BRIEF BIO

Soprano Julieanne Klein is a versatile singer, pianist, electronic music producer, author, and dedicated teacher who has performed and lectured in cities throughout North America and Europe.  Renowned for her ability to bring dramatic, emotional interpretations to the diverse music she creates and re-creates, her  vocal performances span the genres of electronic music, opera, jazz and everything in between.  She is currently forging a path marrying her passionate commitment to electronic music with her dedication to using art to raise social consciousness.

PERSONAL THOUGHTS

Do artists maintain a responsibility to represent social issues reflective of contemporary society? The twenty-first century presents mankind with severe moral dilemmas: humanitarian issues, war, environmental degradation, and the existential crisis of impending climate change. Tragically, in the wake of the ongoing economic meltdown, global initiatives such as the Millennium Development Goals (a multi-national consortium created to eradicate extreme poverty in third-world countries) and last year’s Copenhagen Climate Conference have been sidelined. Though the recent UN Climate Conference in Cancun was deemed more productive, international political consensus and governmental action towards improving the precious world we live in has thus far been painstakingly slow. In these trying times, I believe artists, who have a direct link to people’s attention and emotions, can and should be a beacon of truth, hope and positive change.

I have spent the vast majority of my life dedicated to pursing a career as a professional contemporary classical singer, and have sung concerts in cities throughout the world. Previously, I felt a strong disconnect between my professional artistic career and my personal commitment towards understanding social and environmental problems that pervade life in the twenty-first century. I now draw inspiration from artistic endeavors that serve a greater humanitarian purpose: Conductor Daniel Barenboim’s creation of an Arab-Israeli youth orchestra, or U2 frontman Bono’s tireless commitment to geopolitical activism related to global poverty. A growing social conscious movement is  evolving; artists can be a beacon of truth, hope and change in the world. Art reflects its own time and place, and performing artists have a wonderful opportunity to foster a dialogue that inspires positive action and change, forging the way for society’s future while simultaneously connecting the audience with the social realities of our present cultural context.

Several summers ago I traveled to Tanzania, Africa to volunteer.  That incredibly profound experience forever altered my view of the world, and how I wish to live the rest of my life. Despite vast economic advantage, above all Westerners are privileged with the freedom of choice. Regarding the immense moral issues we are now faced with, our response can be summarized easily: we can choose to blatantly ignore human suffering and environmental concerns; we can acknowledge the problems, empathize and ‘try to do our part’; or we as artists can embrace our bountiful resources and passionately utilize them to effect positive social change.  

TEACHING / CONTACT

If you are interested in contacting me, please email:   julieanneklein@gmail.com

A FEW LINKS

Live Performance Video (excerpts of Pierrot Lunaire)  -  Here!  and Here! 

Published Articles  - Here! and  Here!

Funny Interview Clip with ‘On the Spot Productions’ (Verein08, Vienna 2011)  - Here!