I’ve been busy rehearsing with Music of the Baroque for our upcoming performances of Bach’s St. John Passion. If you’ve never had the opportunity to hear this glorious work, I highly recommend it! It tells the Passion story in a thrilling way: through dramatic narrative, contemplative arias, and in standard Bach fashion, with Chorales that were meant to draw in the congregation with familiar hymn tunes. There’s really nothing like it, and singing it under the baton of Jane Glover (this will be my second time) is an unforgettable experience. Here is the final chorus, Ruht wohl ihr heiligen Gebeine (rest well, holy bones).  I truly believe Bach could make a believer of even the most skeptical of us: singing his music always restores my spirit and my faith.

I’ve been on “Spring Break” from my teaching for the past two weeks (I joke about this because it doesn’t feel like much of a break to me because teaching is the least difficult part of my day as a mother of two young children). I’m looking forward to getting back to it next week; the second half of the term always flies by and then it’s jury and recital time before we know it. I’m looking forward to my first appearances in May with the VU Symphonic Band and Windiana (Northwest Indiana’s professional wind ensemble) in their annual Sousa Concert. I’ll be singing Charpentier’s Depuis le jour and Adele’s Laughing Song from Die Fledermaus (Sousa always had a soprano sing an aria on his concerts, a fact I recently learned!). Then I will make my first appearance with the VU Symphony Orchestra as soprano soloist in Barber’s Prayers of Kierkegaard. More information about these concerts can be found in the Upcoming Engagements tab.

Spring is in the air, and summer is on the horizon, which means outdoor concerts, which means Grant Park Music Festival! I’ve been engaged for three programs with this fantastic group, so I’m looking forward to another summer of wonderful music-making and picnics in the park with my kids! They love coming to my concerts but can’t always sit still for the duration, so outdoor venues are perfect!

Happy Spring!

Emily

Greetings and Happy Fall! I had a very rewarding summer, personally and professionally. In June, I took a trip to Greece with my husband and kids, and in July and August, I had the pleasure of singing two programs with the Grant Park Chorus and Orchestra. Singing with this magnificent group is always a highlight of my summer – the stunning vista of Millenium Park as seen from the chorus risers is unparalleled! (See above photo).  Beethoven 9 was a real thrill to sing and seemed especially timely with its message of unity and brotherhood for all. Brahms Schicksalslied was a new piece to me that I loved instantly, and Frank Martin’s rarely performed oratorio, In terra pax, was a nice change from the usual Baroque and Classical repertoire I’m accustomed to singing!

It’s hard to believe that the fall term is already half over. I’ve been enjoying my students at Valparaiso University and we’ve been preparing for juries and a studio recital, in addition to other performances they have on campus. Many of my students will be traveling to Germany with the VU Chorale to perform for the 500th anniversary of the Reformation!

As the Christmas season approaches, I look forward to returning to Whiting, Indiana for my second appearance with the Whiting Park Festival Orchestra. The program includes some Bach arias as well as some holiday pops and classics. Next I’ll be back in Chicago with Music of the Baroque for the Holiday Brass and Choral, which is always a treat. This is my 11th season with MOB, and my colleagues in the group have become some of my closest friends. Making music with wonderful colleagues and friends is what keeps me in this business, and I am forever grateful for these opportunities.

As always, if you’re interested in attending a performance, please contact me or click the “Upcoming Performances” tab, which includes links to more information about the performances. I wish you all a fantastic fall and a great start to your holidays!

EmilyMy family in Greece this summer!

Thank you for visiting my site! I am a classical soprano and voice instructor residing in the Chicagoland area. I look forward to sharing information here about my upcoming performances.  Please contact me at info@emilyyiannias.com if you would like to learn more!