Thank you for taking a moment to stop by and learn more about Here in Eden: Songs of Humanity, Faith, and Musical Theatre! This project has grown from a mere idea into a living breathing recording project that will utilize the talents of six additional Philadelphia musicians. The goal of this campaign is two fold; to introduce the album and to raise funds that will be used towards the recording, editing and mastering fees. Any additional funds raised will allow for more studio time and will aid in compensating musicians. Recording will begin in mid-May of 2024. 

Faith is defined as having complete trust or confidence in someone or something. Having Faith in self, others or a higher power is what provides humanity hope throughout life’s many twists and turns. “Here in Eden” is an album that explores how our Faith ebbs and flows through the lens of musical theatre repertoire. Sung by Audra Casebier with Reese Revak on piano, this album celebrates humanity’s journey with Faith; highlighting joy and hopeful contemplation.

The motivation to create this album came from 2023 being a year of great personal loss while simultaneously being one of consistent professional success. It was a year full of emotional juxtapositions that required significant reflection that ultimately led to the questioning of my Faith. Additionally, "Is personal tragedy a prerequisite for professional success?" was a question I often asked myself. After connecting with many friends and colleagues about these contemplations, I came to realize that I was not alone in asking this question or many of the others I had. We are all on our own silent journeys with Faith together. The goal of “Here in Eden” is to honor the silent journey we as humans embark on with our Faith; whether during times of struggle or simplicity. This album is meant to serve as a reminder that while the questions may pose themselves differently, we are all, at some point, asking the same questions and that we are not alone in doing so. 


MEET THE ARTISTS

AUDRA CASEBIER is an artist and teacher that is inspired by stories of unlocked potential and knowing that she is an element in an audience's magic is what energizes her performance. She uses that inspiration to unlock the vocal potential of her students as well. When she is not singing or teaching, she is an avid sourdough baker, mushroom forager, Phillies Phan, plant mom, and gardener. During the pandemic she discovered a love of weight training (and how it helps the voice) and she tapped back into her love of the outdoors. 

Since the end of the pandemic, she has had the opportunity to play on several stages in the greater Philadelphia area. Some of those opportunities include Mother Abbess (The Sound of Music) and Cinderella's Stepmother (Into the Woods) at The Candlelight Theatre. Her Walnut Street Theatre credits include Madame de la Grande Bouche u/s (performed) (Beauty and the Beast), Ensemble u/s (performed) and Marie u/s in Cinderella. Other recent productions she has been a part of include The Bisley Boy at The Ritz Theatre Company, Elsa Schraeder (The Sound of Music), Lucille Turpin (Dearly Departed), Anna Maurrant (Street Scene), Lauretta (Gianni Schicchi), Iolanta (Iolanta), Frasquita (Carmen), Clorinda (LaCenerentola), and Vitellia (La Clemenza di Tito). In concert, she has performed with the Allentown Symphony Orchestra, Wilmington Concert Opera and Concert Operetta Theater of Philadelphia.

REESE REVAK received their bachelor’s degree in music composition and pursued graduate studies in collaborative piano and vocal coaching at Temple University, and they joined the faculty of the Curtis Institute of Music in 2012. Reese has been active in the Philadelphia region as a vocal coach and collaborative pianist since 2006. Reese has worked with Opera Philadelphia, the Castleton Summer Music Festival, the Philadelphia Gay Men’s Chorus, the International Institute of Vocal Arts in San Juan, Puerto Rico, and International Opera Theater in Citta della Pieve, Italy. Recent productions include Carmen, Otello, and The Wake World, among numerous recital and choral engagements. Reese enjoys learning foreign languages and is conversant in Spanish, Italian, and French, with a working knowledge of German and Russian. In their spare time, they also enjoy writing music and poetry, and spending time in the Wissahickon Valley Park in Northwest Philadelphia.

Thank you for taking the time to learn more about Here in Eden and thank you for your support.