Meet Mary Fougerousse

Today we’d like to introduce you to Mary Fougerousse.

Mary, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
My love for classical music began at age ten. That is when I truly became aware of the beauty of Bach and Mozart. I was lucky enough to grow up in Austria where many of the classical greats composed their masterpieces. My father was the director of a study abroad program for a university and would organize classical music concerts for the students, bringing the best names in the Austrian opera world and the best string quartets right into the small town of Gaming, Austria. I was immediately entranced by the delicate melodies and the passion of the musicians. But, it wasn’t until I got a little older that I began taking voice lessons and truly fell in love with classical singing, specifically the genre of the German Art Song, otherwise known as “Lieder”. I continued to study voice at the University of Dallas, and was fortunate enough to sing the challenging role of Cunegonde in their production of Bernstein’s ‘Candide’. My voice teacher at the time recommended me to a bride who she knew was looking for a wedding cantor. The bride heard me sing and hired me on the spot. That is how I got into working as a freelance wedding singer on the weekends. I have also sung for concerts with Voces Intimae, The Dallas Goethe Center, The St. Thomas Aquinas Choir, The Nasher Sculpture Center, The Dallas Bach Society, and Diversita Opera Arts Company.

My love for jazz began when I was researching some new music and I came across Melody Gardot. The silky texture of her voice immediately drew me into the genre. My dad, who is in a band, introduced me to Randy Watkins, one of his band mates who happens to be an incredible jazz guitarist. He further increased my love for jazz by introducing me to Julie London. The two of us recorded a demo together which landed us some jazz shows in the area. Jazz and classical singing are similar in their technical intricacies and delicate nature of their songs. I am drawn to the emotion behind the music and the tonal quality it produces.

Has it been a smooth road?
I am a full-time Kindergarten teacher and a part-time voice teacher at a music school. So, finding the energy and time to learn new jazz songs and sing for weddings on the weekends can be difficult. But, it is so rewarding to share in such an important life event and to have made someone’s day all the more special by contributing beautiful music that it makes all the work that goes into preparing worthwhile.

We’d love to hear more about your work.
I am a singer who specializes in special events and weddings. What sets me apart from others is that I can sing for both the ceremony and the reception. I am proud of the fact that I’ve been told how well I am able to communicate with brides and organists that I have worked with in the past. I realize the tremendous responsibility that lies within contributing the music and feel honored to be a part of someone’s celebration.

Pricing:

• $200 – Wedding Ceremony

Contact Info:

• Website: http://www.maryfougerousse.com/
• Email: [email protected]

Image Credit:
Red Fern Photography

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