<<  -- 2 --  Tess Crebbin    IN THE WINGS

Then there is a truly astonishing new countertenor, the American Timothy Linwood, who is very likely going to establish himself as an intellectual among singers, in addition to probably becoming known as one of the few genuine male sopranos in the world. Linwood sings male alto as well as soprano but he also has an additional, very attractive qualification: a Masters degree in Romance Languages and Linguistics from Harvard University. It is no wonder, then, that his diction is excellent and his understanding of the texts is impeccable, something which, in turn, leads to a more in-depth interpretation. He studied with Robert Gartside, Nicole Fallien and Stephan Rosset among others, and was awarded a grant to study baroque music by the Nadia and Lili Boulanger foundation. He has so far given concerts in France, Germany and England, including in Paris with Emmanuel Boulanger (cello) and is currently being represented by gsassociates in the USA, on whose website www.gsassociates.us further Linwood samples can be heard. So far, Linwood is only making live appearances, and a solo recording is yet to come. Once it does, it promises to be an interesting treat for countertenor enthusiasts and especially for Farinelli-fans.

Next on the list is a young lady who has produced a truly exceptional first demo CD, which led to extensive media features in North America: Canadian soprano Stefanie Rose is only 17 years old and she is living proof of the fact that age should never be a prejudicial factor in singing. Stefanie is already receiving huge interest from the powers that be in the music world and she has been the subject of several television specials in her home country. Hayley Westarena move over, here comes Stefanie with a very impressive talent indeed: a Kim Criswell-type voice, sounding much more mature than Stefanie Rose's actual age, is matched with her very amazing knack for setting to words great classical pieces of music: her version of Swanlake/Tchaikovsky, words and voice by Stefanie Rose, is simply astonishing and highly worthy of praise. Without too much effort, she could match the success of Amici Forever, with their CD of adaptations for voice of well-known classical music pieces. There would be a fine career, right now, with a successful début CD featuring these types of compositions, but Stefanie Rose, with the support of her parents, is deciding to take things slowly. Notwithstanding the fact that her reputation keeps spreading and media interest in her is high, she has decided to wait a while longer and plans to enter UBC this year to study for a degree in opera. However, since she already has voice, talent, looks and stage presence, and considering that many industry professionals think she is ready to go, she may change her mind. For now, she wants to go the route of Rolando Villazon who also took his time and then hit the world with an immensely successful début CD years after he was first offered the chance. That we will hear more from Stefanie Rose, internationally, goes without saying -- it is just a matter of time, and hopefully not too much time, for her work makes for a truly uplifting listening experience.

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