Zhila Kashaninia received her musical training at the Victoria Conservatory of Music in British Columbia, Canada with Selena James and Ingrid Attrot. In 2004, Zhila obtained her music diploma in vocal performance and teaching and has since performed with Victoria Conservatory of Music’s Opera Studio, Pacific Opera Victoria, and in numerous recitals and concerts. In 2006, her love of Spanish music took her to Granada, Spain where she participated in a program of Interpretation of Spanish songs with the legendary mezzo-soprano, Teresa Berganza .
In 2008, Zhila produced her first cd: Journey through Spanish Songs. In May 2010, Zhila received an invitation from the Cultural Institute in Campeche, Mexico to perform a concert of Spanish songs and provide a lecture and a workshop on all aspects of singing for the university students . In addition to her vocal performances, Zhila teaches courses on history of opera and opera composers at the University of Victoria. In 2010, Zhila also introduced her own Sunday afternoon courses on the operas and composers that are featured at the Metropolitan Opera HD Broadcasts each year. Her professional background also includes a degree in Economics and Communication and a certificate in Project Management from Project Management Institute in Massachusetts, United States.
News
Courses
Opera & Composer Series
November 27, 2011
Wagner: Siegfried and Götterdämmerung
January 15, 2012
Gounod: Faust & Roméo et Juliette*
February 19, 2012
Massenet: Manon & Werther*
March 18, 2012
Verdi: Ernani & La Traviata
May 6, 2012
Mozart: Marriage of Figaro* & Don Giovanni
* Please note: These operas are not shown in the HD series this season but will be covered in the course.
All courses take place at 2:00 to 4:30 p.m., Church of Truth, 111 Superior St.
Fee: $45 per course
To register, please call 250-598-0851 or email zhila.kashaninia@gmail.com
Zhila is also available to provide a lecture or a workshop on a particular composer or an opera upon request. For more information, please contact zhila.kashaninia@gmail.com
Opera & Composer Series
Mini Opera courses Starting in November 2011!
These courses will explore the composers and their operas that are being shown at the Metropolitan Opera in HD Series this season! In each course, we will examine the life of the composer, their social and political environment, and their style of composition. We will also examine two of their operas in detail with discussions and musical excerpts.
November 27, 2011
Wagner: Siegfried and Götterdämmerung
January 15, 2012
Gounod: Faust & Roméo et Juliette*
February 19, 2012
Massenet: Manon & Werther*
March 18, 2012
Verdi: Ernani & La Traviata
May 6, 2012
Mozart: Marriage of Figaro* & Don Giovanni
* Please note: These operas are not shown in the HD series this season but will be covered in the courses.
____________________________________________________________________________________
All courses take place on Sundays, 2:00 – 4:30 P.M., Church of Truth, 111 Superior St.
Fee: $45 per course
For more information please call 250-598-0851 or email zhila.kashaninia@gmail.com
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Previous courses offered by Zhila at the University of Victoria and Victoria Conservatory of Music
Age of Enlightenment and Operas of Gluck and Mozart
Duration: 4 weeks
Starting: October 2011, Tuesdays, 7:00 – 9:00 p.m.
INTRODUCTION TO OPERA: A BEGINNER’S COURSE
Duration: 10 weeks
Starting: September 2010 and January 2011, Tuesdays, 7:00 – 9:00 p.m.
VERDI’S OPERAS
Duration: 10 weeks
Starting: September 2010, Wednesdays, 7:00 – 9:00 p.m.
VOICE CLASSIFICATION
Duration: 4 weeks
Starting: November 2010, Thursdays, 7:00 – 9:00 p.m.
Previous courses offered by Zhila in Vancouver, July 24 and 25, 2010:
A Brief History of Voice in Western Music
Age of Enlightenment: Gluck and Mozart operas
Zhila is also available to provide a lecture or a workshop on a particular composer or opera upon request. For more information, please contact zhila.kashaninia@gmail.com
What our participants are saying:
“This course was an absolute joy. Zhila shared her love and affection for opera and we learned so much and it helped to develop an ear for the music and the quality of voices. I don’t think it could possibly be improved. I am looking forward to future courses.”
“Her enthusiastic approach to detail and the broad coverage was appreciated. Her knowledge of the subject was extensive. Loved it!! Very interested in other offerings.”
“I throughly enjoyed the course and Zhila’s knowledge, enthusiasm and love of the subject. The course is exactly what I was hoping for when I signed up.”
“I enjoyed the content of this course. The musical examples were excellent, well chosen excellent performances. Zhila was always well prepared. Her knowledge and enthusiasm was a real delight.”
“We had great opportunities to discuss the music we heard. This enhanced our already fascinating and detailed coverage of the topic. More please!!”
“This course has increased my appreciation for and enjoyment of opera when I attend performances.”
“Zhila has increased my love of opera with her well chosen examples and explanation of the different type of voices.”
“A love of music and the ability to communicate it was an additional factor in our instructor’s presentation. She is a natural teacher! I am looking forward to next year.”
“The music and the instructor were very enjoyable.”
“Thanks you for your knowledge and enthusiasm. It was a wonderful course.”
“Thank you Zhila- A wonderful introduction and I look forward to learning and experiencing more.”
[Her songs of Joaquin Nin]…A golden brooch of beauty.
La Cronica, Campeche, Mexico
Zhila’s performance on the Journey through Spanish Songs is both exhilarating and musical. Her beauty of tone is well-suited to this style of music. Her Interpretation of Manuel de Falla’s Siete Canciones Populares Españolas is comparable to some of the great Spanish singers like Teresa Berganza and Victoria de los Angeles.
Jared W. Hynnes, Composer
Professional…Exquisite…Versatile… Zhila’s sensitivity and emotion in her singing touches everyone.
Language is not a barrier for her…she inspires with her expressive voice because she sings from her heart.
Maria Weatherhead, Campeche, Mexico
“Los conciertos de Canciones Espanolas que Zhila presenta, son excelentes y unicos. La mezcla de su exquisita voz y gracia para cantar es un placer para los oidos y ojos … Pasion es parte de su repertorio.”
(Translation) “Zhila’s Spanish song concerts are outstanding and unique. The mixture of her exquisite voice and grace is a delightful experience for the ears and eyes… Passion is part of her repertoire.”
Mercedes Eleana Ramirez Loayza, Arequipa, Peru
