The next concert by the “Seaven Teares” viol consort is presented by The Marais Project, (3pm, August 26, 2012 at Sydney Conservatorium) and will feature upcoming vocalist, Susie Bishop alongside bass clarinettist, Paul Cutlan. This is the first time that Susie has worked with either The Marais Project or Seaven Teares. We recently subjected her to an in-depth interview.
Vocalist Susie Bishop
Philip Pogson (PP) – Susie, when you hear the term “viol consort” what is the first thing that comes into your head?
Susie Bishop (SB) Beautiful music! I have always loved Early Music and been drawn to it more than most other styles and periods of classical music. The opportunity to sing with a viol consort is like a dream come true…
PP – What or who are your key musical influences?
SB – I have a broad range of influences, from Monteverdi to Joni Mitchell. I suppose the main thing that inspires me is a tale well told. This is perhaps why I was more drawn to singing than to violin which I also studied for most of my life. I am also very influenced by folk and jazz; I am drawn to and inspired by music that pushes the boundaries of normal expectations and conventions.
PP – Where did you do your training?
SB- I trained firstly as an actress at the University of Wollongong, where through my vocal training I fell in love with operatic technique as a tool to improve my voice to be able to sing any style healthily. I continued my studies in Opera with a Masters at the Royal Northern College of Music. Since then I have continued my professional education under the guidance of the wonderful Glen Winslade in Sydney.
Paul Cutlan - bass clarinet who will also perform with Seaven Teares
PP – Apart from “Seaven Teares” and the very special “Parsons Affayre”, what are some of the other projects you are working on?
SB – I have a few classical recitals coming up at The Independent with my friend and pianist Emily-Rose Sarkova. We will be performing music by Rachmaninov, Strauss, Brahms and Warlock to name a few. Then there is my Balkan/Jazz group called “Chaika” who just recently released an album. I will also be working on a CD of my own music later this year – written on guitar in the folk/singer/songwriter vein. I will be joined on this recording by my beautiful sister, Laura. So this is a fun year full of lots of music!
PP – Are there particular singers that you admire?
SB – In the classical world the earliest figure would be Emma Kirkby who wooed me with her Monteverdi Madrigals, her stunning phrasing and her crystal clear tone. Then there are Veronique Gens, Suzie LeBlanc, Jaroussky and Cecilia Bartolli for their musicality, their beautiful instruments and most importantly their quirky approach to music which often involves the re-contextualising and reviving of older masterpieces.
PP- Is there anything you are particularly looking forward to in working with the “Seaven Teares” consort?
Seaven Teares
SB – Everything! But since falling in love with a CD of Dowland songs sung by Emma Kirkby I am looking forward to being able to do my own version of classical Karaoke with the consort!
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“Seaven Teares” viol consort – presented by The Marais Project
3.00pm Sunday 26th August, 2012
Recital Hall West, Sydney Conservatorium, Macquarie St, Sydney.
- Susie Bishop – soprano
- Paul Cutlan – guest composer and bass clarinet
- Catherine Upex & Jennifer Eriksson – treble viol
- Shaun Ng – tenor viol
- Imogen Granwal, Alice Chance & Jennifer Eriksson – viola da gamba
Tickets – $30/20 at door; family ticket $80 (2 adults + 2 children); bookings ph: (02) 9809 5185; on-line at: www.maraisproject.com.au