Kristine Hurst-Wajszczuk

Style: Opera; Classical; Musical Theatre

Title: Prof. of Voice and Asso. Dean of the Honors College

Bio:

Soprano Kristine Hurst-Wajszczuk is Professor of Music and Associate Dean of the Honors College at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Lori Laitman's "The Secret Exit" was composed for her and clarinetist Denise Gainey. The world premiere CD was released in July 2020 by Naxos. A specialist in the lute songs of John Dowland, her solo CD of Dowland lute songs was released in 2008 by Centaur. Recent performances include Handel's "Neun Deutsche Arien" with Bourbon Baroque, Cavalli's "Erismena" with Amherst Early Music Festival, "Messiah" with the Alabama Symphony Orchestra, and several performances with Opera Birmingham. An avid student of several languages, she has won several grants to study German at the Middlebury College German for Singers program and for private study in Vienna, Austria. In 2011, she was one of twelve fellows in Early Music Vancouver’s The Compleat Singer Programme, and in 2012 was part of SongFest's Mentor program. In 2014, she was a Fulbright finalist, and has taught wellness workshops in Vienna and Szeged, Hungary.

Dr. Hurst-Wajszczuk debuted with Bourbon Baroque in 2015, with the Boulder Bach Festival in 2004, with the Alabama Symphony in 2011, and with the Tuscaloosa Symphony in 2016. She was invited by composer Bill Mayer to perform in his 70th birthday celebration concert in Carnegie Hall’s Weill Recital Hall, in the role of Madeline his work, "The Eve of St. Agnes." Dr. Hurst-Wajszczuk's research into performance anxiety management and wellness for musicians has resulted in many regional, national, and international conference presentations. She has taught courses on mindfulness for both musicians and through the Honors College at UAB. She is currently the only certified teacher in Alabama for Koru mindfulness, which was first developed for emerging adults by Duke University. UAB Opera achieved national recognition under Hurst-Wajszczuk’s direction. Her production of Britten’s "he Burning Fiery Furnace" won first place in the 2011 National Opera Association opera production competition; "Amahl and the Night Visitors" placed second the following year; Mozart's "La Finta Semplice" placed third two years later. Her students have been accepted into top graduate schools and summer programs, and are consistent winners in state and regional competitions. Several have appeared in regional opera companies, national musical theatre tours, and television shows. Dr. Hurst-Wajszczuk is available for workshops on movement and managing performance anxiety, as well as recitals and master classes.

Voice Type: Soprano

Music Styles Taught: Opera; Classical; Musical Theatre

Availability: I am available as a performer; I am currently accepting private students; I am available as a clinician or presenter

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