Theresia Bothe

I was born in Fort Nelson, B.C. Canada. My mother came from Tralee (Ireland) and my father was German. I grew up and went to school in Tepoztlán, Morelos, Mexico. 

I started my professional musical studies at the Escuela Nacional de Música (UNAM) in Mexico City but my fascination for early music drew me to Europe. I studied voice with Mary Nichols and started to play the renaissance lute under the tutelage of Nigel North at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama in London. Later, at the Hochschule für Musik Trossingen in Germany, I studied voice with Richard Wistreich, and lute with Rolf Lislevand. Finally, at the Schola Cantorum Basiliensis in Switzerland I studied voice with Ulich Messthaler, and lute with Peter Croton. All throughout my studies and after I have had the opportunity to work with brilliant musicians; it has made me grow musically and has influenced my taste and the way I perform.

After my experience in Guatemala working with street kids, it has become increasingly important in my life to express in lyrics some important social issues. I work with children and adults towards to help them develop more aware of individual responsibilities and potentials. I have written over 200 songs, most of them as part of a project with a specific subject, related to mental health, domestic violence, social integration, immigration, dreams and experiences of street kids and of people who have suffered human trafficking. Music becomes a vehicle and a generous tool of expression. 

SEE MY SONGS & Music a Chance for Change.

 Singer-songwriters have my special attention & I perform their music from all the periods of music history, playing guitar, or lute. I am specially fascinated by music of the beginning of the 17^th century, the “Recitar cantando”, accompanied with the archlute. I also write my own songs, my inspiration comes directly from the need I feel to talk about the basic rights the Earth and human beings should have.

I have experienced singing many different styles, from baroque through classical, medieval, opera, pop, jazz and folk. Additionally, I have performed contemporary music working together with the composers. I work regolarli with Peter Croton (lute & guitar), Edoardo Torbianelli (fortepiano) and Yvonne Zehner (guitar). 

I have taught for many years, including 8 years at the music school in Rheinfelden, Switzerland. I love to work with groups of people who love singing, I specially  enjoy elaborating arrangements that suits their voices.