Opera on the brain
How does operatic training affect memory, cognitive functioning, and learning? The Wall Opera Project, funded by Peter Wall Institute, has been looking deep inside the brains of UBC opera students to unveil the science behind these changes. / UBC Magazine
The Cunning Little Vixen sopranos revel in UBC Opera’s rare performance of Janáček’s bittersweet fable
“I think this opera is very human in a way–even if we have animals all around,” says Iguavita in a separate call. “It’s a very honest opera full of human conflict, passion, emotions, obsession, love. So if you let yourself connect with it, you can relate a lot to the fox, a hen, a horse, or many characters that you wouldn’t normally relate to in real life. – The Stir
Production featuring exclusively 2SLGBTQ+ artists receives grants from the Canada Council for the Arts and BC Arts Council
“A Spanish Hour?” is a Queer-English reimagining of Maurice Ravel’s “L’heure Espagnole”, a one-act comédie musicale from 1911, directed by UBC School of Music Associate Professor J. Patrick Raftery, who also co-wrote the English libretto with dramaturge Peter Tiefenbach.
When I Stop Saying Your Name — Five Songs of Grief by Leslie Uyeda, Text by Lorna Crozier
UBC Assistant Professor and mezzo-soprano Krisztina Szabó wrote an article for Art Song Canada’s Fall Issue, “Women and Song” about her experience premiering the new song cycle, “When I Stop Saying Your Name: Five Songs of Grief,” composed by Leslie Uyeda, poetry by Lorna Crozier—two artists who have a profound artistic connection that spans almost two decades. Photo: Bo Huang
People of Arts: Jonathan (Jono) Lee
Get to know UBC Music Alum Jonathan (Jono) Lee! Jonathan studied voice at UBC Music and is now an Arts Academic Advisor. You may have also recognized Jonathan as the Musical Director for the newly formed UBC Faculty of Arts Staff Choir!
Meet UBC School of Music Alum Spencer Britten!
As a Tenor, Dancer, and Actor, Spencer spends a lot of time on the road. Read his reflections on an international career and advice for breaking into the industry.
‘A tricky place to be’: Navigating Canada’s classical music scene with Luka Kawabata
Luka Kawabata graduated from UBC with a MMus in Opera performance in 2018. His “The HAFU ハーフ Project” is a three-part digital series exploring his story as a Nikkei-Canadian navigating Canada’s classical music scene. Ubyssey/Photo by Mark Yammine
Vancouver Fringe appoints Duncan Watts-Grant as Executive Director
Congratulations to UBC Music alum (BMus 2016, Opera), Duncan Watts-Grant for his appointment as Executive Director at the Vancouver Fringe!
A Midsummer Night’s Dream’s Spencer Britten forges a new path in opera
Rising tenor and UBC Alum, Spencer Britten (MMus 2018), on becoming a champion for diversity in Opera.
UBC Wall Opera Project is bridging neuroscience and music training
UBC Opera director, Nancy Hermiston part of UBC Wall Opera Project exploring how rigorous opera training sculpts the brain. – The Ubyssey
Image: Anya Anber Ameen