As we announced last week, we are co-sponsoring a new series “A Bit of Musicking with Tea” where Natalia will be discussing subjects that musicians, educators and artists need as...
A bit of Musicking with Tea
February 17, 2021
As we announced last week, we are co-sponsoring a new series “A Bit of Musicking with Tea” where Natalia will be discussing subjects that musicians, educators and artists need as we navigate through the 21st Century.
We are honoured to announce that the first episode of the series will be released this upcoming Monday February 22nd 2021 at 10:30 am pacific on our YouTube channel – be sure to follow
Marion and Natalia will be discussing confidence and how to help our students build their confidences and in turn their skills as musicians.
Bio:
Canadian Soprano Marion Samuel-Stevens has been described as an engaging, direct performer and actress. Her performances range from the intimacy of recital performance to the grandeur of opera. Marion has been the Ontario winner of the Natsaa competition and second runner up in the regional Natsaa competition in Indiana, where her voice was described as “beautiful and rich with evenness and colour throughout”. She was also a semi-finalist in the prestigious Eckhardt-Grammattécompetition which gives special attention to new Canadian music. In both competitions Marion was able to show her well-developed ability to switch between a wide variety of vocal and dramatic styles with efficiency and finesse.
Marion has performed across Canada and the United States and Europe. She is a graduate from the University of Toronto’s Voice Performance program. As well as studies at Wilfrid Laurier University she has attended many prestigious enrichment programs across North America and Europe where she had the pleasure of studying with many acclaimed musicians including Elly Ameling, Rudolph Jansen and Martin Katz.
An avid supporter of new music she has had the pleasure of debuting several works by Canadian composer Peter Skoggard, as well as performing works by Ronald E. Beckett, Jake Heggie. Ricky Ian Gordon and John Harbison all under the guidance of the composers themselves. Her unique approach to poetry and ability to interpret challenging works with ease has also allowed her to perform in the Bohlen Pierce scale. On her portrayal in Ronald E Beckett’s Ruth “Marion Samuel-Stevens was outstanding in the title role. Her warm, full voice floated across the registers, especially to some silvery, shiver producing high notes. I found I was keenly looking forward to her next solo moment. ” Murray Charters
Marion also has the honour of conducting the Village by the Arboretum Singers and Joyful Noise Children’s Choiras well as choir 2 of the Guelph Youth Singers. As a conductor Marion believes in bringing the beauty of the voice forward through building confidence and skill. Text and attention to dramatic intention are also at the forefront of her preparation, bringing a charismatic and evocative performance to the audience.
Equally comfortable on the operatic and concert stage, Marion is sought after for her subtle interpretations of text and character, as much as for her warm, supple and luminous voice.
Her pedagogical style incorporates a strong anatomical awareness with a passion for exploring and discovering each student’s individual voice. She provides a custom approach to technique and repertoire for each student while maintaining a high level of excellence and a supportive atmosphere. Marion believes that anyone can sing and creates a solid foundation upon which stylistic tools can be taught and swapped. Several of her students have gone on to successful careers in the music industry as performers, music therapists and teachers.
