>La Grande Observer | Union and Wallowa Counties' News Leader

Catherine Garrick isn't sure where her life will lead, but she is sure that wherever she goes, there will be music.

The 18-year-old Eastern Oregon University freshman, a winner in the university's Concerto/Aria Competition last winter, will sing Mozart's "Batti Batti" from his opera, "Don Giovanni," Wednesday with the Grande Ronde Symphony Orchestra under the direction of Leandro Espinosa.

The concert, which also includes the Overture from "Don Giovanni" and Beethoven's Sixth Symphony, the Pastorale, will begin at 7:30 p.m. in McKenzie Theater.

Garrick began studying voice when she was a freshman in high school in her hometown of Newberg. She joined the high school choir when she was a junior. "I've fallen in love with singing," she said. "Music is interesting for me. I can enjoy it on many levels — performing, theory, composition and music therapy."

She now studies voice with the university's Peter Wordelman and performs in the Chamber Choir.

"I don't have tons of experience (performing)," she said. "I've only sung with a piano accompaniment."

Although she said she was "very nervous" when she began to rehearse with the Grande Ronde Symphony, "I am thrilled with the idea of singing with those beautiful instruments."

Garrick said she has studied guitar and plans to take piano lessons next year. At Eastern, she has scheduled a double major in biology and music, but she said, "I'm not sure that's the route that best fits my abilities."

"Next year I plan to focus more on music, with piano lessons," she said. "I'll dedicate more time to practice."

Garrick is one of three students who won the opportunity to perform with the Grande Ronde Symphony. The others are Sam Pettit and Bern Youngblood, both students at La Grande High School. They will perform in May at the symphony's closing concert.

Tickets for Wednesday's concert are available at Sunflower Books and at the door. Tickets cost $15 for adults and $5 for students.