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April 2, 2010
Nickford’s royal voice
Mozart’s Magic Flute showcases young talents.
CYNTHIA RAMSAY
Last month, the Jewish Community Centre of Greater Vancouver’s Music for All Ages series provided a taste of the Opera Project’s repertoire, including selections from Mozart’s The Magic Flute. Next weekend, audiences can take in the whole opera, with community member Kathryn Nickford taking on the much-coveted soprano role of the Queen of the Night.
Nickford’s family, the Zlotniks, have been deeply involved with the community for decades, in such organizations as Schara Tzedeck Synagogue, B’nai B’rith International, the Vancouver JCC, the Peretz Centre for Secular Jewish Culture, Jewish Women International, Jewish Federation of Greater Vancouver, Vancouver Talmud Torah and the list goes on, said Nickford. “Personally,” she stressed, “I feel blessed to have been able to perform at so many Jewish functions and concerts throughout the years.”
Nickford has recently returned to her hometown from Winnipeg.
“Many people shake their heads when I say that I left Vancouver to study in ‘Winterpeg,’ but when I say the name Tracy Dahl (one of the most famous opera singers in Canada), everything makes sense,” explained Nickford in an e-mail interview. “Singers will travel to seek the best teachers. Voice training is demanding and rigorous. Imagine waking up early every day to practise, attending academic classes and ensemble classes; practising again, doing homework, going to rehearsal and then doing it all over again, plus weekly lessons and several major performances throughout the year. Despite the sweat and tears, I wouldn’t trade my seven full years of university and college for anything.”
Nickford’s first public performance was at age 12. She admitted that she had been nervous, but that, for this inaugural show, she had “practised for months on just one song. During a performance, my muscle memory kicked in when I was too scared to remember the words. Preparation trumped fear! Yet, in university,” she added, “I didn’t have the luxury of practising intensely for single songs because I would often be juggling multiple performances within a close period of time. My mentor, Gerald Van Wyck, said, ‘Remember it’s not about you; it’s about communicating the music to the audience.’ As I continued my performances in university, I was able to take those words to heart and truly perform with confidence with the will to express my vision of music to others.”
This communication with the audience is one of the reasons Nickford said she likes solo work. About being in an opera, she said it is “so rewarding, because you get to immerse yourself in another world with other talented people around you.”
Opera may not be an obvious musical pursuit for a young performer, but Nickford said it is a more common occurrence than people realize. However, it wasn’t an immediate choice for her either.
“When I first started performing,” she said, “I would perform songs by Celine Dion and Aretha Franklin, experimenting with different vocal techniques and styles. I felt a desire to challenge myself by choosing opera, which was not only a vocal art but one that was expressive and filled with artistry. My goal is to be singing dramatic coloratura roles internationally.”
Nickford said she’s honored to be singing with the cast of the Opera Project’s Magic Flute. While she’s known a few of the performers for a long time, some of them she only met a few months ago. About the dynamics, she said, “It’s not that hard to get along with people that share the same passion, especially if they’re experienced.”
The Magic Flute will be directed by the Opera Project’s Heidi Klassen and conducted by John Arsenault. It will also feature Vancouver Jewish Folk Choir soprano Janel Snider and former VJFC bass Peter Alexander, as well as several other singers, with David Boothroyd on piano, Graham Howell on flute and a dance ensemble. Performances will be at the Unitarian Church of Vancouver (949 West 49th Ave.) April 8-10, 7 p.m., and April 11 at 3 p.m. Tickets are $25 ($20 for child/senior) and are available by calling Nickford at 778-385-3441.
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