Farewell, Our Friend: Candice Zimmerman On May 16, ALIAS friend and guest artist, soprano Candice Zimmermann, passed away unexpectedly. She joined ALIAS a few times over the years, and was planning on joining us again next season as well. On stage, Candice had a clear, sweet voice and drew the audience in with her style and grace. Off stage, she was collegial, easy to work with, encouraging and just plain fun to be around. She was the type of person who always made you feel welcome and invited. She was friendly, gracious and kind. To say she will be missed, both on and off the stage, is an understatement. Originally from Cardston, Alberta, Candice received both her Bachelor and Master of Music degrees in vocal performance from Brigham Young University. After graduating, she performed in a variety of capacities, from dinner train cabaret singer in Stillwater, Minn. to Andrea Bocelli backup in Anaheim, Ca., to chorus member in Carmen and Boris Godunov with the Los Angeles Philharmonic at the Hollywood Bowl. More recently, she co-created and performed a concert of Broadway favorites at various venues around southern Alberta. Candice came to Nashville in 2008 with her husband James, when he assumed the position of principal clarinetist of the Nashville Symphony. They subsequently had two daughters, Caroline and Molly. The musicians of ALIAS are honored to have shared a stage with this remarkable artist; our lives are richer, having had her as a friend and colleague. Our hearts go out to James, her daughters, and her friends and family. |