Artist Series 2023-24

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Soprano Nicole Larsen

5PM

Sanctuary

The Kick-Off Event for our 2023-24 FPC Artist Series will be presented by Soprano Nicole Larsen. The program is being offered by our Artist Series Patrons. There will be no charge for the concert, but donations to our Artist Series will be received at the door. In addition to enjoying a lovely afternoon of song, please consider contributing to the Artist Series! 

Nicole has a Bachelor of Music degree from the University of New Mexico and a Masters in Opera and Musical Theater Performance from Arizona State University.  She has developed a music and choir program at a Montessori elementary school, directed and organized music education and outreach programs with the New Mexico Jazz Workshop, performed around the world as the lead singer for Celebrity Enterprises, and toured with Artrageous, including several operatic appearances in Germany.  She currently sings with Arizona Cantilena Chorale and performs in numerous jazz, musical theater, pop, and classical venues across the Valley.  The FPC Concert will include music by Stephen Schwartz, Tchaikovsky, Sondheim, Liszt, and Strauss.

With over 35 years of performance experience, Dr. Klara Kukumi is one of the premier collaborative pianists in the Arizona music scene, having worked with Arizona State University, Mesa Community College, Ballet Arizona, East Valley Chorale, and many independent musicians and musical groups throughout the Valley. Born and raised in Albania, Klara graduated with her bachelor’s degree from the Institute of Fine Arts in Tirana, and furthered her musical education by earning a master’s degree from Brigham Young University, a diploma of pianist studies from the University of Southern California, and a doctorate from Arizona State University.  Although Klara is an expert in piano accompaniment, she  prides herself on her teaching ability, not merely providing technical instruction but fostering genuine appreciation of classical music within her students.