Heather MacLean
Heather MacLean was born in South Africa. After completing her studies in Music Education she proceeded abroad to study opera, Classical Singing, Speech and Drama and Piano at the GUILDHALL SCHOOL OF MUSIC and at the Opera Center in London, England.
She moved to Canada in 1981 and became known for her vocal performances in Edmonton. She was also part of a team of teachers at the Alberta College Conservatory of Music who taught a Music in Early Childhood Programme. Heather later developed a programme, to stimulate the young brain through Classical Music, and has taught many young children to appreciate Classical Music.
Heather was twice the winner of the Johann Strauss competition in Edmonton, which enabled her to further her study of Singing at the Mozarteum in Salzburg, Austria. Here she studied with Kammersinger Professor Rudolf Knoll who became her coach and mentor during some gruelling European auditions. She sang 3 full art song recitals in Dusseldorf, Salzburg and Landshut with the help of his training. Although Heather moved back to South Africa for a while she continued to keep close ties with the Strauss foundation, Edmonton and continued singing professionally in Europe and in South Africa.
While rehearsing, Heather’s young daughter ,Diana, would often play under the piano.At 17 she was invited to sing her own recital in Landshut, Bavaria. Diana was then offered a sponsorship to record a CD with her mother, Heather, as her accompanist! The CD is called “ Diana MacLean singt Lieder & Arien” – Klavierbegleitung: Heather MacLean.”
Following the concert and recording Diana was offered the chance to study Computer Science at Harvard University and is currently at Stanford University. She still has a beautiful singing voice!
Heather’s operatic roles include Anne in“ The Rake’s progress” by Stravinsky, Baby Doe in “The Ballad of Baby Doe” by John Latouche, Zerlina in “ Don Giovanni” by Mozart, Despina in “Cosi fan tutte” by Mozart, Mercedes in “ Carmen” by Bizet, Annchen in “ Der Freischutz by Weber and Blondchen in “ Der Entfuhring auf der Serail” by Mozart.Her Musical Theatre,Operetta roles include Laurie in “Oklahoma” by Rogers and Hammerstein, Eliza in “My fair Lady”,Mabel in “Pirates of Penzance” by G&S . She has sung many recitals and her oratorio lead soprano roles include “ The Creation” by Haydn, “ The Messiah” by Handel, “C minor Mass” by Mozart, “Coronation Mass” by Mozart, “Psalm 112” by Handel.
Heather has taught numerous young singers and pianists who have obtained excellent marks in examinations. Some of her singers are now in London, England training to be professional performers. She was also always interested in children’s theatre productions and has produced “ The Wizard of Oz”, “ The Ugly Duckling” “ The Elves and the Shoemaker” and “ Noah’s Ark”.
Since her return to Edmonton Heather teaches young singers and musicians and writes and illustrates children’s stories. She serves on the Strauss Foundation/Universtiy of Alberta Scholarship Board. Her fairytale “ The Moonicorn Fairies” – a story to inspire children to listen to Classical Music” has recently been published by Friesen Press.
EMAIL: heathermacsong@gmail.com