I'm Going to Sing Opera in France!!
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Ever been given the chance to "Go Back in Time?"
Well, that's what's happened to me...
I am 37 years old, and blessed to be the wife of THE most Godly man I know. I have the two most BEAUTIFUL, Divinely blessed daughters ever. I am lucky enough to be the Music Teacher at Shaw Elementary, home of the Shining Stars for the last six years. What a joy to teach young people about the wonderful world of music!! I am also privileged to lead worship for the thriving, living body of Christ at Victory Church.
I have an AMAZING life.
Before elementary life, I was a classically trained singer. I was fortunate to work with some the BEST musicians in the state of Arkansas. I graduated with Honors in Vocal Performance from the University of Arkansas. I sang in Schola Cantorum, the elite choral ensemble at the U of A, for many years, and was a guest solo performer for the other choirs there multiple times. I had the distinct privilege of playing Zia Principessa in Puccini's opera Suor Angelica, along with some of the most talented women I know. I studied under the best teacher, who inspired me to be more. I sang some of the most AMAZING music, written by the world's most brilliant composers. After graduation, I felt the pull to teach, so I walked away from the performing life.
But my heart misses the music! So...the first of this year, I started training again with my teacher, looking to put my toe in the classical world again. My intent was to see what kind of local performances I could find to make music with again...
But God's plans are always bigger than our own...
A week ago, I received an email saying there was an opening in a FAVA (Franco American Vocal Academy) role, they were looking for a mezzo. I'm older than the required age limit, by ALOT, and the deadline had already passed. I ignored it, but couldn't get it out of my heart. I thought "Why not? They can always say no..." so I scrambled some stuff together and sent it in.
But right away, they said YES! And offered me an increased scholarship!
They asked me to play the role of "Mastrilla" in the upcoming production of Offenbach's "Perichole." I'll be performing in Perigeux, France, after 6 weeks of training and work. I'll be performing a minimum of two performances, plus participation in two recitals and concerts. I'll go through the curriculum, including French language, voice lessons, master classes, role preparation, career building sessions, and dance/movement classes.
What FUN!! And what work!
And what an example I can set for my own children, as well as the Stars I teach, that they can pursue their dreams, no matter time or circumstance?!
SOOOO...I'll be leaving my family for 6 weeks (ohmigosh!) to fly to France and begin an amazing adventure.
And it's an EXPENSIVE adventure. Even with the scholarship, I still have to pay for room/board and flight. The $5800 will cover both of those for all 6 weeks. So that's what I'm praying for! It's not shopping money, (however I'm praying for that too! :P ) but it will enable me to enjoy this experience without the stress of finances on my family.
Would you prayerfully consider helping?
While I might feel like I'm "Going Back in Time:" really, I'm just preparing to watch God open up my future! I would be so grateful if you'd be a part of that.
PRAY for me! Let's see what God does!
All my love,
Kaci
I am 37 years old, and blessed to be the wife of THE most Godly man I know. I have the two most BEAUTIFUL, Divinely blessed daughters ever. I am lucky enough to be the Music Teacher at Shaw Elementary, home of the Shining Stars for the last six years. What a joy to teach young people about the wonderful world of music!! I am also privileged to lead worship for the thriving, living body of Christ at Victory Church.
I have an AMAZING life.
Before elementary life, I was a classically trained singer. I was fortunate to work with some the BEST musicians in the state of Arkansas. I graduated with Honors in Vocal Performance from the University of Arkansas. I sang in Schola Cantorum, the elite choral ensemble at the U of A, for many years, and was a guest solo performer for the other choirs there multiple times. I had the distinct privilege of playing Zia Principessa in Puccini's opera Suor Angelica, along with some of the most talented women I know. I studied under the best teacher, who inspired me to be more. I sang some of the most AMAZING music, written by the world's most brilliant composers. After graduation, I felt the pull to teach, so I walked away from the performing life.
But my heart misses the music! So...the first of this year, I started training again with my teacher, looking to put my toe in the classical world again. My intent was to see what kind of local performances I could find to make music with again...
But God's plans are always bigger than our own...
A week ago, I received an email saying there was an opening in a FAVA (Franco American Vocal Academy) role, they were looking for a mezzo. I'm older than the required age limit, by ALOT, and the deadline had already passed. I ignored it, but couldn't get it out of my heart. I thought "Why not? They can always say no..." so I scrambled some stuff together and sent it in.
But right away, they said YES! And offered me an increased scholarship!
They asked me to play the role of "Mastrilla" in the upcoming production of Offenbach's "Perichole." I'll be performing in Perigeux, France, after 6 weeks of training and work. I'll be performing a minimum of two performances, plus participation in two recitals and concerts. I'll go through the curriculum, including French language, voice lessons, master classes, role preparation, career building sessions, and dance/movement classes.
What FUN!! And what work!
And what an example I can set for my own children, as well as the Stars I teach, that they can pursue their dreams, no matter time or circumstance?!
SOOOO...I'll be leaving my family for 6 weeks (ohmigosh!) to fly to France and begin an amazing adventure.
And it's an EXPENSIVE adventure. Even with the scholarship, I still have to pay for room/board and flight. The $5800 will cover both of those for all 6 weeks. So that's what I'm praying for! It's not shopping money, (however I'm praying for that too! :P ) but it will enable me to enjoy this experience without the stress of finances on my family.
Would you prayerfully consider helping?
While I might feel like I'm "Going Back in Time:" really, I'm just preparing to watch God open up my future! I would be so grateful if you'd be a part of that.
PRAY for me! Let's see what God does!
All my love,
Kaci
Organiser
Kaci Berry
Organiser
Springdale, AR
