Emily Tepe (born 20 January 1978), known professionally as IVA, is a Swedish-American crossover artist, singer songwriter, opera singer, bandleader and composer.[1]

IVA
IVA live at the Queen 2017
IVA live at the Queen 2017
Background information
Birth nameEmily Samson Tepe
Born (1978-01-20) January 20, 1978 (age 46)
Wilmington, Delaware, U.S.
GenresVocal music, Pop
Occupation(s)Operatic Singer-Songwriter, Composer, Vocal Coach
Instrument(s)Vocals, Guitar, Piano
Years active2004-present
Websitewww.ivavoice.com

Early life

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From Wilmington, Delaware, Emily Tepe was born into a musical family as she was influenced by her grandfather, an oboe player and multi-instrumentalist who led ensembles throughout his life.[citation needed] One of his friends, Evelyn Swenson, a well-known composer and conductor at Opera Delaware, took Emily under her wing and put her on stage at the age of nine.[2]

Music career

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Emily would start her music career at the age of nine by being mentored by Evelyn Swenson at the Opera Delaware, where she sang.[2] While producing music in her early years, Emily would train as a classical soprano at the Juilliard School and Manhattan School of Music and graduated from Princeton University's performance program.[3] Throughout her years of studying, she had been mentored by numerous notable teachers, including W. Stephen Smith, Kishti Tomita, and Don Marrazzo, who apprenticed with Celine Dion's vocal teacher William Riley.[4] At the end of her conservatory training, Emily would receive a Fulbright scholarship to study her ancestors' music in Sweden, where she lived for six years.[2]

Emily's first breakthrough was when she made her first appearance on Late Night with Conan O’Brien.[citation needed] On May 12, 2009, Emily released her first independent album, “Ivolution” which would be picked up by Universal Sweden.[citation needed]

In 2015, she was named the “Swedish American of the Year” for her contributions in the cultural exchange between Sweden and the United States.[5] Previous laureates include actress and singer Ann-Margret, lunar astronaut Buzz Aldrin, Chief Justice William Rehnquist, and E Street Band Member Nils Lofgren[3] On July 10, Emily released her EP "Leap".[citation needed]

Emily currently teaches voice, gives readings of her opera libretto, and leads workshops in singing and songwriting at the New School for Jazz and Contemporary Music, The Brooklyn Music School, and private studio.[1] On January 28, 2022, Emily released the single "Run".[citation needed] In February 2022, IVA has announced her residency with Brooklyn Music School. As part of the residency, IVA will give a reading of her opera libretto and lead workshops in singing, songwriting, and performing with her band.[citation needed]

Discography

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Albums

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  • IVA (2006)
  • Ivolution (2009)
  • Leap (2015)
  • Traitor (2019)

Singles

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  • Run (2021)

Awards and nominations

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References

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  1. ^ a b c "Positive Talk Radio- IVA Crossover Singer songwriter". Positive Talk Radio. Retrieved 2022-01-05.
  2. ^ a b c BUZZMUSIC (2021-07-02). "IVA Reflects on "Immense Tenderness," in a Compelling Single". BuzzMusic. Retrieved 2022-01-04.
  3. ^ a b "K.I.S.H. Magazine Exclusive Interview with IVA!!!!". kish-magazine.com. Retrieved 2022-01-09.
  4. ^ ENSPIRE, Team (2021-09-30). "IVA Inspires With Her Powerful Vocals and Message of Female Strength". ENSPIRE Magazine. Retrieved 2022-01-05.
  5. ^ "EPK". IVA. Retrieved 2022-02-15.