Alida Doornberg | |
|---|---|
| Born | June 23, 1991 Edmonton, Alberta, Canada |
| Origin | Calgary, Alberta, Canada |
| Genres | Opera |
| Occupation | Opera singer |
| Years active | 2008—present |
Alida Doornberg (born 1991) is a Canadian mezzo-soprano vocalist whose career spans opera and rock music.[1] Doornberg has been recognized for her unique ability to blend classical vocal techniques with contemporary musical genres.
History
editBorn and raised in Calgary, Alberta, Doornberg began her musical journey in a children's choir at age six and soon discovered a passion for solo performance. In March 2008, Doornberg competed in the Calgary Kiwanis Music Festival, receiving awards in four categories: Vocal Solo Recital, Vocal Solo Light Opera, Vocal Solo Sacred, and Vocal Solo Italian Art Song; these awards were subsequently reported in the Calgary Herald.[1]
Early life and education
editDoornberg pursued vocal training from an early age under the tutelage of Rachel Hop in Calgary. At 17, she joined the Calgary Opera in its 2005–2006 season, performing as one of the three spirits in Mozart's The Magic Flute. She also appeared with the University of Calgary Operetta Company in Gilbert and Sullivan's Trial by Jury in 2007, further establishing her presence in Calgary's music scene.[2] A dedicated student, Doornberg was involved with the Mount Royal Vocal Academy and completed a Performing Arts Certificate at Central Memorial High School. Her early success led her to enroll in the University of Toronto's Bachelor of Music program, where she continued to refine her vocal skills.[2]
Musical career
editDoornberg's performances span a broad range of repertoires, from classical to contemporary. In 2017, Doornberg performed "Voi lo sapete" from Cavalleria Rusticana by Pietro Mascagni in Walter Hall at the University of Toronto.[3] In 2018, Doornberg appeared at the same venue, performing "Chanson Triste" by Henri Duparc and "I'm A Stranger Here Myself" by Kurt Weill.[4] Her training as a mezzo-soprano allowed her to tackle diverse roles and explore various styles, enhancing her versatility as a performer.
Awards and Recognition
editThroughout her career, Doornberg has garnered numerous accolades for her vocal talents. Her early achievements at the Calgary Kiwanis Music Festival included multiple category wins, reflecting her technical skill and artistic expression.[2] Her performances have consistently drawn praise from critics and audiences alike, establishing her as a versatile artist capable of moving fluidly between classical and contemporary music styles.
Marble Coloured Wax
editIn addition to her classical career, Doornberg is a co-vocalist for Marble Coloured Wax (MCW), a Toronto-based pub rock band composed of staff from MCW Law, a law firm specializing in criminal defense, prison law, and movement law. The band was formerly known as "Run-DMCW" a playful nod to the hip-hop group Run-DMC, incorporating the initials of the law firm. The band is known for creatively adapting various songs into new arrangements that merge different genres, providing Doornberg with an opportunity to translate her classical training into a rock context. In 2017, Marble Coloured Wax released a 7 inch record entitled "Honestly / For Dia".[5]
Personal life
editAlida Doornberg is the daughter of Henry Doornberg, a prominent electrical engineer and architectural lighting designer based in Calgary. Henry Doornberg has played a key role in designing lighting systems for major Canadian architectural projects, including the Telus Sky building in Calgary. He is a recipient of several awards from the Illuminating Engineering Society of North America and has served on the board of the Canadian Healthcare Engineering Society.[6]
Discography
edit- "Honestly / For Dia" – Marble Coloured Wax
References
edit- ^ a b "Kiwanis Festival 2008". The Calgary Herald. September 29, 2008. Archived from the original on April 5, 2020. Retrieved 2020-04-08.
- ^ a b c "Alberta Music Festival 2008: Alida Doornberg". Tempo: The Official Publication of the Alberta Registered Music Teachers Association: 13. Spring 2009. ISSN 1921-829X. OCLC 1083566473.
- ^ "Vocalis: Italian Treasures Musica e Parole". University of Toronto Faculty of Music. October 12, 2017.
- ^ "Voice studies at the University of Toronto presents : Master's and DMA singers in performance". University of Toronto Faculty of Music. October 9, 2018.
- ^ "Marble Coloured Wax – Honestly / For Dia". Discogs. November 4, 2017.
- ^ "Grand Hotels". Lighting Design + Application. 32 (10). Illuminating Engineering Society: 40. October 2002. ISSN 0360-6325.