Performing and Fine Arts
February 14, 2024
University of Portland music majors Taylenne Ubieta Johnson and Brewer Williams sang their way to second place finishes at the Oregon-wide Cascade Chapter Classical Festival February 3-4 in downtown Portland. Both qualified for regionals in the singing competition staged annually by the by the National Association of Teachers of Singing.
Ubieta Johnson and Williams each performed three pieces from the classical art song repertoire. In the winners concert, Ubieta Johnson performed a piece by Cuban composer Ernesto Leuona while Williams performed a Shakespeare text set by Gerald Finzi.
"I'm thrilled for Taylenne and Brewer. They made impressive progress in their first year-and-a-half at the University,” said Nicole Hanig, UP Associate Professor and Director of Vocal Studies. “Historically, our singers do well in these competitions, and this talented group of performers are continuing that tradition.”
Ubieta Johnson and Williams join UP sophomore tenor Casey James in preparing for regionals. James won the Music Theater Division at the statewide competition in November. Top qualifiers at regionals advance to the 2024 national competition this summer in Knoxville, Tennessee.
Ubieta Johnson, Williams and James tuned up by performing solo pieces in the UP Wind Ensemble Concert on February 10. Ubieta Johnson — also a finalist in the Portland Chamber Orchestra Young Artist Competition — will join fellow music majors Gabriela Mootz and Ly’Le Pullum to sing in the UP Black Student Union’s Black Excellence Showcase on February 17. Mootz also placed in her division at the Cascade Chapter Classical Festival.
Ubieta Johnson tuned up for regionals with a gold medal-winning performance in the voice category at the March 9 Portland Chamber Orchestra Young Artist Competition. She has been accepted into Music in the Marche, a summer program for young musicians in Mondavio, Italy. Ubieta Johnson, Williams and James all performed solo pieces in the UP Wind Ensemble Concert in February.
“The ability to stand before an audience without a microphone and fill a hall with one's singing voice is a special blend of athleticism and artistry,” said Hanig. “I'm proud of all of our students who dare to sing and devote themselves to training their minds and bodies in this way."
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