Jade Espina-Killian, Mezzo Soprano

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 Over the past 27 years wonderful musicians have contacted me asking about the music of Gena Branscombe.  Most often these musicians are singers wanting suggestions for programming Gena’s songs for their recitals. It’s an absolute joy to share this repertoire with them and offer to coach the singers on the interpretive style. 


Nearly two years ago I was told that mezzo-soprano Jade Espina had performed Gena’s “Lute of Jade” song cycle.  Listening to her sing these songs with great attention to phrasing and understanding of the text while gorgeously sung was a thrill.   

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XXGxfcogRh0

Several weeks later Jade and I spoke by phone.  What a great conversation we had.  Jade assured me she loved performing the song cycle and in the future would definitely be programming more of Gena’s songs.  She was helping The Gena Branscombe Project lay the path to having Gena’s 150 songs considered for recitals!

True to her word, Jade then performed Branscombe’s “Bridesmaid’s Song” on the 2025 Boston University Tanglewood Institute Faculty Recital.  Once again she gave a remarkable interpretation of this charming song. Brava, Jade!  

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4vHey7k1_3o

Now a doctoral student at the Frost School of Music, University of Miami, Jade presented her first degree recital in November 2025 and you already know by reading this, she performed two of Gena’s songs….true to her word!  We worked together on “Bridesmaid Song” and “Ah! Love, I Shall Find Thee,” finding the detailed nuance in each piece.  That one hour coaching flew by, yet, what we accomplished was a gift of sharing Gena’s beautiful songs.  Also, Jade’s wonderful collaborative pianist, Paul Schwartz, was equally a part of our coaching session, asking questions, accepting suggestions and completely supporting Jade.  Thank you, Jade and Paul.

https://www.youtube.com/live/xTuEQbhGk_0




Several weeks ago Jade was in New York City where she would be performing at Carnegie Hall with the Frost School of Music, University of Miami chorus.  Luckily we were able to meet for lunch and a good long chat.  It was if we had known one another for years.  What a treat to spend that time with her, hearing of her graduate school experiences, her dissertation subject and oh so much more.  A truly delightful time. 



This is my observation: the world will know of Jade Espina Killian as she makes her way in the professional music world.  She is a woman whose dedication to music is endless.  You will know of her voice teaching abilities by the students she will guide through their studies.  You will be treated to her beautiful voice performing a wide range of styles.  She, with ease, communicates with her audiences.  She is a person of firm convictions whose care for others is boundless.  Universities will be hiring her to lead the next generation of singer musicians into the future!

Go, Jade!

 

#BringingBackBranscombe


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