Biography

Born in Repentigny, Quebec to parents who were both professional opera singers, soprano Karina Gauvin has been called “the incarnation of a Cleopatra through songs with haunting modulations” (Diapason). At the age of eight she was already singing in the Canadian Children’s Opera Chorus. Her repertory spans three centuries, but she is known above all for her striking interpretations of characters in 18th-century operas and oratorios by Vivaldi, Handel, Gluck, Mozart, and others. Whether performing with period instrument ensembles like the Akademie für alte Musik Berlin, Toronto’s Tafelmusik Baroque Orchestra and Quebec’s Violons du Roy, or with modern orchestras like the New York Philharmonic and Chicago Symphony, Gauvin is adept at riveting an audience. Her voice “is like a clear, refreshing and inexhaustible spring that darts and sparkles around any ornamental obstacle in its way,” wrote Opera News. Her extensive discography focuses on Baroque repertory, but she is also renowned for Mahler, Debussy and Barber. In 2017 Gauvin was named an Honorary Director of the Art Song Foundation of Canada. From 2020 to 2023 she was Mécénat Musica Artist in residence. Her artistic partner of many years, pianist Michael McMahon, is renowned as one of Canada’s premier accompanists. 5th LMMC appearance.

Robert Markow

http://karinagauvin.com/en/home/

Notes

Programme notes will be available two weeks before the concert