Music lovers in the Okanagan are in for a treat with a free public concert marking the official opening of UBC Okanagan. The Celebration Concert on September 8 will feature internationally acclaimed opera singer Judith Forst, a 2004 winner of Opera Canada's prestigious Ruby Award for outstanding achievement in opera.
In addition to Forst, the concert will present performances by the UBC Opera Ensemble and UBC Symphonic Wind Ensemble, and showcase Okanagan talent with the Penticton Academy of Music Children's Choir.
A performance by Forst is a unique opportunity for Okanagan residents to enjoy a world-class operatic performance, says Nancy Hermiston, director of the UBC Opera Ensemble and coordinator of the UBC School of Music's Voice and Opera Division. "We are thrilled that Judith Forst will be such an important part of UBC Okanagan's opening events. A singer of Ms. Forst's talent and prominence makes this a truly remarkable concert.
Forst, invested as a member of both the Order of Canada and Order of British Columbia, has performed with the world's leading opera houses, including more than 200 performances with the Metropolitan Opera Company of New York. She earned a Bachelor of Music degree from the University of British Columbia in 1964 and went on to win the Met Opera Auditions. Recognizing her contributions to opera, Forst has received honorary doctorates from the University of British Columbia and the University of Victoria.
Eilis Courtney, UBC's director of ceremonies, notes that while concert tickets are available at no charge, seating is limited and tickets must be ordered in advance from the UBC Okanagan website at www.ubc.ca/okanagan/opening.
"This is the ideal occasion for students and teachers of music, and all music lovers to experience a fabulous recital at the UBC Okanagan campus," Courtney observes. "We are looking forward to excellent performances and a great turnout to celebrate the opening of this campus. The ability to get your tickets online, at no cost, makes it very easy to be a part of this event."
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Special Note: The concert begins at 7:30 pm, September 8, in the gymnasium at UBC Okanagan's campus in north Kelowna. Tickets are free, but are available only in advance from the UBC Okanagan website.