The Singer and the Song illuminates a very personal art form. Just about all of us can sing—to a greater or lesser degree— and regardless of cultural background, we seem to sing for the same reasons, from private grief to public celebrations.

Though centred in the world of ‘classical’ European singing, this program is designed to expand listening horizons, to open the ears to unexpected sounds juxtaposed to more familiar traditions.

Most often the solo voice is featured, with accompaniments as varied as a celtic harp, a salsa band, a birch leaf (!) or nothing at all—just the unadorned voice. Song communicates everything from propaganda to lullabies, from the history of a culture to the emotions of one singer at one moment in time.

I hope you’ll explore the world of song with me each week on The Singer and the Song.

Catherine Belyea
host & producer