Algoma U hosts two masterclasses for voice enthusiasts

NEWS RELEASE

ALGOMA UNIVERSITY

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Algoma University’s Music Department is hosting two voice masterclasses at Central United Church.

The first masterclass will be on March 30 at 6:30 p.m. with David Dellaire. The second will be on April 2 at 2 p.m. with Laura Widgett.

Born and raised in Sault Ste. Marie, David Dellaire has a Bachelor of Music in Voice Performance and an Operatic Stage Directing Diploma, both from the University of Toronto.

Dellaire runs a successful private vocal studio in his current home, London, England.

In addition to teaching, he has either performed, directed, musically directed, or choreographed for the following companies: The Royal Opera House, The Classical Opera Company, Tring Park School for the Performing Arts, LGMC, Fulham Camerata, The Fourth Choir, The National Youth Orchestra of Great Britain, LGSO, LGBB, Bakelite Big Band, London's Transport Choir, RVT Choir, and his own choir, Achord Chamber Choir.

Dellaire is also a tutor at Morley College in London.

Dellaire will work with students on communication of text in the musical theatre repertoire.

Soprano, Laura Widgett, is quickly establishing herself as a rising young artist in the world of opera.

With a Bachelor’s degree in Voice Performance from the University of Toronto and a Master’s Degree in Opera from the University of British Columbia, she has been taking to stages across Europe and North America performing title roles and singing in some of the world’s most established competitions.

Most recently, Widgett was the 2015 winner of the Western Canadian Region Metropolitan Opera Competition that was held in Vancouver, BC and went on to perform and represent Canada in Seattle, Washington.

She was the first recipient of the Guttman-Dales scholarship endowed by Vancouver Opera, Manitoba Opera, Edmonton Opera, and Calgary Opera and this spring received a “Rising Young Artist” award from Vancouver Opera.

Widgett will work with students on performance techniques in classical vocal repertoire.

"Of individuals originally from the Sault who have pursued careers in music, Algoma University’s Music Department is committed to identifying those who are succeeding in moving, shaking, and shaping today's music profession,” said Dr. Edward Turgeon, Chair of the Department of Fine Arts. “The idea is to invite these artists back to the Sault and have them work with Algoma University’s Music Department students. Through this process, successful artists inspire our students, share insights regarding keys to success, while suggesting viable techniques for carving sustainable niches in today's music business.”

Earlier this year, the Music Department welcomed jazz guitarist Adam Smale back to Sault Ste. Marie for a jazz masterclass.

Admission to both masterclasses is free and both are open to the public.

About Algoma University

Algoma University was established in 1965 and is located in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario. Algoma University is a small, undergraduate, teaching-focused university that places an emphasis on serving the needs of Northern Ontario.

Algoma University offers a wide range of degrees spanning the liberal arts, sciences, and professional disciplines.

As a partner with Shingwauk Kinoomaage Gamig, Algoma University has a special mission to cultivate cross-cultural learning between Aboriginal populations and other communities.

Algoma University also offers satellite programming in Brampton and Timmins. For more information, please visit www.algomau.ca. 

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