PATRICE MICHAELS BEDI
Given her ripe, sensual voice and the uncommon curiosity and intelligence she displays toward the vocal repertoire, soprano Patrice Michaels Bedi ought to be singing on some of the best stages in the world by now. But career building in classical music is a tricky matter, and Michaels Bedi hasn’t gotten the right breaks (or a New York agent). Instead she’s been slowly nurturing her art in venues that already appreciate her plucky presence. Her supporters include Music of the Baroque, the Rembrandt Chamber Players, the Chicago Chamber Musicians, and just as important lately, the Cedille label (which showcases her on four CDs). Even the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and Lyric Opera have engaged her services on occasion, albeit in minor roles. Since the early 90s–almost a decade after her brief stint as a Lyric apprentice–she’s been juggling gigs with regional outfits and a teaching job at Lawrence University in Wisconsin. Though she handles opera and oratorios impressively, Michaels Bedi seems to have a particular affinity for chamber music, which will be the focus of this recital. The program features the 1973 song cycle To Be Sung Upon the Water by Dominick Argento (who taught Michaels Bedi composition at the University of Minnesota) and Three Vocalises for Soprano and Clarinet by Vaughan Williams, both from Michaels Bedi’s latest CD. She’ll be teamed up with the same partners here as on the recording: CSO lead clarinetist Larry Combs and veteran pianist Elizabeth Buccheri. The Argento songs, set to poems by Wordsworth, use the sounds of a lake as catalysts for emotional response. Songs by Gershwin, Weill, and Ellington are also included to show off these performers’ versatility. Friday, 7:30 PM, Anderson Chapel, North Park College, 3225 W. Foster; 773-244-5630. TED SHEN
Art accompanying story in printed newspaper (not available in this archive): photo by Brad Miller.