Share on FacebookWhether you are Buddhist, Muslim, Christian, Agnostic, Jewish, Amish, Atheist, Wiccan, Catholic or 'Spiritual' Safonia wishes for you the joy of times with your friends and family, the delight of the return of the light of Solstice and glad tidings from loved ones well met with true love and companionship.
The past year has been both challenging and joyful for Safonia and our extended family. Our second cd recording Taking Flight was released in May and we couldn't be more proud of the music on the disc. We performed a collaborative concert with Jeff Jenkins and 5280 A Capella in October, our first collaboration with a group outside of the choral world and had an absolutely wonderful time. Last but not least our most recent concerts "Joy, Delight & Good Tidings" celebrated the season with holiday and non-holiday music. All of these concerts were wonderful, and the cd, is definitely worth owning. We also celebrated the life and mourned the passing of our dear member and friend, Diane Carabello, in June. She left us with hearts full of warmth and continued inspiration.
With the return of the light comes the excitement of planning for the future, particularly plans for our Spring concert. One portion of Diane's legacy is the premier of our first commissioned work entitled "When I Sing". Our former accompanist, Chappell Kingsland, currently a Doctoral candidate in composition at Indiana State University, has written a work that promises to honor both Diane and Safonia. Text for the work is sourced from the Rosary as well as poetry from Safonia members. The concerts, also entitled "When I Sing", are scheduled for April 16th, 17th, and 18th, and will also feature the complete cycle of the seasons by Estonian composer Veljo Tormis. There will be plenty of love songs and dances to honor the woodland sprites as they awaken from their long winter sleep. We hope you can join us in the celebration of this concert.
Thank you for your support throughout the year. We look forward to many more concerts together.
--Safonia
The Singers of Safonia
Paula's choral experience ranges from a season with the Kokomo Symphony Chorus, the Western Colorado Chorale and the Schumann Singers in Grand Junction. Paula brings balance and a great sense of humor to the Alto I section. Comfortable singing almost any literature, Paula has a voice that lends itself beautifully to the work she does in Safonia. A grandmother and active participant in her community at large, Safonia lucky to have her as a member.
If you can have one choir member that you absolutely know is going to be a great fit and have a great voice, Kelsie is the one. An Alto II with a tremendous range, Kelsie is currently attending Metropolitan State University of Denver in pursuit of her degree in Business Management. A graduate of Lakewood High School, Kelsie developed a love of singing challenging choral music in a small group setting. In addition to her work with Safonia, Kelsie is currently a singing member in both a funk and ska band locally.
Once in awhile a soprano comes along that can make an ensemble better as a result of the lyric expressiveness of her voice ~ ‘Becca is one of those Sopranos. ‘Becca has a BA in Vocal Performance from New Mexico Highlands University, and is currently a stay at home mom with an active voice studio. As a conductor and Kodaly teacher ‘Becca is an asset to any group she performs with and Safonia is no exception.
A beautiful mezzo-soprano with a robust mid-alto range and a clear bel canto soprano, Jeanne joined Safonia to challenge herself and experience a different kind of music making. Her work with Habitat for Humanity feeds her cat and keeps her construction skills fairly sharp during the summer months.
A fellow UNC alumnus, Issa has a strong Jazz influence from her time with the unique UNC jazz group "Axidental". As an All-State choir member as a teenager, doubles in the Alto II and Alto I sections in Safonia. She counts among her musical influences Steve Perry and Joni Mitchell. A stay at-home mom, Issa thrives on the musical challenge of Safonia saying, "I love this ensemble! I think we are headed for big things!"
Judy started singing in church choirs as a young girl in Oklahoma. Her interest and talent grew, leading to a vocal scholarship at a local college. After moving to Denver, Judy sang with different choirs and ensembles including over ten years with Harmony: a Colorado chorale. Judy is a Certified Massage Therapist with an office in Cherry Creek North.
A graduate of the Lamont School of Music, Anna Beth is the rare soprano who can both reach the back of the concert hall with her voice and blend seamlessly with a small choral ensemble. As a teacher and leader with exceptional musical talent, Anna Beth has contributed mightily to the well-rounded sound of Safonia.
A woman whose talent defies definition or stereotype, Rachael has one of those voices that can sing a lullaby to put you to sleep or a spirited rendition of any piece of music to shock you out of complacency. A talented composer and arranger, Rachael has had several works performed by women's choruses around the country. Rachael has performed with a number of large and small ensembles, the rhythm method, Take Note!, Nothing but Treble, and the Denver Women's Chorus among others. A graduate of Oberlin College, Rachael feeds her various animals by working as a corporate cheerleader at the national offices of The Chop House in Boulder.
Joy received a degree in vocal performance from Wichita State University, where she sang with the WSU Concert Chorale, the Madrigal singers, the Pop choir and worked hard to become the musician she is today. Joy is the Assistant Artistic Director of Safonia, as well as the Assistant Artistic Director of the Denver Women's Chorus. Joy has conducted the small ensemble of the Denver Women's Chorus, Take Note!, since 2003. Joy recently started working for herself as a home appraiser in the Denver area.
That's "Dr." Jobin to you…..actually, Nikki does hold a PhD in medieval history with a concentration on medieval and Renaissance Italy, but doesn't let that cloud her gift for raising her voice in song. Nikki has a world of experience in choral music with the Colorado College Chamber chorus as well as the Denver Women's Chorus and the small ensemble Take Note!. Nikki is fortunate to teach classes in her specialty at the University of Colorado at Boulder. Safonia would not be the same without her unadulterated joy in every breath of music she makes.
A native of Southern California, Mary Kate attended Bryn Mawr College before transferring "back home" to Cal State Northridge where she earned her Bachelor of Music degree in Vocal Performance. While in Los Angeles, Mary Kate performed in a variety of stage productions, and was a Resident Actor & Music Director with the acclaimed Ziggurat Theatre Ensemble. Other singing experience includes touring the United States and Europe as a back-up singer for entertainer Al Martino. Since moving to Denver, she has sung with the Colorado Choir and is proud to be a founding member of Safonia. Mary Kate is also probably the biggest Simon & Garfunkel fan you're ever likely to meet.
Another young musician, Clara brings a stellar vocal quality to the Safonia ensemble sound. Her experience in the Centaurus High School Women's Choir and the Centaurus High School Show Choir were the only experiences she needed to convince her choral music can be a great time when done right. Clara was also a member of a small group of singers for the Hope Center Worship Team here in Denver.
After working in the insurance industry for many years, Brooke is on track to complete a Bachelor's degree in Wellness Promotion in December of 2009 at Metropolitan State College of Denver. Singing has always been part of her life and she enjoys composition and arranging almost as much as performing. Another All-State Choir member, Brooke has had lead roles in various musical theatre productions, sung with the Virginia Choral Society and locally with the Arvada Center Chorale. Like several of the members of Safonia, Brooke enjoys vocal jazz, but Mozart's Coronation Anthem holds a special place in her musical heart. Brooke enjoys the vocal challenge and passion shared by the members of Safonia.
The best words to describe this young musician are "well-rounded" and "experienced". As a member of a Barbershop Quartet competitive group as a baritone, jazz ensemble experience, Christmas Madrigal experience complete with Renaissance costumes, a Soprano I in the Roosevelt University Choir and currently a member of the Colorado Chorale, Faith is skilled in any number of musical genres. Rene Fleming is her favorite famous singer. To quote Faith, "There is northing more than I love in this world than singing/performing". Safonia is blessed to have such enthusiasm as a part of our ensemble.
Erin is another woman for whom the call of musical excellence came early. Erin began playing piano at an early age and discovered her love of choral music in high school. Erin currently sings with the Denver Women's Chorus, and has participated in all levels of musical ensemble performance in her career. Erin contributes to Safonia in many ways by being our web mistress.
The antithesis of a "diva", Cathy is still a Soprano. With a quiet demeanor and crystal-clear vocal quality, Cathy is an invaluable asset to the Safonia sound. Cathy has sung with many choirs, both big and small. As an alumnus of Wichita State University, Cathy participated in the music program there while getting her engineering degree. During the day Cathy works as an Industrial Engineer for Safeway.
Call for Singers
Safonia is auditioning new singers January 3rd. Send Marla an email if you'd like to audition!
Buy A CD!
Safonia's latest CD "Taking Flight!" is now available for purchase online