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The French born mezzo-soprano, lecturer and choral director, Joëlle Morris, obtained her and a Bachelor degree in Vocal Performance from the University of Colorado in Boulder (1996-2000); and her Master of Music in Vocal Performance from the Lamont Conservatory, University of Colorado Denver (2000-2002).
Joëlle Morris has performed throughout Europe and the USA. She is admired for her versatility, from the concert stage to the operatic arena, in intimate jazz settings and French cabaret or simply sharing her gifts as a conductor, voice teacher, educator and coach. An active recitalist, she has sung across the USA, France and Switzerland, most notably in such prestigious halls as La Grange-au-Lac in Evian-les-Bains, at Le Château de Ripaille in Thonon, the festival La Belle Époque at Evian and at l’Espace Maurice Novarina featuring her original production of “Poèmes en Musique” a presentation of French composers and their inspiration of poetry.
Since relocating to Maine in 2011, Joëlle Morris has appeared with the Bangor Symphony Orchestra, the Mozart Mentor Orchestra and is regularly a featured artist at Colby College, Bates College, Bowdoin College, USM, UMA, the Franco Center, Waterville Opera House, Nordica Auditorium, the Colby Jazz Faculty Ensemble, King’s Chapel in Boston and the Early Music Festival in Portland. Her appreciation of chamber music has led her to be the co-founding member of the Amethyst Chamber Ensemble and the Resinosa Ensemble which specializes in 21st century and commissioned works.
Although a classically trained singer, Joëlle Morris has not shied away from other musical genres, touring with the Jean-Marie Reboul Jazz Trio and the Big Bang Thonon in Europe. She regularly sings with the Colby Faculty Jazz Ensemble and was featured at Jazz at Lincoln Center in New York City in 2017. An appreciation of Edith Piaf’s repertoire has led to numerous concerts featuring the grande dame of French chanson, most notably at the 2014 World Acadian Congress in Madawaska, Maine and numerous times at the Franco Center in Lewiston, Maine.
Joëlle Morris has taught voice and vocal pedagogy since 2001 both in France and in the USA, including: Music Director of CODA Chorus in Winthrop, Maine (August 2012-May 2020); Teacher of Music at L'Ecole Française du Maine in South Freeport (September 2014-June 2017); Applied Music Instructor (Voice) at Colby College in Waterville, Maine (January 2016-May 2021); and currently a Visiting Lecturer, Director of Choral studies, Associate in Voice at Bates College in Lewiston/Auburn, Maine Area (since August 2018). In addition to a busy concert schedule in New England and annual summer appearances in France, She also gives Private Voice lessons at her Joelle Morris Voice Studio in Topsham, Maine (since September 2012). A member of NATS (National Association of Teachers of Singing) since 2013, Joëlle is a frequent judge for All-State auditions and NATS competitions as well as a guest speaker for NATS conferences. She currently lives in Fort Collins, Colorado. |
