17
Kanata kids join OLO’s Turandot children’s choir JESSICA CUNHA KOURIER-STANDARD Five Kanata-area children were chosen to perform in the children’s choir for the opera, by Opera Lyra Ottawa and directed by Brian Deedrick. “I was really, really happy,” said Phoebe Santini, 14. “Out of a lot of kids that tried out only 16 of us made it.” The Bridlewood resident was told to try out by her singing instructor and said the experience so far has been amazing. “Right away I was like I want to do this so badly, I want to have this experience,” she said about learning of the part. “I have learned so much and I have met so many great people too. Another Bridlewood resident, Sara Rushforth, said she’s enjoyed opera since she was young so having the chance to perform in Turandot has been a dream come true. “This is such an awesome opportunity,” said the 15-year-old. “I’ve learned a lot about the whole business of opera.” Puccini’s Turandot is a dark tale of a bewitching princess and her young suitor, who must answer three riddles or face death. LONG HOURS Rehearsals can run into the small hours of the morning leading up to productions. At the Sept. 8 rehearsal, the children’s choir did a run-through from 5:30 until 11:30 p.m. Santini, who just started Grade 9 at Canerbury High School, said the rehearsal schedule can be challenging with the late nights and long hours. “You play such a big part no matter how small the character.
You realize that we have such a big role. You have to give credit to everyone there because everyone is doing such a great job.” Rushforth, a Grade 10 student at A.Y. Jackson Secondary School, said the amount of work that goes into a production is incredible to witness. “Seeing what actually happens behind the NAC – it’s amazing what goes on getting the productions ready,” she said. “It’s just incredible.” Eleven-year-old Molly Drinnan agreed. “I never knew what it was like putting on a show so big. Everything is so exciting with all the performers, make up and hair and costumes. The whole thing is so exciting.” Drinnan, who has sung since she was three years old, said everyone they work with has been incredible. “I thought that Mr. Deedrick was so much fun and had a lot of good ideas and involved the kids so much,” said Drinnan, whose dream is to become an opera singer. “Mrs. Brooks our voice teacher is incredible, just so much fun. She’s very good with kids. I like her a lot, she’s fantastic.” Before taking to the stage, the chorus warms up for 15 minutes with breathing exercises, scales and practicing the songs. “I actually like the whole point of going up on stage and showing off that kids can have a really strong singing voice,” said Santini. “Just as kids we have our own little story going on.” FUTURE ROLES Santini said she has enjoyed the experience so much she is thinking of auditioning for another role next year.
SUBMITTED PHOTO
Phoebe Santini, children’s chorus music director Sara Brooks, Julia Loiselle and Sara Rushforth take part in a dress rehersal for Opera Lyra Ottawa’s performance of Turandot.
“I do really like this kind of opera genre, it’s really fun,” she said. “I’m thinking of auditioning next year. I think I’m going to keep going with this (genre) for a bit and then try different ones along the way.” Rushforth said she also hopes to continue with opera. “I’ve always liked opera since I
was a little kid and I’d really like to continue it. It’s been a really amazing experience and I hope to have many opportunities like it.” The children’s choir performs along side acclaimed Canadian tenor Richard Margison and New York soprano Lori Phillips. “I’ve learned so much just through watching the big stars,”
said Rushforth. “It’s such an honour to perform with such big stars.” Other area children performing in the choir are Julia Loiselle and Matteo Belloni. Turandot is playing at the National Arts Centre from Sept. 11 to 18. For more information, visit jessica.cunha@metroland.com
406779
Kanata Kourier-Standard - SEPTEMBER 16, 2010
Arts
e-mail news@yourkanata.com