My time in India with the Kolkata Classics Club provided some of the most unique life experiences and performing opportunities I have had. Within a 24-hour period, I sang on an outdoor platform for children in an underfunded community, and later for the French Ambassador on the rooftop of a building for the inauguration of the Alliance Française du Bengal. This single example embodies the organization's mission - that spreading the joy of classical music extends beyond socioeconomic status and is not limited to one age group. Kolkata Classics seeks to communicate with, educate, and enrich the lives of anyone interested in listening.
I love that Kolkata Classics is spending so much time exposing young students to Western Classical Music. It was a delight to perform for such inquisitive, bright young people and experience their enthusiasm for what we were doing onstage. Upon instruction, students eagerly counted bird calls in our performance of John Duke's "The Bird" and were giggling along with the character Adele, in her aria "The Laughing Song" from Die Fledermaus.
Being able to perform and lecture at so many different venues made me feel like I got to know the city and its people in a way that I never could have as a tourist. I was able to perform for Non-governmental organizations, a retirement community, at St. Paul's Cathedral, the Oberoi Grand hotel, and the US Consulate, Kolkata. Performing in public connects you with the audience and the city. Experiencing such a variety of settings left me with a deep respect for, and affinity with, Kolkata.
Their work with non-profit organizations shows a desire to support and uplift the community through the universal art form of music.
Jennifer Heemstra's talent and inexhaustible spirit, along with the enthusiastic and generous members of the club, have allowed much to be accomplished in one season, fundraising to host six established artists who performed for thousands of people in dozens of venues throughout the city.
I feel extremely thankful for the opportunity to have been a sponsored performer in the Kolkata Classics Club's first season and it is my sincere hope to return to India again in the future.”
Susan Williams, D.M.A.
Associate Professor of Voice & Vocal
Pedagogy, University of Alabama