Boissevain Festival of the Arts 2012

Vocal/Choral Feb. 28, 29 and March 1
Piano March 5-8
Awards Concert Sunday March 18th 3pm Whitewater Mennonite Church

No instrumental classes

Adjudicators

Vocal Adjudicator Mr. David Klassen

Noted for his “rich baritone” (Minneapolis Star Tribune) and praised for his savvy stagecraft, David Klassen holds a Bachelor’s Degree in vocal performance from the University of Manitoba and a Master’s degree in vocal performance from the University of Minnesota. His operatic performance highlights include the Minnesota premier performance as Valmont in Susa’s Dangerous Liaisons, an award-winning performance of the title role in Mozart’s Don Giovanni, Demetrius in Britten’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream and Georg in the premier of Michael Matthews’ Prince Kaspar. More recently, Mr. Klassen has been engaged by the Royal Winnipeg Ballet singing Papageno in Mozart’s The Magic Flute, by Saskatoon Opera as Jacob in Dean Burry’s children’s opera, The Brothers Grimm, and by the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra singing the baritone lead in Carl Orff’s Carmina Burana.

As the Premier Artist for Steinbach Arts Council’s Young Artists in Concert series in 2004, he was highlighted as a local artist who had successfully emerged as a professional in his field. His versatility as a performer has brought him to the stage throughout the Canadian Prairies, Minnesota and beyond. Not only has he been featured as a soloist on the Opera, Oratorio and Concert stages, he has performed in numerous chamber settings as well as the Winnipeg Fringe Festival.

Currently residing in Manitoba, Mr. Klassen continues to work at creating performance opportunities for young singers. In addition to producing and directing several community musicals in and around Steinbach, he recently developed a musical theatre program for young people in collaboration with the Steinbach Arts Council which caters to the development of young performers in Southeastern Manitoba. He has conducted numerous choirs ranging from grade 5 to adult, in both church and community settings.

Mr. Klassen maintains a busy schedule performing and teaching. He holds positions on the voice faculties at the University of Manitoba, Canadian Mennonite University where he also directs the Opera Workshop, and Providence College. As a professional singer and teacher, he has studied languages with renowned diction coaches including Pierre Vallet (New York Metropolitan Opera), and Nico Castel. He has performed in masterclasses for artists including Judith Forst, Wendy Neilson, Benjamin Butterfield and coached with several teachers from institutions including Juliard, Boston Conservatory, Edmonton Opera and San Jose Opera.

Piano Adjudicator Mr. Loren Hiebert

Loren Hiebert grew up in rural Saskatchewan, Kansas, and Manitoba. His early musical influences were hymn-singing and southern gospel music. His piano teachers have included Glenn Loewen, Donald Henry, Jenny Regehr, and Joan Passey. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in music, and A.R.C.T. diplomas in Piano Performance and Piano Teaching.

Since 1980, Loren has been a music teacher in the Altona/Morden/Winkler area, with a large and active studio. His students have excelled at local festivals, and have been awarded numerous scholarships at the provincial level. Loren has adjudicated in music festivals across the province. Loren has been the accompanist for numerous individuals and groups, including the Faith and Life Male Choir and Canzona. In addition, he has been active as a chamber musician in various other classical and jazz combinations.

Loren has made four recordings with violinist Rosemary Siemens. In November of 2009, Loren and Rosemary performed in several concerts to release their most recent CD “Gospel” which raised over $33,000 for the Canadian Foodgrains Bank. November of 2010 saw the release of a second CD of German Hymns sung by the acclaimed choral ensemble “Canzona” with Loren at the piano.

Loren and his wife Lori live in Altona and have some grown-up kids and a slightly insane 18-pound black and white cat named Miles.