Random Questions with... JUNO Nominee Manitoba Chamber Orchestra's Vicki Young

Nominated for Classical Album of the Year: Vocal or Choral Performance for Manitoba Chamber Orchestra, Isabel Bayrakdarian, & Anne Manson for Ravel, Sayat-Nova & Kradjian: Troubadour & the Nightingale  

The Manitoba Chamber Orchestra (MCO), led by musical director Anne Mason, teamed up with Toronto-based soprano Isabel Bayrakdarian for its latest JUNO-nominated collaboration. Also nominated for a JUNO in 2005 for its recording with world-renowned opera singer Measha Brueggergosman, the MCO previously toured with Bayrakdarian in 2008, performing at major North American centres including a stint at New York’s Carnegie Hall, which resulted in three curtain calls. The orchestra, who has been releasing music since 1995, put out two albums in 2013, including a record dedicated to the work of Philip Glass, but Troubadour & the Nightingale is the first effort to come out on the orchestra’s newly christened in-house MCO Records label.

What was the first tape, vinyl, or CD you bought?
Aja by Steely Dan.

Was there a concert that changed your life and how?
I lived in London to study ballet in the late ‘70s when I was in my late teens…I remember seeing some fantastic concerts. Just the whole expedience was life-changing: living in London, hearing this wonderful music – all different kinds of music, especially classical music. That was really my first introduction to classical music.

If the MCO could perform with anyone (living or dead), who would it be?
I think just for sheer entertainment value, someone like Peter Gabriel. I think he would be great fun to work with.

What were your thoughts when you found out that the MCO was nominated for a JUNO?
We were very excited… It was especially exciting for us since it was the first release on our new record label. It will be a good outlet for developing some exciting projects.