By JENNIFER RIVERA

Between the years of 1996 and 2001, Juilliard was graced with the presence of two wonderful mezzo-sopranos who contributed a great deal of spirit, commitment, and talent to the Juilliard Vocal Arts Department. Jennifer Marquette and Makiko Narumi were both extraordinarily gifted individuals, each of whom shared their many unique gifts with the Juilliard community and beyond. Devastatingly, both women died of cancer only a short while after each had finished her time at Juilliard. The loss of one of them would have been difficult enough to cope with, but the loss of both in such close proximity was even more shocking. During my four years at Juilliard, I was lucky enough to cross paths with both Jennifer and Makiko and, being a fellow mezzo, I came to admire both of them tremendously. Therefore, I thought it would be fitting to put together a memorial tribute to both of them, presented in the form of a recital by their closest friends and colleagues. Because each woman was so beloved, their friends jumped at the chance to perform in their honor—and before I knew it, 15 accomplished singers, two pianists, and even faculty members had agreed to perform. Everyone was thrilled with the opportunity to perform in honor of Jennifer and Makiko, and President Joseph Polisi immediately agreed to allow Juilliard to present this recital.

Jennifer Marquette (right) was Hansel to Sari Gruber’s Gretel in the 1997 production of Hansel and Gretel. (Photo by Henry Grossman)

The Remembrance Recital will feature many distinguished Juilliard alumni, as well as faculty members Brian Zeger, piano, and Robert White, tenor. The music performed will be a combination of operatic and song literature, solos and ensembles. Some of the music will be pieces we specifically remember Jennifer or Makiko singing, and some of it will be music we simply love and want to share.

Jennifer Marquette will best be remembered by Juilliard audiences for her charming portrayal of Hansel in the Juilliard Opera Center's production of Hansel and Gretel, which was broadcast on public television as part of the Live From Lincoln Center broadcasts. She was a student in the Juilliard Opera Center from 1996 to 1998. Jennifer began her musical education as a French horn player at the Interlochen Music Academy in high school. When she moved on to singing, she received her undergraduate degree from the Hartt School of Music and her master's degree from the Manhattan School of Music. She performed roles in operas presented at the Aspen Music Festival and Opera Theater of Saint Louis. She died on December 27, 2000. She was 29 years old.

Frank Corsaro, who directed Jennifer in Hansel and Gretel at Juilliard, shares his thoughts about her:

"One of Jennifer's burning ambitions in my acting class was to master the various 'pants roles' in the operatic repertory. For a mezzo-soprano, this seemed most apt for the career she was dreaming of and preparing for.

"Initially rather shy and retiring, she nevertheless approached her work with steady application and zeal. Gradually her efforts began to show results. An elfin humor began to break through, and her attractive face, usually wearing a wistful, even solemn expression, began to glow with the power of her discoveries. Cherubino and company were joined by the allure of songs by Poulenc, Strauss, and even contemporary popular music.

Makiko Narumi performed the role of the First Prioress in the 2001 production of Dialogues of the Carmelites. (Photo by Nan Melville)

"As her lifespan was a tragically brief one, she did not live to realize her potential in a professional situation. Now, in retrospect, it seems providential that she was chosen to sing Hansel in Juilliard's production of Hansel and Gretel. Occasionally I watch the video made of this production for Great Performances at Lincoln Center. Jennifer's spirit shines brightly in this signal role. The camera was able to capture the essence of her talent as tribute to this sweet and still evolving artist. A small blessing in the larger scope of things—but a blessing nonetheless. May she keep evolving."

Makiko Narumi performed extensively during her time at Juilliard, including appearances in the title role in The Rape of Lucretia and as the First Prioress in Dialogues of the Carmelites, both for Juilliard Opera Center. She attended Juilliard from 1997 until 2002, both as a graduate student and as a member of J.O.C. Makiko was originally from Aomori, Japan. Her career highlights included performing with notable conductors such as Seiji Ozawa (with whom she sang the role of Dame Quickly in Verdi's Falstaff) and James Conlon, who led a performance of the Mahler Eighth Symphony at the Cincinnati May Festival. At the Aspen Music Festival, she also worked with Julius Rudel, David Zinman, and Conlon. In addition, Makiko sang the role of Agatha Liu in the world-premiere performance of Bernard Rands's Belladonna. She also performed the role of Arnalta in Monteverdi's L'incoronazione di Poppea with the Stuttgart Opera in Germany. Makiko's final performances included singing the alto solos in Mahler's Second Symphony with the Juilliard Orchestra at Carnegie Hall and singing Mahler's "Liebst du in Schönheit" for a master class with Marilyn Horne. Ms. Horne remarked that she had never heard it sung better. Makiko passed away in Japan on April 30, 2002, at the age of 33.

Remembrance Recital for Makiko Narumi and Jennifer Marquette Paul Hall Friday, Dec. 19, 8 p.m. Free; no tickets are required.

Eve Shapiro, who directed Makiko in The Rape of Lucretia, has these recollections:

"I first met Makiko when she auditioned for Lucretia in Benjamin Britten's The Rape of Lucretia. I was most struck by a spiritual quality she possessed, which was so right for the character. There were also moments when she reminded me of Kathleen Ferrier, of whom it was said, 'In song she expressed intensity and range of emotion, sincerity of purpose.'

"Working with her was joyous and always rewarding. Her desire to understand and experience in depth what Lucretia was experiencing resulted in many long conversations, challenging rehearsals during which she worked tirelessly, creatively, and always with artistic integrity.

"Finally, her performances were deeply moving and profound, and for me, unforgettable—as is Makiko."

Jennifer Rivera, who earned a master's degree in voice in 1999, is also a graduate of the Juilliard Opera Center (2001).