Performing Philosophy
I love singing and connecting with people, and I believe that experiencing the power of the human voice can initiate emotional catharsis, joy, transformation, inspiration, and even healing. I was fortunate to grow up in a small community where the traditions of storytelling and music-making run deep. As a child, I would go to ceilidhs – parties – and the live music would prompt everyone in the room to jump up and step dance or square dance, joining in the fun. I have kept this love of music with me as I studied classical singing and have embarked on my own professional performing career. I consider myself lucky to have been influenced by this kind of musical spontaneity and interactive enjoyment from a young age. My performing philosophy is based on these early life experiences, emphasizing personal interaction and connection, joy, and healing through sharing beautiful vocal music.
Performing Experience
For many years, my home base was the San Francisco Bay Area, where I enjoyed singing as a soloist with many professional organizations such as Berkeley Opera, Opera San Jose’s Outreach Program, Opera Frontier, Pocket Opera, Goat Hall Productions, and Solo Opera. One of my favorite life experiences has been performing amidst the natural wonders of Yosemite National Park at Christmas Time with the renowned Bracebridge Dinner Theatre. Another project I loved taking part in was recording two pieces for “The Life Before Us,” a CD of new compositions produced by Parma Recordings on their Navona Records label. I am also a passionate recitalist, organizing and performing a program of American selections with my husband, Baritone Torlef Borsting, as part of a cross-country tour while moving from California to Florida in an Airstream Trailer (see our piece about this on the Videos page). In addition, we have started an intimate concert series at the studio in Deland called Opera on the Porch. Our first event was a success, and we look forward to sharing more evenings of music with friends, family, and neighbors. I learn so much from these widely varying, challenging, and exciting opportunities.
I earned my Bachelor of Arts in Music at Bates College in Lewiston, Maine, and my Master of Music Degree in Vocal Performance from Colorado State University. While studying in Colorado, I made wonderful friends as a church choir section leader at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church. A member of NATS (National Association of Teachers of Singing), I taught voice and piano at Pleasanton, California’s New World Music Academy for five years before relocating to the Southeast.
I currently live in Deland, Florida with my husband and two young boys. I own and operate Banana Street Voice Studio and Opera on the Porch (*stay tuned* – we’re planning some new programming as performers continue to navigate transitioning back to in-person concerts), and sing with other organizations whenever I get the chance. I am co-soloist at First Church of Christ, Scientist in Daytona Beach, and was in the midst of rehearsing the role of The Rose in “The Little Prince,” with First Coast Opera in St. Augustine when our performance was canceled due to the pandemic. I made my Opera Orlando debut as The Mother in “Hansel and Gretel,” in January of 2021, and am honored to be a featured vocalist on “Meditations,” by Chaz Underriner, which was performed at its CD Release Concert in February of 2022. The remainder of my 2022-2023 season will include The Daughter of the Regiment with Opera Orlando (chorus), the role of Mrs. Gobineau in Menotti’s The Medium with First Coast Opera, and intimate concerts at The Golden Magnolia Marine Resort in Daytona Beach.
Cass Panuska 