Alberta Vocal Arts is a new non-profit organization dedicated to promoting and celebrating the classical vocal arts in Alberta. Committed to fostering meaningful connections and enriching the cultural landscape, we present captivating performances, unique collaborations, and innovative outreach programs. We aim to inspire, engage, and uplift audiences of all ages and backgrounds. Learn more at www.albertavocalarts.com.
Alberta Vocal Arts is celebrating the strong female characters in opera with ‘Empowered Elegance’. In honor of International Women’s Day, we proudly showcase the formidable talents of Mezzo Soprano Barbara King and Soprano Kathleen Morrison, accompanied by the exquisite piano artistry of Mimi Park. Our concert is a homage to the iconic characters who have graced the operatic stage, from the fierce heroines of Verdi, the poignant figures of Massenet, and the dramatic confrontations of Bellini. The selections highlight the strength, drama, passion, and complexity of these characters. Join us as we celebrate the power and elegance of the strongest female voices in opera history.
Kathleen Morrison is an operatic soprano, who has captivated audiences all around the world with her performances in opera, concerts, and lieder. She has been hailed as ‘Riveting’ by Opera Canada. Kathleen owns the highly successful ‘Voice by Kathleen’ studio, where she mentors and coaches singers across genres, emphasizing healthy vocal technique. She is an in demand adjudicator and masterclass clinician and is also the Director of Solo Voice Studies at the prestigious Renert School since 2019.
Co-founder of the audience favourite Divas Opera and Artistic/Executive Director of the newly formed Alberta Vocal Arts Association; Kathleen is dedicated to promoting the classical vocal arts and creating engaging performances. Residing in Calgary, she finds joy with her beloved Grand Champion Trick Samoyed, Alfie, and new puppy Rosie. She is a Certified Trick Dog All-Star Trainer of the Year and Vice-President of the Samoyed Association of Canada. @kathleen__morrison www.kathleenmorrison.com
Canadian mezzo-soprano Barbara King is no stranger to the stage, having won a Québec Provincial Gymnastics Championship to dazzling audiences with her “exquisite vocal command of a three-octave range” and the presence of a “warm, agile mezzo-soprano voice”.
In addition, Barbara founded Divas Opera with soprano Kathleen Morrison and Calgary Concert Opera Company (CCOC) with her husband.Recently, Ms. King made her debut with Alberta Vocal Arts as Prince Orlofsky in Die Fledermaus and looks forward to her return to Manitoba Opera as Mercédès in Carmen. Previous performance highlights include the titles roles of Carmen (Carmen) and Dritte Dame (The Magic Flute) with Opera Kelowna, Flora (La Traviata) with Manitoba Opera, Olga (The Merry Widow) and The Confidante (Elektra) with Edmonton Opera, and as a principal soloist with Alberta Symphony Orchestra, Rocky Mountain Symphony Orchestra and Calgary Civic Symphony.
www.mezzoking.com @barbkingmezzo
Mimi Hyunmi Park graduated from the prestigious Seoul Arts High School and obtained a Bachelor in Piano Performance from HanYang University in South Korea. She has also received a certificate from AIDM Academy in Rome, Italy. With a deep understanding and a love for voice, Hyunmi has worked as an opera repetiteur at the Seoul National Opera, Maria Pellegrini in Ottawa, and numerous opera houses world wide. Bringing her decades of experience and a detailed approach to her sessions, she is a favourite of both professional and young singers alike. She is very active as a vocal collaborator in Canada, USA and South Korea.
This concert is the first in a series of many Choral Concerts during 2024 that is generously sponsored by:
