Catherine Garrick isn't sure where her life will lead, but she is
sure that wherever she goes, there will be music.
The 18-year-old Eastern Oregon University freshman, a winner in
the university's Concerto/Aria Competition last winter, will sing
Mozart's "Batti Batti" from his opera, "Don Giovanni," Wednesday
with the Grande Ronde Symphony Orchestra under the direction of
Leandro Espinosa.
The concert, which also includes the Overture from "Don Giovanni"
and Beethoven's Sixth Symphony, the Pastorale, will begin at 7:30
p.m. in McKenzie Theater.
Garrick began studying voice when she was a freshman in high
school in her hometown of Newberg. She joined the high school choir
when she was a junior. "I've fallen in love with singing," she said.
"Music is interesting for me. I can enjoy it on many levels —
performing, theory, composition and music therapy."
She now studies voice with the university's Peter Wordelman and
performs in the Chamber Choir.
"I don't have tons of experience (performing)," she said. "I've
only sung with a piano accompaniment."
Although she said she was "very nervous" when she began to
rehearse with the Grande Ronde Symphony, "I am thrilled with the
idea of singing with those beautiful instruments."
Garrick said she has studied guitar and plans to take piano
lessons next year. At Eastern, she has scheduled a double major in
biology and music, but she said, "I'm not sure that's the route that
best fits my abilities."
"Next year I plan to focus more on music, with piano lessons,"
she said. "I'll dedicate more time to practice."
Garrick is one of three students who won the opportunity to
perform with the Grande Ronde Symphony. The others are Sam Pettit
and Bern Youngblood, both students at La Grande High School. They
will perform in May at the symphony's closing concert.
Tickets for Wednesday's concert are available at Sunflower Books
and at the door. Tickets cost $15 for adults and $5 for
students.