Voices Across Borders: Art Song Beyond the “Big Three”
- mddcnatswebmaster
- Mar 25
- 2 min read
The languages usually associated with classical vocal training are Italian, French, and German. These are the “Big Three” for the beginning voice student, based on a variety of reasons and perceptions.
But it’s a big world out there and there is a lot more available to singers and teachers than just canzoni, mélodie, and lieder!
On Sunday, April 13, 2025, the Maryland-DC chapter of the National Association of Teachers of Singing (MDDC NATS) will celebrate World Voice Day 2025 by exploring other cultures and their vocal repertoire.
Dr. Lori Şen, mezzo-soprano and assistant professor of voice at Shenandoah University, is a leading authority on Sephardic art song. She is the first to catalog Western classical settings of traditional Sephardic folk songs and to create a Ladino diction guide tailored specifically for singers. Her deep connection to Turkish and Spanish heritage enhances her ability to bridge diverse musical traditions. She has introduced this repertoire and her research to audiences worldwide, and is now bringing her vast knowledge to MDDC NATS. www.lorisen.com
Welsh-American soprano Dr. Rachel Schutz, a member of the faculty at Ithaca College, will be joining us to present material from her upcoming book, Welsh Vocal Music: A Guide to Lyric Diction and Repertoire (Routledge, April 2025). She has previously published articles on Welsh diction and repertoire in the NATS Journal of Singing, and enjoys a multi-faceted career which includes opera, concert, and recital performances.
Allan Palacios Chan is an active performer based in the DC area, who is as comfortable singing Billy Joel and the Cranberries as he is Rossini and Berlioz. But the music of his homeland, the Philippines, is a particular passion, instigating him to develop The Kundiman Project, commissioned by the InSeries of Washington, DC, on which he collaborated with artists from the Mark Morris Dance Group of NYC. He is a frequent performer with the Embassy of the Philippines, which has generously sponsored his appearance with us for this event. www.allanpalacioschan.com
Whether you teach singing, are a singer, or like to listen to singing (and people talking about singing), this program offers a fascinating glimpse into three of the many options available for the 21st century performer.
This event is free of charge and open to the public. A reception featuring appetizers and desserts from the cultures represented will follow. Donations to the Auditions Scholarship fund will be accepted at the event via cash, check or Paypal.
(If you are interested in becoming a NATS member, check out www.nats.org/membership for more information - or come to our 2pm chapter meeting before the event to find out more about what we have to offer!)
Please contact Christine Thomas-O’Meally, MDDC Chapter President, at christine@mezzoidvoicestudio.com if you have any questions.
This event is partially funded by a NATS Discretionary Fund Grant.