ABOUT

"Katrien Baerts glorifies with a pristine and enchanting sound, which is unmistakably based on a strong technical base." (Volkskrant)

Rising young Belgian soprano Katrien Baerts started her musical career with a masters degree in both violin and voice at the Royal Conservatory of Brussels. After graduating with distinction, she joined the Dutch National Opera Academy, where she performed roles as Annio in La clemenza di Tito in a staging by Floris Visser, Miss Wordsworth in Albert Herring staged by Alexander Oliver, Despina in Così fan tutte and Amore and Valletto in l'Incoronazione di Poppea. Further roles in opera include her acclaimed debut at the Concertgebouw in the title role of the world première of Suster Bertken by composer Rob Zuidam recorded by Attacca, Johanna II in Rage d'Amours, as well as Stimme des Falken, Hüter der Schwelle and 1e Dienerin in die Frau ohne Schatten at the ZaterdagMatinee. She has been working with conductors such as Jonathan Berman, Reinbert de Leeuw, Richard Egarr, Vladimir Jurowski, Oliver Knussen, Henrik Schaefer and Otto Tausk. At the Royal Conservatory Katrien received the 'Bourgeois', 'Ingeborg Köberle' and 'Vindelinck' prizes for her outstanding performances. Furthermore, she entered the semi-finals at the prestigious Queen Elisabeth Competition for Voice in 2011.

Being a versatile singer, Katrien performs in opera and oratoria, as well as in contemporary and chamber music. Her concert repertoire includes amongst others the Weihnachtsoratorium with the Amsterdams Bach Consort, the Stabat Mater by Pergolesi at the Stift Festival, die Sieben frühe Lieder by Alban Berg with het Collectief at the Festival de Saintes, Kurtag's Akhmatova lieder Op. 41 at the Concertgebouw, the world première of Rob Zuidam's Canciones del Alma and Zuidam's McGonagall Lieder at the Muziekgebouw aan 't IJ, recorded by Challenge Records. Since 2006 Katrien frequently gives recitals in duo with her regular piano accompanist Bart Verheyen.

Upcoming engagements include amongst others the title role of Suster Bertken at Holland Festival in staging by Pierre Audi, the title role of Amina in La Sonnambula, Dvorak's Te Deum with the Dutch Radio Philharmonic Orchestra, Trois poèmes de Stéphane Mallarmé by Ravel with the Asko|Schönberg Ensemble, the world première of Rob Zuidam's Requiem and Katrien's debut at the Barbican Center in London with music by Birtwistle.

May 2013

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