I just finished recording 13 duets with 13 of Vancouver's best improvisers:  Jesse Zubot, Ron Samworth, Peggy Lee, Clyde Reed, Brent Belke, Chris Gestrin, Jeff Younger, Lisa Miller, Paul Plimley, Jeremy Berkman, Kenton Loewen, Coat Cooke and Stefan Smulovitz at the Factory recording studio.  I spent June 15, 16 and 17th at the Factory - 10 hour days - recording with 4 musicians each day - five the first day.  It was a wild and wonderful experience.  The focus of the CD is on free improv and improvised (very abstracted) song.  I felt so fortunate to have the chance to record with each of these talented artists.  And working with Jesse Zubot as producer was a dream come true.  He is a stunningly talented guy with huge ears and a clear concept.  I look forward to the mixing process which we'll start in July.  I have waited a very long time to do this CD.  Thank you Canada Council! 
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On Wednesday I taught vocal improvisation to 32 very talented, enthusiastic and creative vocalists, accompanists and teachers at the Vancouver International Song Institute (VISI) . This 15 day vocal training intensive and festival is the creation of Rena Sharon, one of Canada's top collaborative pianists. It was a thrill to be part of such an amazing festival and to work with such incredible participants. It solidified my belief in the liberating power of improvisation and in my desire to teach more. I was so impressed and touched by the genuine excitement about improv expressed by the students. One vocal teacher who participated was from Washington and gave me her card saying "I'd really like to find a way to have you come down and do this workshop at our music school! I'm excited to see where this goes. My next teaching plans involve workshoping the idea of an improvising conducted choir. I was so inspired by Phil Minton's Feral Choir in Paris, I want to explore my version of it here on the West Coast. My first SoundOut Improv choir workshop will be held this July (11th-13th) in Gibsons, BC. Email me if you would like more information. Cheers,

Viviane

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Monday is my CD release with Stefan at the Cellar - la belle et la bete. On Wednesday I'll be teaching an improv class at VISI to a large group of classical/opera singers and their teachers.

I'm excited to see what happens on Monday at our CD Release concert at the Cellar. We have invited Barbara Bourget (Kokoro Dance) to join us for the first set. Barbara is an incredible butoh dancer (white body paint, exquisitely slow movements) and we have planned an open improvisation with her. The Cellar is a small space with a tiny stage so it wil be exciting to see how Barbara uses the space and how the three of us interact. It's our first collaboration with Barbara and we're hoping to continue exploring our relationship with her and Jay Hirabayashi.

In case you were wondering about the title of the Cd - la belle et la bete (beauty and the beast). It's the name of a film by Jean Cocteau and it's how Stefan and I met and consequently fell in love. Our mutual friend, Shanto, invited both of us to be part of a gig where we performed a live improvised sound track to this gorgeous film. The rest is mystery.

The workshop that I'll be teaching at VISI on Wednesday will also be an adventure. I've taught some improv workshops on the Sunshine Coast. This is the first time in Vancouver and I'll be working with young, talented opera and classical singers and their teachers. Rena Sharon, who is one of Canada's most gifted pianists, has created this fantastic 15 day festival that offers training for vocalists. I'm excited and thrilled to be part of it.

ps we added three new fish to the pond. I can't remember the name of the fish but it's purple with red and white speckles.

cheers,

Viviane

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