(em Capilano
Cex College

Informer

Vol. XVII
No. 4
April 21/95

Institution of First Choice * Dedicated to Excellence * Leader in Education

he has been on the road most of

her adult life, but now the newest
member of Capilano College’s Voice
faculty, Katherine van Kampen, says
she’s earned the right to rest.

“You get to a point where you want
a home and a steady base,” she says,
adding, “I need a break. I’m tired of
travelling.”

The native-Vancouverite was only
six when, before singing, she initially
took up the piano. “It was part of my
lifestyle,” she says. “My entire family
was involved in music and my mother
was incredibly supportive.”

Katherine, who has been at the
College since September, has had a
distinguished and illustrious career.
Specializing in the field of oratorio,
she has sung Messa per Rossini in
Prague backed by the Prague
Philharmonic and conducted by
Europe’s number one conductor,
Helmuth Rilling. Her first compact
disc recording of Beethoven’s Mass in
C, again conducted by Rilling, was
released earlier this year under the
HAnssler Classic label.

“T’ve had a long friendship with
Helmuth, singing around the world,”
she recalls. Other renowned
conductors who have worked with
Katherine in Europe, Canada and the
USA include Uri Mayer, Peter
McCoppin and Dr. Elmer Iseler.

She says it really all began in the
’70s at the Courtenay Youth Music
School. While there, another

A Considerable Talent Raises
Her Voice at Capilano College

friendship blossomed when Katherine
and Lars Kaario, coordinator of
Capilano College’s Music department,
attended their first music school
together.

“Several of us rented a house in
Courtenay and our friendship has
continued for 20 years,” she says,
adding, “I admire and respect Lars.
He’s a wonderful musician.”

Katherine continued her musical
education at the University of British
Columbia where, in her second year as
a piano major, she decided she wanted
to sing. She received her Master of
Music degree majoring in opera in
1979 and sang with the Vancouver
Opera and Los Angeles Opera.
Katherine also has been the recipient of

Katherine van Kampen,
a vocal instructor for 13
years, joined Capilano
College’s Voice faculty
last September.

four Canada Council grants.

Her first year away from constant
touring has proven to be a very
different experience. “It has been
really interesting taking on this job,”
she says. “I enjoy the students. They
seem eager to learn, and I’m
enjoying the change.”

The avid gardener is also
enjoying the pleasures of the West
Coast lifestyle. “I’m in my glory
when I’m off in some unknown
natural setting, and the garden is my
heart’s content. Plus, I’m working at
something I really love.

“My self worth is not in what I
do, but it is in whol am.” QO