Estonian-born mezzo soprano Anne Relyea
has performed with the Canadian Opera Company, in CBC’s TV and CBC Radio
specials, and as a soloist in concert works with the Kitchener Waterloo
Philharmonic Orchestra, Windsor Symphony and the Newfoundland Symphony. With
choral organizations such as the Iseler Singers, Amadeus Choir, Orillia Cellar
Singers, London Fanshawe Concert Choir and Stratford Concert Choir, she has
performed in such works as Handel’s Messiah,
Haydn’s Creation, Mendelssohn’s Elijah and St. Paul. With the Vancouver Bach Choir she sang in their Canadian
premiere performance of Delius’ Requiem.
She has performed in many recitals, community concert series and music
festivals in a duo with her husband bass-baritone Gary Relyea. In 1992 they
were joined by son, bass-baritone John Relyea and sister-in-law, mezzo soprano
Deanna Relyea, forming Voices Relyea. Since John left the group to establish
his own solo career in the mid-1990’s, Voices Relyea performances (as a
threesome) have included the Ottawa International Chamber Music Festival,
Kerrytown Concert House in Ann Arbor, Michigan, and several times at Music
Niagara, most recently touring Toronto, Bayfield and Music Niagara with their
“Evening of Opera” show.
In March, 2015 Anne debuted with Opera York singing the role of 2nd Lady in
Mozart’s The Magic Flute. Since
moving to Victoria a few years ago she has performed with the Cowichan Consort
Orchestra and Choir as alto soloist in Mendelssohn’s Elijah, Mozart’s Requiem
and Handel’s Messiah. Returns to
Ontario were for performances of Handel’s Messiah,
Haydn’s Lord Nelson Mass and
Mendelssohn’s Elijah. Most recently,
Anne and Gary produced – and sang – in a benefit concert event for SickKids
Hospital in Toronto called “We’re Still Singing” where all the
performers were either cancer survivors and/or their loved ones. The stunning
Quartetto Gelato were featured guest artists.
Anne has been on the voice faculties of both University of Guelph and the
University of British Columbia and now teaches privately from their home in
Victoria.
