Arts and Culture
San Francisco Concert “In Honor of Women”
Raegan Bryce-Davis, acclaimed as “one of the best mezzo sopranos of this generation” by The New York Observer and Jeanne Minette Cillers, South African pianist known as a pianistic poet, will perform at San Francisco’s Herbst Theatre on Jan. 27 at 7:30 p.m.
By Barbara Fluhrer
Raegan Bryce-Davis, acclaimed as “one of the best mezzo sopranos of this generation” by The New York Observer and Jeanne Minette Cillers, South African pianist known as a pianistic poet, will perform at San Francisco’s Herbst Theatre on Jan. 27 at 7:30 p.m.
They will perform some of their favorite repertoire, including works by women poets and composers: Margaret Bonds, Florence Price and living composers Maria Thompson Corley and Melissa Dunphy. Bryce-Davis will honor her mother by performing music she taught her.
Bryce-Davis recalled a fellow student in music school saying, “I never use women pianists. The focus is supposed to be on ME!” That sentiment never sat well with her, though she realized it was a popular one. “Perhaps it’s one reason I’ve always, quite purposely, had women pianists as long-term collaborative partners, and advocated for artists who are less represented, yet incredible at what they do.”
Bryce-Davis remembers being a terrified American mezzo, six years out of Manhattan School of Music, meeting her coach at a European audition in Belgium. Her coach, Jeanne-Minette Cillers sat confidently at the piano to perform arias they had performed together years before. “I sang as well as I could, and was about to leave the hall, suitcase, scores and shawl in hand, when I heard faint voices wafting from the ceiling speakers.
I hastily climbed on the make-up counter and stretched my ear to the speakers. The voice was my coach, brazenly informing the artistic director of my success as an artist. She said I would be a wonderful choice for the coveted position.”
Bryce-Davis went on to prove her right. The two women, now collaborators, will perform Saturday night at Herbst Theatre.
Bryce-Davis is an alum of San Francisco’s Merola Opera Program.
She appeared in San Francisco last year at the noontime concerts in “Majesty of The Spiritual,” curated by Robert Sims.
Tickets for the Jan. 27 concert can be ordered at (415)577-0325.
