Karina Bray is an award-winning mezzo-soprano.

Karina’s new recording of Ralph Vaughan Williams’s Songs of Travel most definitely travels somewhere new, given that the song cycle is normally sung by a man.

Her new recording is the world premiere of this version done by a mezzo-soprano. I wanted to ask her about this and a few other things.

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Barczablog: Are you more like your father or mother?

Karina Bray: I owe so much of my musical journey to my parents—they are truly the most fantastic people I know. They have supported me every step of the way, right up to this gender-bending recording, and I couldn’t have asked for better. I feel incredibly lucky to be a true 50/50 blend of both of them, because they are both remarkable in their own ways.

My big voice? That comes from my dad. I remember being a young child out on the farm, helping him and learning from him how to cattle call. That’s where it all began—the roots of my voice were born in those wide-open fields matching the volume of my Dad’s voice.

My determination in breaking barriers, though, comes from my mom. She broke the mold in her own right, becoming the first female night-time manager in a male-dominated industry when there were significant gender barriers for women. Hearing about her carving her path gave me the strength to forge my own.

Surprisingly, no one in either side of the family is a musician. There are definitely music lovers among us, but I’m the first to dive fully into the world of music. In that way, I guess I broke the mold too.

BB: When you’re just relaxing and not working, what is your favourite thing to do?

Karina Bray: Music keeps me incredibly busy, and I’m truly grateful for how deeply involved I get to be. But during the quieter moments — when I’m not actively practicing and instead sitting back and listening to recordings — my cat loves to curl up on my lap and nap. I feel so fortunate to have the best of both worlds: the joy of pursuing my passion for music, and the comfort and companionship of my cat, who can sometimes be my loudest critic!

BB: Who do you think of first, when I ask you to name the best singer?

Karina Bray: Such a tough question, Leslie! I believe the best singers aren’t necessarily the most perfect, but the ones who reveal the humanity behind the music, some singers are blessed with both qualities. One singer who always comes to mind is Sir Bryn Terfel. His recording of Vaughan Williams’ Songs of Travel has long been my go-to listening choice.

When he was in Toronto, I had the immense pleasure of meeting him briefly. He encouraged me — given my voice type — to take things slowly and explore art songs while my voice continues to develop. In many ways, that conversation sparked the journey I’m on now. His influence played a meaningful role in my decision to record Songs of Travel myself.

BB: What was your first experience of singing?

Karina Bray: I have such fond memories of visiting my dear Oma and Opa, who were both passionate lovers of classical music. There was always music playing softly in the background — even when I was in the kitchen ‘helping’ my Oma, which usually ended with my Opa and me playfully teasing her. She’d play along in the role of the disapproving Oma, of course, but she always laughed with us. That music was a quiet, constant presence in their warm and happy home.

One weekend in particular stands out. My Opa and I were flipping through TV channels when we came across the 1976 film version of Tosca with Plácido Domingo. I must have been only three or four years old, but I was completely mesmerized — by the music, the singing, the drama, the artistry. My Opa, sitting beside me, let me watch the whole thing, my eyes never leaving the TV screen.

Not long after, my mom enrolled me in piano lessons at an old church. While my older sister had her lesson, I would wander up and down the pews, singing to myself. Eventually, the piano teacher — who also happened to teach voice — convinced my mom to let me try voice lessons. And, well… the rest is history!

BB: Did you win a voice competition?

Karina Bray: I’m truly honored and deeply thankful to have received recognition from several respected competitions over the past two years.

Being named a Gold Place Finalist at the 2024 Euterpe Music Awards and a 1st Place Finalist at the Medici International Music Competition has been incredibly meaningful. I’m also very grateful to have been awarded 2nd Place Finalist at the Clara Schumann International Competition, the BTHVN Wien Competition, and at the Euterpe Music Awards in both 2024 and 2023.

One of the most humbling and unforgettable experiences was being selected to participate in the internationally highly regarded Bayreuther Festspiele Masterclass, which is dedicated to supporting young dramatic voices. There, I had the immense honour of working with world-acclaimed Wagnerian soprano Catherine Foster, a profound experience that concluded with my participation in a recital of Wagner’s music, accompanied on Wagner’s original piano in his home, Villa Wahnfried.

I was also privileged to receive the Richard Wagner Stipendium through the Stipendienstiftung Canada, which allowed me to immerse myself further in the rich musical tradition of Bayreuth, Germany. These honors—granted by juries composed of professionals from international opera houses and esteemed musicians—continue to inspire me to grow, learn, and give my best as an artist. I remain sincerely grateful to everyone who has supported and believed in my journey.

BB: You’re recording Ralph Vaughan Williams’ Songs of Travel, a piece usually done by male singers.  Tell me about the project.

Karina Bray: I’ve always genuinely loved this iconic song cycle—my connection to Songs of Travel goes all the way back to 2009. I remember hearing men perform ‘The Vagabond’, for example, and feeling a twinge of jealousy, wishing I could sing such fantastic music myself.

It wasn’t until 2023 that I seriously started planning to go against the grain—to make a female recording of the entire cycle. Through research, I discovered that a complete recording by a woman hadn’t been done before, which only fueled my passion even more. I’ve always believed that Art Song, like all music, belongs to everyone.

When I floated the idea to colleagues, I expected hesitation. Instead, to my surprise and delight, the response was enthusiastic. Many said they’d be fascinated to hear how the cycle would sound from a different perspective. And so, here we are.

This project came to life thanks to an incredible team: Jo Greenaway on piano, whose artistry elevated the work.

And Ryan Harper, our brilliant recording engineer.

Most importantly, Jean MacPhail, my teacher, believed in me and worked with me in order to make this project a reality.

The recording officially launched on August 27 across YouTube and social media—a poetic coincidence, as that date is just one day after the anniversary of Ralph Vaughan Williams’ passing. It feels like a full-circle moment—a tribute, a transformation, and hopefully, a small step toward expanding the world of Art Song for future generations.

BB:  When you sing it, how does it feel in your voice? 

Karina Bray: The first song from the cycle that I worked on was actually ‘Whither Must I Wander?’—and it felt like a window had been thrown open, letting in fresh air. It’s hard to put into words, but something about it just felt right. The poetry has always been close to my heart, and to feel my voice open up with such warmth was almost unimaginable.

Ralph Vaughan Williams writes so exquisitely for the voice that singing the entire cycle felt like finding a missing puzzle piece. Everything just clicked into place.

BB: Do you have any other projects coming up to mention?

Karina Bray: I wish I could say more, but stay tuned for upcoming announcements!

BB: Do you have any influences / teachers you want to acknowledge

Karina Bray: I have been incredibly lucky to be surrounded by wonderful people who have supported me on this journey—most especially my parents, who have tirelessly taxied me to lessons and coachings over the years.

I would like to express my deepest gratitude to Jean MacPhail, my teacher, who completely rebuilt my voice and has been unwaveringly supportive throughout this time. And also my coach Narmina Efendiyeva.

I’m also immensely thankful to Stefan Vinke, Tenor, Sabine Vinke, Soprano, and to Mignon Dunn, Mezzo-Soprano, whose generosity, kindness, and wisdom have guided me through both the rough patches and the joyful moments.

To everyone who supports the arts—thank you. Your support and encouragement are invaluable to musicians everywhere. The arts thrive because of people like you.

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Here is Karina’s new recording.