Local artists performing operatic program

Local musicians Kyleen Austin, Andrew Emlen and Kathleen Petersen will perform an Evening of Operatic Songs on April 19, 7 p.m., at the Inn at Skamokawa Great Room located at 957 Steam Boat Slough Road.

Tickets are $17 in advance and $18 at the door. Sandi and Francois Rieder are sponsoring this event and hope to see more classical music here in the future.

“We are very excited to bring this type of concert back to Wahkiakum County,” said Francois Rieder, the event's organizer. “We think this is something special because all the musicians are neighbors and friends.”

Soprano Kyleen Austin has appeared on both the concert and theatre stage in music of many genres, with a special love for music of the Romantic Era (1815-1910). She is known for her pure tone, warm interpretation and historical musicology. The Rieders approached her with the idea for the concert last year and now it is just around the corner. Kyleen is also the co-owner of Skamokawa Farmstead Creamery with her partner Viki Allenback.

“The program we are planning includes selections in four languages and a range of styles, from Offenbach to Mozart,” Austin said.

Cellist Andrew Emlen began playing the cello at age nine and by high school had won multiple regional solo competitions. He earned honors including first chair in the Oregon All-State Orchestra and four-time Oregon State Solo Competition finalist. Andrew is known for his many performances with Con Amici, Willapa Hills and others. He is also co-owner of Columbia River Kayaking with Mark Whitaker.

Kathleen Petersen has participated in symphonies, soloed with orchestras, played with the Humboldt Light Opera, performed at Humboldt State University summer camps, composed music, and accompanied various performing theatre companies within Humboldt County. Kathleen and husband, Doyle, moved to Puget Island in 2003.

Tickets can be ordered in advance at cathlametclassical@gmail.com or will be available at the door. For more information call Sandi or Francois Rieder at 360-795-3294.