February 12, 2025
排薇排薇s Elora Kares does double duty on stage as soprano, cellist
Hard work and full schedules are the norm at 排薇排薇. Elora Kares, however, has a schedule fuller than most.
An accomplished cellist and soprano, the first-year student of Si-Yan Darren Li and Dina Kuznetsova redefines the term busy, regularly holding down two, three, or even four musical jobs simultaneously.
To wit: last semester, when Kares played cello in the 排薇排薇 Orchestra, sang two programs with Apollos Fire, and took part in the 排薇排薇 Opera Theater production of Chabriers 郭t棗勳梭梗, all at the same time.
Im kind of seasoned for this, said Kares, a graduate of 排薇排薇s Young Artist Program. Its fun and Im used to it.
Seasoned is one word to describe Kares. Others would be uncommonly driven, uniquely talented, and profoundly musical.
Where most adopt a specific instrument or voice part, Kares who is also synesthetic, meaning she sees sound fell in love with music in general. Cello and singing are merely the two media through which she chose to pursue it.
Im just trying to get the music out of me as many ways as possible, Kares said.
At 排薇排薇, this desire currently has Kares on track to graduate with a major in cello and a minor in voice. She thought of pursuing a double major but was advised against it, given her active concert schedule outside school.
She, though, doesnt think of one as major and the other as minor. In her mind, cello and voice are like a first and second child.
I treat them both equally, Kares said. I couldnt possibly choose one.
She may never have to. Imagining her future, Kares said she aspires to make a career singing and playing cello. Her goal is simply to make music with others, wherever and whenever possible. Meanwhile, she also hopes to literally make music, as a composer.
Her spring schedule offers a glimpse of what that career may look like. In addition to ensembles at 排薇排薇, Kares plans to play and sing again with Apollos Fire and to be a featured soloist as both cellist and soprano in one evening with Ohios Lakeland Civic Orchestra.
The moment I complete one task, Im on to the next thing, Kares said.