Cameron gears up for its 17th musical soiree, ‘Songs & Arias from Italian Baroque’ April 23

Cameron University is preparing for "Soirée XVII: Songs and Arias from the Italian Baroque" on Thursday, April 23 in McCutcheon Recital Hall. A 17-year Cameron music tradition, this year's soirée highlights the elegance and expressive beauty of Italian art song.

Rooted in the bel canto tradition - meaning "beautiful singing" - this repertoire is an important part of the collaborative experience for voice and piano. Known for its clarity of text, natural vocal line, and emphasis on expressive phrasing, Italian art song continues to serve as a foundational pillar in the training of singers and collaborative pianists.

Cameron music professor Dr. Hyunsoon Whang, assisted by associate professor Dr. Christian Morren, brings this tradition to life through an approach that places students at the center of the artistic process. Through close collaboration, students develop vocal and pianistic technique, interpret text, refine diction and shape musical expression together.

Central to this philosophy is the understanding that the pianist is not merely an accompanist, but an equal collaborative partner in music making - sharing responsibility for interpretation, expression and communication. In this setting, the annual soirée, established by Whang, reinforces a culture of collaboration.

Pianists for Soiree XVII are CU adjunct faculty Khalil Cabrera-Tosado, Brittany Hall of St. Louis, Mo., Arath Javier of Lawton and Concepcion Ronquillo of Faxon.

Soiree XVII singers are Tenor Alexander Miller; sopranos Divina D'Haiti, Kirstin Dunn, Kaitlan Kaulaity, Aleah Weber and Lillie Wright; mezzo soprano Vanessa Cleophat; and baritone Winston Hartley. All are from Lawton.

Tickets are $10 for adults and $8 for military with proper identification, seniors and students in grades K-8. Service fees will apply. Cameron students, faculty and staff receive a free ticket by showing valid CU identification.

Tickets can be reserved by calling 580-581-2346. The CU Box Office is open Monday-Friday from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. Tickets can also be purchased online at https://www.cameron.edu/art-music-and-theatre/events/buy-tickets.

This event is presented by the CU Department of Art, Music and Theatre Arts.

PR#26-042