Tag Archives: jena

Jena = passion + technical mastery

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Jena and Kelly

By Val Friesen

Music lovers enjoyed a superb evening on Friday, April 10th, when lyric soprano Jenavieve Moore and her accompanist, Victoria pianist Kelly Charlton, performed a program of arias, lieder and art songs in the Venables Theatre.

Jenavieve’s mastery of technique and beautiful tone were evident from the very first piece, a magnificent aria from an early Mozart opera, “Mitridate, Re di Ponto,” (written when he was 14!). Jena emotionally inhabits the persona of the young queen, Aspasia, who is torn between love and duty, and presents her to us. Beautiful.

This was followed by three whimsical Poulenc songs, the rather haunting “Die Loreley” by Franz Liszt, and then a set of five Richard Strauss lieder. These latter pieces set poetry to music, are filled with images and emotions that touch the soul, particularly when the music so completely matches the mood of the poetry, and most particularly when sung with the sensitivity and perceptivity of a gifted singer such as Jenavieve Moore. And much credit to the overall effectiveness must be given to pianist Kelly Charlton, a truly consummate musician. How incredible that he and Jena had never worked together before, and had only a few hours of rehearsal time to prepare this marvellous program.

Kelly Charlton took the stage following intermission to play two Brahms pieces, the deeply reflective Intermezzo in E major, followed by the turbulent Capriccio in D minor. Thank you, Kelly.

Having given us songs in German and French, Jena now sang Prokofiev’s “Five Poems of Anna Akhmatova Opus 27” in Russian. The poet was no stranger to multiple romances, and her poems are filled with the sunlight, darkness, secrets (those grey eyes!), bleakness, and telling images drawn from nature and her own intimate experiences that Prokofiev vividly explores in his music. Jena brought them to life for us.

A soulful aria in English from Stravinsky’s opera “The Rake’s Progress” was followed by the concluding piece of the evening, John Duke’s delightful little art song, “Penguin Geometry.”

The audience was then invited to meet the artists and renew acquaintances in a reception in the atrium of the Venables Theatre.

Thank you for a wonderful evening, Jena and Kelly! We have the South Okangan Concert Society to thank for bringing Jenavieve Moore home to us from her ongoing studies at the Guildhall School of Music & Drama, and her busy performance schedule around the world. Very best wishes for ongoing success in your exciting career, Jena.

And by the way, Early Bird prices for next season’s SOCS flex pass ($60) are available until April 30th. Tickets are on sale at Beyond Bliss in Oliver and Imperial Office Pro in Osoyoos.

Photo Credit : Bob Park

Jenavieve Moore: Can you match this?!

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The Oliver Community Arts Council was pleased to award Oliver’s Jenavieve Moore $1000 towards her tuition and related expenses at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama in London, England. Now in her second year of studies in this prestigious programme, the operatic soprano incurs huge expenses for accommodation, performance costumes, and music, in addition to her schooling costs.  

During this past year, Jenavieve was one of eight singers personally chosen by the Metropolitan Opera’s Thomas Hampson to participate in the first ever Heidelberg Lieder Akademie. In May, she sang the role of the First Lady in Mozart’s Magic Flute at Guildhall. Jena will be the featured soloist in a new music project with the BBC Symphony Orchestra next spring.

While Moore has potential as a professional artist one day, she must first manage a massive debt load, and will continue to rack up expenses just to gain exposure in the world of opera.

Moore may have “unmatched” talent, but she shouldn’t have unmatched funding support! The Oliver Community Arts Council challenges other businesses, service organizations, and individuals to match our donation!

The public is invited to attend the

Jena Moore Fundraiser and Reception
Sunday August 14
3:00 p.m.
Oliver Word of Life Church
35025 – 119th Street (off 350th Ave. near the cemetery)
Information and pledges: 250-498-6473
Donations of all sizes gratefully accepted!

Jena is realizing a dream to take her place in one of the most competitive roles on the world stage, and to share her rare gift with music lovers everywhere. The reception/fund-raiser is one way for our community to show generous support to one of our own.

Jena will demonstrate some vocal techniques she is learning at Guildhall, and perform a selection of her favourite pieces. It is also a chance to meet Jena, hear more about her experiences studying, and performing in London. And get an autograph! Who knows, it may be a priceless memento one day… 

Why?

Because Jenavieve + Opera = a match made in heaven!

More about Jena: http://jenavievemoore.com/

Original press release submitted by Val Friesen (adapted)

Soprano Jenavieve Moore performs

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Jenevieve Moore, soprano, will perform a recital Wednesday July 14th at 7:30 pm at First Baptist Church 1498 Government St., Penticton. Roslyn Frantz will accompany her on piano and Antonia Mahon on flute.

Jena grew up in Oliver and by 12 years of age she was already winning local and provincial music competitions. Sue Gay was one of her early teachers. She sang with the Oliver Yuletide Singers and the Sage Valley Voices and performed with her brothers for a silent auction of the Oliver Arts Council. She got her musical start here.

Recently Jena’s career has taken flight! She has been accepted to the prestigious Guildhall School of Music and Drama in London, England, directly into year three of their B.Mus. (Hons.) Voice Performance degree. She was accepted on the spot at her audition in New York City last February which is a very rare achievement. Guildhall is one of the top music schools in the world.

This is Jena’s big opportunity to join other famous alumni including Jacqueline du Pre and move onto the world stage. She enjoyed support from the Oliver Community Arts Council when she was growing up. Now we can support her by attending her recital and enjoying an evening of amazing vocal music. Admission is by donation and proceeds will help with expenses in London. Her program includes works by Strauss, Rachmaninoff, Dvorak, and Mozart. This is your chance to hear a rising star!!

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