Two of Central Washington’s most accomplished singers bring you a variety of art songs that both influenced and were influenced by the French impressionist composers of the late 19th century, along with songs by the composers themselves.  Nik Caoile, candidate for the post of principal conductor with the Yakima Symphony, will accompany Dr. Gayla Blaisdell (Soprano) and Dr. Melissa Schiel (Mezzo- Soprano) as they interpret some of the most beautiful song literature in the  Western canon. 

Canadian mezzo-soprano Melissa Schiel has established herself as a preeminent stage performer, recitalist and pedagogue. She has been hailed as a “...velvety mezzo-soprano, who displays bona fide acting smarts as well.”(Victoria Times Colonist) Schiel has performed with numerous companies and orchestras including Opera Ontario, Aspen Opera Theater Center, Tanglewood Music Center, the Boris Brott Festival and the Mountain View International Festival of Song. 

As seen in her spellbinding performance during the Yakima Symphony Orchestra’s season opener, Gayla Bauer Blaisdell, joined the music faculty at Central Washington University in the fall of 2008 as Assistant Professor of Voice and Opera. In addition to teaching, she has maintained a busy performing schedule. Gayla has appeared with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra at the Ravinia Festival and made her Carnegie Hall debut as soprano soloist in Beethoven’s 9th Symphony with the American Composers Orchestra.