Stephanie Heidemann, Soprano (World/Early Music)

Originally from Detroit, Michigan, Heidemann’s international upbringing in South America, Australia and Germany exposed her at a young age, such that by age 20, the course of her music brought her into the dimension of World Music.

Stephanie studied classical piano for 12 years, and then stumbled upon singing. She was mentored by NY’s Metropolitan Opera mezzo, Brenda Boozer for many years. She also studied world percussion by way of osmosis (for 25 years) with music partner, Julian Douglas.

For seven years, Heidemann toured nationally with the robust world music a cappella quartet, “VIDA”. Managed by NYC’s IMG-Artists, they toured the U.S. extensively, gaining national attention from industry press such as Billboard Magazine, and Dirty Linen magazine. They became known for their eastern european Ganga singing, and South African harmonies (even once auditioning for Paul Simon’s broadway show, The Capeman – and nearly won, coming in third place of the final audition.) Vida continued on in a whirlwind of gigs from university stages, world music festivals, to Rockefeller Center, recording two albums-”VIDA” and “In Bloom”. Their original song “Famine Song” (In Bloom) is still being sung by choirs around the globe well after their disbanding in 2001, and can be heard in the TV show, Django.

For 14-years, Stephanie collaborated with percussionist Julian Douglas both as co-producers, and performers in their group, “The Resonance Project.” Utilize the most basic and emotive instruments, the voice and drum, the Resonance Project draws from indigenous, folk and mystical traditions from Spain, India, the Middle East, Eastern Europe, Africa, and Fusion Jazz. Their written repertoire reaches from world fusion into contemporary styles such as pop and R&B. The Resonance Project duo reaches into community settings teaching interactive workshops on voice and rhythm with an emphasis on music as a personal-transformative, creative experience, including a workshop series: Sound & Silence. TRP also has collaborated on projects with varying musicians and bands, such as HuDost, artist/inventor David Gittens (music for film – Sarasota Fringe Film Festival), Charles Gibson, and more.

Stephanie’s passion lives in arranging and performing Early Spanish music, sacred chant and African-influenced folk music. She has received national attention for her solo album The Cantiga Project, a tribute of 13c Spanish canticles to Saint Mary. These are unique and arrangements of the Cantigas de Santa Maria, arranged by Stephanie. They have been highlighted on NPR’s All Songs Considered, and some tracks included in the Sounds True, Inc compilation album, Songs of Mary.

Stephanie resides in Bloomington, Indiana with her son, and enjoys contributing to her community by teaching workshops, performing, and galivanting in the woods.