Alicia Rytlewski ’10 set to release debut album “When We Were Bears” Jan. 24
Classical pianist and vocalist Alicia (Rhyner) Rytlewski ’10 is set to release her debut album of songs, “When We Were Bears,” Friday, Jan. 24.
Rytlewski graduated summa cum laude from Ripon with a music major and minors in Spanish and studio art. She has been teaching piano in Milwaukee for more than 10 years.
Her interest in composing began when she was in high school. It wasn’t until she spent the summer of 2016 as the artist-in-residence at Three Sisters Community Farm in West Bend, Wisconsin, however, that she truly had the time to focus and immerse herself in such work. That residency resulted in several instrumental and vocal pieces.
“The farm was really good for me,” Rytlewski said in a recent interview. “It helped me jumpstart my compositions in a really big way.”
Now, Rytlewski is set to release her first collection of such songs. She said the 14 tracks on “When We Were Bears” were composed over eight years “across Wisconsin, from a biodynamic farm in rural Campbellsport to the snow-blanketed streets of Milwaukee.”
“Going to Ripon gave me so many opportunities to perform in many different capacities, including being involved in musicals, accompanying instrumentalists and vocalists and performing a concerto with the orchestra,” Rytlewski said.
Those experiences strengthened her skills as a performing artist and her confidence as a musician.
“One of the best things about Ripon is supportive and attentive professors who want the best for you,” Rytlewski said. “Sarah Mahler Kraaz (professor emeritus of music) was my musical mom. She was always in my corner and endlessly encouraging. I knew I had done an extra great job when Kurt Dietrich (professor emeritus of music) would give me a compliment for my work. Suzanne Katz (former associate professor in educational studies) got me some of my first paid gigs. And Eugene Kain (professor emeritus of art) reminded me to always pursue music, no matter what. These professors helped lay my musical foundation, and I’m forever grateful to them. And having amazing teachers made me want to be one as well.”
Rytlewski will be performing Feb. 8 at the Pabst Theater in Milwaukee. For more information and to listen to her music, visit aliciarytlewski.com.
(Photo credit: Samer Ghani)
Related Posts
Ripon College’s Caestecker Gallery to open “A Private Collection Revealed” Jan. 21 with curator’s talk, reception Jan. 31
RIPON, Wis. – A new exhibit titled “A Private Collection Revealed,” curated by Ripon College art students and Art Professor Travis Nygard, will open in […]
“A Midsummer Night’s Dream” play auditions to be held Jan. 22-23
RIPON, Wis. – Ripon College’s theatre department is hosting open auditions and a crew call for a touring production of “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” in […]
Kaleb Schroeder to perform senior vocal recital Nov. 23
Kaleb Schroeder of Iron Ridge, Wisconsin, is performing his senior tenor vocal recital in the Benstead Theatre of the C.J. Rodman Center for the Arts […]
Ripon College’s theatre department to present “Cabaret Night” Nov. 22-23
Ripon College’s theatre department is presenting a “Cabaret Night” variety show in the Benstead Theatre in the C.J. Rodman Center for the Arts Friday and […]
