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We welcome our new Music Director for 2010, Catherine Lukin. Catherine Lukin completed her formal music studies with a Masters in Music from De Paul University, Chicago USA on both vocal and choral conducting scholarships. Whilst in America, she worked with the Metropolitan Arts Orchestra and with members of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and the Civic Orchestra performing chamber music by Schubert for her Orchestra Hall debut. Lukin has studied with one of America's leading vocal pedagogues, Mr Norman Gulbransen and with the world renowned brass and breathing pedagogue, Dr Arnold Jacobs. |  |
On the musical stage Lukin has appeared in many roles including: Jenny Lind in Barnum, Casilda in The Gondoliers and Lady Catherine in The Vagabond King. Her most prized role is that of Cunegonde in the Sydney Pro/Am Premiere of Candide in which movement and fiendishly difficult coloratura vocal lines are combined to provide a wonderful challenge.
In the concert hall Lukin has many works as soprano soloist in her repertoire from standard repertoire to more challenging works such as Britten's Our Hunting Fathers. She is often sought out to perform works for voice and brass instruments.
Lukin has directed a number of Choirs including the Tara Senior School Choir, the Lincoln Park Presbyterian Church Choir and the Northside Parishes Combined Choir in Chicago USA. Returning to Australia, she became the co-director of music responsible for the choirs of St Luke's Anglican Church, Mosman and Director of the Warrimoo Chorale.
In 2000-2001 Lukin was based in Sweden and Germany where she performed on many occasions both as a soloist and chamber musician and taught piano at the Eskilstuna Musikskolan in Sweden.
In recent times Lukin has performed with some of Australia's leading brass players including an ABC Sunday Live broadcast with Paul Goodchild and enjoyed collaborating with percussion ensemble Synergy to present a sell-out concert of film music featuring the pipe organ of the Esplanade Theatre in Singapore with her husband, concert organist, Brendon Lukin.
Away from singing Catherine Lukin has served as musical director/conductor for the Blue Mountains Musical Society and conducted a programme of organ and orchestra works featuring Brendon Lukin as soloist. In this same programme Catherine proved her organ abilities, sharing the bench with Brendon in the Mozart Fantasia in F arranged for organ duet. Lukin plays the pipe organ for services and masses. Lukin plays and teaches French Horn and she is an active composer and arranger, focusing on works that are appealing for children to play.