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 Karie L. Kerner is a lieder singer. A modern and contemporary artist devoted to the great salon lieder tradition. Ms. Kerner, who, with high performance art and humor, seeks to bring to audiences the art of performing art songs of the leading 19th and 20th century composers.
A soprano committed to the Romantic lieder compositions, with attention to J. Brahms, G. Mahler, M. Reger, Swedish composer W. Stenhammer, as well as the American Art Song repertoire of H. Arlen, I. Berlin, G. Gershwin and Messrs. Rodgers and Hart.
Ms. Kerner’s performance schedule has been composed of an extensive series of lieder recitals, appearing in France, Germany, Sweden and most recently expanding her audiences with appearances in the United States.
The upcoming 2008-2009 season features a third compact disc release.
Arlen • Berlin • Gershwin • Rodgers and Hart; a second recording in a series focusing on the American Art Song repertoire of I. Berlin and G. Gershwin as well as now adding the compositions of Harold Arlen and Messrs. Rodgers and Hart. She approaches this repertoire with the lieder singers powerful and disciplined intention to reveal each song’s character musically and textually; her approach is to have the composition itself dictate the style in which it is performed.
Ms. Kerner’s second compact disc, Berlin & Gershwin (released in the fall 2001) and her first in the series to focus on the repertoire of Irving Berlin and George Gershwin, was glowingly reviewed by distinguished author and music critic, the late Edward Jablonski. Mr. Jablonski wrote (in part): “What a lovely, lyrical celebration of American Song. Beautifully sung, and artfully accompanied... A glorious and rich interpretation of Berlin and Gershwin evergreens, more please!”
In this series of recordings she is accompanied by pianist, author and composer, Peter Barbieri.
Highlights of recent seasons have been several noted return and sold out appearances on the Chautauqua Artist Series in Boulder, Colorado. Prior to this, highlights have included numerous lieder recitals in Sweden, France, Germany and the United States. Most noted among the performances was a third return to appear on the Atelier Concert Series in Paris, France where she performed a repertoire of G. Gershwin and I. Berlin songs for a sold out, standing room only audience. Return appearances have also included The Crocker Art Museum Series in Sacramento, California.
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Ms. Kerner’s performance style and approach to her career are very unique. Immersing herself in a specific art form gives her the possibility of great depth and understanding, allowing her to reveal the layers, to give the music undivided attention and commitment. Thus, her work on stage reveals a very powerful and intimate art form. Deeply devoted to the study of the character, both textually and musically, an intense and honest expression is revealed.
This honest and intense expression is also carried through in Ms. Kerner’s recording process. She chooses old halls (100 yrs to 200 yrs old) which are instruments unto themselves. She records the moment. The singer, the piano, the hall. A live recording. The point is to give the listener, that moment of that performance.
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The emotional and dramatic style of her work is somewhat reminiscent of the great performers Al Jolson and Fanny Brice. Ms. Kerner is indeed a lieder singer, but exudes an intimacy and rawness of a cabaret style.
Earlier season have included symphonic appearances with the Junge Münchner Philharmonie of Germany, The Regional Orchestra of Cannes, France and the Altenburg Opera Orchestra of Germany. In 1998, Ms. Kerner released her Lyric Soprano compact disc containing the compositions of G. Mahler, J. Brahms, W. Stenhammer and S. Barber.
Ms. Kerner seeks concert halls which allow personal contact, so that she can look her patrons “in the eye.” She strongly supports concert series which endeavor to carry on the great Salon Lieder Tradition. She is honored to give benefit performances, one such appearance raised $8000 for a library expansion.
Ms. Kerner is a graduate of the San Francisco Conservatory of Music. After graduation, she lived for 7 years in Stockholm, Sweden where she performed and studied with masters of the old traditions, Ové Meyer Leegard, former professor at Opera Högskolan of Stockholm and with a grand bow to the late Professor Kurt Rapf former President of the Musikverein in Vienna.
So, there you have a small glimpse into the life of artist Karie L. Kerner. But, of course, listening is the key so please do!
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