Canadian Opera Star to Dazzle Audience

Here to dazzle audiences with her fresh mezzo-soprano vocals Monday February 1 at 8pm in Convocation Hall, Barber's easy manner, quick sense of humor and knowledge of the art of opera make her both an accessible and entertaining performer.

"It's with great pride we invite Kimberly Barber to visit our department," said Brian McIntosh, U of A Department of Music voice professor and internationally acclaimed bass-baritone. "In addition to the evening performance, Kimberly is also generously offering an afternoon masterclass to U of A voice students. Since we are doing an opera which Kimberly knows very well - Handel's Serse - as our main production this year, Kimberly will be working with our singers on repertoire from that opera. She is considered a specialist in early music."

Dedicated to education - both of her students and in the larger community - Barber is in great demand not only as a singer, but also as a guest lecturer, panelist and pedagogue in Canada and the US. She has taught master classes at the University of Toronto, the Glenn Gould Professional School, the Victoria Chapter of NATS, Vancouver Opera Guild, Opera Nuova, Canadian Operatic Arts Academy, University of Manitoba, Elora Festival Academy and York University.

"We hope the local high school and college students who are interested in music and singing will attend this masterclass," continued McIntosh.

Beginning in 1985, Barber has a long and storied professional career: from the great opera houses of the world, including those in Paris, Chicago, New York, Marseille and Japan, to regular appearances on stages across Canada, Barber is noted for her deep attention to text and musical interpretation.

"We hope the whole city will attend the recital. It is a special opportunity!" exclaimed McIntosh.

Kimberly Barber maintains a private voice studio and has been Associate Professor of Voice at Wilfrid Laurier University in Waterloo, Ontario since July of 2002, where she also acts as Administrative Coordinator of the Opera Program.