Theatre of Voices performs, holds open forum

Audience members were allowed a rare behind-the-scenes glimpse into the Theatre of Voices Jan. 31, when the group held a candid open discussion following their performance in Snow Fine Arts.
Emily Richison,  soprano in the UCA choir, said she thinks everybody got something out of the performance and discussion.
“Personally, it was inspirational to see freelance singers who have worked throughout both the operatic world and the ensemble world,” she said. “That’s kind of a worry for people who want to do both areas.”
Tenor Chris Watson  said he has been singing professionally for about 15 years and that he joined Theatre of Voices six years ago. He said it was important to have a passion for what you do.
“It was very interesting to hear what motivates the people here in singing,” he said. “Even if you’re doing this for a living, you’re not going to make that much money out of it. If you have the right motivation, then you will enjoy it. The most important thing is the enjoyment and coming together and working as a group.”
The Theatre of Voices has been together for 20 years.
The group members that came to participate in their UCA performance were organist Christopher Bowers-Broadbent, Else Torp, bass-baritone Jakob Bloch Jespersen, mezzo-soprano Miriam Andersen.
Paul Hillier led the group. He said he directs the group rather than singing with them like he did previously.
Each member of the group introduced themselves and gave a brief information on the Theatre of Voices’ website, theatreofvoices.com.
Watson said the most interesting thing is to hear his colleagues talk about their experiences and to see how their experiences are different from his. He said they all arrived at their current point from very different roots.
“It was interesting to talk to them; to put my thought into words,” he said. “I’m not used to it. It does feel as if I am here by accident. I am very lucky.”
After the discussion, the UCA choir got the opportunity to perform with The Theatre of Voices.
Richison said it was nice singing with them and added that it will be a good thing to put on a resume.
“I wish we could’ve had more time with them,” she said. “But even in a short moment working as a group, they were able to [bring out] our musicality.”
UCA choir director, John Erwin said he chose the Theatre of Voices to perform because he thought they would challenge students intellectually as well as musically. He said the Theatre of Voices is one of the best groups in the world.
“I’m happy that we were able to get them,” Erwin said.
Erwin said he thought the performance very good and stunning in every way.
“It was also first-rate and challenging to the students and community,” he said.
Watson said this was his first time visiting Arkansas, and now has about eight more states to visit.