Valencia Vas

THOUSAND OAKS, CA - Soprano Heidi Valencia Vas will present a free concert of Latin-inspired works at 2 p.m. Sunday, March 11, in California Lutheran University’s Samuelson Chapel.

Vas, whose second album is due out this spring, will sing “Chants d’Auvergne” by Joseph Canteloube. Though these pieces are inspired by the folk music of a French province, the language and themes exhibit Spanish influence. Since they are normally performed with a symphony orchestra, this will be a rare opportunity to hear them in an intimate setting.

Thesoprano, who likes to push the boundaries of her vocal classification, also will present the “Siete Canciones,” a traditionally mezzo-soprano song set by Manuel de Falla, as well as an aria written by Brazilian composer Heitor Villa-Lobos.

Vas will be accompanied by Liz Helms on piano and Edward Trybek on guitar.

In addition to her opera, recital and oratorio credits, the versatile performer and CLU adjunct faculty member has been featured in summer stock and regional and off-Broadway theatrical productions. She has been a featured soloist with The Los Angeles Baroque Orchestra and made guest appearances with many groups including the New Rochelle Opera, the Palm Springs Opera Guild and the Masterworks Chorale.

Vas studied dramatic acting and speech at Stella Adler Conservatory of Acting in New York City. She earned music degrees at Westminster Choir College and the University of Southern California, where she also taught.

She released her debut album, “Reflections,” which was recorded with the Budapest Symphony, in 2007. That summer her first single was a top-10 hit on the ACQB adult contemporary chart.

Vas currently tours with her ensemble, teaches voice and sings with Areté Vocal Ensemble, a professional ensemble in residence at CLU. She is the co-founding director of the CLU Summer Vocal Institute and music director at La Reina High School in Thousand Oaks.

Donations will be accepted.

The chapel is located south of Olsen Road near Campus Drive on the Thousand Oaks campus. For more information, call the Music Department at 805-493-3306 or visit http://www.callutheran.edu.