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VOCAL
Monica Huisman
Dutch-Canadian Lyric Soprano, Monica Huisman has been hailed as possessing a soprano voice that ’embodies both flawless technique and dramatic impact’ (Opera Canada). Ms. Huisman has delighted audiences from Amsterdam’s Concertgebouw to Guatemala City to Rio de Janeiro, with the reputation of her ‘silken’ voice ‘consistently crafting each note into a work of art’ (Winnipeg Free Press). In demand for both her Operatic prowess and her Concert repertoire, Ms. Huisman has performed with every major orchestra across Canada, and abroad, delighting audiences in both opera, the classics, new works ,pops as well as in recital. Mozart, Handel, Haydn, Mendelssohn, Vaughan-Williams, Bizet, Verdi, Puccini, Mahler, Beethoven and Strauss are just a few of the composers whose works she has not only infused with her passionate voice, but also had broadcasted on the CBC and the VARA, in Europe. In demand as a teacher and clinician, Ms. Huisman has been on the voice Faculty at the Desautels Faculty of music at the University of Manitoba since 2002, and has been a guest teacher with every major University across Canada, as well as summer opera training programs, most recently the DEAP for Manitoba Opera, Nuova in Edmonton, and VOSI for Opera Kelowna. Upcoming engagements include the world premiere of Dreams Unseen with Wind Ensemble as part of the Winnipeg New Music Festival and hosting MB Opera’s 50th Anniversary Gala Concert.
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2023 Adjudicator Comments
It was a pleasure to not only observe the performative talent of the youth of Kenora but to be given the opportunity to hone it. The Kenora District Festival of the Arts is a chance for people of all ages to sharpen their artistic skills in front of an audience. I’m happy to have been raised performing in it and to now have the chance to participate as an adjudicator.
Matt Kennedy, Speech and Dramatic Arts Adjudicator
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It was a privilege to adjudicate the Visual Arts entries for the Festival of the Arts this year. It was a pleasure to host this exhibition at the Art Centre. I was impressed by the quality and quantity of entries. We are fortunate to have such talented artists in our community. Thank you to the teachers who encourage and guide our youth to express themselves through art! There are many burgeoning artists that we will be certain to watch over the coming years. Keep up the great work everyone! I look forward to see what masterpieces next year will bring!
Sophie Lavoie, Visual Arts Adjudicator
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“What I enjoyed most about the adjudicating experience is working with the dancers in the studio afterwards. Dancers get opportunity to work on their feedback that was given to them and dive into some new choreography. “
“By participating in the festival, dancers gain the ability to take constructive feedback/ criticism as inspiration, to fuel them to work harder and perform better. The festival allows dancers to take all the steps they have been working on and tell a compelling story through the choreography. The festival provides a safe space for dancers to explore dance in its truest form.”
Matt Agoli, Hip Hop Dance Adjudicator
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Participating as an adjudicator was both a privilege and an honour for me. It was wonderful to see so many young people participating wholeheartedly in the arts, both from an educational and performance perspective. As an adjudicator, my task was to give some insight to the students from my experience in the field. It was wonderful to see how these insights were adopted and understood by the solo and ensemble performers. I would also like to thank the teachers, who work on a daily basis with these wonderful young people. Kenora has unique and excellent support for the arts which translates as an investment into the lifeblood of the community at large both at the present time and well into the future. Bravo to the KDFA team for a great opportunity to participate and be part of the Kenora community!
Norman Reintamm, Instrumental and Piano Adjudicator
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I really enjoyed being part of the 2023 KDFA. Spending a day with singers, whether young or older is always a pleasure, and the 2023 Vocal Festival was no exception. From age 7 to 70, the singers that trooped through the Festival all impressed me with their commitment and energy. There were plenty of highlights, and I was particularly thrilled to see all the Elementary and Highschool students involved. Covid restrictions really put a damper on things for the last few years, but thanks to inspiring teachers and willing young people like those in the Kenora area, the next generation of music-makers is back on track.
When we share in music-making, all of our lives, including that of the audience, are made better. It’s clear that there is a lot of vocal talent in Kenora, but it’s more than just the talent that moved me. I was taken by the generosity with which all the singers connected to their audiences. Singers are storytellers, and when they connect with the audience, magic happens. We all felt that at the KDFA.
As a singer and life-long educator, I also relished the opportunity to work with all of the singers. They were so responsive, such a delight to connect with. Long may you sing!
Kudos to the Festival organizers and to all the singers, pianists, and teachers that made the Vocal Festival so memorable, and all the best moving forward. You have much to build on!
Mel Braun, Vocal Adjudicator
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