Day
Saturday, November 22, 2008
8:30am-6:30pm (My performance slot is from 3:30-4pm)
On Saturday, November 22 2008, music will be performed throughout the day at Christ Church Cathedral in honour of the patron saint of music, St Cecilia.
Starting at 8:30am with a performance of Henry Purcell’s “A Morning Hymn” through to 7pm when his “An Evening Hymn” will be presented, Christ Church Cathedral will be filled with continuous music. Throughout the day, the cathedral’s musical resources will be heard both as part of regular church services as well as performances by musicians with connections to the cathedral.
At the 8:45am Eucharest Service, the Cathedral Choir will sing a mass by William Byrd. At 5:15pm, the St Christopher Singers will sing a Festal Choral Evensong featuring the music of Felix Mendelssohn, including his celebrated anthem “Hear My Prayer”. As well, the public can experience performances by young musicians Holly Birkeland and Tamara Rusque, Chalium Poppy, Paul Boughen and Kathryn Humphries. There will also be performances by well-known Victoria artists: Vox Humana, The Odd Hack Band, the Victoria Children’s Choir, Michael Gormley, Nicholas Fairbanks and Paul Boughen.
The cathedral feels it fitting that on the feast day honouring the patron saint of music, that its doors be opened so that the public can have ready access to wonderful music. There will be no charge for entry.
For further information, please contact Michael Gormley or Laura Bird at 250-383-2714
Acadia Days 2003-2007
Here are a few highlights from the time I spent at Acadia University, while completing my Bachelor's degree in Vocal Performance.
"Hello, Hello? Oh Margaret, it's you!" Playing Lucy in The Telephone, 2006.
The reception for my Graduation Recital, April 2007. 
"Turn up the Spotlight!"
Playing Sister Mary Regina, the "Mother Superior" in Nunsense, 2005.
Playing Sister Mary Regina, the "Mother Superior" in Nunsense, 2005.
"Glitter and be Gay" Playing Cunegonde in Candide, 2006.
Acadia students earn call-backs at the east-coast finals of "Triple Sensation" in Montreal, 2007.
Acadia students earn call-backs at the east-coast finals of "Triple Sensation" in Montreal, 2007.
"Hello, Hello? Oh Margaret, it's you!" Playing Lucy in The Telephone, 2006.
The reception for my Graduation Recital, April 2007. 
Voice majors give a final bow on Denton stage. Convocation weekend, May 2007.
Welcome to my Blog!
Hello everyone, thank you for visiting my blog!
I've created this blog as a means of keeping my friends and supporters up-to-date with my current musical endeavors.
I will keep a running list of my musical appearances and engagements so that anyone may know exactly what I'm up to and what I'm currently working towards. I've also included pictures and documentation from previous engagements.
I hope you enjoy, and please visit often!
Kathryn Humphries
I've created this blog as a means of keeping my friends and supporters up-to-date with my current musical endeavors.
I will keep a running list of my musical appearances and engagements so that anyone may know exactly what I'm up to and what I'm currently working towards. I've also included pictures and documentation from previous engagements.
I hope you enjoy, and please visit often!
Kathryn Humphries
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