Opera singer hosting workshop, show

One of the true-north stars of Canadian opera has a date with Prince George.

Soprano sensation Kathleen Morrison, who has based her career power in both Calgary and Berlin in recent years, will come to P.G. along with pianist Renate Rossol for a workshop and public performance.

Morrison is known as much for her theatrical drama and stage sizzle as she is for the rich power of her voice.

She can gently coo Somewhere Over the Rainbow, flit through the flirty Adele role in Die Fledermaus, or classically trill the technicalities of Der Hölle Rache (the famous Queen of the Night aria from Mozart’s The Magic Flute, a role that has become a signature of sorts for Morrison).

Morrison hails from Alberta and also received additional training from the Vancouver Academy of Music before embarking on a robust career as a concert soloist and cast in operatic ensemble performances.

Last year, for example, she sang to a combined one million live audience members on a 10-city tour of China.

Back at home, her Great Ballrooms Of Fire charity concert raised almost $20,000 for the Fort McMurray wildfire recovery causes.

She has the dual punch of sleek technique and beguiling flare.

Rossol began her advanced musical studies in Manitoba and has now added studies in Vienna. She has notable performances in Canada, the United States and Europe to her credit and is now accompanying Morrison on this venture to northern B.C.

Morrison and Rossol will operate a one-week intensive workshop focuse on singing actors. Some of the skills to be covered are individualized lessons in singing, acting and foreign language diction. Movement and dance will also be included.

“The workshop will culminate in a final performance featuring the students and faculty,” said a statement from Fraser Lyric Opera, the local performance company bringing the two incoming VIPs to the city.

“The recital will include scenes and solo pieces that have been rehearsed throughout the week.”

The workshop will take place at Excalibur Theatre Arts Company’s creative spaces from Saturday until March 24.

The show at the end takes place March 24 at Theatre Northwest at 7 p.m. Tickets are $15 available at the door.