An innovative lecture and performance by renowned vocalist Fides Krucker will open the annual Walker Cultural Leaders Series when it returns to the Marilyn I. Walker School of Fine and Performing Arts (MIWSFPA) on Wednesday, Sept. 19.

Krucker, a teacher, interdisciplinary artist and singer, will present in Studio C, located in room MWS 251 of the MIWSFPA.

Working across Canada and internationally, Krucker has devoted 35 years to contemporary vocal practice. Her experience as a singer of contemporary opera and her interest in non-verbal human sound textures, as well as her strong belief in sustainable vocal practices serves as the basis for her emotionally integrated voice teaching method.

Brock Assistant Theatre Professor Danielle Wilson is especially looking forward to bringing Krucker to the series this year, as her own research on voice and embodiment techniques in the rehearsal process has links to the work Krucker does.

“I am excited for her to share her unique perspective on the connectivity of breath, voice, body and creative impulse,” said Wilson. “I had heard of Fides for years as a pioneer of voice work and when I saw In This Body, her show at Canadian Stage this past spring, I knew I had to work with her.”

In her lecture and performance, Krucker will explore voice through non-verbal vocalization. She offers a unique opportunity for connection through breath; to slow down and connect to the deeply felt, unseen parts of body and mind.

Wilson and Brock Associate Theatre Professor Gyllian Raby had the opportunity to work with Krucker once before on Sabina’s Splendid Brain, a production opening Friday, Sept. 14 at the Walker School.

That collaboration further cemented Krucker’s well-deserved place as the series’ opener this year.

“The connection to breath is at the heart of life,” Raby explained. “Fides is an acting teacher who can sing in five octaves and knows the human shape of poetry. I am honoured and inspired to see her work with our students.”

Krucker’s concert and demonstration is free and open to the public.

Seating is limited and is being offered on a first-come, first-served basis.

The concert marks the first event in another great lineup of workshops and performances in this year’s Walker Cultural Leaders Series, bringing leading artists, performers, practitioners and academics to Brock’s MIWSFPA.

Elizabeth Vlossak, Director of the Walker School, said the series aims to engage students and the community with outstanding programming and cultural opportunities.

“Our dynamic and impressive lineup of professionals in this year’s series will present content that is engaging and lively while also being challenging and thought-provoking,” she said. “These sessions celebrate artistic endeavour and achievement, as well as the indelible role of culture in our society.”

2018-19 Walker Cultural Leader Series:

Alejandro Cartagena

Public lecture: Oct. 17, 6 p.m., Robertson Theatre, FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre
Exhibition opening: Oct. 17, 5 p.m., VISA Art Gallery and Student Exhibition Space
Exhibition runs: Oct. 4 to Nov. 7

Christine Cucciniello

Zine-making workshop: Oct. 18, 4:30 to 7:30 p.m., MWS 229A (inside the Learning Commons).
To reserve a spot, please contact Catherine Parayre at cparayre@brocku.ca

David Jalbert

Masterclass for piano students: Nov. 16, 2:30 to 4 p.m., Cairns Recital Hall, FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre
Public recital (part of the Encore Series): Partridge Hall, FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre, at 7:30 p.m.

David Psalmon

Public talk and workshop: Towards a Contemporary Political Theatre
Jan. 10 at 7 p.m., Marilyn I. Walker Theatre

Alinka Echeverria

Public lecture: Looking Back to Look Forward: The History of Photography in Contemporary Image-Making
March 7 at 6 p.m., Robertson Theatre, FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre
The Road to Tepeyac: Opening Reception March 7 at 5 p.m., VISA Gallery
Exhibition runs March 5 to 26

Walker String Quartet

Vera Alekseeva and Anna Hughes (violin), Faith Lau (viola) and Gordon Cleland (cello)
RBC Music@Noon performance: March 5, Cairns Recital Hall, FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre

Adam Dickinson

Author’s talk: March 18 from 1 to 2 p.m., MWS 156

Shawn Serfas, Adam Dickinson and Lorène Bourgeois

Serfas, Dickinson and Bourgeois will be celebrated during a book launch through Small Walker Press, which publishes books by professors and students at the MIWSFPA and in the Humanities.
Guest speaker: acclaimed artist/critic John Kissick
TBD, week of May 6, MWS 156