In Focus | Alexandra Babbel of Opera Kelowna

Today's we profile Alexandra (Sandra) Babbel, one of the Okanagan's many fine imports. Sandra is a major talent in the opera world, with a voice like an angel and a passion to impart her knowledge to a new generation through Opera Kelowna. On May 19, 2013 Opera Kelowna will host "Per L'Amore per L'OPERA" ("For the Love of Opera"). This is an evening of fashion and arias in the RCA Atrium and Courtyard from 7:30 to 9:30 PM. The evening will feature selections from Justin Paul Fashions and Bliss Bridal. Beautiful models, beautiful singers and beautiful food and wine will make the evening memorable! Enjoy complimentary wine and hors d'ouvres and be delighted to know that every dollar will go towards the summer opera intensive training program in August. 14 singers have been selected from across North America to train and perform here in the Okanagan, and Opera Kelowna wants to help them! Tickets are $100 and are available at the RCA box office and at www.operakelowna.com. Today Sandra and Opera Kelowna are In Focus.

What do you always find yourself saying?
I teach with the intention that those within my care surpass me!

If you could spend one whole day with anyone in the world who is currently alive, who would you select?
Placido Domingo

If you were to receive any existing public award, what award would you like to win?
Compassion Award

If you could spend a day with any historical figure, who would you choose?
Conductor Toscannini

Who inspires you?
My singing pupils. Their love for Classical music and the discipline to study music at a high level is always so inspiring to me

What are 3 things on your bucket list?
1. I want to see a thriving Classical Arts Culture in the Okanagan. We have a Symphony and a Ballet Company and an Opera Company. The three artistic directors are close friends and are collaborating to offer the public outstanding presentations. We need those who can help us fulfil our purpose to come join the effort.

2. I want to see diversity celebrated in this region. We need more compassion and love, less judgement.

3. I would love to hold a grandchild one day.

What are you passionate about?
I love to sing and I love to teach singing. But truly training the voice is not just about the voice alone. Really my task is to "Re-voice the Voic-less" So many have been told that they don't have a voice. Even metaphorically there are many people who feel they have no voice, nothing to contribute, no craft. Helping people find their true voice and validating their contribution to the community is a calling and an honour. Those singers who fall in love with the pursuit of their true voice are so rewarding to me.

What has been your favourite day of your life, up to this point?
The birth of my first child was an extraordinary experience. I have three children and a fabulous husband. We have been happy in matrimony for almost three decades. "Family first!" has always been my motto. And because of my amazing family I have been able to move forward with confidence in my career as an Opera Singer, Teacher, and now Artistic Director of Opera Kelowna

What has been your proudest accomplishment?
I have enjoyed concert tours throughout, Germany, England, the Netherlands, Ukraine, Russia, and here in North America. I felt most proud to represent my immigrant parents as I went back to their homeland as a successful Classical Singer. Visiting the small village in Solomka, Ukraine from which they came was a very proud moment for me.

Where is your favourite place to dine in Kelowna?
Mabui Sushi

What is your favourite activity or event in Kelowna?
I love two: The Okanagan Symphony and Ballet Kelowna

What is the name of your business/organization?
Opera Kelowna

What does your business/organization do?
Opera Kelowna is a brand new fully professional, nonprofit, regional opera company and training centre for young, promising Opera singers. As a new local company we are dedicated to helping equip the next generation in discovery of the most compelling music of the past and present.

Where can people find you or your business online?
http://www.operakelowna.com

How do people connect with you on Linkedin?
sandra babbel

Where can people find your business on Facebook?
https://www.facebook.com/OperaKelownaSummerOperaProgram?fref=ts

What is your Twitter account?
@operakelowna

What is your mission?
Bringing Classical Singing to the Okanagan Community through education and excellence.

If you could achieve one thing within your field, what would it be?
An endowment that could guarantee that this beautiful art form would continue and support young musicians who struggle to find support in this field. The artistically inclined youth have much less at their disposal than other young people. They need us.

Where do you want your business/organization to be in 5 years?
I would like to present one full stage Opera per year with Orchestra and three smaller operas. I would like our public to learn how accessible and fun this art-form really is.

Who do you consider to be a forerunner within your field?
Renee Fleming, Barbara Bonney, Placido Domingo, and many others have had significant careers but choose to share their love by offering education and performance opportunities to the next generation.

What 3 qualities do you feel that your business/organization exemplifies?
1. Opera Kelowna is known for presenting an excellent production. Many audience member express their surprise at the high standard and quality of the singers and the production

2. Opera Kelowna is known for collaboration. We believe there is always room for another excellent musician. We choose to build up the Arts whenever we can and share the stage with other Artistic Organizations to present a fantastic colourful concert.

3. Opera Kelowna is known for building into the next generation. We have a summer intensive training program for Young Artists. Singers were auditioned from all over North America. The best were chosen to come to Kelowna Aug 4-18 to train with excellent faculty and present 5 concerts to our local audience. What an exceptional treat for the singers and the audience.

What would you like to say to your employees/volunteers?
When you invest your time and resources into Opera Kelowna you make a way for the young singer who may have only seen a dead end until now. And you will celebrate our company's musical success and national recognition.

How does your business/organization impact the community?
We are proudly contributing to the Cultural scene of our community by presenting the best Classical concerts. From "A Classical Christmas" to a thrilled crowd at Kelowna Community Theatre to "Opera in the Park" on a summer night, we bring the best!

If you were trapped in an elevator with several wealthy investors from any field, which field would you want them to be experts in? What would say to them/talk about?
Have you ever been an outsider? Have you ever had a dream in your heart to pursue a field that seemed implausible? In a hockey town like Kelowna what does that young musician do? Where does he go? Training for the Opera requires focus, dedication, and finances. Vocal coaching, voice lessons, acting classes, movement classes, Language studies (with a grasp of all the romantic languages) Music Theory, Piano Lessons and more all add up to preparing a great young singers. Opera Kelowna wants to prepare these singers and give them an opportunity to perform for our appreciative Okanagan audience. Your contribution will make a big difference.

If I could change 1 thing about Kelowna, it would be:
I love Kelowna. But moving here from Chicago was a bit of an adjustment. Kelowna is just at the beginning of developing an Arts scene. I am dedicating my life to infusing the Cultural scene in Kelowna with the best of Artistic expressions. New residents and old deserve the opportunity to experience the beauty of excellence in the Arts; firstly by enjoying the fabulous performances that Opera Kelowna presents, and secondly by "giving back" either through Opera Guild membership, or Sponsorship.

What do you think makes Kelowna great?
The beauty of our surroundings in Kelowna inspire every artist. The reason Opera Kelowna believes that a summer intensive training program belongs here is because of the extreme beauty in our environment. The beauty in our nature inspires and spurns on the Artist. Kelowna is also known as a "small big town." Even though we are not a heavily populated city we have sophisticated, educated, motivated, and focused residents who are known for coming together to make things happen. Kelowna is the best of both worlds. You can hike in the Glenmore hills with the dogs and be at the Opera downtown in ten minutes.

Some general comments I would like to share are:
It's time. Opera Kelowna is on the scene to provide beautiful productions with couture costumes, artistically rendered back drops, symphonic accompaniment, and glorious voices! Opera Kelowna presents Opera with a youthful flair and triumphant twist. Give us a chance to show you that! Find us at www.operakelowna.com or visit my personal website alexandra-babbel.com. We are on Facebook and twitter. If you would like to join our guild for friendship and fellowship join our mailing list on the Opera Kelowna website.

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