Soprano Christine Brewer to Teach Master Class at McKendree University

(LEBANON, Ill., September 26, 2016) - Internationally renowned soprano Christine Brewer will share her expertise in a vocal master class on Tuesday, Oct. 11 at McKendree University’s Hettenhausen Center for the Arts. High school music directors and their students are invited to join the university’s music and theatre students at the Hett from 4 to 6 p.m. The public is also welcome to observe the master class in session.

Brewer is a Grammy Award-winning recording artist known for her soaring range, boundless power and control, and vibrant personality. BBC Music named her “one of the top 20 sopranos of all time.” She has performed with the Metropolitan Opera, English National Opera, and the orchestras of major American and European cities. She studied music education at McKendree and taught at Marissa Elementary School for several years before embarking on her professional career as a performer.

She will coach McKendree University students singing musical theatre songs, some of which are from the upcoming musical “Curtains” by Kander and Ebb, to be presented at the Hett from Nov. 4 to 6.

McKendree has added a musical theatre track to its theatre major for undergraduates. The program includes classes in acting, movement and stage speech, as well as modern dance, beginning ballet, Broadway style jazz, and the history of the American musical.

Students from the university’s Division of Visual and Performing Arts who will participate in the master class include Kiana Beverly, a music major from Oak Park, Ill.; J. Dylan Comer, a theatre major from Carrier Mills, Ill.; Genna Fanning, a biology pre-professional major from Jacksonville, Ill.; and Brett Hanna, a theatre major from Belvidere, Ill.

“We are very fortunate to have Christine teaching this master class for us. It is a wonderful opportunity for our students to learn from such a talented musician,” said Dr. Nancy Ypma, chair of the Division of Visual and Performing Arts. For more information, contact her at 618-537-6922 or nypma@mckendree.edu.

 

Christine Brewer