Save The Date: An Evening with Sirgourney Cook

Thursday, November 14th, 6:30pm | Charlestown Branch Library

“What Am I Doing Here?” is Sirgourney Cook's life-long musical journey encompassing gospel / soul / jazz / pop / opera. She is an operatic soprano by profession, but her musical journey, to arrive at this point, has certainly not been achieved by taking and abiding by the traditional route.

“What Am I Doing Here?” is a solo performance that will contain a repertoire of music that also reflects the route Cook has taken musically, from a childhood immersed in gospel music, to touring worldwide as a backup singer for international pop star Jennifer Hudson. With a narrative creatively woven throughout and one that is always questioning, Cook will take the audience on her personal musical journey, which will ultimately lead her back to her love for gospel, God, and classical music. For this performance, Sirgourney Cook will be accompanied by Katie Barr on the piano. The concert is presented by the Friends of the Charlestown Branch Library in partnership with the North End Music & Performing Arts Center (NEMPAC). It is free and open to all, followed by an informal Q&A and reception.

“Opera may be a third act for Cook, but I expect many more will follow. Sirgourney, keep your eyes on the prizes…all of them.” (Lee Eiseman, Publisher, The Boston Musical Intelligencer)

Further Background:

Sirgourney Cook, who now lives with her husband in Buffalo, NY, is an alumna of the Boston Opera Collaborative and member of the Boston Lyric Opera chorus. She returned to Boston this past summer to perform as a soloist with the Boston Landmarks Orchestra’s presentation of “Symphonic Space Odyssey: 50th Anniversary of the Moon Landing” and “Deep River”. She holds a Master of Music in Opera Performance from Longy School of Music of Bard College. As an opera singer and educator, she uses music as an avenue to inspire, educate and advocate for underprivileged youth.

Katie Barr is a pianist, vocal coach, and teacher in the Boston area. She holds a B.S. in Music Education and has completed her Master of Music in Collaborative Piano from Boston Conservatory at Berklee.