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Who has had the most influence on you (musically)
I've had three mentors stand out as considerable influences on my musicianship: Heather Fraser, Alain Cazes, and Jerry Blackstone. Heather, who conducts the Annapolis Valley Honour Choirs in Nova Scotia where I sang as a teenager, taught me how to truly strive for excellence. She is an exemplary educator and musician and her guidance helped form much of the foundations of my musicianship. Next, Alain Cazes, who was my first formal conducting teacher and director of the McGill Wind Symphony during my undergrad, inspired me with his balanced humility and virtuosic musical skill. I return to his lessons on tone unity, conducting clarity, and intonation often. Lastly, Jerry Blackstone, my supervisor at the University of Michigan, who instilled in me the importance of intention and specificity behind every conducting gesture. These three are just a few of many fine musicians from whom I've had the pleasure of learning. I owe them a lot!
Who is your favourite composer to conduct?
I am a big fan of all things French. Debussy, Ravel, Poulenc, and Messiaen are standouts for me. I am particularly looking forward to an upcoming performance of the Duruflé Requiem. My choir and I relish in all the gooey harmonies.
What is your process like when first looking at a new piece?
My first steps with any new piece of choral music are to analyze and read through the text or translation of the original poetry. I very much enjoy slowly speaking through every word to find the colours and shapes of each consonant, vowel, and dipthong. After that, I spend quite a bit of time playing through the score at the piano to craft an interpretation and to get the music into my brain and body. It's always fun to explore the different interpretive possibilities of a musical work.
Are you an early bird or a night owl?
Absolutely a night owl. My 2pm nap is often a crucial daily routine! Books or movies?
I'm an avid reader and fantasy nerd. Currently on book 8 out of 14 in the Wheel of Time series. Anything with magic!
Coffee or Tea?
I never drank coffee until recently. My boyfriend brews a very nice cappuccino. Now coffee is my newest vice and helps me zoom around town on my bike!
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