Canadian soprano Measha Brueggergosman has stood her own in the worlds of opera, jazz and gospel. Born in New Brunswick, she sang in the choir at the Baptist church where her father was a deacon. This explains how singing across genres comes naturally to this opera sensation. After undergoing heart surgery in 2009, she’s been working to raise awareness of heart disease in women. She also finds time for activism, education and social justice.

Musical selections from Measha Brueggergosman

You'll Never Walk Alone

From Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Carousel, “You'll Never Walk Alone” sends a never-ending message of companionship and unity. The songs ability to bring people together is why Brueggergosman performed it for the CBC’s music program Stronger Together, raising funds for Canadian food shelves.

Ernest Chausson: Le Temps Des Lilas

From her opera album Night and Dreams, her performance of “Le Temps Des Lilas” emotionally captures the essence of Chausson. From the nostalgic feeling for all that slips away from us as time goes by, to the yearning to reconcile one’s entire life with their inner existence, Brueggergosman’s singing embodies it.

Sea to Sea

In celebration of Canada’s 150th birthday, the New Brunswick Youth Orchestra commissioned Canadian composer Howard Shore to create a work for the momentous occasion. With lyrics by Elizabeth Cotnoir, “Sea to Sea” featured a 120-voice choir, the New Brunswick Youth Orchestra and Brueggergosman.

Credits

Host: Tesfa Wondemagegnehu

Producer: Dan Nass

Writers: Andrea Blain and Scott Blankenship

Executive Producer: Julie Amacher