Classical musical lovers will fall in love with Living.
Chemainus Classical Concerts is pairing soprano Dr. Betty Allison and pianist Kimberley-Ann Bartczak for an afternoon of magnificent music at St. Michael’s Church in Chemainus on May 26 at 2 p.m.
Allison, who is a professor of voice at Dalhousie University where she runs the DalOpera program and teaches applied voice, may be remembered from her early performances with the Cowichan Consort. She is a graduate of the University of Victoria School of Music, and more recently completed her doctorate at the University of Toronto. Some of Allison’s credits include debuting in the world premiere of Mary’s Wedding with Pacific Opera Victoria, the title role in Floyd’s Susannah with Florentine Opera, and the role of Alice in Verdi’s Falstaff with L’Opèra Thèâtre de Metz Mètropole. Allison also co-founded a voice training program and returns to her home town of Ladysmith to teach it each summer.
Bartczak, who originally hails from Montreal, is a conductor, pianist and vocal coach and is currently the principal coach and accompanist at Pacific Opera Victoria. Some of her past credits include associate artistic director for Manitoba Underground Opera, and resident conductor and repetiteur at Calgary Opera. Bartczak was recently the music director for the world premiere of Veronika Krausas’ Ghost Opera at Calgary Opera and Sokolovic/Bartok’s Svadba/Bluebeard’s Castle double bill in Manitoba.
Allison was just coming on board as the professor of voice at Dalhousie University and met Bartczak when she joined Pacific Opera Victoria as their principal coach and accompanist. The two quickly bonded over their shared love of art, song, and Vancouver Island. Their program Living explores the thriving world of the lyrical Canadian classical art song and current Canadian composers from coast to coast.
“Composers from coast to coast are actively writing for voice and piano today, and Betty and Kimberly-Ann will introduce us to this very important aspect of Canadian art,” said artistic co-director Rykie Avenant.
Tickets for this afternoon of classical music are $30 at the door, and $10 for those under 18. Reserved prepaid tickets are $23 in advance or $25 at the door. To reserve or purchase your tickets call Eleanor at 250-748-8383.
“We know that concert goers will be delighted to hear these artists at the top of their game, collaborating in a program that puts the spotlight on emerging and established composers alike,” said Avenant. “Growing up in Ladysmith, Betty is no stranger to Cowichan audiences, and many patrons will remember her lustrous voice. Kimberley-Ann is principal coach and accompanist at Pacific Opera Victoria, and a vastly experienced conductor, pianist, and vocal coach. We feel fortunate to host these two performers with a connection to Vancouver Island as part of our series, and hope that audience members share our pride in their accomplishments.”
