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Students on song at Festival of Voices

Classical and Music Theatre Voice students and graduates from the University's Conservatorium of Music will showcase their talents at the Festival of Voices

Lana Kains has been singing in choirs since she was just four years old. And this weekend she will perform at the Festival of Voices along with classmates and graduates of the University’s Conservatorium of Music at "UTAS Singers."

At just 18 Lana is an exceptional soprano, who is well known to many in Hobart from her busking appearances at Salamanca Place. She is a first year Conservatorium student but is studying Voice at second year level, having completed half a semester of University study in year 12.

I play trumpet as well as singing so there was a bit of a toss-up as to which one I would end up focusing on, but in the past couple of years it became apparent to me I was finding voice more enjoyable.

Lana has just returned from Canberra where she performed at the Canberra International Music Festival as a guest member of Australia's only professional a cappella vocal ensemble, The Song Company.  

I think the Conservatorium’s got a great atmosphere and the things they encourage you to learn are very interesting and useful.

“Post University I’ll probably aim for either joining an opera company or some kind of established ensemble. Hopefully I’ll be able to do some international things but I’d also be happy having a base in either Melbourne or Sydney."

Musical director, Coordinator ofClassical and Music Theatre Voice Jane Edwards - who will accompany the singers - said there was an impressive depth of vocal talent in Tasmania.

“The increase in classical and music theatre combined experience, with many young singers equally adept in both specialisations, is revealing significant improvements in craft,” she said.

There are now a number of vocal training organisations, along with a flourishing school music theatre program, helping to educate large numbers of highly capable young performers, which is reflected in the interest in music courses at the University of Tasmania.

UTAS Singers performance

The UTAS Singers performance will be held at the Rosny Barn at 2pm on Saturday, 9 July. The singers will perform a concert featuring golden age and contemporary music theatre, cabaret and divine art song, with a repertoire ranging from the heartfelt to the hilarious.

A number of the singers recently received major awards at the City of Hobart Eisteddfod, and were featured in the 2016 Town Hall Highlights Concert, as winners of the City of Hobart Aria, City of Hobart Music Theatre Award and Lieder Prizes.

Well-known performers include James Bourke, Grace Ovens and Isabella Doniz, alongside emerging music theatre talents Katie Green and Chloe Evans.

Gospel groove

This year’s festival also features Associate Professor Andrew Legg, performing with international performer/composer Khristian Dentley and their American band, for a show of contemporary gospel music. The performance will be held at Gospel HQ (The Odeon Theatre) on Saturday, 9 July, at 2.30pm.