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Mezzo-soprano Jennifer Johnson Cano and baritone Kelly Markgraf join clarinetist David Shifrin and the FLUX Quartet for the New Mexico premiere of Marc Neikrug’s chamber opera A Song by Mahler. The production is directed and designed by Doug Fitch and features lighting design by Nicholas Houfek.

In our first SummerFest opera, visionary director Doug Fitch helms the west coast première of Marc Neikrug’s chamber opera, A Song by Mahler, which follows a celebrated concert singer as she develops early onset Alzheimer’s and, with the help of her pianist husband, uses music and singing to confront and cope with their new reality. This production features renowned mezzo-soprano Jennifer Johnson-Cano, clarinetist David Shifrin, FLUX Quartet, and one of the world’s leading baritones, Kelly Markgraf.

Co-Commissioned by the Chamber Music Northwest with the support of the CMNW Commissioning Fund, Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center, and La Jolla Music Society for SummerFest.

Featured Artists

Doug Fitch
director

Flux Quartet
ensemble

Jennifer Johnson Cano
mezzo-soprano

Kelly Markgraf
baritone

Marc Neikrug
composer

David Shifrin
clarinet

BERIO
Folk Songs for Mezzo-Soprano and Chamber Ensemble

TCHAIKOVSKY
Piano Trio in A Minor

Performers

Jay Campbell
cello

Eric Derr
percussion

Dustin Donahue
percussion

Stefan Jackiw
violin

Jennifer Johnson Cano
mezzo-soprano

Rose Lombardo
flute

David Shifrin
calrinet

Julie Smith Phillips
harp

Nathan Schram
viola

Daniil Trifonov
piano

Alisa Weilerstein
cello

In this unique union of music and theatre by Marc Neikrug, a celebrated concert singer struggles with early-onset Alzheimer’s. Adjusting to this reality and its progression, she and her husband (also her accompanist) connect on this emotional journey through music. Starring Jennifer Johnson Cano and Kelly Markgraf, featuring David Shifrin with the FLUX Quartet, and directed by Doug Fitch. Co-commissioned by CMNW with The Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center, La Jolla, Lake Champlain, and Santa Fe Chamber Music Festivals.

Prince Tamino finds himself at odds with a giant serpent, but is saved thanks to The Queen of the Night’s loyal servants. Now out of harm’s way, Tamino is convinced to help the queen save her kidnapped daughter, Pamina. With the help of a charming bird catcher, spirit guides, and one magic flute, Prince Tamino sets off on a heroic quest to rescue the princess from the dark clutches of her abductor. But all is not as it seems in this classic story of good and evil. Known for its enduring story and infectious score, Mozart’s Die Zauberflöte captures the imaginations of young and old. 

Performed concert-style with semi-staging. Sung in German with English supertitles projected.

Prince Tamino finds himself at odds with a giant serpent, but is saved thanks to The Queen of the Night’s loyal servants. Now out of harm’s way, Tamino is convinced to help the queen save her kidnapped daughter, Pamina. With the help of a charming bird catcher, spirit guides, and one magic flute, Prince Tamino sets off on a heroic quest to rescue the princess from the dark clutches of her abductor. But all is not as it seems in this classic story of good and evil. Known for its enduring story and infectious score, Mozart’s Die Zauberflöte captures the imaginations of young and old. 

Performed concert-style with semi-staging. Sung in German with English supertitles projected.

in this vocal class for adult singers, renowned artist and mezzo-soprano Jennifer Johnson Cano will provide a relaxed, positive atmosphere for vocalists to learn more about what is specifically involved in singing healthily and well. Have no fear, as no one will be required to sing alone! This class is meant to promote the enjoyment of singing for one’s self. During this course, Jennifer will teach proper use of singing vocabulary, provide an understanding of anatomy for singing, and incorporate videos to demonstrate and reinforce the instruction. Basic technique work will focus on posture, breathing, coordination, and singing in English. Several exercises will be taught, all meant to promote efficient and enjoyable practicing and a path for improved singing. Every session will include time for questions! This class is most suitable to choral singers who have not experienced voice training before, or those who would like to brush up their skills and technique with the presence and instruction of a world-class singer and teacher.

Registration closes June 12!!

in this vocal class for adult singers, renowned artist and mezzo-soprano Jennifer Johnson Cano will provide a relaxed, positive atmosphere for vocalists to learn more about what is specifically involved in singing healthily and well. Have no fear, as no one will be required to sing alone! This class is meant to promote the enjoyment of singing for one’s self. During this course, Jennifer will teach proper use of singing vocabulary, provide an understanding of anatomy for singing, and incorporate videos to demonstrate and reinforce the instruction. Basic technique work will focus on posture, breathing, coordination, and singing in English. Several exercises will be taught, all meant to promote efficient and enjoyable practicing and a path for improved singing. Every session will include time for questions! This class is most suitable to choral singers who have not experienced voice training before, or those who would like to brush up their skills and technique with the presence and instruction of a world-class singer and teacher.

Registration closes June 12!!

Musicians — particularly singers, are always on the receiving end of feedback. We spend much of our time leaning on the ears and expertise of others - voice teachers, coaches, conductors, etc. Constructive criticism is a useful and a necessary tool to pursue excellence in our craft — but interpreting this information is a skill. From auditions, to coachings, to rehearsals, to reviews — how do we survive this intense scrutiny? In this 3-part series, we will create a process for disseminating feedback in the most useful and beneficial way. The goal is to help create independent thinking, self-awareness, and not be derailed by negativity.

Nothing compares to the musical combination of singer and pianist. Composers for centuries have been inspired by great poetry and prose. Words and music combined heightens each. How and why is it that we attach deeper meaning to text when it is set to music?

In “The Wonderful World of Song” class, renowned artist and mezzo-soprano Jennifer Johnson Cano will explore the beautiful facets of music and words. Each session will include group listening time, a discussion of historical context, a comparison of texts set by different composers, and recommendations for further self-learning. The first class will explore why song has such a magical effect on us as humans, beginning with a discussion of lullabies and our primal connection to music and melody. Throughout this 6-week course, focus will move from folk song (Kodaly, Niles, Canteloube, Berio, de Falla, Copland), to Shakespeare’s influence on British composers, to the great German pairings of poets and composers (Mörike/Wolf, Goethe/Schubert & Schumann, Brahms/Georg Daumer), to French Mélodie (Apollinaire, Verlaine, Baudelaire, Poulenc, Faure, Debussy, Ravel), and to the American Masters (Samuel Barber, and the Great American Songbook). There will also be a class where Jennifer will be joined by a special guest composer for a Q and A discussion regarding the inspiration, creation and bringing to life of new song.

in this vocal class for adult singers, renowned artist and mezzo-soprano Jennifer Johnson Cano will provide a relaxed, positive atmosphere for vocalists to learn more about what is specifically involved in singing healthily and well. Have no fear, as no one will be required to sing alone! This class is meant to promote the enjoyment of singing for one’s self. During this course, Jennifer will teach proper use of singing vocabulary, provide an understanding of anatomy for singing, and incorporate videos to demonstrate and reinforce the instruction. Basic technique work will focus on posture, breathing, coordination, and singing in English. Several exercises will be taught, all meant to promote efficient and enjoyable practicing and a path for improved singing. Every session will include time for questions! This class is most suitable to choral singers who have not experienced voice training before, or those who would like to brush up their skills and technique with the presence and instruction of a world-class singer and teacher.

Registration closes June 12!!

Musicians — particularly singers, are always on the receiving end of feedback. We spend much of our time leaning on the ears and expertise of others - voice teachers, coaches, conductors, etc. Constructive criticism is a useful and a necessary tool to pursue excellence in our craft — but interpreting this information is a skill. From auditions, to coachings, to rehearsals, to reviews — how do we survive this intense scrutiny? In this 3-part series, we will create a process for disseminating feedback in the most useful and beneficial way. The goal is to help create independent thinking, self-awareness, and not be derailed by negativity.

Nothing compares to the musical combination of singer and pianist. Composers for centuries have been inspired by great poetry and prose. Words and music combined heightens each. How and why is it that we attach deeper meaning to text when it is set to music?

In “The Wonderful World of Song” class, renowned artist and mezzo-soprano Jennifer Johnson Cano will explore the beautiful facets of music and words. Each session will include group listening time, a discussion of historical context, a comparison of texts set by different composers, and recommendations for further self-learning. The first class will explore why song has such a magical effect on us as humans, beginning with a discussion of lullabies and our primal connection to music and melody. Throughout this 6-week course, focus will move from folk song (Kodaly, Niles, Canteloube, Berio, de Falla, Copland), to Shakespeare’s influence on British composers, to the great German pairings of poets and composers (Mörike/Wolf, Goethe/Schubert & Schumann, Brahms/Georg Daumer), to French Mélodie (Apollinaire, Verlaine, Baudelaire, Poulenc, Faure, Debussy, Ravel), and to the American Masters (Samuel Barber, and the Great American Songbook). There will also be a class where Jennifer will be joined by a special guest composer for a Q and A discussion regarding the inspiration, creation and bringing to life of new song.

in this vocal class for adult singers, renowned artist and mezzo-soprano Jennifer Johnson Cano will provide a relaxed, positive atmosphere for vocalists to learn more about what is specifically involved in singing healthily and well. Have no fear, as no one will be required to sing alone! This class is meant to promote the enjoyment of singing for one’s self. During this course, Jennifer will teach proper use of singing vocabulary, provide an understanding of anatomy for singing, and incorporate videos to demonstrate and reinforce the instruction. Basic technique work will focus on posture, breathing, coordination, and singing in English. Several exercises will be taught, all meant to promote efficient and enjoyable practicing and a path for improved singing. Every session will include time for questions! This class is most suitable to choral singers who have not experienced voice training before, or those who would like to brush up their skills and technique with the presence and instruction of a world-class singer and teacher.

Registration closes June 12!!

"Opera, Concerts, Recitals, Oh My!"

Musicians — particularly singers, are always on the receiving end of feedback. We spend much of our time leaning on the ears and expertise of others - voice teachers, coaches, conductors, etc. Constructive criticism is a useful and a necessary tool to pursue excellence in our craft — but interpreting this information is a skill. From auditions, to coachings, to rehearsals, to reviews — how do we survive this intense scrutiny? In this 3-part series, we will create a process for disseminating feedback in the most useful and beneficial way. The goal is to help create independent thinking, self-awareness, and not be derailed by negativity.

Nothing compares to the musical combination of singer and pianist. Composers for centuries have been inspired by great poetry and prose. Words and music combined heightens each. How and why is it that we attach deeper meaning to text when it is set to music?

In “The Wonderful World of Song” class, renowned artist and mezzo-soprano Jennifer Johnson Cano will explore the beautiful facets of music and words. Each session will include group listening time, a discussion of historical context, a comparison of texts set by different composers, and recommendations for further self-learning. The first class will explore why song has such a magical effect on us as humans, beginning with a discussion of lullabies and our primal connection to music and melody. Throughout this 6-week course, focus will move from folk song (Kodaly, Niles, Canteloube, Berio, de Falla, Copland), to Shakespeare’s influence on British composers, to the great German pairings of poets and composers (Mörike/Wolf, Goethe/Schubert & Schumann, Brahms/Georg Daumer), to French Mélodie (Apollinaire, Verlaine, Baudelaire, Poulenc, Faure, Debussy, Ravel), and to the American Masters (Samuel Barber, and the Great American Songbook). There will also be a class where Jennifer will be joined by a special guest composer for a Q and A discussion regarding the inspiration, creation and bringing to life of new song.

In this vocal class for high school teens, renowned artist and mezzo-soprano Jennifer Johnson Cano will provide a relaxed, positive atmosphere for vocalists to learn more about what is specifically involved in singing healthily and well. Have no fear, as no one will be required to sing alone! This class is meant to promote the enjoyment of singing for one’s self. During this course, Jennifer will teach proper use of singing vocabulary, provide an understanding of anatomy for singing, and incorporate videos to demonstrate and reinforce the instruction. Basic technique work will focus on posture, breathing, coordination, and singing in English. Several exercises will be taught, all meant to promote efficient and enjoyable practicing and a path for improved singing. Every session will include time for questions! This class is most suitable to high school singers who may not have experienced voice training before, or those who would like to add an enhanced experience to individual lessons by learning in a group setting, to brush up their skills and technique with the presence and instruction of a world-class singer and teacher.

Registration closes June 12!!

Nothing compares to the musical combination of singer and pianist. Composers for centuries have been inspired by great poetry and prose. Words and music combined heightens each. How and why is it that we attach deeper meaning to text when it is set to music?

In “The Wonderful World of Song” class, renowned artist and mezzo-soprano Jennifer Johnson Cano will explore the beautiful facets of music and words. Each session will include group listening time, a discussion of historical context, a comparison of texts set by different composers, and recommendations for further self-learning. The first class will explore why song has such a magical effect on us as humans, beginning with a discussion of lullabies and our primal connection to music and melody. Throughout this 6-week course, focus will move from folk song (Kodaly, Niles, Canteloube, Berio, de Falla, Copland), to Shakespeare’s influence on British composers, to the great German pairings of poets and composers (Mörike/Wolf, Goethe/Schubert & Schumann, Brahms/Georg Daumer), to French Mélodie (Apollinaire, Verlaine, Baudelaire, Poulenc, Faure, Debussy, Ravel), and to the American Masters (Samuel Barber, and the Great American Songbook). There will also be a class where Jennifer will be joined by a special guest composer for a Q and A discussion regarding the inspiration, creation and bringing to life of new song.

In this vocal class for high school teens, renowned artist and mezzo-soprano Jennifer Johnson Cano will provide a relaxed, positive atmosphere for vocalists to learn more about what is specifically involved in singing healthily and well. Have no fear, as no one will be required to sing alone! This class is meant to promote the enjoyment of singing for one’s self. During this course, Jennifer will teach proper use of singing vocabulary, provide an understanding of anatomy for singing, and incorporate videos to demonstrate and reinforce the instruction. Basic technique work will focus on posture, breathing, coordination, and singing in English. Several exercises will be taught, all meant to promote efficient and enjoyable practicing and a path for improved singing. Every session will include time for questions! This class is most suitable to high school singers who may not have experienced voice training before, or those who would like to add an enhanced experience to individual lessons by learning in a group setting, to brush up their skills and technique with the presence and instruction of a world-class singer and teacher.

Registration closes June 12!!