Vocalists to critique

Music students at the University of South Dakota are going to get some real-world critiques from two internationally renowned singers.

The Sioux City Symphony Soloists, soprano Katie VanKooten and baritone Michael Todd Simpson, will visit campus April 12 for a master class where they will listen to students from USD and other surrounding colleges sing. The duo will then offer advice on how the young hopefuls can improve their performance.

Tim Farrell, chair of USD’s music department, said the university has always had a good relationship with the symphony and wanted to use this connection to benefit students.

“One of our students does an internship there, and a lot of our faculty plays with that group, so starting last year, we started inviting them to come,” he said.

Ryan Haskins, the symphony’s music director, said he has been very impressed with the students he has worked with at USD, and is excited for them to work with the soloists, who have performed everywhere from London to New York City.

“It’s a fantastic outlet for students to have the ability to not only hear great music and be involved with an organization that cares about students, but also the ability to share some of the great artists that come through town here,” Haskins said.

The two soloists will also perform with musical groups from the surrounding area, including USD’s own choir, April 13 at 7:30 p.m. in the Orpheum Theatre in Sioux City, Iowa.

“I’ve been working with the choir at USD since the fall for this concert,” Haskins said.

Farrell said he hopes students make a connection from the master class to the performance.

“It’s just the opportunity to work with professional musicians who are doing what the students hope to do someday,” he said. “It’s nice to see people up on stage performing, making a living from their art.”