Kathryn Humphries Musical Updates

Doctorate Recital video clips

2012-02-09T20:21:00.000-08:00

Here are some video clips of my latest doctorate recital, which took place on February 1 2012 at Université de Montréal. (Forgive the skips)

Chansons de Bilitis - Debussy
1) La flûte de Pan
2) La Chevelure
3) Le tombeau des Naïades

1) La flûte de Pan
For the festival of Hyacinthus
he gave me a syrinx, a set of pipes made
from well-cut reeds joined
with the white wax
that is sweet to my lips like honey.

He is teaching me to play, as I sit on his knees;
but I tremble a little.
He plays it after me, so softly
that I can scarcely hear it.

We are so close that we have
nothing to say to one another;
but our songs want to converse,
and our mouths are joined
as they take turns on the pipes.

It is late:
here comes the chant of the green frogs,
which begins at dusk.
My mother will never believe
I spent so long
searching for my lost waistband.

2) La Chevelure
He told me: "Last night I had a dream.
Your hair was around my neck,
it was like a black necklace
round my nape and on my chest.

"I was stroking your hair, and it was my own;
thus the same tresses joined us forever,
with our mouths touching,
just as two laurels often have only one root.

"And gradually I sensed,
since our limbs were so entwined,
that I was becoming you
and you were entering me like my dream."

When he'd finished,
he gently put his hands on my shoulders,
and gazed at me so tenderly
that I lowered my eyes, quivering.

3) Le Tombeau des Naïades
I was walking along in the frost-covered woods;
in front of my mouth
my hair blossomed in tiny icicles,
and my sandals were heavy
with muddy caked snow.

He asked: "What are you looking for?"
"I'm following the tracks of the satyr -
his little cloven hoofprints alternate
like holes in a white cloak."
He said: "The satyrs are dead.

"The satyrs are dead, and the nymphs too.
In thirty years there has not been such a terrible winter.
That's the trail of a he-goat.
But let's pause here, where their tomb is."

With his hoe he broke the ice
of the spring where the water-nymphs used to laugh.
There he was, picking up large cold slabs of ice,
lifting them toward the pale sky,
and peering through them.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Interpretations of a Life - David Warrack (Canadian)
1) Long-Distance Operator
2) Another Night in Another Room
3) Please Leave me Love
4) Mothers, Maids

Pretty self-explanatory, I think!

Doctorate Recital

2012-01-07T16:25:00.000-08:00

I'm pleased to announce that I will be presenting a solo recital on February 1st as part of the requirements for my Doctorate in Vocal Performance. Programme to include song cycles by Debussy, Mahler, de Falla and Canadian composer David Warrack. I am especially excited to be including excerpts from "Interpretations of a Life" by David Warrack, because I will be the first person to perform this piece since the legendary Maureen Forrester, for whom it was written.

Récital de chant dans le cadre d'un programme de doctorat.
Mercredi, le 1er février
16h30
la salle Claude-Champagne, 200 rue Vincent-d'Indy

J'espère vous y voir nombreux :)

Concert des grands cycles Allemands

2011-12-09T20:55:00.000-08:00

(English message follows)

Vous aimez la musique vocale allemande?
Ce concert GRATUIT(!) ne pourrait être plus parfait!

Venez vous faire sérénader par les fabuleux duos du Séminaire d'art lyrique du Lieder. Des Lieder, on en a pour tous les goûts!
Schubert! Schumann! Wolf! Strauss! Malher! Brahms!

Quand??: Mercredi, 14 décembre à 19h30
Où??: Salle Claude-Champagne, Faculté de musique, UdeM
200, Vincent-d'Indy, Métro Édouard-Montpetit

Chanteurs et pianistes en vedette:

Fernando Altamura
Nancy Breau
Jacques Olivier Chartier
David Olivier Chénard
Geneviève Colletta
Florent Feral
Michael Finlay
Carol-Anne Fraser
Julien Horbatuk
Kathryn Humphries
Carol Leger
Jean-Sébastien Lévesque
Andrey Manulik
Steven Massicotte
Florian Puddu
Clark Schaufele
Sonya Sweeney
Steeve Vérayie

----------------------------------------------------------

Do you enjoy German vocal music?
Well then, this FREE(!) concert could not be more perfect!

Come and be serenaded by the fabulous collaborative duos from the Lieder Seminar. You want lieder? We got lieder!
Schubert! Schumann! Wolf! Strauss! Malher! Brahms!

When??: Wednesday, December 14th at 7:30 p.m.
Where??: Salle Claude-Champagne, Faculty of music of UdeM
200, Vincent-d'Indy, Métro Édouard-Montpetit

Starring the following pianists and singers:

Fernando Altamura
Nancy Breau
Jacques Olivier Chartier
David Olivier Chénard
Geneviève Colletta
Florent Feral
Michael Finlay
Carol-Anne Fraser
Julien Horbatuk
Kathryn Humphries
Carol Leger
Jean-Sébastien Lévesque
Andrey Manulik
Steven Massicotte
Florian Puddu
Clark Schaufele
Sonya Sweeney
Steeve Vérayie

England and Austria

2011-11-02T17:32:00.000-07:00

I've just returned from a wonderful trip to England and Austria! I paid a visit to my sister Liz, who is currently pursuing her Masters degree in Voice at the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester, then I headed down to Vienna to take some voice lessons, and then back up to London to visit my friend Jonathon, who is studying voice at the Royal Academy of Music. The goal of this trip was to set up an academic exchange to the Universität für Musik und Darstellende Kunst Wien next year. The process has begun, now that I've worked with a couple of the voice teachers and spoken to the administrators, but there's still a lot of work to be done. Not the least of which is my "Deutschekentnisse" (German language skills)! If I am accepted to do this exchange I will spend the summer learning German in Germany or Austria. How exciting!

Here's a picture of me in front of the Wienerstaatsoper (Vienna State Opera) - hopefully I'll be singing there one day! It will take a lot of hard work and even more luck, but I'm determined!
Liebe Grüsse von Montréal!

Songs of a Wayfarer video clips

2011-09-09T18:15:00.002-07:00

Here's my performance of Mahler's "Lieder eines Fahrenden Gesellen" (Songs of a Wayfarer), from the concert de fin-doctorat of Sebastien Cohen in May 2011. I hope you enjoy this clip as much as I enjoyed singing it! (Sorry about the skips)

Wenn mein Schatz Hochzeit macht
When my darling has her wedding-day,
her joyous wedding-day,
I will have my day of mourning!
I will go to my little room,
my dark little room,
and weep, weep for my darling,
for my dear darling!

Blue flower! Do not wither!
Sweet little bird - you sing on the green heath!
Alas, how can the world be so fair?
Chirp! Chirp!
Do not sing; do not bloom!
Spring is over.
All singing must now be done.
At night when I go to sleep,
I think of my sorrow,
of my sorrow!

2011-09-09T18:15:00.001-07:00

Ging heut Morgen übers Feld
I walked across the fields this morning;
dew still hung on every blade of grass.
The merry finch spoke to me:
"Hey! Isn't it? Good morning! Isn't it?
You! Isn't it becoming a fine world?
Chirp! Chirp! Fair and sharp!
How the world delights me!"

Also, the bluebells in the field
merrily with good spirits
tolled out to me with bells (ding, ding)
their morning greeting:
"Isn't it becoming a fine world?
Ding, ding! Fair thing!
How the world delights me!"

And then, in the sunshine,
the world suddenly began to glitter;
everything gained sound and color
in the sunshine!
Flower and bird, great and small!
"Good day, is it not a fine world?
Hey, isn't it? A fair world?"

Now will my happiness also begin?
No, no - the happiness I mean
can never bloom!

2011-09-09T18:14:00.000-07:00

Ich hab ein glühend Messer
I have a red-hot knife,
a knife in my breast.
O woe! It cuts so deeply
into every joy and delight.
Alas, what an evil guest it is!
Never does it rest or relax,
not by day or by night, when I would sleep.
O woe!

When I gaze up into the sky
I see two blue eyes there.
O woe! When I walk in the yellow field,
I see from afar her blond hair
waving in the wind.
O woe!

When I start from a dream
and hear the tinkle of her silvery laugh,
O woe!
Would that I lay on my black bier -
Would that I could never again open my eyes!

2011-09-08T16:43:00.000-07:00

Die zwei blauen Augen
The two blue eyes of my darling -
they have sent me into the wide world.
I had to take my leave of this well-beloved place!
O blue eyes, why did you gaze on me?
Now I will have eternal sorrow and grief.

I went out into the quiet night
well across the dark heath.
To me no one bade farewell.
Farewell! My companions are love and sorrow!

On the road there stands a linden tree,
and there for the first time I found rest in sleep!
Under the linden tree
that snowed its blossoms onto me -
I did not know how life went on,
and all was well again!
All! All, love and sorrow
and world and dream!

Abracadabra...in Czech

2011-09-03T22:56:00.000-07:00

Here's a clip from Opera Nuova's 2011 production of "Rusalka" by Dvorak, in which I played Jezibaba, the witch. This scene is essentially the potion-making scene, where Jezibaba makes a potion to take away Rusalka's voice. Think Ursula in the Little Mermaid....

Montréal....je suis de retour!

2011-09-03T12:09:00.000-07:00

Onto the next big adventure...my doctorate in Music at Université de Montréal. It's been a jam-packed summer, full of singing and working out west, and now back to the (mental) grindstone au Québec. This year promises to be a good one, full of learning and exciting new singing experiences. I'll keep you posted...
Entre-temps, bonne fin de l'été à tous!

My "Dented" summer

2011-07-24T14:40:00.001-07:00

Well I'm back on the West Coast after a 6 incredible weeks at Opera NUOVA in Edmonton, preceded by a productive school year in Montréal. I'm spending the rest of the summer at my favourite summer job - the Dent Island Lodge in BC. I'm managing to sneak in some fishing and whale-watching along with the serving and housekeeping. It's long days, but I sure can use the overtime! I even sing occasionally for the guests in the restaurant if we have a birthday, anniversary, or if someone finds out I have another life as an Opera singer....if I had my harp here I would undoubtedly be doing some of that too.

Opera NUOVA summer 2011

2011-07-05T11:46:00.000-07:00

It's hard to believe this 6-week adventure has come to and end! I recently had the pleasure of participating in the Opera NUOVA intensive summer training program in Edmonton. We produced three fully-staged, fully-orchestrated operas, as well as many art song and aria concerts. I played Jezibaba (the witch) in Rusalka, Dvorak's beloved opera which features the famous "Song to the Moon". I had the opportunity to coach with some of Canada's finest vocal teachers, and work alongside some of Canada's finest young operatic talent. Video footage to come....but in the meantime, here's a picture of me as Jezibaba, with Lida Szkwarek as Rusalka. And yes, that is my real hair.

Giulio Cesare video footage

2011-04-13T16:12:00.001-07:00

This is the latest! Here are some clips of me playing "Sesto" in Université de Montréal's recent production of Giulio Cesare.

Svegliatevi nel core:

Awaken in my heart
The wrath of an offended soul
So I may wreak upon a traitor
My bitter vengeance!

The ghost of my father
Hastens to my defense
Saying, "From you, my son
Ferocity is expected".

L'angue Offeso:

The offended serpent will not rest
Until it has spent its venom
In the blood of its offender.
Thus my soul does not dare
To lay claim to greatness and pride
Until the villain's heart has been torn from his breast.

L'aura che spira:

Tyrannical and cruel,
He does not deserve to breathe
The wafting breezes.
His merciless heart
Arouses me to rage,
And only his death can appease me.

Der Zigeunerbaron video footage

2011-04-13T14:59:00.000-07:00

Hello all!

I've finally managed to edit my video footage of Université de Montréal's production of Der Zigeunerbaron from February 2010. Enjoy these clips of me playing "Czipra", the old gypsy fortune-teller:

Fortune-telling scene:

Treasure Trio:

Lieder eines fahrenden Gesellen with Orchestra!

2011-03-19T09:25:00.000-07:00

I will have the great honour of performing Mahler's celebrated song cycle Lieder eines fahrenden Gesellen with the Orchestre de l'Université de Montréal on May 8, as part of the grad recital of Sebastian Cohen, candidate for the doctorate in orchestral conducting at U de M.

Concert de fîn-doctorat de Sebastian Cohen
dimanche le 8 mai, 19h30
Salle Claude-Champagne
Faculté de Musique de l'Université de Montréal

Also on the programme will be Mahler's 4th symphony, featuring soprano Geneviève Colletta.

Concert de fin maîtrise

2011-03-19T09:20:00.000-07:00

Well, my graduate studies are coming to an end! My two-year Masters program at Université de Montréal has been the learning experience, and eager to show off what I've learned, I'm inviting you to my Grad recital. The programme will feature arias from Giulio Cesare by Haendel, Frauenliebe und Leben by Schumann, excerpts from The Confession Stone by Canadian composer Robert Fleming, and songs and arias by Tchaikovsky. I will be joined by Irina Krasnyanskaya at the piano.

Concert de fin-maîtrise
mardi le 26 avril
16h30
Salle Claude-Champagne
Faculté de Musique, Université de Montréal

Au plaisir de vous y voir!

Giulio Cesare in Egitto dates announced!

2011-02-08T09:01:00.000-08:00

Hello dear friends,

The date is in! I will be perfoming "Sesto" in l'atelier d'opéra de l'Université de Montréal's production of Giulio Cesare in Egitto by Handel on -

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 24.

Reserve your tickets A.S.A.P! They are selling like hot cakes! (I recommend sitting in the Balcony for the best view and the best sound).

Showtime is at 7:30pm
Salle Claude-Champagne
220, avenue Vincent-d'Indy
Montréal, QC Canada
H2V 2T2
514 343-6427

It's going to be a great show with full Handelian orchestra, sets, costumes, and featuring the Jardins Chorégraphiques dance troupe!!

Revenge, lust, betrayal, despair, honour, and of course, good old-fashioned love, and lots of coloratura....all the best that baroque opera has to offer. Don't miss it!

Autour de Schubert et de ses contemporains

2011-01-27T08:55:00.000-08:00

Lieder avec instruments obligés et piano

Une incursion dans le salon viennois du début du XIXème siècle.
Musique par Schubert, Johann Vesque von Püttlingen, Franz Paul Lachner, Conradin Kreutzer, et Benedict Randhartinger.

Nathalie Paulin, soprano
Jacques Olivier Chartier, ténor
Marjolaine Goulet, cor viennois
Maxime Lataille, flûte
Marieve Bock, violoncelle
Stéphane Fontaine, clarinette
Francis Perron, piano
Charles Prévost, récitant et baryton
Kathryn Humpries, mezzo-soprano

Samedi le 5 février à 20h
Salle de Concert au Conservatoire de Musique de Montreal
4750 avenue Henri-Julien

Opera NUOVA summer 2011

2011-01-01T21:52:00.001-08:00

I am pleased to announce that I will be participating in the 2011 Opera NUOVA program for aspiring opera singers in Edmonton. I will be playing "Jezibaba" (the witch) in the beautiful Czech opera Rusalka by Dvorak. This will be my first full role in Czech - I'm very excited!

The Festival will run from May 20, 2011 to June 26, 2011. Performances include masterclasses, aria and artsong concerts, a fully produced musical entitled Light in the Piazza and of course, mainstage operas: Le Nozze di Figaro and Rusalka.

Opera Nuova is a not-for-profit organization that is dedicated to the advanced training of operatic vocalists, pianists and chamber musicians from across the country. They have established a reputation as one of this country’s premier training organizations. The Vocal Arts Festival is Canada’s only summer Opera Festival consisting of over 24 performances over six weeks.

I will be posting performance dates as soon as they are published. In the meantime, check out Opera NUOVA's website for more details on the program.
http://www.operanuova.ca/

Hope to see you Edmontonians there!

Récital de chant et piano - Lieders de Schubert et Schumann et les mélodies des compositeurs anglais et américains

2010-11-26T21:01:00.000-08:00

Dans le cadre de ce récital de classe, je vais chanter quelques extraits du cycle célébré "Frauenliebe und leben" de Schumann. Venez écouter pas seulement moi, mes plusieurs chanteurs talentueux de la maîtrise en chant classique de l'Université de Montréal. Au plaisir de vous voir là!

DATE
Mercredi 15 décembre 2010
Débute à 19:00

PRIX
Entrée libre

CONTACT POUR L’ÉVÉNEMENT
Faculté de musique
514 343-6427
Site Web

LIEU
UdeM - Salle Claude-Champagne
220, avenue Vincent-d'Indy
Montréal, QC Canada
H2V 2T2
514 343-6427

http://mur.mitoyen.net/events/?com=detail&eID=23913

St. Patrick's Society Annual Christmas Concert

2010-11-21T21:17:00.000-08:00

Following the publication of an article I wrote for their September edition of their "Nuacht" newsletter, I'm pleased to be appearing with the St. Patrick's Society of Montreal as a guest soloist in their Annual Christmas Concert. I will be singing three traditional Christmas Carols and accompanying myself on the harp. The concert will feature many other talented artists. See the publicity statement below for more details. Hope to see you there!

ST. PATRICK’S SOCIETY OF MONTREAL
is pleased to present their
18th ANNUAL CHRISTMAS CONCERT

Featuring

BERNADETTE SHORT IRISH DANCERS
HARPIST KATHRYN HUMPHRIES
IMANI GOSPEL SINGERS
McGILL CHAMBER MUSIC WITHOUT BORDERS

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2010 at 7:30pm
St. Patrick’s Basilica, 454 Rene-Levesque Blvd.

Early Bird Tickets
November 1 - December 1, 2010:
$17 per person, $100 for 2 Patron tickets*

At the Door
$18 per person, $100 for 2 Patron tickets*

*(includes reserved seating, income tax receipt and special Wine & Cheese reception following concert to meet the performers)

le OUM fait son ciméma

2010-11-15T15:58:00.000-08:00

Sorry...this is coming a bit late. The concert has already passed, but I thought I'd post this just for fun.
FYI, I sang a small solo in the "Suite Richard Grégoire". It was a vocalise with a tribal/pop feel, which appeared in the Québecois film "Being at Home with Claude", for which Richard Grégoire wrote the score.

L’Orchestre de l’Université de Montréal (OUM) lance sa 17e saison ce samedi 16 octobre, à 19 h 30, à la salle Claude-Champagne, sous la direction roborative de son chef Jean-François Rivest, de retour de sabbatique. Au programme, un concert consacré à la musique de films avec un invité de marque… dont c’est la marque, rien de moins que Michel Cusson.

Programme: La Grande Séduction (Jean-Marie Benoît), Les Filles de Caleb, Marguerite Volant et autres (Richard Grégoire), Tears of Hope et Lost Worlds (Paul Baillargeon, avec projection), Un Homme et son péché (Michel Cusson, soliste), Symphonie imaginaire, 2e mouvement (François Dompierre)…
N’oublions pas Alexandre Nevsky, op.78 de Serge Prokofiev, dont l’extrait de la bataille sur la glace du film de Serguei Eisenstein (1939); et des fragments de la trame musicale de Dimitri Chostakovitch pour le film Hamlet, op. 116a de Grigori Kosintsev (1964).
Mais aussi, le Concerto pour violon No 1 en ré majeur, op. 19 de Serge Prokofiev avec la soliste Leslie Ting, deuxième prix du Concours de concerto 2010 de l’OUM; la Petite Toccata pour orchestre d’Evelin Ramon, lauréate du Concours de composition 2010 de l’OUM

Sesto, here I come...again!

2010-10-13T21:55:00.000-07:00

Je suis fière d'interpréter le rôle de "Sesto" de Giulio Cesare de nouveau. Mon deuxième essai serai avec l'atelier d'opéra de l'Université de Montréal, sous le bâton de Jean-François Rivest, mise-en-scène de Marie-Nathalie Lacoursière. Le rideau se lève en février 2011. Revenez à mon blog plus tard pour confirmer les dates!
Au plaisir de vous y voir!

Brahms Contralto Lieder with Allegra Chamber Music

2010-09-12T08:24:00.000-07:00

I am thrilled to be performing the Brahms Contralto Lieder (op. 91) with Allegra Chamber Music in their All Brahms concert. Hope to see you there!

October 28
Thursday evening, 8pm
Pollack Hall, McGill University
555 Sherbrooke Street West

La Vie Parisienne 2008

2010-07-19T15:28:00.000-07:00

Check out this old clip I found of me singing Métella in La Vie Parisienne from the Franco-American Vocal Academy 2008. My rondeau "À Minuit Sonnant" starts at 4:55. Enjoy!
(PS - More video clips can be found posted in the blog archive under December 2008 - more recent footage to come in September!)

C’est ici l’endroit redouté des mères,
L’endroit effroyable où les fils mineurs
Font sauter l’argent gagné par leurs pères,
Et rognent la dot promise à leurs sœurs.
Minuit sonne, écoutez,
Mon cher, et profitez !…
A minuit sonnant commence la fête ;
Maint coupé s’arrête,
On en voit sortir
De jolis messieurs, des femmes charmantes
Qui viennent, pimpantes,
Pour se divertir ;
La fleur du panier, des brunes, des blondes,
Et bien entendu, des rousses aussi…
Les jolis messieurs sont de tous les mondes ;
C’est un peu mêlé, ce qu’on trouve ici !
Tout cela s’anime et se met en joie ;
Froufrou de la soie
Le long des couloirs !
C’est l’adagio de la bacchanale
Dont la voix brutale
Gronde tous les soirs !
Rires éclatants, fracas du champagne,
On cartonne ici, l’on danse là-bas,
Et le piano qui grince accompagne
Sur des airs connus d’étranges ébats !
Le bruit monte, monte, et devient tempête ;
La jeunesse en fête
Chante à plein gosier.
Est-ce du plaisir ou de la furie ?
On parle, l’on crie
Tant qu’on peut crier !
Quand on ne peut plus, il faut bien se taire ;
La gaieté s’en va petit à petit ;
L’un dort tout debout, l’autre dort par terre,
Et voilà comment la fête finit.
Quand vient le matin, quand parait l’aurore,
On en trouve encore,
Mais plus de gaîté,
Les brillants viveurs sont mal à leur aise,
Et dans le « grand seize »
On voudrait du thé.
Ils s’en vont enfin, la mine blafarde,
Ivres de champagne et de faux amour,
Et le balayeur s’arrête, regarde,
Et leur crie : « Ohé ! les heureux du jour ! »

You Tube press for Der Zigeunerbaron

2010-07-19T15:17:00.000-07:00

Here's a short clip of me singing in a rehearsal of U de M's production of Der Zigeunerbaron!

Hans und Grethe (G. Mahler)

2010-07-19T15:11:00.000-07:00

From my Concert de Mi-Maîtrise on May 10, 2010.

Ring around the rosy!
Whomever is happy, come along!
Whomever has troubles, leave them behind!
He who kisses a dear loved one,
How lucky is he!
Oh, Hans, you don't have one!
So go search for one!
A dear loved one, that is very fine thing.
Hurrah, hurrah!

Ring around the rosy!
Oh, Gretchen, why do you stand all alone?
But you stare over at Hans?
And isn't May so green?
And a little breeze is blowing!
And hey, look at stupid Hans!
He is running to come dance!
He was searching for a lover, hurrah! He has found one!
Hurrah, hurrah!

Concert de mi-maîtrise

2010-06-30T00:03:00.000-07:00

Venez me voir chanter une trentaine de minutes des mélodies charmantes de Rossini, Hahn, Mahler, et Rachmaninov.
Admission gratuite.

Come enjoy a short 30-minute program of colourful songs by Rossini, Hahn, Mahler and Rachmaninov.

Programme:
La Regata Veneziana (Rossini)
Le Printemps, D'une Prison (Hahn)
morceaux choisis de Lieder und Gesänge aus der Jugendzeit - Im Frühling, Erinnerung, Hans und Grethe (Mahler)
V malchanji nochi tainai, Fsjo otnjal u minja, Vjesjennja vody (Rachmaninov)

Date : le 10 mai 2010
Heure : 17h
Lieu : la salle Claude-Champagne, l'Université de Montréal

Bach B Minor Mass on Good Friday

2010-03-25T21:15:00.000-07:00

I will have the pleasure of performing this incredible choral work with the Choir of the Church of St. Andrew and St. Paul and members of the Orchestre Symphonique de Montréal on Good Friday.

MONTREAL, QC - MAR. 16, 2010 - On Friday, April 2 at 8:00 p.m., the Choir and Baroque Orchestra of The Church of St. Andrew and St. Paul presents J. S. Bach's Mass in B Minor. 21-year-old conducting prodigy Jordan de Souza leads the performance, and Director of Music Jonathan Oldengarm and McGill University's Hank Knox play continuo. Soloists are drawn from the choir. A donation of $20 will be received; tickets are not required.

The 60-voice semi-professional Choir of the Church of St. Andrew and St. Paul has a long tradition of excellence. In addition to singing weekly services, since the 1960's the Choir has presented much of the standard oratorio repertoire in concert with orchestra, and is heard nationally each year in the CBC Radio Sing-In.

The 29-piece baroque orchestra led by Concertmaster Olivier Brault includes many of North America's leading early-music performers.

The service begins at 8:00 p.m. on Good Friday, April 2. A donation of $20 will be received; tickets are not required. Doors open at 7:00 p.m.

MONTRÉAL (Québec), le 16 mars 2010 - Le vendredi 2 avril à 20 h, le Chœur et l'Orchestre baroque de l'église St. Andrew et St. Paul présentent la Messe en si mineur de J.-S. Bach. La performance sera dirigée par son Chef de choeur, le prodige de 21 ans, Jordan de Souza, alors que son Directeur de la musique Jonathan Oldengarm et Hank Knox de l'Université McGill joueront la basse continue. Les solistes proviennent du chœur. Un don de 20,00 $ sera reçu; les billets ne sont pas requis.

Le chœur de l'église St. Andrew and St. Paul de soixante voix possède une longue tradition d'excellence. En plus de chanter lors des cérémonies hebdomadaires, au moins depuis les années soixante, le Chœur avec orchestre présente un grand nombre d'oratorios renommés. L'ensemble est entendu annuellement, à l'échelle nationale, sur les ondes de la radio publique canadienne lors de l'émission CBC Radio Sing-In.

L'Orchestre baroque, composée de 29 musiciens, sous la direction du premier violon Olivier Brault, comprend plusieurs interprètes de la musique ancienne renommés en Amérique du Nord.

La culte débute à 20 h le vendredi saint 2 avril. Un don de 20,00 $ sera reçu; les billets ne sont pas requis.Les portes ouvrent à 19 h.

L'église St. Andrew et St. Paul est située à l'angle des rues Sherbrooke et Redpath. L'entrée principale donne sur la rue Sherbrooke, à coté du pavilion Hornstein du Musée des Beaux-Arts de Montréal. Métro (Guy-Concordia) ou l'autobus 24 (arrêt à la rue Bishop).L'église St. Andrew and St. Paul constitue une famille chrétienne florissante du dynamique centre-ville de Montréal. Bien encrés dans la tradition presbytérienne, nous invitons tous et chacun à venir partager la fraternité de notre congrégation.

L'Atelier d'opéra de l'Université de Montréal présente Der Zigeunerbaron

2010-02-13T20:06:00.000-08:00

Opérette Le Baron Tzigane de Johann Strauss fils présentée par l'Atelier d'opéra de l'Université de Montréal en collaboration avec l'Orchestre de l'Université de Montréal - sous la direction de Raffi Armenian (chef invité) - Mise en scène : Marie-Nathalie Lacoursière

Les 24, 25, 26 et 27 février à 19h30 à la salle Claude-Champagne.

Faculté de musique, 220 avenue Vincent-d'Indy (métro Édouard-Montpetit)
Coût : 25 $, 23 $ (aînés), 10 $ (étudiants).
Billetterie ADMISSION: 514 790-1245
Billetterie de la faculté: 514 343-6427
Vous pouvez aussi acheter les billets à la porte, les soirs des représentations, à partir de 17h30.

Chanté en allemand, avec dialogues en français. Surtitres anglais et français.

24 et 26 Février Distribution ORANGE

Barinkay: Andrzej Stec
Saffi: Carol Léger
Czipra: Christianne Bélanger
Carnero: Laurent Deleuil-Millette
Zsupan: Xavier Roy
Mirabella: Charlotte Cumberbirch
Arsena: Florie Gauthier-Valiquette
Ottokar: Éric Thériault
Homonay: Jean-Michel Richer

25 et 27 Février Distribution POMME

Barinkay: Chris Coyne
Saffi: Annie Levesque
Czipra: KATHRYN HUMPHRIES
Carnero: Laurent Deleuil-Millette
Zsupan: Stefano Saykaly
Mirabella: Catherine Gentilcore
Arsena: Isabelle Huchette
Ottokar: Brandon Adams
Homonay: Jean-Michel Richer

Tune in to the CBC Sing-In!

2009-12-14T14:06:00.001-08:00

I would like to announce that the choir I sing in at the Church of St. Andrews and St. Paul will be featured on 22 radio stations all over the world in the weeks to come. Here's an excerpt from the church website to explain all about it:

The CBC Sing-In packed the Sanctuary for the 30th time on Sunday afternoon, December 13. The choir and organ, joined by an ensemble of musicians, performed a wide-ranging reportoire including all the Christmas favourites and compositions by Canadian composers. The age-old story of the Saviour's birth and a special story from The Rev. Rod Ferguson added the finishing touches to a perfect start to your Christmas season. Courtesy of the CBC, you can listen to the entire 2008 Sing-In. We will post the link to the 2009 Sing-In as soon as it's available.

The 2009 CBC Christmas Sing-In will be broadcast across Canada:
December 20 at 5:00 pm on CBC Radio 2 (93.5 FM in Montreal)
Christmas Day at 9:00 am on CBC Radio 2 (93.5 FM in Montreal)
Christmas Day at 12:00 noon on CBC Radio One (88.5 FM in Montreal)
Christmas Day at 4:30 pm on Espace Musique (100.7 FM in Montreal)
and at various times on Christmas Day on Sirius Satellite Channel 137

It will also be broadcast in more than 20 countries over stations associated with the European Broadcasting Union.

I have to say, we sounded amazing.
Hope you can tune in!

Tune in to CFUV 101.9 FM on Remembrance Day!

2009-11-02T16:30:00.000-08:00

Liz and I will once again be featured on CFUV 101.9 FM's special program on November 11th, 10:00 am to 2:00 pm, also transmitting on cable 104.3, and through their web page cfuv.uvic.ca. Our recordings of Skye Boat Song, Black is the Colour, and Bonny Portmore from our 2005 "Harbour Lights" CD will be featured in the second and third hours of the program.
Hope you can listen!

Bonnes Nouvelles!

2009-10-02T10:42:00.000-07:00

Tout d'abord j'ai gagné une grande bourse de la Faculté des Études Supérieurs et Postdoctorales. La bourse compense les droits de scolarité supplémentaires imposés aux étudiants canadiens qui ne résident pas au Québec. Grâce à mes relevés des notes d’Acadia et de SMUS, mes droits de scolarités seront réduit par environ 5300$.

Deuxièmement, je gagnais un rôle de l’Opéra de l’Université de Montréal cette année. Je vais interpréter Czipra dans «Der Zigeunerbaron» de Johann Strauss. Elle est une diseuse de bonne aventure et la mère de l’ingénue. J'ai hâte à jouer une Tzigane! "Der Zigeunerbaron" va jouer à la fin de février 2010. Les airs seront chantés en allemand, et le dialogue sera en français.

Encore une fois en anglais…

I have good news!

First off, I’ve won a big scholarship from the Faculty of Graduate Studies. The scholarship covers the supplementary fees for out-of-province students. Thanks to my marks from Acadia and SMUS, my tuition will be reduced by about $5300.00.

The other good news is that I’ve been given a role in the Opera here at U de M this year. I’m playing Czipra in “The Gypsy Baron” by Johann Strauss. She is a fortune-teller and the mother of the ingénue. I am very excited to play a gypsy! The Gypsy Baron will hit the stage at the end of February 2010. The music will be sung in German with French dialogue.

La Rentrée

2009-09-17T19:33:00.000-07:00

Quelle rentrée ç'a été!

Je bravais quelques défis à cause des modifications imposées sur la maîtrise en Musique à U de M ....je ne vais pas vous ennuyer avec les détails. Mais enfin tout va bien. J'aime beaucoup Catherine Sévigny (mon enseignante du chant), et j'avais déjà beaucoup appris d'elle.

Jusqu'ici, j'aime la vie d'une étudiante à la maîtrise. Je ne suis pas trop occupé: je n'ai que mon leçon du chant une fois par semaine, mes coachings (avec deux coaches extraordinaires!), deux cours de 1er cycle (littérature du chant et Diction Lyrique Français, que je suivre sans évaluation), et un «projet spéciale» (rédaction sur un sujet de mon choix - j'ai choisi les «trouser roles») comme séminaire de 2me cycle. Donc, j'ai beaucoup de temps pour pratiquer et pour faire de la recherche!

Toutes mes professeurs et coaches sont merveilleux, extrêmement gentils, et sympas. Je me sens comme je suis arrivé dans un environnement vraiment comfortable.

J’ai gagné un job à temps-partiel comme choriste à l’église Presbytérien St. Andrew and St. Paul, sur la rue Sherbrooke. C’est une grande chorale, avec beaucoup d'étudiants en voix à McGill. Le chorale sonne extraordinaire, et je suis vraiment reconnaissante d'en faire partie. On chantera plusieurs beaux mélodies pendant la saison, y compris des concerts avec l’Orchestre Métropolitain, le CBC Sing-In à être radiodiffusé le 3me dimanche de décembre, et une représentation de la "messe en si mineur" de Bach à Pâques. Toutes les détails sont sur le site-web http://www.standrewstpaul.com/
On pourrait aussi écouter à chaque service n'importe quand sur le site-web. Je vous recommande à écoutez l'Introit et le Anthem Offeratoire.
http://www.standrewstpaul.com/multimedia/

Le temps avait été varié - d'humide à pluvieux à ensoleillé et froid. J'ai hâte aux couleurs des feuilles!

J’ai beaucoup d'opportunités à pratiquer mon français chez moi avec ma coloc, et avec mes amis de "l’école français". C’est toujours un défi, mais j’apprends quelque chose de nouvel chaque jour, et je deviens de plus en plus confortable en parlant en français. Mais c’est dûr de ne parler pas en anglais à l’école parce-que même que mes cours auront lieu en français, il y a plusieurs étudiants et professeurs anglophones, et la langue anglais est partout dans les corridors.

Bien, c’est tout pour l'instant, mais j’écrirai de nouvel quand j'ai des nouvelles!

Encore une fois, en anglais.

Back to School, and has it ever been a challenge! The administrative stuff is finally in order. I'm very much looking forward to studying with my voice teacher, Catherine Sévigny. I feel like I've already learned so much from her.

I love the life of a Masters student thusfar. I’m not extremely busy at school - I only have my lesson once a week, voice coachings (with two fabulous coaches!), two undergrad courses, song literature and French Diction, which I’m auditing, and a “special project” (essay on a subject of my choice – I’ve chosen to compare two “trouser roles”), as my graduate seminar. So I have lots of time to practice, do research, and enjoy my new city!

The professors and vocal coaches here are extremely knowledgeable, and also very supportive and helpful. I really feel like I’ve arrived in a nurturing environment.

I have procured myself a job as a paid chorister at St. Andrew and St. Paul Presbyterian Church on Sherbrooke St. It’s a big choir composed of lots of singers from McGill. The choir sounds amazing, and I am very grateful to be a part of it. We’re going to sing lots of beautiful music during the season, and there are plans for a concert with L’Orchestre Métropolitain, the annual CBC Sing-In, which is broadcast the 3rd Sunday in December, and a performance of the Bach B minor Mass at Easter. All the details are on their website http://www.standrewstpaul.com/
You can also listen to the services and choir anytime on the website. I recommend the Introit and Offertory Anthem.
http://www.standrewstpaul.com/multimedia/

The weather here has been varied – from unbearably humid to rainy to sunny and cold. I can’t wait for the leaves to change colour!

I’ve had lots of opportunities to practice my French with my profs, with my roommate Tiana and with my friends from the summer oral communication course. It’s always a challenge, but I learn something new every day, and I’m becoming more and more comfortable speaking French.

Well that’s all for now! I’ll write again when I have more news!

Premiers jours à Montréal

2009-08-09T10:48:00.001-07:00

Bien, je suis à Montréal pendant quelques semaines, et j’adore la belle ville! Mon cours de français orale est déjà une moitié complet, et je ne crois pas comment j'ai déjà tellement appris! J’ai eu l’opportunité de faire connaître la ville de Montréal grâce à "l'école français". On a même fait une voyage à la ville de Québec! Mon nouvel appartement est super – très vide – mais il rassemble déjà comme chez moi. J’habite dans un quartier avec de belles maisons de brique, des grands arbres jalonnant des rues, et beaucoup de magasines! Les cours commencent bientôt – j'ai hâte!

Encore, en Anglais…

Well, I`ve been in Montreal for two weeks now, and I`m loving it! I`m halfway done my Oral French course, and I can`t believe how much I`ve learned! I`ve had the chance to do lots of sightseeing with the program, including a day trip to Quebec City. The new apartment is great – very bare right now – but starting to feel like home. I live in a great neighborhood with lovely brick rowhouses, big leafy trees lining the streets, and lots of good shopping! School starts in a couple of weeks – can`t wait!

Thanks to all my supporters!

2009-06-27T20:35:00.000-07:00

I want to extend a heartfelt `thank you` to everyone who attended my recital. It meant so much to me to see so many friends and supporters in the audience!

The funds raised by donation have made a significant dent in my tuition fees at L'Universite de Montreal - THANK YOU! I honestly couldn't have done it without your support.

Moving day is July 23 - less than a month away! The remaining weeks will be occupied with packing and busking on the inner harbour. The weekly schedule can be found on the homepage of the Causeway Buskers Society, if you're interested in catching me in action!
http://causewayartists.ca/home.html

Kathryn Humphries Solo Recital

2009-05-24T19:59:00.000-07:00

You are invited to a recital of songs and arias

Kathryn Humphries, Mezzo-soprano
With Kelly Charlton, Piano

Friday, June 26, 2009 at 8pm
Wood Recital Hall, Victoria Conservatory of Music,
900 Johnson St.

Programme:

Erbarme Dich J.S. Bach
From St. Matthew Passion

*****
Cara speme G.F. Handel
From Giulio Cesare
Parto, Parto W.A. Mozart
From La Clemenza di Tito

*****

Wenn mein Schatz Hochzeit macht G. Mahler
Ging heut Morgen übers Feld
From Lieder eines Fahrenden gesellen (Songs of a Wayfarer)

*****

Que fais-tu, blanche tourterelle? C. Gounod
From Roméo et Juliette

~Intermission~

Pie Jesu (featuring Johnny Humphries) M. Duruflé
From Requiem Mass

*****

Nacht A. Berg
From Sieben Fruhe Lieder (Seven Early Songs)
All once I gladly owned S. Rachmaninov
Aria Ioanna (Joan᾽s Aria) P. Tchaikovsky
From Orleanskaya Deva (Joan of Arc)

*****

Now I lay me down T. Francis
From An Inch of Nothing
Hi Sooky! J. Greer
From A Sarah Binks Songbook

All proceeds from the recital are going towards Kathryn’s tuition fees for the Masters degree program in Vocal performance at L’Université de Montréal. Kathryn was accepted “on the spot” at her audition in March, and will be studying with Catherine Sévigny. She is excited to be improving her French language skills at this Francophone University, and taking in the vibrant arts scene in Montreal.

Kathryn earned her Bachelor’s degree in Vocal Performance from Acadia University in May 2007. For the past two years she has been continuing her voice studies at the Victoria Conservatory of Music and in Italy and France during the summers. While in Victoria she has participated in productions with the VCM Opera Studio and the Pacific Opera Chorus. She was a 2008 POV Young Artist, soloist with the Victoria Philharmonic Choir and the VCM Mozart & Haydn Festival, and this year`s “most promising singer” at the Greater Victoria Performing Arts Festival.

This recital programme is a selection of songs and arias which Kathryn has performed this past year at the Greater Victoria Performing Arts Festival, the VCM Opera Idol competition, the VCM Lieder competition, Opera Studio`s Production of Giulio Cesare, and the Christ Church Cathedral St. Cecilia`s Day celebration.

Special thanks to my German coach Klàdia Robertsdottìr-Lewis, Anna Cal, my Russian coach, and Jean Beauregard, my French teacher, for their guidance over the year.

Busking Schedule May 25-31

2009-05-24T19:47:00.000-07:00

Busking season has started! Come down to the causeway and see Tiana Malone and I singing "Diva Duets" or me accompanying myself on the harp, like in years past.

Here's the schedule for this week:
Monday May 25, 7-9pm South Corner
Wednesday May 27, 7-9pm Centre spot
Friday May 29, 7-9pm South Corner
Saturday May 29, 7-9pm South Corner
Sunday May 25, 5-7pm Center spot

Check out Tiana and I on Benjamin Madison's Victoria Daily Photo website! Our photo was featured on Sunday May 24.

http://victoriadailyphoto.blogspot.com/

Durufle Requiem with VPC

2009-04-26T10:23:00.001-07:00

Festival week is over, and my spoils include the Ethel James Award, Adaskin Award for Outstanding performance of Canadian Music, and the Most Promising Singer Award.
Now, onto a summer of Requiems!

On May 23 I'll be performing the Alto solo in the Durufle Requiem with the Victoria Philharmonic Choir directed by Peter Butterfield. The Pie Jesu for Alto Solo is a gorgeous piece, accompanied my Organ.

VICTORIA PHILHARMONIC CHOIR

SPRING CONCERT 8:00 pm May 23, 2009

Church of St John the Divine, 1611 Quadra Street, Victoria

Stay tuned for details on the Mozart Requiem at the Saltspring Island Peace Festival, for which I'll be performing the Alto solo on Father's Day weekend!

Greater Victoria Performing Arts Festival

2009-04-06T00:22:00.000-07:00

Well our Opera Studio production of Giulio Cesare closed this weekend, and I'm sad to say goodbye to it. But I won't have much time to mourn - it's time to get going on the next project!

I'm competing in six classes of the Greater Victoria Performing Arts Festival this year. Classes are open to the public, so please come by and enjoy some of Victoria's finest young singing talent. I'm hopeful to win prizes in a few of the classes. Here are the dates and times of the classes I'll be participating in:

Sunday April 19, 7pm (Francis James Adaskin Memorial Scholarship class for the performance of Canadian works)
Monday April 20, 7pm (Operatic Class, Senior Qualifying Class)
Tuesday April 21, 7pm (20th/21st C Art Song, French Art Song, Concert Group)
?Saturday April 25, 7:30pm (Rose Bowl Competition)?

All classes are located at the Victoria Truth Centre at 1201 Fort st, except for the Rosebowl competition, which will be held at the Philip T. Young Recital Hall at UVIC. My participation in the Rosebowl will not be confirmed until the day beforehand, but I'm hopeful for the chance to compete!

The festival pass is $20, and can be purchased at the following locations:

Tom Lee Music 2401 Millstream Rd., Langford (383-5222)
Heart and Soul Music Studio (formerly Heart Beat Music School) Unit 105-791 Station Ave. in Colwood (474-5397)
Larsen Music 1833 Cook St. (389-1988)
Long and McQuade (formerly Ward Music) 756 Hillside & Nanaimo (384-3622)
Toes 'N' Taps Dance Shoppe 1733 Cook St. (480-0017)
University of Victoria School of Music (721-7903)
Victoria Conservatory of Music 907 Pandora St. (386-5311).

The Festival pass includes your admission to all performances except special concerts (Rosebowl competition $10 admission).

Opera Studio "Giulio Cesare" - less than two weeks!

2009-03-21T20:03:00.000-07:00

VCM Opera Studio presents Handel's "Giulio Cesare", the story of Julius Caesar and Cleopatra, with some other colourful characters added to the mix. I play "Sesto" - a young man bent on revenging his father's murder. Playing a man has been a wonderful challenge and learning experience for me. The part of Sesto consists of three solo arias and a beautiful duet, so I'm featured quite prominently! Please come and enjoy some fabulous Baroque opera with a modern twist sung by the students of the VCM Opera Studio.

Here is the media release.

Performances: April 1 – 3 (7:30pm) and April 4 (2:00p)

Performed by: Opera Studio
Artistic Director: Selena James
Assistant Artistic Director/Administrator: Barbara Livingston
Stage Director/Production Manager: Robyn Cathcart
Concert Information and Tickets: 250-386-5311
Admission: $18 and $15

Though early opera (18th century) and the 1980s are separated by 200 years on the historical time-line, the Victoria Conservatory of Music’s Opera Studio are marrying these two eras by creating a very unique production of Handel’s Baroque masterpiece “Giulio Cesare” that promises to dazzle both ear and eye.

While this marriage might seem to make for strange bed-mates, are these worlds really so different? This work, rich with Egyptian and Greco-Roman elements, resonates strongly with a time that’s a little more familiar to contemporary listeners – the 1980s. The 80s were all about “excess” through politics, culture and economics – as was the Roman Empire during Cesare’s reign. This production of “Giulio Cesare” matches 18th century texture with visual modernity.

Throw in an audience seated literally in and around the action (seating will be in a U shape, with the production taking place in the centre), a set designed with 1950s art installation techniques, an all-female singing cast, and this traditional opera is transformed in to something quite unexpected, yet totally conducive to telling the story. While this isn’t your grandmother’s Handel, it does respect tradition and early music practices, including a challenging score that keeps the VCM’s Opera Studio students on their toes.

Making this unique production an even greater feast for the eyes is the fact that one of Opera Studio’s many talented students, Jessica Kalan, is creating all the costumes for “Giulio Cesare.” Kalan has recently been accepted to the prestigious Costume College in Van Nuys, California to attend an exclusive intense design workshop taking place this summer. Her most recent work assisting with costuming the Victoria Operatic Society’s production of “Guys and Dolls” received acclaim in local press.

Seating in Metro Studio is intimate, and limited – to avoid line-ups, purchase tickets in advance by contacting the Victoria Conservatory of Music at 250-386-5311.

C'est officiel - Je serai étudiante à l'Université de Montréal l'année prochaine!

2009-03-12T13:06:00.000-07:00

After an very successful audition today at L'Universite de Montreal, I immediately received confirmation that I have been accepted to the Masters degree in Vocal Interpretation for this fall!

I am extremely excited to live in the dynamic and vibrant city of Montreal and study in French at L'Universite de Montreal. L'Universite de Montreal has a renowned music program and I am honoured to have the opportunity to study with their impressive faculty. I will be studying with Catherine Sevigny, whom I've worked with twice this week before my audition. We bonded immediately, both musically and in personallity. I think this is the start of a very special relationship.

Montrèal, je viens bientôt!!

Victoria Truth Centre 75th Anniversary Service, then to Montreal!

2009-03-03T21:25:00.000-08:00

Sunday March 8th is the 75th anniversary of the opening of the Victoria Truth Centre, and I have been asked to perform at their anniversary service. The Victoria Truth Centre has played a huge part in my musical growth, and I am honoured to be a part of this important day. Our family has a 15-year history performing at the Truth Centre with the support and piano skills of their music director and long-time family friend, Wendy Stofer. We have always felt welcomed and appreciated by the congregation at the Truth Centre. My mother and I have recently been participating in the Sunday morning services as the congregational singing leaders.

Later that same day I will be boarding a plane to Montreal to spend a week working with teachers and coaches at L'Universite de Montreal and auditioning for a Masters degree in Vocal Interpretation. I'm very excited to spend some time in the city and getting to know the campus. At the end of my Montreal adventure I will hop over to Wolfville, NS to see my sister Liz sing Gretel in Acadia University's student production of Humperdinck's "Hansel and Gretel". I'm excited to visit my Alma Mater (it will be the first time I've been back since I graduated) and see my sister perform in her final year at Acadia.

Next up, Opera Studio's "Giulio Cesare" on April 1,2,3 and 4, then the Greater Victoria Performing Arts Festival in late April.

Mozart & Haydn Festival - solos!

2009-02-17T23:40:00.001-08:00

The Victoria Conservatory of Music presents the Mozart & Haydn Festival from March 1-6. The Festival is designed to showcase emerging talent of the Conservatory. I will be performing in the Choral Concert on Sunday, March 1st at 7:30pm, in the Alix Goolden Hall.

I will sing the alto solo in Mozart's Vesperae de Dominica and the 3rd lady in the quintet from Mozart's Die Zauberflote. Other Arias and duets from the Magic Flute will also be performed.

Other concerts in the Festival incude a Free Children's Concert on Thursday March 5th at 9:30 and 11am, a Chamber Music Concert on Thursday March 5th at 7:30pm and an Orchestral Concerto Concert on Friday March 6th at 7:30pm.

Please come out and enjoy some of the Conservatory's finest Student and Faculty talent!

Masterclass with POV star Anita Krause

2009-02-11T13:10:00.000-08:00

Hello everyone,

On Wednesday February 18th, I'll have the great honour of singing for Anita Krause, who plays Juno/Ino in POV's current production of Semele.

This masterclass is open to the public, and free, so please come out and see some of the POV chorus members being coached by one of the POV Opera stars!

7:30pm, Wednesday February 18th
Wood Hall, Victoria Conservatory of Music
900 Johnson st

what the New Year holds in store....

2009-01-26T12:07:00.000-08:00

Hello everyone, and Happy New Year!
It's going to be a busy one...two operas, an audition in Montreal, the Greater Victoria Performing Arts Festival.....

My most immediate project is Pacific Opera Victoria's production of Handel's Semele, in which I'll be appearing in the chorus. Rehearsals are well under-way, and it looks like it's going to be a fabulous production with lots of beautiful Handel music sung in English. The chorus has a lot of stage-time, which is great for me! Performance dates are February 12, 14, 17, 19, 21, at 8 pm. See the POV website for details: http://www.pov.bc.ca/

Next up is the VCM Opera Studio's production of Handel's Giulio Cesare in which I'll be playing a lead role - Sesto, a young man full of passion and eager to avenge his father's death. This role is traditionally played by a mezzo-soprano and I'm extremely excited to add it to my repertoire. Performances are April 1, 2, 3 and 4. More details coming soon!

I've entered 6 classes in the Greater Victoria Performing Arts Festival this year: the Rosebowl qualifying class, the concert group, the Canadian class, the Opera class, the French art song class, and the 21stC class. Class dates, times and venues are yet to be determined, but I'll keep you updated as I receive more information.

And the biggest news is that I've decided to audition for a Masters degree in Vocal Interpretation at L'Univesite de Montreal for the fall of 2009. Preparations are underway - the application is in, the date for my French placement test is set, I've booked a flight to Montreal to audition live in March, and I'm looking into a French immersion program for the summer to get me up-to-speed for studying in French. It's all very exciting, and a little scary!

And now for a little backtracking. In recent history I sang my Opera Idol People's Choice aria and a little light musical theatre for the Victoria Rotary Club, at the request of Terry Jones, their entertainment coordinator. That was a lovely experience, indeed, and I hope to sing for them again in the future.

I have now uploaded the video clips for Opera Idol, posted December 23rd (two posts ago). Please check them out!

Thanks, everyone! Check back soon!

"In Praise of Christmas" gets air-time CFUV 101.9 FM

2008-12-23T22:58:00.000-08:00

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

2008-12-08T21:06:00.000-08:00

"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....

2008-12-06T01:01:00.000-08:00

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!

2008-12-05T08:33:00.000-08:00

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.

Times Colonist spread - front page of the Arts Section!

2008-12-02T22:27:00.001-08:00

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.

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

2008-11-23T17:38:00.000-08:00

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!

3 down, 1 to go...

2008-11-22T23:27:00.000-08:00

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

Lieder Competition Prize

2008-11-21T12:32:00.000-08:00

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!

Opera Studio presents Handel's "Giulio Cesare" in April 2009

2008-11-12T22:41:00.001-08:00

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

December - upcoming appearances

2008-11-12T22:22:00.001-08:00

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.

"Harbour Lights" gets air-time on Remembrance Day

2008-11-12T22:11:00.000-08:00

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

2008-11-12T22:00:00.000-08:00

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

Acadia Days 2003-2007

2008-11-11T19:46:00.000-08:00

Here are a few highlights from the time I spent at Acadia University, while completing my Bachelor's degree in Vocal Performance.

"Turn up the Spotlight!"
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.

"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!

2008-11-11T18:04:00.001-08:00

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