Mezzo-Soprano Heather Jewson
Intro to New Canadian Opera and Concert Singer from London, Ontario
A brief look at the career of mezzo-soprano Heather Jewson, who is rapidly climbing the ladder to international recognition.
Heather Jewson is on her way to an exciting career on the opera and concert stage. She has already appeared in many different roles, including her favorite, Lucretia, In the Rape of Lucretia, and has sung excerpts ( in concert with the Sheffield, England, Symphony Orchestra) from another favorite role, that of Octavian in Der Rosenkavalier. These appearances, coupled with chorus work in such operas as Eugene Onegin and others with the Canadian Opera Company allow her to examine the complete vocal repertoire in excellent company.
Musical Education
Born in London, Ontario, on November 7,1976, Jewson came up through the ranks of the internationally-known St.Marys Childrens' Choir, a touring choir which has been in operation for the last twenty-seven years. Under the skilled direction of Eileen Baldwin, the choir has trained many singers and one of its alumni is the well-known baritone James Westman. Jewson's early teacher was Wendy Ewart, a local St.Marys teacher who gave Heather a strong foundation of vocal technique which enabled her to go on to York University, In Toronto, where her teachers were Albert Greer and Karen Rymal. Study in England with Susan Roper followed, and as the recipient of the Major Scholar, Peter Moores Foundation in 2002-05, she was given free tuition for three years at the Royal Northern College of Music and sent to Italy for study at the Accademia Rossiniania with Alberto Zedda.
Heather Jewson enjoys many things such as cooking, reading and travelling but says that at the moment she really doesn't have to indulge her interests. Singing comes first with this determined young woman and when asked if she taught she replied, "No. My teachers were all devoted to the art of teaching and at present with my primary focus on performing I could not be that dedicated to teaching. My students would suffer."
Favorite Singers
When asked who her favorite singers were Jewson replied, "There are many. The Late Tatiana Troyanos was terrific, as were Christa Ludwig and Janet Baker. The Welshman Bryn Terfel is a favorite and I am very impressed with the work of Canadian Adrienne Pieczonka." Her favorite operatic roles are Lucretia and Octavian, and she has had the opportunity to sing them both in public performance.
Now living and working in Toronto, Jewson will be leaving for Aspen, Colorado, this summer, where she will stay for nine weeks of study, performances and auditions. The life of an aspiring concert and opera singer is one of hard work and determination...two qualities Heather Jewson has in abundance.
For more information on related topics please read Dramatic Soprano Gerda Nielsen and Maria Malibran.
Source
Personal conversations with Ms.Jewson, March and April, 2008.
