Soprano Joslyn Dunlop (right) performed a Department of Music student solo recital on stage at FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre accompanied by pianist Erika Reiman (left) in 2024. Now in her fourth and final year of the Brock’s Music program, Dunlop will once again take the stage to perform in an exciting lineup of performances in March. Joslyn Dunlop is no stranger to the spotlight.
The fourth-year Music student, a soprano, has been singing since she was a child and fell in love with performing after watching community theatre musicals in her hometown of Chatham-Kent, Ont. Now the accomplished singer is the one delighting audiences — and taking her performance skills to the next level.
Dunlop will perform in the upcoming Department of Music (MUSI) Student Solo Recitals, which run from Friday, March 14 to Sunday, March 23 at FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre (PAC).
Her proposal to direct and perform with a chamber ensemble featuring professional musicians as part of her solo recital earned her the 2023-24 Medland and Green Inspiring Artists Bursary.
Established to assist students with a unique opportunity such as travel, internship or training to benefit thesis or capstone projects, the bursary made it possible for Dunlop to purchase the scores for a chamber ensemble piece, Dog Tales by Jenni Brandon.
Supported by accomplished singer and Instructor Leanne Vida, who leads Voice Masterclasses and lessons at Brock, Dunlop conducted outreach and put together an ensemble including Doug Miller, principal flute with Niagara Symphony Orchestra; Zoltan Kalman, clarinetist and Brock Big Band and University Wind Ensemble conductor; and MUSI pianist Erika Reiman.
“While singers often perform with an accompanying piano, it can be challenging to get comfortable with an ensemble; it’s an amazing experience to sing alongside instrumentalists — acoustically, it changes everything,” Dunlop said.
Over the past four years studying Music at Brock’s Marilyn I. Walker School of Fine and Performing Arts (MIWSFPA), Dunlop was inspired by watching professional singers perform in front of large orchestras, captivated by how their voices soared.
“Starting with small ensembles are the musical building blocks for larger scale performances,” she added.
Associate Professor Karin Di Bella, who teaches performance classes helping guide students such as Joslyn in their solo recitals, said it has been rewarding to see Dunlop develop into the soloist she is today.
“The Medland and Green Inspiring Artists Bursary has also afforded Joslyn the valuable opportunity to enhance her administrative skills in submitting a detailed project plan, organizing complicated schedules and communicating effectively with all stakeholders to ensure a successful performance,” she said.
Dunlop will first perform her selections for voice and piano, followed by her solo performance with the chamber ensemble performance of Dog Tales on Saturday, March 22 on the Recital Hall stage.
In addition to Dunlop, fourth-year students will showcase their musical talents including Marcus de Torres, guitar; Joshua Brown, alto saxophone; and Bailey Williams, Aimie Pagendam and Kendall Simon, sopranos, accompanied by pianist Erika Reiman.
Dunlop said singing will always be a part of her life as she pursues a career in ensemble music performance.
“The Music program at Brock and Medland and Green Inspiring Artists Bursary have allowed me to grow personally and professionally. From my first interview with the professors, I have always felt welcomed and supported; it’s been such a great way to experience university,” she said.
Dunlop is also a member of Brock University Choir which will perform “Song, Dance and Sweet Romance” to kick off the MUSI spring ensembles concert series on Saturday, March 29 at PAC.
“We are thrilled to share a robust lineup of public performances in the coming weeks showcasing the talent and hard work of our Brock music community,” said Rachel Rensink-Hoff, Department of Music Chair and Associate Professor.
“Our year-end ensemble concerts hold a special significance for students like Joslyn and other graduates as these final performances add to the many lasting memories of friendships formed through music-making during their time here at Brock,” she added.
The Brock and Niagara community are invited to take in all the spring ensemble performances including the student recitals, Brock Big Band, The University Wind Ensemble and The University String Orchestra later this month. For details including ticket information, please visit the MUSI website.
