Harrington Native Amelia Lakoff brings Opera to life

HARRINGTON – Amelia Lakoff has been living and breathing music since she was a small child living in a log cabin in Harrington with her mother and sisters. 

At the age of four, the little girl with the big voice surprised her mother with a voice that was far more advanced than her young age.

“We were in the car and I asked Amelia which tape she was listening to, when with a giggle in her voice she told me, ‘oh mommy it’s just me singing!’ She was only four and her voice just amazed me,” said Amelia Lakoff’s mother, Harrington Mayor Ellen Lakoff.

Growing up in Harrington, Amelia Lakoff spent her childhood listening to Opera on the CBC and dreaming of the day when she could perform herself.  “I think coming from Harrington gives me a unique connection to nature. I’m still surprised by what comes out of my mouth when I sing and I feel it reflects my surroundings. I knew I wanted to sing Opera since the first time I saw Isabel Bayrakdarian sing during a televised performance on CBC. When I would listen to opera it just felt more authentic and gave me a deep sense of fulfillment,” said Lakoff.

A talented soprano, Lakoff earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Music at the University of Concordia and is currently completing her Diploma of Vocal Performance under the tutelage of Montreal soprano Colette Boky. In 2008, Lakoff placed as a provincial finalist in the Canadian Music Competition and placed second in the St. Andrews Arts Council International Aria Competition.  Lakoff is currently completing her studies in Montreal, where she sings in the chorus at L’Opera de Montreal.  This fall she will be entering the Masters program at the New England Conservatory of Music in Boston, where she has been selected to join an elite group of world-class musicians.

Singing in four languages, Lakoff is both actress and singer who performs intricate tales of life, love and happenstance through classic songs performed in English, French, German and Italian.  “I really try not to be boring.  I want to always try to communicate with who I am singing to and to take away some of the snobbishness associated with opera.  As a singer you get to be an actress as well.  You have a relationship with the orchestra that’s like another actor,” said Lakoff.

On April 30, Lakoff performed a recital of classical works at Concordia University before an eager crowd of around 30 people. With her head low to the ground, Lakoff timidly stepped onto centre stage and awaited the start of the piano.  When the music started Lakoff completely transformed herself, becoming more assertive, flirtatious and compelling as she told her story through a strong, clear voice and the movements of her body and face.

Passionate about music Lakoff is anxious to perform in Boston and looks forward to a long career in opera.  “She’s a lovely, well together student who knows which areas of her performance to improve and who comes back to class, better every week,” said Lakoff’s singing coach, opera singer, Elizabeth Koch.

Lakoff can be heard singing online at http://www.myspace.com/lakoffamelia and at www.amelialakoff.com.