Two adult students at Hochstein – Katie McAninch and Robert Burch-Lau – met a couple of years ago when they both had voice lessons in the studio of Hochstein voice instructor, Dr. Sandra Boysen Sluberski. She encouraged them to work on some duets, since their voices were compatible, and in March 2018 they sang “First Date/Last Night,” from the musical Dogfight, in a recital on the Hochstein stage.
This past summer, they got engaged!
Katie says of their first duet, “It was a blast! Robert and I both love performing pieces that give us a chance to really go into character. We had a great time and have done it more since then. … I doubt we will ever stop singing together!”
Katie added: “We last performed together in Voices of Spring 2019 (we sang “Seventeen” from Heathers) and continue to keep our eyes open for more. Luckily Hochstein provides some great performance opportunities! Robert and I are hoping to get into some local theatre in the future.”
Katie studied with Sandra throughout high school and did a senior solo vocal recital, later returning for more lessons with Sandra after finishing her bachelor’s degree. Robert began studying with Sandra three years ago when he was singing with the RGMC and wanted to improve his voice so he could audition for solo opportunities.
Both natives of the Rochester area, Katie works at Paychex in 401k and Robert is studying software engineering at RIT.
They met all because of their mutual love of singing, and Katie points out, “You just never know where you might meet someone!”
Congratulations, Katie and Robert!