Sidewalk Serenades

Community Events

Safe-distance singing for Elders, Parents & Friends.

Sidewalk Serenades are returning for 2022! With the success of this program last year, we can’t wait to get back out there and spread the joy of opera. Sidewalk Serenades are short concerts provided outdoors, at safe distances, at communal seniors’ residences or long term care facilities.

Anyone can request a Serenade for loved ones living in long-term care or supported living.

WHAT’S A SIDEWALK SERENADE?

Opera Kelowna balances our investment in musical care with maintaining strict observance of safety protocols set out by the BC Ministry of Health.

We work directly with each residence we visit. Together, we plan specifically for each residence to keep a safe distance in specific outdoor locations near windows of residents’ rooms
We have a maximum of two singers in any one location: they offer short performances, and all performers are briefed on safety protocols.
In order to maintain our commitment to health and safety, we will not disclose the location of a Sidewalk Serenade before it happens; however, we will share these interactions after the fact and hope to spread the hope, joy and healing of music to our wider community.

Opera Kelowna is pleased to offer this program free of charge. We welcome support from the community to help us sustain this program in 2021, and for years to come.

Thank you to our singers who volunteer their time and talents to make Sidewalk Serenades possible.

“When our audiences needed solace and comfort the most, Opera Kelowna raised up to the challenge. They presented wonderful programs of vocal music which were accepted with gratitude by our local audience both in 2020 and 2021, when most other Canadian classical music organizations were silent.”

Natalia Polchenko

Artistic Director, Okanagan Associate of Classical Music Enthusiasts