McAskill's most recent performance was an avant-garde Salome, in which the opera's final scene concluded a memorable reading of Oscar Wilde's play.
In 2014, she studied the Foreign Princess (Rusalka) at the Moravian Master Class program, under Timothy Cheek and Mirka Zemanova. She also participated in Jane Eaglen’s Wagner Intensive, beginning her study of Brünnhilde (Götterdämmerung) and Ortrud (Lohengrin) and appearing in scenes from both operas, working with conductors Gareth Morrell and William Vendice and singing opposite renowned Wagnerian Timothy Mussard.
At the University of Michigan, she appeared as Lady Billows in Albert Herring. Her stage work there also included workshop and recital performances as Santuzza (Cavalleria Rusticana) and Sieglinde (Die Walküre).
Her recital performances have garnered praise and ovations from distinguished colleagues, recognized teachers and opera professionals, and music lovers alike. Her innovative programs have spanned topics such as childhood and memory (an evening of American music and art), All Souls’ Day (Allerseelen), the long shadow of Wagner and his influence over later composers, and a full program of Russian and Czech songs. She has a passion for intimate venues, and for bringing unusual music to new audiences. In 2014, the University of California, Irvine invited her to perform as a guest artist; her program celebrated Wagner with a performance of the Wesendonck Lieder, along with works by Debussy and Chausson.
She's had the good fortune to work with many excellent coaches, conductors, teachers and colleagues, among them stage director Robert Swedberg, Czech music expert and coach Timothy Cheek, Martin Katz, and conductor and coach Ben Makino. She currently coaches regularly with Peter Grunberg and William Vendice, and studies with Sheri Greenawald.
Ms. McAskill received her B.Mus. and M.F.A. degrees from the University of California at Irvine, where she studied under Dr. Darryl Taylor. She also holds a Doctor of Musical Arts degree in vocal performance from the University of Michigan School of Music, Theatre and Dance, where she studied under Prof. Martha Sheil.
Cari loves to garden or craft when she can (knitting is a great airplane hobby for those long flights). She currently resides south of Silicon Valley, in the beautiful Santa Cruz mountains, with her husband and two rescue dogs. One of them is highly vocal, having endured many hours in the practice rooms while still an impressionable puppy.
