Kerry-Anne Kutz is the energetic founder of the West Island Festival de la Voix, which will be hosting its 8th festival (and 2nd online version) from March 18 to April 10. The performances will be live streamed. In a recent conversation, Kerry-Anne stated; “I’m determined to support our artists and our audiences by offering live streaming performances. Even though we can’t have in-person audiences, there is a silver lining in that our shows will be available worldwide.” The festival will offer four eclectic concerts, as well as three exceptional workshops.

Kerry-Anne Kutz - Festival de la Voix

Kerry-Anne Kutz is the Artistic Director and driving force of Festival de la Voix

Featuring virtual concerts from March 14 to April 10 of performances in the West Island (venues in Dorval, Beaconsfield and Pointe-Claire), Festival de la Voix brings communities and all ages together to enjoy music and the power of the human voice.

Presented by Ensemble Caprice, Ensemble vocal Arts-Québec and Festival de la Voix, the special February 28 webcast performance of excerpts from Handel’s Messiah from Maison Symphonique (Place des Arts) will be available online from the Festival website until March 14.

The mix of styles and voices includes The Best of Broadway (belt it out at home), Roots, Blues and Spirituals (Rob Lutes, Dr. Floydd Ricketts and Alexandra Asher) and QUARTOM (male vocal quartet).

“Our Best of Broadway is going to be a fun sing-along, led by emerging artists Laura Coulter-Low and Erin Berger, with piano accompaniment by Michael Woytiuk.”

The Roots, Blues & Spirituals concert will feature Rob Lutes, Dr. Floydd Ricketts and Alexandra Asher. Rob Lutes and Trio will perform music from his newest album, Come Around. “Rob tours extensively all over North America and Europe, and we’re fortunate to have him. In addition to his musical talent – he’s a fine person.” Continuing, Kerry-Anne says; “We’ve worked with Floydd previously as a choral conductor; and I asked him, ‘Will you please sing for us this time?’, and he agreed, and asked his wife Alexandra Asher to join him.”

“QUARTOM is an outstanding vocal quartet, and like all the performers, that are from the Montreal area. They’ll be closing out the Festival on April 10 with a concert recorded at St. Columba-By-The-Lake Church.

Workshops include Dr. Claudel Callender (vocal technique), Connie Kaldor (song writing), and Natalie Choquette (soloist’s master class). “Dr. Callendar teaches in schools, and has brought opera to the students. He’s an expert on vocal technique. Nathalie is a generous and encouraging teacher. She has an ability have her students improve instantly. Connie wants people to come away with the beginnings of their first song.”

The concert live streams are free, and viewers are encouraged to make donations. Kerry-Anne thanks the cities of Dorval, Pointe-Claire and Beaconsfield for their continued support, as well as principal sponsors Mécénat Music, The Azrieli Foundation and Heritage Canada. The festival has an excellent and informative website with information about artists, concerts, workshops and venues: www.festivaldelavoix.com Enjoy!