Husband and Wife Virtuosos Perform on Classical 89

By Ashley McKell

For many spouses, coordinating typical work schedules in a marriage can be difficult but opera singers Jennifer Welch-Babidge and husband Darrell Babidge work on coordinating schedules as well as fulfilling their dreams as singers and as parents.

With two children and one on the way, this couple has made what some may think impossible work quite well.

Jennifer Welch-Babidge grew up in a small North Carolina town with a desire to be a singer and eventually made it to New York where she performed with the Metropolitan Opera. She met and married British-American Darrell Babidge, who was also a singing performer. Together they have planned their lives so they can continue performing and raising their family.

When asked about the busy life of raising a family and being a singer, Welch-Babidge said: “In the future we are going to have to be more selective about jobs we take. The family travels out as much as possible or one will stay with the children as the other performs.”

The two enjoy performing together and do it every chance they get. The husband and wife took the stage together in early November at the Museum of Art. That performance will be rebroadcast on Classical 89 and will include everything from classical opera to musical theater.

“We picked a broad range of pieces that everyone could enjoy,” Welch-Babidge said.

Christine Nockleby, marketing coordinator at Classical 89 explained how stimulating it is to listen to these performers.

“They are a very engaging couple in their singing and the way they build each other up is outstanding,” she said. “Even over the radio, listeners will be able to hear just how engaging their voices are.”

Karlene Chadwick, a senior from Idaho Falls, Idaho, double majoring in music and elementary education, had the opportunity to turn the accompanist”s pages for the performance.

“Their voices are amazing,” she said. “The fact that they are a married couple makes it even more spectacular. We are very lucky to have them at BYU as part-time faculty.”

The rebroadcast will air at 9 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 18, and 2 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 21, 2007 on Classical 89 at 89.1 FM and online at classical89.org/streaming.