Quinn Bates has had an extensive and decorated career for so young a performer. At the age of 19, he has already performed in numerous productions (375 performances in the last 5 years!) and won awards. Recently he was honoured at the Kelowna Civic Awards for Teen Honour in the Arts. Quinn clearly loves what he does and continues to push himself to excel and grow at every opportunity. Next month he will be attending the Summer Opera Program at Opera Kelowna from August 4-18, which includes Parks Alive performances on Aug 8th and 9th and a production called Scene d'Opera on Aug 17th (details below). Today Quinn Bates is In Focus.
Where do you work?
Opera Kelowna
Where can people find you or your business online?
http://www.operakelowna.com/#!menu/c1d3e
What do you always find yourself saying?
"Yes". Whenever I am given an opportunity to perform, learn a new piece of music, or do something that will expand my craft, I can never say no. I always say yes.
If you could spend one whole day with anyone in the world who is currently alive, who would you select?
Andreas Scholl, who is also a countertenor. He is very successful and I am a major fan. It would be nice to know some pointers, and experiences that he has gone through to get to where he is now.
If you were to receive any existing public award, what award would you like to win?
"Male Voice - The Interation Opera Awards" of course!
If you could spend a day with any historical figure, who would you choose?
George Frideric Handel so he can coach me on his songs!
Who inspires you?
Alexandra Babbel
What are 3 things on your bucket list?
To perform at the metropolitan opera, to tour around Europe, maybe throw in Australia to the mix, and to play a countertenor role in any opera written by Handel.
If you had an enormous yacht, what would you name it?
"Timothy". That's my dad's name. He is a huge fan of boats.
If I had an enormous yacht, he would probably be the one operating it! If you could foresee a single day of your future in its entirety, what date would you select?
The day that I get to perform in my first professional opera, or oratoria in front of a lot of people.
What are you passionate about?
I am very passionate about performing. I don't want to restrict myself and say just singing, because I enjoy all kinds of performing. I love to dance, I love to sing, I love to act, I love to create. I love to do all of those things at the same time!
What has been your favourite day of your life, up to this point?
My favourite day was the first time I stepped foot in Alexandra Babbel's studio. I will never forget auditioning for her. I remember leaving school early from Constable Neil Bruce middle school to go to Kelowna with my mom, so that I could sing her this little musical theatre piece I prepared for her. It's funny because she didn't even ask me to sing her the song I prepared, instead she just had me sing some scales on the "o" vowel. Who knew that my life would have been changed after that, because I would never have thought about singing classically.
What has been your proudest accomplishment?
I have won a couple awards, including Young Artist Awards at the Civic Awards. I have had the opportunity to go to provincials on behalf of the Penticton Kiwanis Festival as well and the Kelowna Kiwanis Festival as a delegate for those two cities. However, my biggest accomplishment would have to be performing in Handel's Messiah as the alto. I have never pushed myself that hard or worked to learn any kind of music. It was the first oratorio music I have ever looked at, and I have a feeling that it won't be my last.
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?
I would like to be trapped in an elevator with someone who knows how to fix it, or make the time more bearable. Also it would be nice to be trapped in an elevator with someone who knows how to successfully manage a music career. On top of that, a director that works for a famous opera company such as the Metropolitan Opera.
Where is your favourite place to dine in Kelowna?
The patio at Earls! As does everyone else. The Kelowna view, plus some good friends of mine work there, not to mention the food!
What is your favourite activity in Kelowna?
Going on a hike up Knox Mountain!
If I could change 1 thing about Kelowna, it would be:
The amount of people that come out to support the arts. I don't think that the people of Kelowna realizes how fantastic that arts is here. Everyone needs to come out and support the arts!
What do you think makes Kelowna great?
The 4 seasons and views of the lake! All the outdoor activities and Big White in the winter!
My choice for the Kelowna In Focus spotlight is:
Opera Kelowna and this summer I well be attending the Summer Opera Program from August 4th - 18th. Our opera scenes production August 17th will be conducted by Rosemary Thompson. Special performances by Coloratura Soprano, Jamie Onwood as the ‘Queen of the Night’, Mark Wells, Mia Harris, Alexandra Babbel, an ensemble and students registered in professional University programs from across Canada who are in Kelowna participating in our Summer Opera Program. We will also be performing at Parks Alive in Kelowna (Aug 8th) and in West Kelowna (Aug 9th).
Some general comments I would like to share are:
Come see us perform in the Opera Kelowna production Scene d'Opera - A Summer of Love August 17th at the Rotary Centre for the Arts. Enjoy a summer evening with your loved one as you delight in some of Mozart’s most famous operas; The Magic Flute, Cosi Fan Tutte and The Marriage of Figaro, along with beautiful arias as well as the Flower Duet, Belle Nuit and the Strauss Rosenkavalier Trio. All scenes are performed in full costume, with beautiful sets and an orchestra, this evening will truly be a musical feast for the senses. One performance only, get your tickets early!
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