“God has given you one face,” says Hamlet to Ophelia in Shakespeare’s Hamlet, “and you make yourself another.” Over time, Ophelia’s face has been filled in by writers, artists, and actors — yet in the play itself, she speaks only 58 lines. She remained a blank canvas onto which others projected their image.

The same is often true for singers on stage. They give a face to the music of composers. But in this concert, soprano Katrien Baerts steps out of the shadows and shares both herself and the music she loves with the audience. Through a carefully curated selection of her favorite songs, poetry, and diary excerpts, Katrien Baerts takes listeners behind the scenes — in search of an answer to the question: Why do I sing?

For this performance, Katrien Baerts is joined by an all-female ensemble of musicians from Het Muziek.

Katrien Baerts is known for her powerful and sensuous voice, impeccable diction, and profound, sincere interpretations. She often performs contemporary pieces that are almost beyond traditional singing techniques. After her debut in Rob Zuidam’s opera Suster Bertken in 2010, she gained international acclaim for her stunning performances, particularly in contemporary music and opera.