Notes from Lyric Fest: UNPLUG!

ELIZABETH RACHEVA, Soprano: "I simply adore art song - case closed. I had a liberal arts education, majoring in music at a four year college, where we didn't have any opera productions. Instead, we focused on recital programming. This was my first exposure to art song, and I was hooked right away. I was very fortunate to have teacher-mentors who were very passionate about this repertoire (Teresa Hopkin in Atlanta and Ruth Drucker in Baltimore). At Peabody, I stayed an extra year beyond my masters just so I could do more recitals!

I love figuring out how and why a composer sets a text in a certain way - the word painting, the linguistic rhythms (I've really enjoyed challenging myself to try and sing in any language I can - no limits!), and the different musical styles and eras. The collaborative aspect of art song performances - that a singer and pianist are equal partners in realizing a score - is also extremely rewarding, and I enjoy the vocal chamber music that many recital programs offer. Plus - all this in an incredibly intimate and connecting environment with your audience. It's just so special!"

Actors Jake Miller and Karim Council.

JAKE MILLER, Actor: "Having studied both theatre and dance at Eastern University, I have worked throughout the region as an actor, dancer, choreographer and director. As co-founder of Yes! And..., a Philadelphia-based arts education non-profit organization, I am passionate about the transformation of young people through play and imagination - and I try to bring a hope-filled playfulness and a faith in the power of creativity to all of my work." (Photo on the right: Lisa Schaffer).

The Grads of Keystone Boy Choir

STEVEN FISHER, Associate Music Director, Keystone State Boychoir: "Most boy choirs kick the boys out once their voices begin changing. We at KSB give them a safe place to sing and to explore their new voices.

Recently [The Graduates] sang with Denyce Graves at the Kimmel Center. Also, we just came back from a concert tour of Chile and Antarctica. We are the first choir to sing on the Seventh continent, and also the first choir to sing on all seven continents!

Choral music not only enhances quality of life, it allows children to fulfill a crucial need as human beings to feel connected to our fellow humans. For boys especially participation in the arts is vital. Boys need to know that they can be emotionally-expressive and masculine. Also, like a sport, choral music teaches kids to work together."