orchestra seeks soprano

In September of this year, I'm honored to be performing a new piece for orchestra and soprano in Natchitoches, Louisiana. It's my birthplace and as well as the home of my exceptional high school, the Louisiana School for Math, Science and the Arts. 

Since my graduation, I've returned periodically to teach and perform there, not only in gratitude for the inspiration that LSMSA gave me, but also for the privelege of sharing in the community and staying connected with the amazing students and teachers.

This year Natchitoches turns 300. Over here in Europe, that would be toddler-time for your average city, but for the US it's significant -- and they are doing it up right with events thoughout the year.

Composer Kenneth Olson, teacher at LSMSA and graduate of the Universität der Künste here in Berlin, has been commissioned to write an orchestral piece for the occasion. When we met last October, we found we had a lot in common, not the least our experience living and studying in Berlin.

Mr Olson requested a text of Julie Kane, Poet Laureate and professor at Northwestern State University, and she provided a sonnet, so that he could include a soprano in the piece. He's generously given me first dibs at singing the premiere, so I'll be home again this year, for the most sentimental and noble of reasons. At least in the book of a Natchitoches-born soprano.

There is only modest funding for the project, which does not include flying artists in from Old Europe, so your help in getting me there would be greatly appreciated.

Also lovely would be to catch up soon. Maybe a trip to Natchitoches is also in your near future...or better (?) yet, Berlin?!

Much love and music,

Donna

PS, do check the exchange rate for the Euro and contribute accordingly.