ASPIRE
The Central Okanagan Performing Arts Festival is proud to present ASPIRE: Gala & Reception, a showcase of Dance, Music, and Voice that highlights the aspirational journey for performing artists in our region. Experience the joy of achievement with participants from the festival performing in the first half of the show, and local professional performing artists in the second half, demonstrating what our youth can ASPIRE to become!
Join us in welcoming this year’s Celebrity MC, the Honourable Loyal Wooldridge, to host the evening’s order of events which includes performances from local dance troupe Hype Dance, International Violinist Sophie Armstrong, and local choir Okanagan Festival Singers.
Key Details:
Date: Friday May 10th, 2024
Time: 5:00pm – 8:30pm
Location: Mary Irwin Theatre | Rotary Centre For the Arts
Ticket Price: $25 – Children under 5 free
Secure your ticket’s at https://rotarycentreforthearts.com/events/event/180202/
Professional Performances:
Hosted by the Honourable Loyal Wooldridge, Kelowna City Councillor
Sophie Armstrong, Award winning Violinist & Composer
Award Winning Violinist, Composer and World traveler Sophie Armstrong is a UK born, Australian raised musician, has shared her story through her global music style in over 40 cities internationally. Described by the Daily Telegraph Australia as “Inimitable” and “Refreshing”, Sophie inspires and intrigues audiences as she takes them on a journey with her global music sound. After graduating from Sydney Conservatorium with a music performance degree, Sophie experimented in multiple genres and toured with platinum selling artists before finding her own sound. Sophie founded and directed Every Woman Foundation for ten years, which was listed as one of Canada’s top 100 Women’s Organizations. Sophie is a Global Television Women of Vision Winner, Women of Inspiration Arts & Cultural Award Winner and is currently preparing to release a children’s book about self expression and music. Sophie Armstrong Entertainment Inc provides corporate entertainment, career management, public relations services and media training.
Graham Vink, Teacher , Music Community Leader, & COPAF President
Graham Vink was born and raised in Kelowna, B.C., where he began playing the piano at the age of 3. He holds Bachelors and Masters Degrees in Piano Performance from the Universities of Calgary and Toronto, where he frequently performed as a soloist and collaborator. Summer studies with The Mountain View International Festival provided further opportunities to work with singers and professional chamber musicians. Graham is a busy performer with soloists, choirs, and chamber groups alike; he can be heard performing locally and regionally with Amici, Candesca, M.A.S.K, the OSO, and Upstage to name a few. He also keeps a busy private studio of students.
Hype Dance, Professional Dance Troupe
Hype Dance is a drop-in dance studio for adults in Kelowna. Making dance accessible and affordable for all. From absolute beginners to advanced, our goal is to have a safe, inclusive space for everyone to be able to do what they love. Our drop in classes allow for a more flexible schedule without any commitment, however, we do also offer 6 week courses focused on development and also 12 week programs that work towards a showcase. We pride ourselves on the quality of our classes and our instructors. We are so grateful to have such an amazing community that is ever growing and endlessly supportive.
Okanagan Festival Singers, Professional Choir
Okanagan Festival Singers is an auditioned group of singers lead by Tami Harker, Artistic Director. In our performing year from September to April, we rehearse and present two main concerts – one at Christmas and one in the spring. OFS also offers special performances, choral development and musical programs, with the aim of mentoring and encouraging singers in our community. OFS’s Mission is to provide opportunities in Kelowna and the Okanagan Valley for the performance, appreciation and enjoyment of choral music. We will promote, organize and encourage choral music through performance of choral works and in the presentation of choral concerts, bringing the experience of great choral music to the Okanagan.
Event Schedule:
5:00pm – Doors
Enjoy performing arts vendors, photo booth, cash bar & light refreshments, and pianist!
6:00pm – Show begins
Festival Highlights in Dance, Music, and Voice
7:00 – Intermission
7:15 – Scholarships & Medals Announced
7:30pm – Headline performance
Professional performances in Dance, Music, and Voice
Hype Dance – Professional Dance Troupe
Sophie Armstrong – Award winning Violinist & Composer
*accompanied by Graham Vink
Okanagan Festival Singers – Professional Choir
8:30pm – Show concludes
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We look forward to seeing you at this year’s ASPIRE: Gala & Reception, an evening dedicated to celebrating the variety and excellence of our region’s performing arts community.
To further inquire about this event, please visit COPAFestival.com/contact
