Dr. Katie Hannigan in Collaboration with Finger Lakes Opera Presents:

We Go On, Oswego: A Theatrical Song Cycle in dedication to women of Fort Ontario Refugee Center

Dr. Katie Hannigan serves as Coordinator of Vocal Studies and Associate Professor at Nazareth University in Rochester, NY and on the Board of Directors of Finger Lakes Opera. A refined professional mezzo- soprano, educator, producer, and artistic administrator, Hannigan is a fierce advocate for vocal music and opera as foundational pillars to serve our community and nation. 

Dr. Hannigan is a respected vocal pedagogue, clinician and adjudicator,  and is sought after for her ethics and expertise. She is well-known for her collaborative partnerships and warm spirit. Hannigan frequently works with prestigious living composers to procure and commission vocal music.  Katie’s life’s work intricately weaves excellence, equity, honesty, kindness, and compassion, as she seeks positive and supportive advocacy for all.

For her sabbatical project, Dr. Hannigan curated and commissioned a new Multimedia Vocal Work dedicated to women’s narratives of the Emergency Refugee Shelter at Fort Ontario in Oswego, NY. This was the only shelter sanctioned by President Roosevelt during WWII to assist those fleeing persecution in Nazi Europe. We Go On, Oswego  features ten new vocal art songs in English with a narration  to capture stories of women refugees who resided at Fort Ontario during WWII.

This project offers insight to lesser known history, includes collaborative and civic partnerships, and fosters awareness, advocacy and education. We Go On, Oswego also incites critical thinking, understanding, growth and empathy for marginalized persons. Compositional styles of these new vocal art songs capture a mosaic of: American SongBook, jazz and popular music, alongside composers voices of today. 

Women featured include: Mathilda Nitsch, Doris Schechter,  Edna Selan Epstein,  Fortunee Levitch, Miliça Hirschler, Manya Hartmeyer, Karoline Bleier, Elfi Strauber, and Sarinka Kabilijoz.