Mission Statement

When I was 15-years-old, my high school chemistry teacher invited me to go to the final rehearsal of Symphony Hamilton’s season...it was a read-through of Tchaikovsky’s 5th Symphony (and she just happened to be the principal flutist). I was going just to observe, but at the last moment she told me to bring my french horn, just in case.... We arrived and entered a dark church basement where the orchestra was already warming up...it was one of the most magical experiences of my life...I had no idea how beautiful and life-changing music would be. Unbeknownst to me, my teacher had already spoken with the conductor and he invited me to audition, and ultimately join the orchestra. At the end of the following season, we played Verdi’s Requiem and my mind was blown again...the singing was heart-wrenchingly powerful...I was inspired! Little did I know then, that I was beginning the most rewarding journey of my life.
Singing is not just about sounding good and performing songs we love...it does not have to be about getting a good mark on an exam, or winning a competition, or even having a successful performance. Singing is about unlocking our inner and unique voice and accepting that it is enough. It is worthy and it is beautiful in all its colours of authenticity and imperfection. I am passionate about singing music that is soul-nourishing, that is community building, that inspires one another to share a conversation that is often beyond words. I love music that brings poetry to life, music that embodies deep and real emotion, and most importantly...music that is fun to sing and returns us to our own inner-child, no matter how old (or young) we happen to be. In the words of one of my most cherished teachers “we study music, we remember how to sing!”

Biography

Canadian mezzo-soprano Cara Gilbertson brings passion to her work as a soloist, educator, and director. Known for her “nightingale-like voice” she strives to delve into the historical context of the music she performs, looking at each song or musical work for clues that the composer may have left behind.

Cara is a frequent soloist with the Strings and Choir of St John’s Anglican Church in Ottawa, where she is Artist-in-Residence, working with Dr. Gordon Johnston and Barb Hallam-Price. She made her National Arts Centre Orchestra debut in Mendelssohn’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream and returned to Southam Hall in Elijah under the baton of Maestro Helmuth Rilling. She has toured throughout Europe with the Ottawa Bach Choir directed by Dr. Lisette Canton.

In 2007, Cara was appointed a part-time professor at the University of Ottawa and in 2013 became the Performance Specialist & Vocal Coach for the Ottawa Regional Youth Choir. She particularly excels in her work as a vocal educator, maintaining a vibrant private studio and traveling throughout the country as an adjudicator and masterclass/workshop facilitator.