Kimberly Barber

Who is Kimberly Barber?

Kimberly Barber is a Canadian mezzo-soprano and vocal pedagogue. She studied with Patricia Kern at the University of Toronto, graduating in 1983 and received a diploma in operatic performance in 1985. She began her career as a member of the Canadian Opera Company Ensemble, also in 1985. While maintaining a professional opera career, she has been teaching at Wilfrid Laurier University since July 2002 and is Coordinator of the Voice Program.

Barber made her New York City Opera debut as Nero in Handel's Agrippina and her Paris Opera debut as Annio in Mozart's La Clemenza di Tito. She is noted for her many trouser roles, which includes Nero and Annio mentioned here.

On November 18, 2003, Barber performed in recital with fellow mezzo-soprano Frederica von Stade and pianist Steven Blier at Wilfrid Laurier University's Maureen Forrester Recital Hall.

In the 2006-2007 season, Barber created the role of Jessica in John Estacio’s opera Frobisher for Calgary Opera.

Her discography includes Ravel’s L’heure espagnole on Deutsche Grammophon under André Previn, Handel’s Rinaldo on Naxos Records and a solo disc of Handel and Hasse arias for CBC Records.