Trinidadian Soprano Comes to Miami Beach

Recognised as a star on the rise, Trinidadian soprano Jeanine De Bique is leaving her indelibly creative mark on the world of opera.

Trinidadian soprano Jeanine De BiqueShe has won accolades for her performances in famous operas across Europe and the United States. Today she is preparing to perform at Miami’s New World Symphony to mark their 35th anniversary. On October 15 & 16 the lyric soprano will wow audiences with selections from Carl Maria von Weber’s opera Der Freischütz, joined by conductor Christoph Koncz and Fellows of New World Symphony.

The season will continue across Europe and the US highlighting her debut solo CD, Mirrors, on Berlin Classics accompanied by the renowned baroque orchestra Concerto Köln.

Enchantress

Among the soprano’s noted performances was her lead role as Alcina, the enchantress in Handel’s opera named after the protagonist. A Robert Carsen production at the Opera National de Paris last year, De Bique noted in an earlier interview that she tapped into her own life stories to play the role and express the character’s emotions.

Another major accomplishment for De Bique was her title role as Annio in Peter Sellars’ production of Mozart’s La Clemenza di Tito at the Salzburg Summer Festival several years ago.

Indeed, De Bique’s stunning vocal range and love of Baroque music has taken her on a career trajectory many strive to attain. She has cultivated an intensely passionate relationship with classical music that blossomed in her childhood years back home in Trinidad.

Growing up in a Caribbean country steeped in steel pan, calypso, and soca music and the ever present tradition of storytelling through oral history, certainly helped create her musical journey. But, it was also the influence of classical music in the household that piqued her passion for the genre.

With a family steeped in the classics and playing instruments, De Bique learned to play the piano as a child. She sang calypso and other music genres in competitions, some of which she won. But her love for the classics shone through her involvement in school choirs and eventually semi-professional singing groups. Her natural talent would eventually lead her to the Manhattan School of Music in New York city where she earned a Masters degree.

Give Back

It is no surprise that the soprano has been recognised with awards and scholarships. She was awarded first prize at the Young Concert Artists, Inc Music Competition, the Arleen Auger Prize at the Hertogenbosch International Vocal Competition, third Prize in the Viotti International Music Competition and a prize winner at the Gerda Lissner Vocal Competition (New York). She was a finalist and a study grant award recipient of the 2011 Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions, and received a study grant from the Licia Albanese-Puccini Foundation during her studies.

De Bique is grateful for the path that was laid for her, and because of that she strives to give back to the community. What’s important, she stresses, is sharing her knowledge and gifts with children, helping to transform their lives through the awareness of classical music.

A recipient of the Youth Ambassador for Peace awarded by the National Commission of UNESCO Trinidad and Tobago, the young soprano raised awareness of the need for youth safety and wellbeing through her performances. As she toured other islands, Barbados for example, De Bique helped raise funds for children with disabilities and for the children’s ward at the main hospital on the island. In the United States she has worked with several schools introducing the classics and Caribbean culture to youngsters, hoping to inspire their creativity.

Indeed, De Bique will continue to move audiences with her incredible voice, performing the operas and symphonic concerts of the music maestros she loves, infusing her beloved Caribbean cadence.

From Mahler to Mozart, Handel, to Caribbean folksongs and beyond, look for De Bique as she tours your city. Next stop — New World Symphony in Miami Beach October 15-16.