Queens, Martyrs, & Forsaken Women featuring Nansee Hughes and Claire Butler.

Throughout history women have been persecuted as martyrs and forsaken by their peers. From powerful Queens to peasant girls these women have one thing in common, they were all fighters.

Join soprano Nansee Hughes and pianist Claire Butler as they present a program showcasing inspiring women and their struggle. From historical titans Joan of Arc and Mary Queen of Scots, to literary figures like the title character from Moniuszko’s Halka and the title character from Floyd’s powerful opera Susannah. In these modern times we must not forget where humanity has come from; and this thought-provoking program helps remind us of how far we still have to go. NH & CB

Lyric coloratura, Nansee Hughes, has performed the roles of Giulietta in Bellini’s “I Capuleti e i Montecchi” with Opera NUOVA (2016), Atalanta in Handel’s “Serse” (2010) and the Dew Fairy in Humperdinck’s “Hansel and Gretel” (2009) with the University of Alberta Opera Workshop, and the young lover in Mercury Opera’s production of “Il Tabarro” (2009). As a concert soloist, Ms Hughes was soprano soloist in performance of Mozart’s Laudate Dominum with St. Anthony’s Parish and Pergolesi’s Stabat Mater with the Schola Cantorum Women’s Choir. In 2015, Ms Hughes was a participant in the Advanced Independent Studies program through the Centre for Operatic Studies in Italy. In 2014, Nansee was selected as a participant in the Music Conference Alberta’s Ben Heppner Masterclass. She has participated in masterclasses and coachings with the Canadian Opera Company’s Albert Krywolt, Mannheim Opera’s Robin Phillips, Dr. Deen Larsen of the Franz-Schubert-Institut, and lyric coloratura soprano, Tracy Dahl. In 2015, Nansee was the recipient of a Winspear Fund scholarship as well as a scholarship to attend the Centre for Operatic Studies in Italy (COSI). Nansee was the recipient of the 2012 Ancient & Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry Scholarship for voice. Nansee received both her Master of Music degree and her Bachelor of Music from the University of Alberta.

Pianist Claire Butler is from the North-East of England and studied piano performance at the Royal College of Music, London with professors John Barstow and Bernard Roberts. After graduating, Claire taught in music schools and continued performing in England before taking a position at the Bermuda School of Music. An experienced soloist and accompanist, Claire has performed concertos with orchestras in the UK and collaborated with many talented musicians. Now a resident of Calgary, Claire is music director of Silver Stars Musical Revue Society and St Andrew’s Anglican Church. She performs regularly in Calgary with recent performances at the Bella Concert Hall, Lougheed House and Heritage Park.

This concert is the fourth in a series of five Emerging Artist Concerts during 2018 generously sponsored by: