KPU alumni bring their talents back to alma mater

Thu, Jan 17, 2019
Instructor Dale Throness will perform at the KPU Music Faculty Showcase at Kwantlen Polytechnic University.

They have travelled the world and made a name for themselves. Now, three Kwantlen Polytechnic University alumni are coming back to the university to perform in the Music Faculty Showcase 2019. 

“This concert is the perfect pairing of young voices and glorious, masterful music, and it’s a delight to welcome our alumni back to KPU as part of our faculty concert series,” says Gail Suderman, director of voice and choral studies.

The showcase will feature alumni Natascia Dell’erba (soprano), Katie Miller (mezzo soprano) and Jonny Michel (tenor) along with faculty, including Suderman (mezzo soprano), fellow voice instructor Dale Throness (baritone) and piano instructor Jane Hayes. 

“The KPU voice division has established a reputation of excellence and distinction, with countless KPU graduates in vocal studies going on to make careers as professional singers and voice teachers,” says Suderman. 

Together the alumni and faculty will sing the passionate “Liebeslieder Waltzes” by Johannes Brahms and pair it with the Canadian folksong suite, “All Around the Circle” by composer John Greer. 

All three alumni featured in the concert worked with voice instructor Throness during their time at KPU and have gone on to become in-demand soloists.

  • Natascia Dell’erba is a professional opera singer who has worked as a soloist with many different organizations including the Vancouver Symphony.

Natascia Dell'erba performs at the Music Faculty Showcase at Kwantlen Polytechnic University.
  • Katie Miller is a professional opera singer who has travelled around the world, including Japan and Austria, as well as working with L’Opéra de Montréal as an artist-in-residence.

KPU alumna Katie Miller comes back to Kwantlen Polytechnic University to perform at the Music Faculty Showcase.
  • Jonny Michel is the head of Choral Music at the Langley Fine Arts School. He is an in-demand soloist for major choral works. His choirs perform with the Vancouver Symphony at major festivals and concerts.

Jonny Michel performs at the KPU Music Faculty Showcase at Kwantlen Polytechnic University.

“Natascia, Katie and Jonny are three outstanding singers who have caught the attention of the professional world in both opera and music education, and they, along with dozens of other graduates in vocal studies, are a testament to the strong foundation the KPU music program has provided,” Suderman adds.

The concert takes place January 25 at 7:30 p.m. at the Langley Campus Auditorium. Visit the event webpage for more information and tickets.