Stabat Mater
by Gioacchino Rossini
~ plus ~
Choruses
by Giacomo Puccini
Spring 2014 Concert Soloists
Louise Fauteux –
Soprano
Juan Andreu – Tenor
Edwin Kotchian –
Bass-Baritone
Louise Fauteux, Soprano
Soprano Louise Fauteux enjoys a diversified career in the arts devoted to education and performance. Her versatility as a soprano has afforded her opportunities with some of today's most celebrated institutions. Some highlights include a solo role in Peer Gynt with the New York Philharmonic, a theatrical version of the St. Matthew Passion at the Brooklyn Academy of Music directed by Jonathan Miller, a tour of Venice with DiCapo Opera and the Fairfield Chorale, and opera arias with the Jenaer Philharmonic in Weimar, Germany.
In 2011 Ms. Fauteux was chosen for the U.S. debut of Ralph Vaughn William's "Cambridge Mass." That year also marked the launch of her Christmas music CD, "Of The Father's Love Begotten," available at www.louisecd.com. As a chorister Ms. Fauteux has had the opportunity to perform alongside the Mark Morris Dance Company, to premiere Michael Torke's "Four Seasons" with the New York Philharmonic, and to tour France, Korea and Taiwan with the acclaimed Westminster Choir under Joseph Flummerfelt. She also participated in Marlboro Music Festivals with the Blanche Moyse Chorale.
Ms. Fauteux received her vocal education at Westminster Choir College and now teaches for the Hartt School of Music and the Silas Deane Middle School. She also currently sings with the Schola Cantorum at the Cathedral of Saint Joseph. She has studied with Nan Nall, Laura Brooks Rice and Arthur Levy. Awards and honors include a fellowship with the Carmel Bach Festival, national semifinalist for the MacAllister Awards, and a scholarship from the Connecticut Opera Guild. She welcomes visitors to her website at www.louisefauteux.com.
Juan Andreu, Tenor
Despite the fact that he is not classically trained, tenor Juan Andreu is known among his peers for having a clear and voluminous tenor voice. His mother is a singer and performed in various choirs including Hamden, CTs Salt & Pepper Gospel Singers. Juan has fond memories from a very young age of being brought to vocal rehearsals and gives credit to these types of environments for helping to shape his ear for music.
From the time he was young, drums were his favorite pastime and he has played various percussion instruments since then.
Juan attended Post University and graduated with a bachelors degree in marketing. He has performed in various musical theater productions across Connecticut. Juan portrayed Danny Zuko in Grease at Post University, a guard and man of the inquisition in Man of La Mancha at the Warner Theatre, and Paul in A Chorus Line at the Thomaston Opera House.
Juan is now performing with bass-baritone soloist, Edwin Kotchian, in the indie pop band, Of Good Air. With songs full of harmony and rhythm they perform at various locations throughout Connecticut. For more information please visit www.Facebook.com/OfGoodAir.
Juan lives in Southbury, CT with his wife, Kate.
Edwin Kotchian, Bass-Baritone
Bass-Baritone Edwin Kotchian is as comfortable singing pop and musical theater as he is singing classical. What makes this vocalist truly unique is the uncommon richness, clarity and brightness of his tone even including when he sings in the depths of the bass range.
Edwin is very grateful to his former vocal coaches for the training he received. He studied under Dr. Sylvia McClain at the University of Connecticut and later with Mrs. Heather Narducci and Mr. Chai-lun Yueh. As a former member and featured soloist of the Connecticut Master Chorale, Edwin is very pleased to be returning to work with the ensemble once more.
A couple of highlights from Edwin's career were winning first place in the National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS) vocal competition in back-to-back years, and twice soloing with the Waterbury Chorale at the Palace Theater in Waterbury, CT. He has also performed extensively at weddings and other church services across Connecticut. With the expertise of the Master Chorale's accompanist, Joseph Jacovino, Jr., Edwin released his first CD which is comprised of fourteen of his favorite songs from a variety of genres.
In addition to performing as a soloist, Edwin also composes and performs regularly with tenor soloist, Juan Andreu. As part of the indie pop band, Of Good Air, they can be seen at www.facebook.com/OfGoodAir. For more information about Edwin including his CD and performance schedule please visit www.EdwinKotchian.com.