Get to know EmilyWhat are you doing in school?
"I’m currently pursuing a BM in Vocal Performance at the University of Maryland with a minor in Arts Leadership." How long have you been singing in choirs? "I’ve technically been singing in choirs since I was in fourth grade, but I joined my first extracurricular choral ensemble (shout-out to the Metropolitan Youth Orchestra of New York) when I was in sixth grade, and I haven’t looked back since!" What is your favorite musical memory? "My favorite musical memory is from when I performed in the premiere of Ola Gjeilo’s To the East and to the West at Carnegie Hall. I was singing with an organization that is very near and dear to my heart, with my one of favorite conductors and teachers by my side in the choir, and I just remember feeling so incredibly lucky in that moment. It truly changed my life." Do you have any special talents or interests outside of music? "I really really really love to cook—like a lot--especially for my family and friends. I also sometimes do embroidery when I have the time and I could spend all day sitting and reading in the sun." Who is your favorite composer? "I’d have to say it’s probably Caroline Shaw. I first heard Partita for 8 Voices when I was about 15 years old and it transformed my perspective on sung music. Her compositions are deeply poetic and moving, and I really appreciate that she isn’t afraid to experiment; it just feels like she gets to the root of the joy in using the human voice." Who's your favorite non-classical musical artist? "This is a really tricky question for me because I fell in love with pop and alternative music long before I fell in love with classical music. Radiohead has definitely influenced my musical taste a lot. Some of my other favorite artists are St. Vincent, Ariana Grande, Tune-Yards, Sufjan Stevens, Two Door Cinema Club, Thundercat, and Father John Misty. They’re all pretty different from one another, but they’re all fantastic musicians who take full ownership of their artistic vision, which I respect and admire." What song have you not been able to stop listening to? "I haven’t been able to stop listening to “How to Build a Relationship” by Flume and JPEGMAFIA. It has a really dynamic sound and makes me feel crazy (in a good way)." Velvet or flannel? "Velvet, all the way." Would you rather spend a day with Ellen or Jennifer Lawrence? "I’m afraid this is a pretty hot take, but I’ve gotta say… neither." What’s your favorite sports team? "I don’t really follow sports but I’ve gotta go with the Mets!" What's the most interesting fact about you? "I speak Czech, Italian, and a little bit of German." |
Emily Shallbetter has been singing in choirs since she was 10 years old and has performed at world-class venues such as Carnegie Hall, Madison Square Garden, the Kennedy Center, the Meyerhoff Symphony Hall, and Strathmore Music Center. Emily is pursuing a Bachelor of Music degree in Vocal Performance at the University of Maryland, where she has been selected for masterclasses with Dawn Upshaw and Maureen O’Flynn. She currently studies under the tutelage of Carmen Balthrop. At the University of Maryland, Emily has performed as a featured soloist with the University Chorale, the UMD Chamber Singers, the all-female student-led Femmes de Chanson, and in the School of Music’s Bach Cantata series. Emily is passionate about performing works by living composers and serves on the executive board for TEMPO, the School of Music’s extracurricular new music ensemble. Emily also serves as President of Sigma Alpha Iota’s Gamma Epsilon chapter. In April of 2017, she organized a benefit concert in order to raise money for the Pregnancy Aid Center, a non-profit facility dedicated to reproductive healthcare in College Park, Maryland. After she graduates, Emily plans to pursue a career in Arts Administration, which she is currently getting a jump-start on as a Student Curator for the NextNOW Festival at the Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center.
News & Updates |