Karen Bishko

Karen Bishko is a British singer/songwriter best known for developing the concept, music, and lyrics for the musical "Single", which was presented at the New York Musical Theatre Festival in 2010 under the title "Therapy Rocks", and later as, "Still Single".[1] Her lyrics often present a humorous perspective on life's challenges, especially regarding love. Her desire to be creative has always been her passion and outlet of expression in life. Having formerly worked as a professional portrait artist,[2] Karen has had success in both music and art.

Background

Karen Bishko was born in London to South African parents. Her Paternal Grandmother performed classical recitals and was a piano teacher. She has a BA degree in History of Art from the University of Manchester and a BA degree in Fine Art from Central Saint Martin's School of Art. Bishko also studied counseling at the Metanoia Institute in London, but at twenty-four, felt too young to start seeing patients. Much later, she realized that writing heartfelt songs about the trials of life was the creative outlet she truly loved and felt was her calling. She has always had a creative approach to penning genuine songs. Her originality, persistence, and the relatability of her music have been central to her success.

Karen's understanding and deep appreciation for music began at a young age. Her parents recall taking her to the school she would eventually attend in order to take a test when she was four years old. She heard a French horn playing a piece of music in the hallway, and her mother heard her telling the headmistress that it was one of Mozart's Horn Concertos. This moment of insight is one of several that ultimately steered her towards pursuing a career in the realm of music. Karen also remembers being reprimanded by her music teacher for singing "too loudly" in her school's choir at seven years old, a crucial instance which discouraged her from singing publicly until a few years ago.

Career

In 1993, Karen Bishko was one of the original students on the BBC fly-on-the-wall documentary series, "The Living Soap".[3] Soon after, she began her work as a portrait painter until 2005.[4] It was around this time that Graham Gouldman of the English art rock band, 10cc, listened to some of Bishko's songs. It was not long before two more English musicians, Jess Bailey and Gary Kemp of Spandau Ballet, heard her songs and encouraged her to focus her attention on her music.

Bishko recorded an album entitled "Singles for Singles," which was released on iTunes in 2009.[5] Her song "Chocolate Cake" references 10cc. In addition to working with Jess Bailey and Gary Kemp, she has worked with producers such as Stephen Lironi (Jon Bon Jovi, Hanson) and Yoad Nevo (Jem, Goldfrapp)

One of the most defining moments thus far in Karen's career has been opening for the English pop group, Take That on their Beautiful World tour in 2007. She performed at the massive 18,000 capacity London O2 Arena and Manchester Arena, solidifying her decision to pursue music. Her manager, Paul Burger (former President of Sony Records Europe), further encouraged her to continue with her music, and she decided to create a musical out of her songs. As a result of her storytelling skill, "Therapy Rocks" came into existence.

Single

Bishko followed her endeavors to create a musical. She developed the concept and lyrics for the musical Single, which had undergone several title changes- its first being Therapy Rocks, then Still Single, until its current title was established as Single. Therapy Rocks was performed as part of the New York Musical Theatre Festival in 2010 at the Off-Broadway theatre, the Urban Stages Theater.[6] Directed by Thomas Caruso (Matilda The Musical) with Boko Suzuki (Rent, Sunset Boulevard, Phantom of the Opera) as Music Director, the show was sold out, and therefore, it was extended.[7]

Theatre reviewer Oscar E. Moore said: "What a great score. Possibly some songs that could make it from the show and onto the charts. Character-driven, atmospheric, and rousing- every song serves the show's intentions, leading up to an incredible finale, 'Gonna Be.'" [8] The cast featured Rachel Stern (Shrek the Musical), who won Festival Best Actress Award, Joshua Davis (Beautiful:The Carole King Musical), Dee Roscioli (Wicked), Allie Schulz (Grease), and Adam Halpin (Daddy Long Legs, Glory Days). [9]

The then-titled "Still Single" was presented as a staged reading at the Roy Arias Theatre in April 2014.[10] The reading featured Melissa van der Schyff, Tom Pelphrey, Catherine Porter, Peter Davenport, and others. Later, in June 2014, Single was presented at Feinstein's/54 Below in New York with performances by Melissa van der Schyff (Bonnie & Clyde, Big River), Allie Schulz (Grease), Claybourne Elder (Road Show, Bonnie & Clyde), Ryan Duncan (Shrek the Musical, Altar Boyz), Catherine Porter (Next to Normal, Cougar the Musical), and more.

As stated by Tom Vaughan, the director of What Happens in Vegas and Doctor Foster: "It is the most honest musical I have ever seen. I believe in Karen, I believe in this story, and I'm ready to do whatever it takes to get it (the movie version) made." A screenplay version of the stage play is being developed with Vaughan attached to direct and writer, Nat Bennett.

Karen is currently living in New York and was recently commissioned to write songs for a new musical, "Shadows", directed and co-created by the award-winning choreographer, Joey McKneely (West Side Story). Single will be presented at the New York Musical Festival this summer.[11] Most recently, Bishko's song "Gonna Be" has been mentioned as the third song on TheaterMania's list of the top five songs from the upcoming New York Musical Festival that people need to hear. Critic, Zachary Stewart, goes on to say: "Retooled and revised, Single promises to be one of the highlights of the festival." [12]

References

  1. ↑ Gans, Andrew. "Melissa Van Der Schyff, Catherine Porter, Tom Pelphrey Set for Free Readings of Still Single". Playbill.com. Retrieved March 2016. Check date values in: |access-date= (help)
  2. ↑ "Karen Bishko Paintings".
  3. ↑ http://www.offthetelly.co.uk/oldott/www.offthetelly.co.uk/index709f.html?p=6125
  4. ↑ "Karen Bishko Portraits 2000-2005". Karenbishko.com/paintings. Retrieved 23 March 2016.
  5. ↑ "Karen Bishko". iTunes.
  6. ↑ Gans, Andrew. "Therapy Rocks Musical, with Dee Roscioli, Allie Schulz and Rachel Stern, Begins Sept. 27". Playbill.com.
  7. ↑ "Therapy Rocks Adds Performance, 10/1". broadwayworld.com.
  8. ↑ Moore, Oscar E. "Therapy Rocks at NYMF". oscaremoore.com.
  9. ↑ "Therapy Rocks- a musical theatre review (NYMF)". cabaretexchange.com.
  10. ↑ "STILL SINGLE Staged Reading Set for Roy Arias Theatre, 4/7". broadwayworld.com.
  11. ↑ "New York Musical Festival". NYMF. Retrieved 27 May 2016.
  12. ↑ Stewart, Zachary. "5 Songs From New Musicals You Should Hear Right Now". TheaterMania. Retrieved 26 June 2016.

External links

This article is issued from Wikipedia - version of the 6/26/2016. The text is available under the Creative Commons Attribution/Share Alike but additional terms may apply for the media files.