The Opera Project is offering a new Self-Mastery series this year, in addition to the Master Classes, Concerts and Operas offered each year by Heidi Klassen, which will focus on wellness and exploration of the self as musician, human, and spirit. The series runs from September 2011 to April 2012. Click Here to Download the Brochure. Explore the Mastery Series menu in the navigation bar for information on dates, course descriptions, teachers, pricing, and registration.

 

JAZZ MASTER CLASS RESCHEDULED

Our Jazz Master Class with Jennifer Scott originally scheduled for Tuesday February 21st, 2012 has been rescheduled to Tuesday April 3rd 7-10pm, venue TBA.

Suggested Repertoire List: Page 1 | Page 2 | Page 3 | Page 4 | Page 5 

NEXT IN THE RETURN TO RESONANCE MASTERY SERIES:

February 29th, 2012, 7-10pm
ART SONG Master Class – 19th Century & Beyond
with Heidi Klassen (Voice) & Karen Shumka (Piano Collaborator)
E. 4th Ave Studio – 237 E 4th Avenue, Vancouver, Buzzer #211.

Note: This class is limited to 12 participants (unlimited audits) as each singer will be allotted a 15 minute 1-on-1 opportunity to work with the instructor during the 3 hour class.

In this class you will be treated by a duet between Ms. Klassen (voice) and Ms. Shumka (piano) so don’t miss this seasoned duo’s performance!

It is Ms. Klassen’s belief and passion that being able to sustain the appropriate weight of voice, access an extensive pallet of vocal colors and dynamics to portray the text and communicate the intimacy of Art Song together with the often times equal voice of the piano are achievements of an extraordinary difficult and satisfying art form. It is a necessary skill one must be able to apply to any other music genre especially Opera. Intimacy is Intimacy no matter where it appears. Opera Singers do not skip this class!

Please prepare a song in the ART SONG – 19th Century & Beyond CLASSICAL genre for this master class. Please also scan and email your music to info@theoperaproject.org and also bring copies of your music for the pianist and teacher.

SOPRANO HEIDI KLASSEN – Master of Music in Voice, www.theoperaproject.org

“I cannot say enough about Heidi Klassen. Her stage presence is bigger-than-life. Elegant and poised, she captivated the audience and held us all in her heartfelt song. Her vocal style is technically flawless, with perfect articulation. She is meticulous, and at the same time sings with such conviction and spiritual strength that it moved some audience members to tears. The I Ching.. says. ” The ancient Kings made music in order to honor merit, and offered it with splendor to the Supreme Deity, inviting their ancestors to be present”. Music was looked upon as something serious and holy, designed to purify …feelings. Confucius has said “He who could wholly comprehend this sacrifice could rule the world as though it were spinning on his hand”. The concert ended with a standing ovation. All who were present knew that this was not merely entertainment, it was holy. Confucius would have approved.” – Amnesty International concert in 2009

In a 30 year international operatic career soprano Heidi Klassen acknowledges that it was the greatest privilege of her life to study for over 20 years with one of the greatest acclaimed voices and remaining authorities of Bel Canto, Virginia Zeani. As Voice Teacher, Ms. Klassen’s particular niche is to bring singers to their peak in vocal technique ensuring a sure vehicle for their artist’s expression. Over the last 30 years alongside her full time International Singing Career, Ms. Klassen has taught voice at both University and Opera Programs throughout Canada and presently maintains a private studio in Vancouver. As Founder & Artistic Director of The Opera Project, Ms. Klassen has produced and directed 14 seasons of concerts and opera productions throughout Canada with a mandate to train & promote singers with a further invitation to “Create Sounds that Change the World.” She finds it a great privilege, responsibility, source of energy and joy to pass on her knowledge and love of singing, and is increasingly interested in bringing the spiritual and multi-dimensional aspect of her life to the public. She is presently writing a book called Return to Resonance paralleling singing and spiritual practice, and with this Self-Mastery series energizes her desire to work co-creatively with liked minded masters.
Click here for full Biography

KAREN SHUMKA – Piano Collaborator

Karen Shumka enjoyed a long and successful career as a pianist, repetiteur and music director before crossing into the world of business where she built a collaborative, global team of entrepreneurs in the Health & Wellness Industry and quickly rose to the top of the company.

During this business chapter, it was difficult for Karen to repeatedly turn down musical opportunities and to say “not yet” to her favorite singers.

So, after several years of just a few rare guest appearances as a collaborative pianist, Karen is looking forward to sharing her insights and perspective with fresh eyes and in the words of Steve Jobs: “connecting the dots”. Connecting the dots backwards – from the world of business where she became a student of energy, visualization, passion, and communication – back into the world of passion and communication in music through piano, voice and text.