6 Questions with Katrin Pöemmerl

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For the second part of our leading lady-interview series, we’re happy to present our second Lauretta for Gianni Schicchi, Katrin Pöemmerl. If you’re a student at VAM, you would recognize this face – in addition to being a 3rd year Voice Performance Major in our College program, Katrin (affectionately known as Kati) is also a Kodaly teacher and theory tutor. Enjoy the interview below!

What do you enjoy most about singing Lauretta?

I am singing the role of Lauretta in Gianni Schicchi and I could not be more thrilled about it. It is the first time I get to sing a main role in a fully staged opera and the entire process for me has been very exciting. I love singing so much! Singing comes from within. Your body is your instrument and for me there is nothing as rewarding as telling a story through singing and touching the audience with your own voice!

Favourite scene from Gianni Schicchi and why?

Ah, there are so many! I love the very beginning, when the relatives are looking for the will. It’s pure chaos; they get to throw papers around on stage, have pillow fights. It is so much fun. I also like when the doctor Spinelloccio comes in and Gianni Schicchi changes his voice and pretends to be Buoso Donati. It is a very fun scene to watch.

What should the audience listen or look for when they come to watch the production?

Notice all the actions in the background during the big crowd scenes. Even if there are 2 or 3 singers in front, every single person on stage has his or her own staging directions. It adds so many layers to the story we are telling in Suor Angelica and Gianni Schicchi. Betto, for example, keeps stealing items around the house in Gianni Schicchi. Notice how he stuffs his pockets with jewelry, money, books and even a candle.

What’s your favourite part of the productions?

It is hard for me to narrow it down to only one part. I think what I love the most is seeing all the different parts that make up the production come together. That first time you get to rehearse with orchestra, in costume, with the proper set is so special for me. It adds a whole new level.

How did you get into opera?

I started singing in choirs when I was in elementary school, but I never thought of studying opera. I had my first operatic voice lesson when I was 20 and I fell in love with it during my first lesson. The more I learned about opera, the stronger I felt about it. And now I can’t get enough of it.

What have you enjoyed the most during your experience at VAM?

Doing opera productions at VAM is more than just a school production. Besides getting very good instruction and direction from the artistic team, you also get shaped as a professional musician. They prepare you for professional engagements because our directors and conductor are themselves industry professionals. Not to mention, VAM is a very encouraging environment and since the opera studio is rather small, you get lots of opportunities to take on roles that challenge you and that help you grow.

Finally, any last words?

This upcoming production of Suor Angelica & Gianni Schicchi is a very good way to give opera a try, if you do not have a lot of experience with it yet. You get both, a drama and a comedy. Very different music, lots of different singers and there is something for everyone. And kids are going to LOVE it! Our stage director is brilliant. She built in so much humour and comedic elements. It’s impossible not to laugh out loud.

Katrin Poemmerl

Presenting…the School of Swing!

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The Vancouver Academy of Music is pleased to introduce its newest program, the Dal Richards School of Swing!

Directed by Ellen Marple, the School of Swing consists of both a Jazz Orchestra and an Introduction to Swing Class. The Jazz Orchestra will focus on building an intimate understanding of classic repertoire from the Count Basie and Ellington libraries but will also serve to introduce students to more contemporary styles like that of Stan Kenton and Thad Jones. Students will be given ample opportunity to develop their improvisational skills and will also receive coachings within their sections from fantastic Vancouver musicians. For students who are not quite ready to join the Jazz Orchestra, the Introduction to Swing class offers the space to learn about style and improvisation at a more relaxed pace in the context of a small swing band.

Ellen (Director/Trombone) is very excited to be joined by Alan Matheson (Rhythm), Alison Gorman (Trumpet) and Bryan Milks (Saxophone) to provide more specialized coaching within each section.

We are auditioning!

Auditions will be held from June 23rd to July 4th. Auditions are open to all students regardless of whether they study at VAM or not. Auditions are free of charge and are conducted in a supportive and encouraging environment. The audition requirements are a piece/excerpt of the candidate’s choosing, major and minor scales and sight reading (for drums please be prepared to play three different styles). Please contact [email protected] to schedule an audition.

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6 Questions with Katrina Goh

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In anticipation of our Opera Studio’s production of Suor Angelica and Gianni Schicchi, we wanted to give you a sneak peek into some of the behind-the-scenes stuff that goes into making a production. This is the first of a four-part series in which we interview the lead singers of the productions!
Our first interview is with Katrina Goh. Katrina is a 1st year Artist Diploma student at VAM, majoring in Voice Performance. She will be singing the role of Lauretta in Gianni Schicchi.
What do you enjoy most about singing Lauretta?

I love singing both the aria and the duet at the end of the opera. It’s such beautiful music.

Favourite scene from Gianni Schicchi and why?

My favorite scene would have to be the one where Schicchi is sharing his scheme with the Donati family. The music is so catchy and there is so much humor in it.

What should the audience listen or look for when they come to watch the production?

Definitely pay careful attention to the staging. It’s a hilarious opera on its own, but this particular production is hysterical. Jeanine [Fynn, Stage Director] is great at bringing out the humor of any piece in her staging. Of course, she doesn’t make this stuff up. It’s all in the music.

How did you get into opera?

I have been singing since I could talk. I always wanted voice lessons, but I didn’t start until I was 13.  My first voice teacher, Sheila Christie[,] is an opera singer, and gave me her dress rehearsal tickets to La Traviata. That was the first opera I ever watched and I was hooked. I thought it was so amazing, what these people could do with their voices! Over the next 6 years Sheila molded me, taking me from from Disney, to musical theatre, to art song and finally to opera repertoire. And I’ve been in opera-land ever since!

What have you enjoyed the most during your experience at VAM?

Definitely being part of shows like these. It’s a great experience working with the directors and conductors that David has brought in for us. I have learned so much from them as well as from my colleagues.

Finally, any last words?

Schicchi is such a fun show and I’m so glad that I’m able to be a part of bringing it to life. It’s a great first opera if you’ve never seen one before… Especially if you like comedy. Come check it out! Looking forward to seeing you there!!

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2014 VAMSO Concerto Competition Results

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On Saturday, May 30th and Sunday, June 1st, we had over 80 young musicians from all over BC participate in our inaugural VAMSO Concerto Competition. These musicians were competing for a chance to perform as a soloist with the VAM Symphony Orchestra, taking place in October. Our adjudicators were very impressed with amount of young talent that was on the stage!

Congratulations to our winners!
(All winners listed in alphabetical order)

Piano
Jack Le
Eric Liang
Edward Su
Ryan Zhu

 Strings
Evan Ishii-Delukas, Cello
Grace Hye Won Sohn, Cello
Tate Zawakiuk, Cello

Woodwinds, Brass & Voice
Hanson Jaeho Kang, Clarinet

Alternate List

 Piano
1st        Athena Deng
2nd       Arthur Wang
3rd       Linda Ruan
4th        Barry Tan

Strings
1st        Chloe Kim, Violin
2nd       Diana Kim, Violin
3rd       Corina Deng, Voilin

Woodwinds, Brass & Voice
Logan Liu Lan, Flute

Once again, huge congratulations to all performers and a big thank you to all of our adjudicators.

2014/15 Registration Materials now available

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Registration for 2014/15 has now started.

In addition to our current course selections, we have a number of new courses to offer including Learning Mandarin Through Music and the Dal Richards’ School of Swing.

Download the new Handbook here. Download a registration form here.

How do I register?

  1. Download both the handbook and registration form to your computer.
  2. Flip through the handbook and find out which courses you would like to take.
  3. Fill out the registration form in its entirety, including your lesson and class information (Don’t have a teacher yet? Fill out a form here before you start.)
  4. Mail the form along with a cheque or come to the office and drop it off with complete payment (cash or cheque only please!)

And that’s it!

We also offer payment in installments. Come to the front desk for more details.

VAM Opera Studio presents: Suor Angelica & Gianni Schicchi

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 13, 2014
Media Contact: Samantha Quon
[email protected] | (604) 734-2301

VAM Opera Studio presents: Suor Angelica & Gianni Schicchi

VANCOUVER, BC  – The VAM Opera Studio, directed by David Meek, presents Giacomo Puccini’s beloved operas Suor Angelica & Gianni Schicchi.

Suor Angelica & Gianni Schicchi are one-act operas and are commonly performed together. This group of operas is also known as Il Trittico (The Triptych) when performed with another of Puccini’s operas known as Il tabarro.

Suor Angelica revolves around the story of Sister Angelica, who is part of a convent of nuns. Sister Angelica’s only desire is to hear from her family, whom she has not heard from in over seven years. One night, her aunt, the Princess, arrives with some unexpected news.

Based on Pietro Fanfani’s The Divine Comedy, Gianni Schicchi is the tale of a family who is out to get their dead relative’s fortune for themselves. They call upon the help of Gianni Schicchi, who has tricks of his own up his sleeve!

This production features up and coming opera stars such as Melissa Bideau and Dora Brooks double-cast as Angelica, Cathy Merkel and Lauren Solomon as Principessa, Lars Klotz and Jason Cook as Gianni, and Katrina Goh and Katrin Poemmerl as Lauretta. This production is directed by Jeanine Fynn and conducted by John Arsenault with musical accompaniment provided by members of the VAM Symphony Orchestra.

About the VAM Opera Studio: The Opera Studio is a pre-professional training program lead by David Meek, Head of Voice at the Vancouver Academy of Music. Made up of singers around the world, its purpose is to provide career-oriented singers with practical training and performance opportunities in Opera.  The Opera Studio presents a scene selections concert twice a year and a fully-staged opera production in Spring each year.

When: June 12, 13, 14 at 7:30 pm; June 15 at 2:00 pm
Where: Koerner Recital Hall at the Vancouver Academy of Music,1270 Chestnut Street
Tickets: $15 Adults/Seniors | Children under 18 free!

In Advance: www.vam.ca/events

Concert day – at Will Call one hour before the performance

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2014 Summer Camps: Register today!

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We are happy to finally announce the details for this year’s summer camps! This year, we are offering three different camps – see more details below!

Koerner Quartet String Seminar
July 7 to 11, 2014
Ages 12 to 18, RCM Grade 8 and above
$300
Increase your technique and bring your musicianship to the next level with this special one-week seminar hosted by the Koerner Quartet. Aimed for string players aged 12 to 18, this intensive camp will work on skills necessary to become a strong player, through chamber music, technique class, master classes and more! Check out the brochure and application form here.

Suzuki Summer Camp
July 21 to 25, 2014
Junior: Book 1 to 3; Intermediate: Book 4 and above
$150 per week with $25 registration fee
Improve your skills in a fun and musical environment in our Suzuki Summer Camp! Designed by VAM’s Suzuki Department Heads, this one-week, half-day camp is designed to enhance your child’s musical learning through fun activities such as group class, master classes and performances! Check out the full brochure and schedule here.

Junior DanceFest
Ages 4 to 8; no experience neccessary
July 7th to 11th, 8:30 am to 12:00 pm
$195

Senior DanceFest
Ages 9 and up; previous training required
July 14th to 18th OR July 21st to 25th, 8:30 am to 12:00 pm
$195

Standard Chartered Summer String Orchestra Camp at Haw Par SummerFest 2014
August 4 to 10, 2014
Ages 12 to 18, ABSRM/RCM Grade 7 and above (or equivalent); audition required
HKD $3,500 (approx. $437.50); bursaries available
Spend a week in Hong Kong with the Koerner Quartet and the Haw Par Mansion Foundation and get immersed in music in an international environment. Immerse yourself in Vivaldi’s The Four Seasons culminating in a concert at the state-of-the-art Yip Kit Chuen Concert Hall. Prepare your audition tapes and apply today!

Summer String Orchestra Camp Poster_v7_10 May 2014 (1)

Space for both of these camps are limited – we recommend signing your children up today! Download the forms and submit payment to the front desk (cash or cheque, exact change please).

2014 Jerold Gerbrecht Winds & Brass Competition Results

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On Sunday, May 18th, we held our 2nd annual Jerold Gerbrecht Winds & Brass Competition. Many thanks to our adjudicator, Benjamin Kinsman! The results are below:

Junior Category:

1st place: Nathaniel Lum, flute ($300)

Senior Category:

1st place: Andy Seonghyeon Kim, oboe ($300)
2nd place: Theophilus Ko, oboe ($200)
Evan Wendell, trumpet ($200)

Congratulations to our winners and participants!

2014 Kay Meek Competition Finalists

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This past Saturday, we hosted over 18 students for the 38th Annual Kay Meek Competition. Huge thanks to our adjudicator, Caroline Markos!

Finalists:

Saul Domingos-Morales
Tian Fei
Katrina Goh
Sa Rang (Diana) Kim
Albert Seo
Grace Sohn

Congratulations to our finalists above and to the rest of our participants!

Book your audition for the Orchestra Program today!

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Performing in a symphony orchestra is one of the most exhilarating experiences a young musician will encounter. The team aspect of orchestral playing – each member offering their individual skill for a collective purpose – instills life skills that have far reaching benefits. VAM Orchestral Program is comprised of four (that’s right – we have four levels of Orchestra now!) levels of orchestral training that aim to strike a balance between excellence and enjoyment. Auditions are now open to join any of the orchestras that VAM offers:

Pre-Junior (PJs): Ages 5-7; Suzuki Book 2-4 or RCM Grade 1-3 (strings only – no audition necessary)
VAMJS: Ages 7-10; Suzuki Book 4-5 or RCM Grade 3-5
VAMIS: Ages 10-14; Suzuki Book 5-7 or RCM Grade 5-8
VAMSO: Ages 13 and above; RCM Grade 9-ARCT

Dates: June 2 to 13
For more info, or to book your audition, please contact: [email protected]

Play piano? No problem! Pianists are welcome to join any of the orchestras as a percussion/timpani player.