Arte Lírico – Inspiring Opera in Ecuador: Conversations with Voice Professionals
For lovers of lyrical singing, the Armonía Cultural Foundation presents the digital initiative Arte Lírico—a space to converse, reflect, and share experiences around vocal performance. Distinguished international musicians, recognized for their appearances in theaters, operas, and productions worldwide, will share their knowledge and experiences in these sessions. In addition, in each event two Ecuadorian singers will be selected to receive practical advice from the participating masters.
Through Arte Lírico, the Armonía Cultural Foundation aims to provide tools for Ecuadorian lyrical singers to continue refining their vocal instrument. It also seeks to promote opera and academic music while breaking down social myths that frame classical music as an “elitist art.” These conversations will allow participants to access the latest trends in lyrical singing and expand their knowledge. In this way, we encourage all musicians who love this art form to engage and contribute to strengthening the Ecuadorian singing community.
The Foundation will host the first week-long series of sessions with distinguished lyrical singers. Below you will find the profiles of the invited masters, the topics they will address, and the dates of participation. Don’t miss this great opportunity to be part of Arte Lírico!
ARTE LÍRICO AGENDA
Reginald Smith Jr. – Wednesday, July 29 at 3:00 p.m.
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Topic: How to Build a Career in Opera
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Profile: Reginald Smith Jr. is a baritone known for his highly anticipated Metropolitan Opera debut as Jim in Porgy and Bess, followed by Amonasro in Aida with Houston Grand Opera, Jake in Porgy and Bess with Cincinnati Opera, and performances with Atlanta Opera. His symphonic collaborations include Christmas Pops Concerts with the Dallas Symphony and Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony with the Oregon Symphony. Upcoming engagements include debuts with Lyric Opera of Chicago and Santa Fe Opera.
Social Media:https://www.facebook.com/reginaldsmithjrbaritone/
https://www.reginaldsmithjr.com/
https://www.instagram.com/reggiesings/
Dr. Marilyn Taylor – Thursday, July 30 at 3:00 p.m.
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Topic: Discovering the Vocal Technique of Great Singers
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Profile: A distinguished soprano and Director of the Voice Program at the University of North Carolina School of the Arts (UNCSA). Dr. Taylor believes that certain physical truths about singing are immutable and must be acquired by every singer at a certain level. Her awards include the Beverly Sills Award and the Metropolitan Opera Regional National Auditions. Dr. Taylor earned her Doctor of Musical Arts in Vocal Performance at Indiana University, and her Bachelor’s and Master’s in Vocal Performance at the University of Louisville. Her students perform at La Scala in Milan, the Metropolitan Opera, the Berlin Opera, the Paris Opera, and the New National Theatre in Tokyo.
Mark Calkins – Friday, July 31 at 3:00 p.m.
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Topic: The Opera Education System and the Work of Performers in the United States
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Profile: Professor Mark Calkins, a tenor from Cottage Grove, Minnesota, is a recipient of the Ted and Roberta Mann and Berneking Fellowships at the University of Minnesota. He served as President of the Kentucky Chapter of the National Association of Teachers of Singing (2017–2019). Since 2009, he has been a faculty member and served as Director of the School of Music at Berea College (KY). He also teaches at the Kentucky Conservatory and Theater. Calkins holds a Bachelor’s in Music Education from Concordia College and a Master’s in Vocal Performance and Pedagogy from the University of Colorado. He has performed and taught masterclasses in Europe, Asia, and Latin America. Awards include Second Place in the Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions and finalist in the International Concorso di Canto di Mozart in the Czech Republic.
Dr. Everett McCorvey – Saturday, August 1 at 3:00 p.m.
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Topic: Conversation on Vocal Pedagogy
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Profile: Dr. Everett McCorvey is a tenor soloist, conductor, and professor of voice. He is the founder and musical director of the American Spiritual Ensemble, the Director and Executive Producer of the University of Kentucky Opera Theatre, President of Global Creative Connections (a production and management agency for music and theater), and Artistic Director of the National Chorale of the United States. Dr. McCorvey believes every citizen should find ways to give back to their community, city, or country. He is deeply engaged in volunteer work to ensure the arts remain a vital part of civic conversations. He currently serves as a cultural advisor to various local, regional, and national arts organizations. Dr. McCorvey earned his Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctorate in Vocal Performance from the University of Alabama.
Social Media: https://www.facebook.com/everettmcorvey1/
Keymon W. Murrah – Sunday, August 2 at 3:00 p.m.
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Topic: Countertenors and Coloratura
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Profile: Keymon W. Murrah is a young countertenor acclaimed for his wide vocal range and “hot coal core tone.” A native of Louisville, Kentucky, he earned his degree in Arts Administration with a specialization in Music Performance at the University of Kentucky. Murrah was selected by Carnegie Hall’s Weill Music Institute for a masterclass with Joyce DiDonato and continued his studies at the International Vocal Arts Institute. He won Second Place at the Alltech Vocal Competition (2009), Second Place at the National Association of Negro Musicians and Bellarmine University’s Traditional Negro Spiritual Voice Competition (2010), and was a finalist at the Juanita Peterson Vocal Competition (2014). In 2018, he received the Encouragement Award from the Metropolitan Opera Council Central District Auditions. He was a semifinalist at the 2020 Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions in New York City. Recently, he toured with the American Spiritual Ensemble and was a young artist at the Glimmerglass Opera Festival.
Social Media:
MORE INFORMATION
Website: www.armoniacultural.org
WhatsApp: +593 992 716 459 / +593 98 787 9510 / +593 99 887 4098
Email (for MasterClass registration – send two arias): info@armoniacultural.org
📺 Join the event live on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FcArmonia/live/