Join JMU voice professor Dr. Sonya Baker for a one-hour conversation with Karen Kamensek, an international conductor whose versatility, expansive artistry and commitment to championing leading compositional voices of the 20th- and 21st century, is reflected in her work in both the opera house and on the concert stage. In 2019, she made her debut with the Metropolitan Opera in Glass’ Akhnaten—a production, under her direction, that recently won the coveted Olivier Award in London. This event is free. Donations are encouraged and will support student scholarships in the College of Visual and Performing Arts. Live Zoom event on March 21, 2021. Available for on-demand viewing from March 23 @ 10 am through March 28, 2021.

Karen Kamensek’s remarkable versatility and expansive artistry, coupled with her deep commitment to championing many of the leading compositional voices of the 20th- and 21st century, is reflected in her work in both the opera house and on the concert stage. Last season alone, she made her long-awaited Metropolitan Opera debut with Glass’ Akhnaten—a production, under her direction, that recently won the coveted Olivier Award in London—as well as debuts with the Malmö Symphony Orchestra and the Hungarian National Philharmonic Orchestra conducting works by Pépin and Takemitsu, respectively.

While the ongoing pandemic continues to impact Ms. Kamensek’s 2020-2021 season, she is currently scheduled to lead performances in Sweden, Austria, France, and the U.S. In the fall, she make her debut with the Helsingborg Symphony Orchestra leading a program that features Osvaldo Golijov’s Three Songs for Soprano and Orchestra, with Sanna Gibbs as soloist; Aaron Jay Kernis’ Musica Celestis for Strings; and Joseph Canteloube’s Selection from Songs of the Auvergne. Camille Pépin’s Laniakea; R. Strauss’ Intermezzo – Quatre Interludes symphoniques; and Wagner’s Wesendonck Lieder, with soprano Elza van den Heever as soloist, and his Prélude and Liebestod are on the program for her performance with Orchestre National Montpellier Occitanie. Full bio

Dr. Sonya G. Baker made her Carnegie Hall debut with renowned conductor Michael Tilson Thomas in 2004, the same year she appeared as soloist on the Yale Alumni Chorus tour to Moscow singing at the Kremlin. Noted for her performances of American music, Baker’s debut recording, SHE SAYS, features art songs of American women composers. Her lecture recital on Marian Anderson's historic 1939 Easter Concert has been presented nationally. She has received numerous academic and vocal awards and is a frequent guest artist and teacher, having taught at Governor's school programs in Kentucky and Virginia. Baker’s past service includes Kentucky State Governor for National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS), board member for the Kentucky Arts Council, and university administrative positions. Baker is currently a professor of voice at James Madison University. Along with a Doctor of Music from Florida State University, Baker holds degrees from Indiana and Yale universities. Full bio