Singing

Recording and Workshop next week

June 2011

I'm finally going into the studio to record a proper performance DVD of Emily Kalies' noitcelfeRReflection next week. At the world-premiere the audio and video both died halfway through; then we performed it an a academic conference so we couldn't film; then it was meant to be recorded with a brand-new film backing in Dublin, but I was unable at attend due to a health crises; and finally a snow storm prevented another chance. So the 5th time must be the charm! 

Also, I was just invited to sing as a Tenor in a workshop at the Uni Music Department next week on Alessandro Striggio's astounding Mass in 40 parts (1566) lead by Robert Hollingworth of I Fagiolini. I've had the great pleasure of working with Robert before as a singer and scholar (he advised my PhD dissertation, and actually started me on my path as a female Baritone). 

And in weirder news, I hit a low F# the other day! Yep, you read that right -- the one at the bottom of the bass stave.

New show!

April 2011

Just got some great news from the world of singing, I have been selected to perform in a fabulous early Baroque opera, again under the direction of Philip Thorby, in Italy and the UK! Emilio De'Cavalieri's 1600 masterwork Rappresentatione di Anima et di Corpo will be performed in Venice and in the Norfolk or Suffolk area in a semi-staged performance with period instruments.

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The Clerkes of All Saints

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November 2010

I have been asked to join a new choir founded in York called The Clerkes of All Saints, as a Tenor (of course!). I'm also starting to do a lot of subbing/ repping (singing as a ringer) locally, which I'm very much enjoying. But most exciting? I have been chosen as a Model and Presenter for the Evolve Magazine Launch party in London on December 18th! Evolve Magazine is the UK's top fashion and style magazine created for the fuller figured fabulous woman.

Harrogate International Festival

June 2010

Juniper, my female trio, has just been booked by the Harrogate International Festival to sing at the Hotel du Vin in Harrogate, for the 'Thank Festival it's Friday' series. Composer FL Dunkin Wedd is composing a song cycle for us based on the Exeter Riddle Book, to be premiered in the late 2010 season -- check back soon for further details about dates and repertoire...

National Railway Museum

February 2010

"Unter dem Zug zu singen." At the Hall of Harmonies concert on 27 February at The National Railway Museum, I will sing the Tenor solo "Nigra sum" from Monteverdi's Vespers of 1610, with a Javanese gamelan accompaniment, from underneath an old train! The text, taken from The Songs of Songs, is clearly in a female's voice, but Monteverdi chose to set it for a Tenor. We are seeing what happens when a female Tenor sings the beautiful aria. See the Calendar for more information.

Things afoot!

December 2009

I had a really amazing day yesterday, ending with some incredible news! First, I helped conduct a workshop for NorthEastern Early Music Forum on Venetian Christmas music, and although I have little directing experience, it went well and I got very good feedback. I conducted two works by Andrea Gabrieli, and met lots of great people. Then I came home to find that I have been accepted to a fantastic event: I have been invited to sing, as a Tenor, in the Monteverdi Vespers in Venice next September! 2010 is the 400-year anniversary of Monteverdi's masterwork (Vesperae Beatae Mariae Virginis 1610), and we will perform it, with period instruments, directed by the amazing Philip Thorby, in Venice at the Frari Church - where the master himself is buried! Only 10 singers were selected for this momentous occasion, and I will be singing some of the tenor solos. To perform one of my favorite pieces of all time, in the anniversary year, on the correct feast day, in Venice, in the main church - I mean, could this be any more incredible?!? 8 September 2010, 9.30 pm... And in other good upcoming news - I've been booked to perform Schoenberg's Pierrot Lunaire in Rome in the 2010-11 season! And look for a possible revival of the amazing opera Antigone in the next year...

The City As Music

September 2009

On Sunday 20 September at 7pm, Sky Arts TV airs the third of four episodes of the series Peter Ackroyd's Veniceentitled "The City As Music" -- SPAV has provided the music, visuals and subject matter for this episode. Learn more about Vivaldi's Venice as demonstrated by SPAV. Our first DVD, made with footage from the documentary, will be available for purchase before Christmas 2009; this new performance of Vivaldi's Gloria will be broadcast by Sky Arts on Wednesday 23 September at 5.30.