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Nearly two decades ago, a generous and visionary group of friends and family established a vocal master class to honor the Bach Festival's late friend and patron Virginia Best Adams. In 1985 the first sessions were held, with participants chosen from the members of the Festival's professional Chorale. Now in its 19th season, the Master Class program has grown to international stature. Singers are chosen by open audition, and every year we receive applications from around the world. The summer events include six working sessions open free to the general public. In the casual atmosphere of our public sessions you will be able to watch the teachers and young artists at close hand as they explore all aspects of Baroque style, vocal technique, artistic communication, and performing artistry. The program culminates in a special concert showcasing the four young soloists. The Carmel Bach Festival is the only professional organization in North America where singers are awarded a cash stipend to coach Baroque music in a fully professional setting. With the loyal support of the Carmel Presbyterian Church and our ever-growing family of friends and donors, this wonderful event continues to grow and flourish. My good friend Sanford Sylvan, Festival baritone soloist, joins me once again to lead the summer's classes. We'll be accompanied by our uniquely wonderful pianist Melinda Coffey. I cordially invite you to join us for these relaxed gatherings and experience with us the joy of the singer's art and the magic and excitement of young singers at the dawn of their careers. David Gordon |
Christina Jahn - soprano
(Calgary, Canada)
Canadian soprano Christina Jahn has appeared with leading early music ensembles in Canada, including the Toronto Consort and Tafelmusik Baroque Orchestra. She has toured with Sine Nomine Ensemble for Medieval Music across Eastern Canada, and with Opera Atelier to Japan. Her discography includes CDs on Naxos and CBC Records. Christina is married to 1994 Adams Fellow and current Festival Soloist/Chorale bass Paul Grindlay.
Email: singers@attcanada.ca
Elspeth Franks - mezzo-soprano
(San Francisco, CA)
British-born Elspeth Franks was such a hit at last year's Adams Master Class that we have invited her to return! She is one of the West Coast's busiest young singers, in opera, concert, and recital. Her credits include Eugene Opera; Bear Valley Music Festival; the San Luis Obispo Mozart Festival; Florida Grand Opera; Philharmonia Baroque; and the Berkeley Symphony. In 2003 she appears with Virginia Opera; Sacramento Opera;and Rimrock Opera (MT) as Hansel also in 2004.
Email: TheElspeth@aol.com
Daniel Hutchings - tenor
(San Francisco, CA)
A graduate of Oberlin Conservatory, Daniel performs extensively with early music ensembles throughout the Bay Area, including the American Bach Soloists the Philharmonia Baroque Chorale; and the acclaimed Schola Cantorum of the National Shrine of St. Francis. He solos with the San Francisco Bach Choir, including Bach's Magnificat and B Minor Mass, and the Evangelist in Schutz's Christmas Oratorio. Other recent appearances include: featured tenor in Haydn's Paukenmass, Mendelssohn' s Elijah, and Laud to the Nativity by Respighi.
Email: nerdytenor@yahoo.com
David Farwig - baritone
(Denver, CO)
David is currently assistant conductor of the Lamont Chorale at the University of Denver's School of Music where he is completing a MMus in choral conducting. He is a former member of the premier chorus of the United States Air Force, The Singing Sergeants, and was a featured soloist with them throughout the United States and Europe. Other credits include the National Symphony; and the Atlanta Symphony with Robert Shaw.
Email: austwig@direcway.com
2003 Faculty:
David Gordon, tenor (Master Class Director)
Sanford Sylvan, baritone
Melinda Coffey, repetiteur mcoffey@redshift.com
Links to related information in this website:
Basic Master Class Information
Past Master Class participants:
2002 2001 2000 1999 1998 1997
List of all participants 1993-2002
Meet David Gordon, Master Class Director
David Gordon Website Entry Page Other Bach Sites on the Internet