When some people think of classical music often the imagination that graces their mind is a frantic composer sitting alone beside a candle in a dark room, piecing together music only a composer can comprehend. But the fact of the matter is, classical music is not only considered as some of the most soothing and complex music on earth, but it is a type of music that can be found in Golden, BC.
They call themselves Music Illuminata; a classical music ensemble that produces some of the most fantastic sounds in the Kootenays. Their diverse style is fronted by soprano, Barbara Ulrich. A native of Switzerland, Barbara has been blessing the Columbia Valley for some time with her musical background.
Accompanying Barbara in Music Illuminata are three renowned musical artists that have earned their stripes in some of the most prestigious music programs in North America. Irene Rioux, violinist in the ensemble, claims “music is the vocabulary of the heart, that can be understood when spoken words fail.” Jackie Ohnander, pianist with the group, has attained training from a pair of well known schools in Canada, and is now teaching children with her Music for Young Children program in Golden and Invermere. Lastly, but certainly not least, is Jeff Moss, cellist and all-round musical talent. Jeff’s music has been and still can be heard in numerous acts in and around the Golden area.
Music Illuminata performs a wide array of repertoire in different settings such as: restaurants, churches, house concerts, weddings, family celebrations, corporate events, and pretty much anywhere that needs the gift of great music. Some of their featured repertoire boasts pieces from some much admired, timeless composers from around the world. For instance: J.S. Bach, G.F. Handel, Gabriel Faure, Franz Schubert, Henry Purcell, Johannes Brahms, Antonin Dvorak, George Bizet, and Cesar Frank, just to name a few.
“The group has been playing together for just over a year now. It is truly amazing how far we have come in such a short time. We have established a lovely synergy as a group,” musician, Barbara Ulrich said of the group.
It has been this serious involvement in music that has spurred on yet another musical idea for Barbara Ulrich. Barbara has recently created her latest program in the Golden area, Music Illuminata Voice Studio.
Music Illuminata Voice Studio has been created to assist anyone who professionally sings, is an amateur, or anyone interested in singing to become better in the difficult form of art. Barbara’s calm demeanor and classical background is what certainly makes her the right woman for the job.
“As a teacher, you have to be open-minded. You never know what type of music your student may be interested in learning. But, the basics of singing, no matter what genre, are very similar. Regardless of my student’s musical preference, I will work with them on posture, details of vowels, breath control, and voice expression without straining your vocal chords,” Ulrich concluded.
Barbara’s voice studio is located at 529 8th Street South in Golden. Lesson times and cost may vary; further information on these matters can be attained by contacting Barbara.
For more information on Music Illuminata, as an ensemble or voice training, visit: www.musicilluminata.com or call Barbara at: 250-344-4636.
