Gigi Urban
Classical Opera and Vocal / Alternative / Jazz
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"work in progress"
Portland, Oregon
United States
Profile Views:
2132
Last Login:
11/21/2008
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| Gigi Urban: General Info
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| Member Since | 3/25/2007 | | Record Label | Unsigned | | Type of Label | Major |
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Gigi Urban's Latest Blog Entry
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JAW: SATURDAY
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Symphony in the Park!
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gypsies tramps & thieves, oh my!
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FINAL CONCERT OF THE SEASON!!
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singing next weekend!
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| About Gigi Urban |
The Long and Short of
Gigi Urban: Written In Post Haste.
By Victoria Hyun Author of The Sushi Box
I first heard Gigi sing at her Senior Recital to fulfill the requirement of the National Association of Schools of Music (N.A.S.M.) accredited music degree program from the University of Portland in April of 2003. I can’t recall the exact pieces she sang. I do remember one was German, and she actually made it sound lovely. Not anything like Colonel Klink in Stalag 13 episodes or Blonde Doctor off of Scrubs. At the time, her voice was big; as big as it is today, and occasionally it would get away from her, like a wild stallion! As I sit here listening to a recording of her 2007 spring recital in my car, I think about how different the two voices are. How her voice has evolved and grown into what I am listening to today.
Now, I’m not saying she woke up on a Tuesday in 2007 and started singing like this. After receiving her Bachelor of Arts in Music from the University of Portland in 2003, Gigi has continued to diligently hone her overall technique; control, delivery and sound in true bel canto style. The past 10 years have included studying Classical vocal technique and choral singing with Mikkel Iverson, Lisa Mooyman, Dr. Roger O. Doyle, Judith Sagun-Montgomery, and Dr. David York. All along the way learning and gaining contacts, gig after gig. The past 10-year journey of music has taken Gigi to stages such as Mago Hunt Theater, Kaul Auditorium, Portland Center for the Performing Arts, Portland Center Stage: Gerding Theater at the Armory, Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall, and many other recital halls in Portland, Or., Salem, Or., Seattle, Wa., Newport, Or., and San Francisco, Ca. Gigi has been a featured soloist countless times with the David York Ensemble and a guest recording artist with Logan Stugart. Performing as a Soprano in the David York Ensemble (from 2003-2008), Gigi has been blessed with the experience and pleasure to perform with the likes of NW band Pink Martini, rock violinist Aaron Meyer, Mihn Tran Dance Troupe, cellist Adam Hurst, local jazz pianist Brian Harris, upright bass player Andre St. James of the Mel Brooks Trio and the Oregon Symphony. Currently, you can see her perform with Opera Theater Oregon, an alternative opera theater company claiming Someday Lounge in the Pearl District of Portland, Or. as their resident opera house; slinging drinks and opera delights with all the fancy Classical trimmings, gypsies, tramps and thieves, including silent films, sound effects and the occasional Karaoke From Hell player! F.U. MERCURY! Her solo and professional endeavors have awarded Gigi Outstanding Vocalist of the Year 2002-2003, the honor to perform and represent the U of P, Performing and Fine Arts Department for the N.A.S.M. preview recital in May 2003, semi-finalist in the Exalting Him National Christian Talent Search, representing the Northwest two consecutive years in 2003 and 2004, as a headliner to the 2008 Vancouver Symphony in the Park and Hot July Nights Music Festival with guest artist Aaron Meyer, personal commission and collaboration with jazz acoustic guitarist Eric Skye and other various professional gigs she’d love to invite you to. Amidst all of this, she loves biscuit time with her tiger-stripped tabby MaryJane, loves strolls about the The Pearl after the first summer rain, and she married this awful man and found time to exercise her patient and loving endeavors to turn him into a half-way decent co-worker of mine. Thanks Gigi!
Where was I? Oh yeah. Gigi Urban has demonstrated incredible vocal growth over the past few years. Today, I hear a gifted musician who has full-mastery of her instrument. It’s been awhile since I’ve been surprised by the strength and clarity of a sustained note as it decrescendos into a soft finish. The most delightful discovery for me is the finely emotive delivery of each song. You know those soloists, instrumental or otherwise, that produce a flawlessly technical piece? You find yourself thinking, what wonderful bowing technique or, wasn’t that a fine example of trilling, but you’re not particularly moved. Distinctive and evocative, Gigi’s sound displays mad technical chops that support an acute storytelling ability through control and clarity. There is no feeling like someone has just punched you in the face in a good way.
So here I am in my car, sitting in an I-5 traffic jam with a beatific smile on my face, wrapped in a vocal hug. Yeah, those other drivers are so jealous. Suckers.
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