Unveiling the Soprano

PhD Candidate Sarah Mann (soprano) will present a lecture recital exploring Western operatic singing perception.

Why do listeners experience intense emotions to Western operatic singing? What is it about the acoustics of a soprano's operatic technique that modifies our attention? Vocal sound is affected by emotion and conveys information useful for survival. These 'signals' are processed quickly and efficiently by our auditory system, enabling fast responses. How might operatic technique contain and control such signals? Are they a clue to the chills, tears and gasps opera audiences experience?

Sarah Mann's interdisciplinary PhD program interrogates vocal performance practice using methods creative, qualitative and scientific. Join her, with collaborative pianist Ella Luhtasaari on piano, as she summarises and demonstrates her research.