MARCELLE Clamens is Bermuda's famed soprano that broke out into the world music scene almost twenty years ago. Graduating from the internationally recognised University of Cincinnati Conservatory of Music, Ms Clamens has won top prizes at vocal competitions and has performed in one of the world's most famous classical music venues, Carnegie Hall in Manhattan. The star will showcase her talent during an "exhilarating" one-night performance, A Night at the Opera, during the Bermuda Festival next Wednesday evening. Ms Clamens will be joined by David Brewer, an internationally acclaimed tenor and the Bermudian's former voice coach - which was done, long distance, over the phone. Ms Clamens spoke with Mid-Ocean News reporter Lindsay Kelly about the upcoming performance and what it means to her to be involved in the Festival during Bermuda's 400th anniversary.

Q. What can the audience expect to hear during your performance?

A. Mr. David Brewer and I have produced a programme that would be challenging to any singer, yet the classical and operatic enthusiasts will find it most exhilarating from beginning to end.

During the first part of the programme, our pianist, Ms. Olga Ziedel, will accompany pieces from Mozart's Exultate Jubilate and Mendelssohn's Elijah. Wagner's aria from Tannhauser gives the audience a tantalising taste of the second half.

We are pleased that the Bermuda Festival has authorised the creation of The Bermuda Festival Orchestra conducted by Mr. Ryan Ellis from the Bermuda School of Music. The orchestra will accompany solos and duets from Tosca, Aida and La Traviata.

This wonderful programme of arias will include the well known aria Visi d'arte from Tosca and the celebrated aria Nessun Dorma made famous by the late, great tenor, Luciano Pavarotti. We also have a few surprises in store.

Q. How is it to perform with David Brewer?

A. David Brewer is a force to be reckoned with when it comes to the art of teaching voice. For my 2007 concert, I needed only six lessons, I reiterate, six lessons by long distance telephone and I was ready to perform with complete confidence.

He travels worldwide to coach singers who sing from all genres. He has coached members of Destiny's Child as well as opera stars too numerous to mention. He also performed to acclaim on the international stage himself. So, having him here to perform with me is an honour and a privilege.

Q. When is the last time you performed in Bermuda?

A. My last performance was here in Bermuda in 2007 when I personally organised a solo performance, A Night of Opera Arias and Classics, so that I could raise funds for my talented vocal students and other Bermudian or Bermuda-based artists who also showed great promise in their field.

Q. What are you currently working on aside from the Bermuda Festival?

A. With the help of my husband, Michael Clamens Sr., we are presently working on our yearly November concert - Talent Explosion.

This is our sixth year producing the show. Regarding my personal endeavors, I have placed them aside for the time being.

My voice is still young and vibrant and I keep it that way through personal training and also the occasional help of my singing coach David Brewer via long-distance telephone calls.

Q. Do you travel frequently?

A. There was a long period of time that I travelled to the United States every two or three months to study with reputable coaches from the Metropolitan Opera and Opera Ebony etc. I have chosen to be here in Bermuda living with my family. My own children are adults now. My husband and I have two grandchildren - 15 and six years old - who have been living with us for over five years now. We are blessed to have them.

Q. What was it like to perform at Carnegie Hall?

A. Singing at the world famous Carnegie Hall was a dream come true. A dream that I did not figure could come true for a little islander from Bermuda. But it was through my dedication to the art and the invaluable support of my family, along with the community, that made it possible for me to sing there.

I sang at Carnegie Hall on two occasions; for my solo debut with representatives from Opera Ebony present and the second occasion was through being one of the winners of a second vocal/instrumental competition based in New York; the latter allowed me the privilege of singing in Italy as well as some major cities in the United States.

Q. How does it feel to perform this year being Bermuda's 400th year anniversary?

A. My mother, Daisy Powell, died in 2001 and many people do not realise I have been teaching voice to my fellow Bermudians since around that time. Pressing family matters made it impossible for me to have an international singing career so I turned my attention to teaching and producing yearly shows that showcased the arts and helped raise funds for our Bermudian artists. I have performed numerous times in the Bermuda Festival before but the 400th Anniversary is, without question, an illustrious occasion for all involved.

Tickets for the February 11 performance of A Night at the Opera at City Hall Theatre are still available and can be purchased online at www.bermudafestival.org or via phone at 232-2255.