Penticton locals Mia Harris (mezzo soprano), Christine Robinson (soprano), and Dennis Nordlund (piano) are set to perform in their hometown with a classical music recital in duet entitled Giving Voice.
Harris describes how the program was designed around the sheer beauty of the pieces themselves and hopes that the evening is one of relaxation, inspiration, and invigoration of the soul. The program is unique in that half of the music is entirely in duet, highlighting the distinct beauty and blend of voices, and the special connection between musicians.
Harris’ favourite music on the program is a set of French duets by composer Ernest Chausson, entitled La Nuit and Reveil. The poetry by Théodore de Banville speaks of the blessed nighttime and the quiet freedom it brings from the cares of the day, followed by a sweet awakening and the beautiful ways in which nature greets the coming day.
The program also includes a new work by local award-winning composer Nicholas Kelly, conductor of the Penticton Tuneagers.
A native of Penticton, Harris has enjoyed working with the Okanagan Symphony Orchestra, Bumbershoot Theatre, Opera Kelowna, Musaic Vocal Ensemble, Vivace Chorale of Kamloops, Aura Chamber Choir in Vernon, Soundstage Productions, Penticton Community Concerts and the West Coast Symphony in Vancouver, among other operatic engagements across Canada. She holds an Opera Diploma from the University of Toronto, an Artist Diploma from the Vancouver Academy of Music and a Bachelor of Music from UBC.
Robinson is a classically trained soprano that completed her bachelor’s degree in opera performance at UBC where she was an active member of the University Singers and the UBC Opera Ensemble. She has performed as a soloist and chorus member for numerous orchestras, operatic choruses, and music ensembles across BC, and most recently appeared as Lily in Penticton Soundstage’s production The Secret Garden this past January.
The group performs in Oliver on May 25 at 7 p.m. at the Oliver Alliance Church and on May 26 in Penticton at 7 p.m. at St. Saviour’s Anglican Church. Tickets are $20 ($10 for students) and are available at the door.
