Bodhi Anders – Page 2 – Halifax Summer Opera Festival 2023

July 19, 2019July 19, 2019

Sevan Kochkarian: 2019 Performer Highlight

[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”3.25.4″ top_divider_color=”#707070″ top_divider_height=”52px” locked=”off”][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ _builder_version=”3.25.4″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” locked=”off”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”3.25.4″][et_pb_accordion _builder_version=”3.25.4″ toggle_font=”||||||||” body_font=”||||||||” min_height=”300px”][et_pb_accordion_item title=”Sevan Kochkarian” open=”on” _builder_version=”3.25.4″ title_text_shadow_horizontal_length=”0em” title_text_shadow_vertical_length=”0em” title_text_shadow_blur_strength=”0em” closed_title_text_shadow_horizontal_length=”0em” closed_title_text_shadow_vertical_length=”0em” closed_title_text_shadow_blur_strength=”0em” body_font=”objectivity regular||||||||” body_text_color=”#707070″ body_font_size=”13px” toggle_text_color=”#707070″ toggle_font=”objectivity regular|500|||||||” toggle_font_size=”18px”]

Kochkarian is an Armenian soprano who got her entrance into music when her mother and grandmother sang classics from the likes of Phantom of the Opera and Les Miserables to her. This year, she is teaming up with HSOF as both Morgana and Alcina (Cover). Find out more about Alcina here:

Alcina (1735)

[/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”The 2019 festival” open=”off” open_toggle_text_color=”#707070″ _builder_version=”3.25.4″ title_text_shadow_horizontal_length=”0em” title_text_shadow_vertical_length=”0em” title_text_shadow_blur_strength=”0em” closed_title_text_shadow_horizontal_length=”0em” closed_title_text_shadow_vertical_length=”0em” closed_title_text_shadow_blur_strength=”0em” body_font=”objectivity regular||||||||” body_text_color=”#707070″ body_font_size=”13px” toggle_text_color=”#707070″ toggle_font=”objectivity regular|500|||||||” toggle_font_size=”18px”]

This year, HSOF welcomes over 50 performers from around the world, including many from Nova Scotia and the Maritimes, all of whom underwent competitive auditions. We are excited to introduce Sevan Kochkarian as a performer this summer!

Buy your tickets here:

https://www.tickethalifax.com/54495769/operafestival

[/et_pb_accordion_item][/et_pb_accordion][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_image src=”http://halifaxsummeroperafestival.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/32575975_52381308_IMG_2904.jpg” _builder_version=”3.25.4″ border_width_all=”2px” border_color_all=”#707070″ box_shadow_style=”preset3″ animation_style=”fold” animation_direction=”left” animation_duration=”400ms”][/et_pb_image][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ _builder_version=”3.25.4″][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”3.25.4″][et_pb_text _builder_version=”3.25.4″ text_font=”objectivity regular||||||||” text_text_color=”#707070″ text_font_size=”13px”]

Q: When did you start studying voice? Where are you studying now?

[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”3.25.4″][et_pb_text _builder_version=”3.25.4″ text_font=”objectivity regular||||||||” text_text_color=”#707070″ text_font_size=”13px”]

A: “I started the Vancouver children’s choir when I was 8, then at the age of 11 I started my private vocal lessons in classical music. I’m studying now at McGill University getting my Masters!“

[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ _builder_version=”3.25.4″][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”3.25.4″][et_pb_text _builder_version=”3.25.4″ text_font=”objectivity regular||||||||” text_text_color=”#707070″ text_font_size=”13px”]

Q: What is the best part about starting a new opera?

A: “The best part is of course highlighting the score! Okay no in all seriousness: for me it’s figuring out my character, my objects, what I want, what my story arch is. I also think it’s just listening to the opera and falling in love with the music!“

Q: Who is your biggest inspiration in the opera world?

A: “That is an impossible question. I think I have multiple inspirations for different things. I mean Anna Netrebko, Nadine Sierra, Danielle de Niese, Joyce DiDonato…. they all have taught me something different and I think that’s the beauty of this art form! Different people can inspire you in different ways.”

Q: Who is your biggest inspiration in the non-opera world?

A: “My parents are my biggest inspiration. They came from poverty, and they turned their lives around by working hard. They immigrated, they learned English, busted their tails off and now they are business owners and live happy lives. I mean they showed me if you want something with work hard you can accomplish anything. Even when things get hard you cannot give up. I hope to become like them because they made so many sacrifices just to help me achieve my goals and dreams. I hope to be just like them when I am a parent someday!”

[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]

July 17, 2019July 28, 2019

Rhian Merritt: 2019 Performer Highlight

[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”3.25.4″ top_divider_color=”#707070″ top_divider_height=”52px” locked=”off”][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ _builder_version=”3.25.4″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” locked=”off”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”3.25.4″][et_pb_accordion _builder_version=”3.25.4″ toggle_font=”||||||||” body_font=”||||||||” min_height=”300px”][et_pb_accordion_item title=”Rhian Merritt” open=”on” _builder_version=”3.26.3″ body_font=”objectivity regular||||||||” body_text_color=”#707070″ body_font_size=”13px” toggle_text_color=”#707070″ toggle_font=”objectivity regular|500|||||||” toggle_font_size=”18px”]

Originally from England, Merritt has been involved in choral community right here in Nova Scotia, and has loved every minute of it! This year, she joins HSOF as a soprano playing two roles: Second Spirit in The Magic Flute and Chorus in The Tales of Hoffmann. Find out more about Rhian’s operas here:

The Magic Flute (Die Zauberflote) (1791)

Les contes d’Hoffmann (Tales of Hoffmann) (1881)

[/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”The 2019 festival” open_toggle_text_color=”#707070″ _builder_version=”3.25.4″ body_font=”objectivity regular||||||||” body_text_color=”#707070″ body_font_size=”13px” toggle_text_color=”#707070″ toggle_font=”objectivity regular|500|||||||” toggle_font_size=”18px” open=”off”]

Buy your tickets here:

https://www.tickethalifax.com/54495769/operafestival

[/et_pb_accordion_item][/et_pb_accordion][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_image src=”http://halifaxsummeroperafestival.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/32575975_52381308_Headshot.jpg” _builder_version=”3.25.4″ border_width_all=”2px” border_color_all=”#707070″ box_shadow_style=”preset3″ animation_style=”fold” animation_direction=”left” animation_duration=”400ms”][/et_pb_image][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ _builder_version=”3.25.4″][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”3.25.4″][et_pb_text _builder_version=”3.25.4″ text_font=”objectivity regular||||||||” text_text_color=”#707070″ text_font_size=”13px”]

Q: When did you start studying voice? Where are you studying now?

A: “I first started studying in grade 7, but then stopped to pursue different things. I came back to lessons the year before I auditioned at university and am about to enter my final year of my Bachelor of Music degree at Acadia University. I am currently focusing in Vocal Performance under the direction of Dr. Christianne Rushton.“

Q: What is the best part about starting a new opera?

A: “Everything! I love being able to dive into the story and the characters and trying to find what makes the most sense for me. I enjoy trying to find how to show a bit of me through my character instead of totally mimicking what I think the character should be like. I also love to learn the music and meet all the fantastic people who are in the cast with me!“

Q: Who is your biggest inspiration in the opera world?

A: “I am a BIG fan of Lucas Meachem. I love the emotion that he puts into every note and every piece of text. However, I most appreciate how he is so open about his singing and how he works. He often gives tips and voice lessons online and cares a lot about responding to questions and communicating with younger singers.”

Q: Are there any unusual skills you’ve acquired that have proved helpful for you while performing opera?

A: “I used to practice karate through junior high and high school and so that helps me a lot with movement and being aware of my body! It definitely helps me pick up choreography quickly! Maybe it will help me with stage combat too?!”

[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]

July 16, 2019July 17, 2019

Olivia LaPointe: 2019 Performer Highlight

[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”3.25.4″ top_divider_color=”#707070″ top_divider_height=”52px” locked=”off”][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ _builder_version=”3.25.4″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” locked=”off”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”3.25.4″][et_pb_accordion _builder_version=”3.25.4″ toggle_font=”||||||||” body_font=”||||||||” min_height=”300px”][et_pb_accordion_item title=”Olivia LaPointe” open=”off” _builder_version=”3.25.4″ title_text_shadow_horizontal_length=”0em” title_text_shadow_vertical_length=”0em” title_text_shadow_blur_strength=”0em” closed_title_text_shadow_horizontal_length=”0em” closed_title_text_shadow_vertical_length=”0em” closed_title_text_shadow_blur_strength=”0em” body_font=”objectivity regular||||||||” body_text_color=”#707070″ body_font_size=”13px” toggle_text_color=”#707070″ toggle_font=”objectivity regular|500|||||||” toggle_font_size=”18px”]

LaPointe loved singing and performing for as long as she could remember. In fact, she started studying classical voice when she was in middle school! This year, she is joining HSOF as a soprano, and is playing the role of Antonia in The Tales of Hoffmann. Find out more about The Tales of Hoffmann here:

Les contes d’Hoffmann (Tales of Hoffmann) (1881)

[/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”The 2019 festival” open=”on” open_toggle_text_color=”#707070″ _builder_version=”3.25.4″ title_text_shadow_horizontal_length=”0em” title_text_shadow_vertical_length=”0em” title_text_shadow_blur_strength=”0em” closed_title_text_shadow_horizontal_length=”0em” closed_title_text_shadow_vertical_length=”0em” closed_title_text_shadow_blur_strength=”0em” body_font=”objectivity regular||||||||” body_text_color=”#707070″ body_font_size=”13px” toggle_text_color=”#707070″ toggle_font=”objectivity regular|500|||||||” toggle_font_size=”18px”]

Buy your tickets here:

https://www.tickethalifax.com/54495769/operafestival

[/et_pb_accordion_item][/et_pb_accordion][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_image src=”http://halifaxsummeroperafestival.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/32575975_52381308_colourheadshot2.jpg” _builder_version=”3.25.4″ border_width_all=”2px” border_color_all=”#707070″ box_shadow_style=”preset3″ animation_style=”fold” animation_direction=”left” animation_duration=”400ms”][/et_pb_image][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ _builder_version=”3.25.4″][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”3.25.4″][et_pb_text _builder_version=”3.25.4″ text_font=”objectivity regular||||||||” text_text_color=”#707070″ text_font_size=”13px”]

Q: When did you start studying voice? Where are you studying now?

A: “I first began studying voice when I was 13 years old. I have always loved to sing and perform, and pursuing a degree in voice has exceeded my expectations in so many ways. I am going into my fourth year at the University of Toronto for a Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance with my wonderful teacher Frédérique Vézina. I have had incredible experiences and opportunities and have met countless wonderful mentors and colleagues.“

Q: What has been your onstage experience or role that has been the most meaningful, exciting or successful for you? What do you long to do next?

A: “It seems impossible to choose a favourite role because I enjoy the challenge of embodying a variety of complex characters. However, one that stands out is when I played the title role in Theatre New Brunswick’s musical production of Mary Poppins. Having the opportunity to portray an iconic character like Mary Poppins was an unforgettable experience. I so loved being a part of bringing to life this beloved story that encapsulates a sense of child-like wonder in people of all ages.“

Q: You are about to arrive in Halifax for the festival. Can you set the stage for us? What are some projects you have been working on recently? What are your emotions going into production? How have you been preparing for your work? What are your fears/expectations?

A: “Earlier this summer, I was in Edmonton, Alberta participating in Opera NUOVA. I performed in their mainstage production of The Secret Garden as Lily, and had the opportunity to sing in masterclasses and concerts. I am so looking forward to being in the beautiful city of Halifax and to have the opportunity to work and collaborate with multi-talented artists. This will be my first time at the Halifax Summer Opera Festival, so I am a bit nervous but mostly full of anticipation for a new performing experience!”

[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ _builder_version=”3.25.4″][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”3.25.4″][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”3.25.4″][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]

July 16, 2019July 17, 2019

Alexander Cappellazzo: 2019 Performer Highlight

[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”3.25.4″ top_divider_color=”#707070″ top_divider_height=”52px” locked=”off”][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ _builder_version=”3.25.4″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” locked=”off”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”3.25.4″][et_pb_accordion _builder_version=”3.25.4″ toggle_font=”||||||||” body_font=”||||||||” min_height=”300px”][et_pb_accordion_item title=”Alexander Cappellazzo” open=”off” _builder_version=”3.25.4″ title_text_shadow_horizontal_length=”0em” title_text_shadow_vertical_length=”0em” title_text_shadow_blur_strength=”0em” closed_title_text_shadow_horizontal_length=”0em” closed_title_text_shadow_vertical_length=”0em” closed_title_text_shadow_blur_strength=”0em” body_font=”objectivity regular||||||||” body_text_color=”#707070″ body_font_size=”13px” toggle_text_color=”#707070″ toggle_font=”objectivity regular|500|||||||” toggle_font_size=”18px”]

Originally from Scarborough Ontario, Cappellazzo is a tenor who did musical theatre in high school and pursued classical opera after that! This year, he plays Tamino in The Magic Flute with HSOF. Find out more about The Magic Flute here:

The Magic Flute (Die Zauberflote) (1791)

Buy your tickets here:

https://www.tickethalifax.com/54495769/operafestival

[/et_pb_accordion_item][/et_pb_accordion][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_image src=”http://halifaxsummeroperafestival.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/32575975_52381308_IMG_0974.jpg” _builder_version=”3.25.4″ border_width_all=”2px” border_color_all=”#707070″ box_shadow_style=”preset3″ animation_style=”fold” animation_direction=”left” animation_duration=”400ms”][/et_pb_image][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ _builder_version=”3.25.4″][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”3.25.4″][et_pb_text _builder_version=”3.25.4″ text_font=”objectivity regular||||||||” text_text_color=”#707070″ text_font_size=”13px”]

Q: When did you start studying voice? Where are you studying now?

A: “I started studying voice when I entered high school. I took lessons because I wanted to be serious about what I was doing. Eventually I was accepted to McGill University, where I continued my vocal and operatic studies until this year, in which I graduated.“

Q: What is the best part about starting a new opera?

A: “I love seeing the growth during the rehearsal process. You never know what choices everyone is going to bring to the table, so you have to see what they’re doing and adapt and react to them. Sometimes you may think you knew everything about your role, but through interaction with others you’ll reach a completely different conclusion.“

Q: Who is your biggest inspiration in the opera world?

A: “My inspiration as far as opera singers go is Fritz Wunderlich. Every time I hear him it is always wonderful, and inspirational.”

Q: Who is your biggest inspiration in the non-opera world?

A: “I have always been inspired by Theodore Roosevelt, with regards to the sheer amount of things he did and so many various fields. If he wanted to try something new, he would set his mind to it and do it.”

[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]

July 16, 2019July 16, 2019

5th Annual Opera Backwards, July 26

[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”3.25.4″][et_pb_row _builder_version=”3.25.4″][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.25.4″][et_pb_image src=”http://halifaxsummeroperafestival.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/opera-backwards-2019.jpg” _builder_version=”3.25.4″][/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”3.25.4″]

For Immediate Release
July 15th, 2019

Show your Pride, Halifax — it’s the fifth annual Opera Backwards at the Bus Stop Theatre!

Every year the Halifax Summer Opera Festival salutes Halifax Pride with this riff on Broadway Backwards, the annual NYC show where musical theatre numbers are given an LGBT twist. Come and experience gay and lesbian stories told through the great arias and duets of opera and operetta, sung by the participants in the fifteenth annual Halifax Summer Opera Festival. Friday July 26, 8:00 pm at the Bus Stop Theatre. Tickets are $20 and seating is limited.

The evening will be cohosted by drag performer Bunni Lapin and bio-queen La Diva Stupenda.

“Opera is already pretty damned queer” says Artistic Director Nina Scott-Stoddart. “A regular part of operatic conventions sees young women playing young men — every mezzo soprano is basically a drag king at some point in her career.” Scott-Stoddart adds, “Most LGBTQ+ people who love opera feel a connection between their journeys and the art form, and we’re going to tell some of those stories!” The evening is also very funny and definitely not suitable for children!

Don’t forget to check out all the other events of the Festival! Tickets are on sale online at TicketHalifax.com, by phone at (902) 422-6278 (ext. 500), in person at The Coast’s offices, 2309 Maynard Street, or at the venue an hour before the show, payable by cash, credit card, tappable debit, ApplePay or cheque. Audience members can also buy season passes, which will get them into every performance of every show.

Halifax Summer Opera Festival and Workshop educates and develops both singers and audiences through the performance of operatic repertoire. For fourteen seasons, HSOF has presented fully staged operas each summer, giving singers from university undergrads to professionals opportunities to learn roles in the context of performing an entire, full-staged opera. Participants are selected from live or recorded auditions and participate in rehearsals and master classes on everything from auditioning techniques to dramatic and musical interpretations by seasoned pros. HSOF is a not-for-profit charitable society with a volunteer Board of Directors, based in Halifax. You can find out all the details at www.halifaxsummeroperafestival.com.

– 30 –

Information / interviews:
Bodhi Anders: mobile: 902-293-0264 or email: bodhi.anders@gmail.com

[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]