Join contralto Melissa Elsman (our newest voice faculty) and pianist Kathryn Southworth for Part One of this lecture–recital exploring the early life and music of nineteenth-century Parisian composer Augusta Holmès. Celebrated in her lifetime yet seldom remembered today, Holmès defied societal expectations by composing on a grand scale—an endeavor deemed “masculine” and inappropriate for women of her era.
Renowned not only for her music but also for her poetry, voice, and striking presence, Holmès captivated many of the leading artists of her day. Camille Saint- Saëns is quoted as saying “We were all in love with her— literary men, savants, painters, musi¬cians; any one of us would have been proud to make her his wife."
This program highlights her early years, a period marked by passion, romance, and artistic inspiration. A selection of musical works and poetry written by Augusta Holmès that reflect this season of her life will be performed, including her ardent song set Les Sérénades and her fiery song cycle Les Heures.
Bios:
Melissa Elsman (voice), classical singer and music educator, holds a B.M. in Vocal Performance from The Boston Conservatory and an M.M. in Vocal Performance from Chicago College of Performing Arts. She continues her studies with renowned countertenor Mark Crayton. A member of the National Association of Teachers of Singing, Melissa teaches voice to children and adults from beginner to advanced levels, in a variety of styles including classical, musical theater, and popular music. An active performer with over 20 years of experience, Melissa’s repertoire spans from art song to opera, with a special interest in lesser-known works. She has produced and performed lecture-recitals, including La Femme Vaillante: Reviving the Remarkable Musical Legacy of Augusta Holmès, which she has toured both locally and in Chicago.
Kathryn Southworth (piano department co-chair, piano, performance workshops, Canterbury Singers) holds a B.M. in Piano Performance from Oberlin Conservatory and an M.M. in Vocal Accompanying and Coaching from the University of Illinois. She held a graduate assistantship as staff accompanist under the tutelage of acclaimed accompanist John Wustman and served as a musical ambassador to Costa Rica with soprano Ollie Watts Davis. She has been a collaborative pianist for Opera North, Dartmouth College, Plymouth State University, and Boston Ballet, and has also served as music director, accompanist, and organist for many theater and choral groups in New England. Kathy is currently music director and organist for the Canterbury United Community Church. Former faculty positions include St. Paul’s School and Plymouth State University.
Bach’s Lunches are free and open to the public. They are made possible in part through the generosity of the Walker Fund.
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