Trio Debaro
I started my career performing classical music as a mezzo-soprano and planned to become a concert singer. After singing professionally in Chicago, New York, Aspen and St. Louis, I moved to Europe to pursue my chances there. During my time in Berlin, I collaborated with New Zealand flautist, Barbara Hill and Russian pianist Olga Karelina in a series of concerts.
For me, the joy of giving concerts includes writing interesting programs with themes like: "An American Landscape" (all American composers), "Postcard from Spain" (either Spanish composers or poets), and "Ayres from the Isles" (songs of Scotland, Ireland and England). A program has to flow and keep the audience always looking forward to hearing the next selection. Performing with this group also enhanced my composition ability. When I couldn't find arrangements for voice, flute and piano, I wrote arrangements myself.
For me, the joy of giving concerts includes writing interesting programs with themes like: "An American Landscape" (all American composers), "Postcard from Spain" (either Spanish composers or poets), and "Ayres from the Isles" (songs of Scotland, Ireland and England). A program has to flow and keep the audience always looking forward to hearing the next selection. Performing with this group also enhanced my composition ability. When I couldn't find arrangements for voice, flute and piano, I wrote arrangements myself.
Solo gigs
One night while singing and playing a few songs for a friend's birthday at the Kempinski Hotel in Berlin, I was surprised to be offered a job to perform there! This was the beginning of a career I never planned on - entertaining in 5 Star hotels and on ships around the globe. It certainly appealed to the adventurous side of me so I accepted offers in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Antalya, Helsinki, Stockholm, Bonn, Hamburg and Frankfurt.
It was an interesting time in my life, not just because of all the places I lived but also because I saw how my classical training paid off - I could improvise to my heart's content and had the stamina required to perform long hours. Performing jazz music was good training for learning to communicate on a more intimate level when singing to a crowd.
I truly believe that singing both classical and jazz repertoire compliments each other.
It was an interesting time in my life, not just because of all the places I lived but also because I saw how my classical training paid off - I could improvise to my heart's content and had the stamina required to perform long hours. Performing jazz music was good training for learning to communicate on a more intimate level when singing to a crowd.
I truly believe that singing both classical and jazz repertoire compliments each other.
Dominic Galea Trio
When I moved to Malta, my goal was to find a jazz trio I could perform with regularly. My wish came true when I met Dominc Galea. We received a great deal of support from the Embassy of the United States and were able to do special themed charity concerts for enthusiastic crowds. The elegant Palazzo Parisio engaged us to highlight their events calendar during the holiday season.
I was a Rotary scholar in Vienna when I was doing my post-graduate studies and I had always wanted to do something in return for them. So performing my "Tribute to American Jazz Divas" concert for the Rotary Club La Vallette and donating the proceeds to them was very rewarding. We also performed a charity concert for the Richmond Foundation, a mental health organization and for The Sunrise Center, a social program for underpriviledged children. I feel it is important to give of your talents to the community when you have the opportunity.
I was a Rotary scholar in Vienna when I was doing my post-graduate studies and I had always wanted to do something in return for them. So performing my "Tribute to American Jazz Divas" concert for the Rotary Club La Vallette and donating the proceeds to them was very rewarding. We also performed a charity concert for the Richmond Foundation, a mental health organization and for The Sunrise Center, a social program for underpriviledged children. I feel it is important to give of your talents to the community when you have the opportunity.
The vocal coach
Teaching voice and coaching performance styles, song literature and diction continues to be a passion for me. I have been blessed with many wonderful students who have made my work a joy. Whether it was in Berlin, where I taught at the Kirchhof Schauspielschule and the Leo Kestenberg Musikschule or in Malta where I set up my own private studio, I have enjoyed watching my students grow into young professionals. Some of my students who have become successful in their own right are Defne Sahin, jazz singer http://www.defnesahin.com/ and Justin Burwood, baritone.https://www.justinburwood.com
As often as possible, I accompany the students myself on the piano. It is like performing in one bubble of energy because we understand each other's musical instincts.
As often as possible, I accompany the students myself on the piano. It is like performing in one bubble of energy because we understand each other's musical instincts.
