Tea & Tiaras, hosted by Breakfast Television Toronto’s Jennifer Valentyne, brought out hundreds to enjoy high tea and support the children’s organization.

TORONTO, ON (November 5, 2014) -  Fascinators, lace gloves and high fashion filled the Royal York Hotel’s concert hall as hundreds gathered to enjoy an afternoon of high tea in support of Starlight Children’s Foundation Canada’s first annual Tea & Tiaras, presented by Bloom Lanys. Coupled with delicious gourmet snacks and an exclusive fashion show from RW&CO., the November 2, 2014 event was a decadent afternoon hosted by Breakfast Television Toronto’s Jennifer Valentyne.

As guests arrived at 1:00 p.m., they were treated to a specialty cocktail while exploring the event’s many offerings including a silent auction, flower market by Anne & Co., jewellery bar by lia sophia and hand made fine millinery by David Dunkley. Once seated, attendees were treated to traditional high tea service, complimented with gourmet treats from celebrity chef Collin Thornton, along with performances by Antonella Cavallaro & Starlight child Emily Hurd.

Celebrity guests included event host Jennifer Valentyne, Love It Or List It’s Hilary Farr, celebrity chef Anna Olson, television personality Karl Lohnes, Canadian Opera Company’s Simone Osborne and Charlotte Burrage, actress Sheila McCarthy, National Ballet of Canada’s Greta Hodgkinson and Jillian Vanstone, JUNO nominated musician Alysha Brilla, television personality Anne Mroczkowski and Sportsnet Central’s Jackie Redmond.

“Tea & Tiaras was a wonderful event that allowed our many Starlight supporters a chance to enjoy an afternoon of decadence while supporting our foundation’s many important programs that brighten the lives of seriously ill children and their families across Canada,” said Starlight Canada’s VP, Special Events, Jeannie O’Regan. “One of the most rewarding parts of hosting events such as Tea & Tiaras, is the ability to involve Starlight children like Emily, who treated guests to a beautiful vocal performance, and Kayla, who modelled in the afternoon’s fashion show.”

The money raised from Tea & Tiaras will go towards funding Starlight’s in and out-of-hospital programming, which includes fun kits (essentials for unexpected hospital stays), hospital grants (funds for hospitals across the country to use on what kids need most), Fun Centres (portable stations equipped with a dvd player, Nintendo Wii, games and movies) and Day Brighteners (tickets to sports games, concerts and more).

For more information, photos or interview requests, please contact:

Cory Stewart | Embrace Disruption PR

p: 647.638.1586 | e: cory@embracedisruption.com

About Starlight Children’s Foundation Canada:

Starlight Children’s Foundation™ Canada is part of Starlight’s global network, serving kids and families through partnerships with more than 130 healthcare facilities. Over the past 30 years, Starlight has become a leading global charity that partners with experts to improve the life and health of kids and families around the world. Collaborating with innovators in pediatric healthcare, entertainment and technology, Starlight provides a unique blend of family-centered programs and services from hospital to home. Starlight partners with more than 1,750 healthcare facilities and pediatric hospitals in Australia, Canada, Israel, New Zealand, the United Kingdom and the United States, serving millions of children every year.

Website: http://starlightcanada.org

Twitter: @StarlightCanada         #StarlightMatters

Facebook: http://facebook.com/starlightcanada

About Bloom & Lanys:

Bloom Lanys Professional Corporation is a real estate boutique law firm providing business-driven service to its clients in a wide range of real estate transactions. For more than 25 years, BLPC has been advising on real estate acquisitions, dispositions, and financings, and we are proud to say we have been a supporter of the excellent work of Starlight Children’s Foundation Canada for many years. For more information, please call 416-486-9913 or email reception@bloom-lanys.com.

About Speakers’ Spotlight:

Speakers’ Spotlight represents the world’s most extraordinary speakers, leading thinkers and inspiring individuals.  Clients represent a cross-section of leading corporations, associations, government agencies, health care organizations, universities and colleges. Speakers’ Spotlight has arranged training programs, celebrity campaigns, digital content and more than 20,000 speaking engagements in over 30 countries.  www.speakers.ca

About RW&CO., A Division of Reitmans Canada: 

RW&CO. is committed to offering accessible ‘Polished Cool’ city wear to men and women who take pride in looking sharp on all occasions. With curated collections of well-crafted pieces featuring a strong attention to detail, the company is dedicated to style, fit and fashion. RW&CO. also prides itself in providing every customer with an enjoyable shopping experience, tailored to perfectly fit his or her lifestyle. The company operates just under 80 retail stores across Canada and offers online shopping at rw-co.com.

This week, we’d like to introduce you to the incredibly talented rising star of the Canadian Opera Company ensemble, Charlotte Burrage!

What’s your official job title and where did you go to school?

I am an Opera singer, specifically a Mezzo- soprano (FYI a mezzo-soprano is lower than a soprano.) I am one of the newest Ensemble members of the Canadian Opera Company.  I have been studying music since I was 8 years old, participating in private piano, voice and theory lessons, as well as several professional choirs. I went to the University of Toronto for 6 years completing an Opera Undergrad and a Masters in Voice Performance. I continued at the University of British Columbia and got a Diploma in Opera.  Even with 8 years of University   some of my best education happened with a glass of wine and a great recording or watching a life changing performance.

Describe yourself in a nutshell (or sea shell, or any shell for that matter).

I am a classical singer who loves languages, philosophy, travelling and Sons of Anarchy.  I think Opera is alive and learning to thrive in a new habitat. I am thrilled by edgy new companies that are bringing opera into the 21^st century but I feel like if people just took the time to understand Opera, they would realize they can already relate.  I feel the same way about sports as most people feel about music. I like sports that offer instant gratification, like basketball but please don’t make me watch soccer (I don’t understand the different plays and strategies of the sport so I get bored watching them run back and forth even if they are incredibly sexy looking).   I am passionate about people following their passions and consider myself an advocate for Opera in my everyday life.  I love cooking and hosting dinner parties. Wine and cheese nights with my girlfriends is a favorite past time. I love any water related sport, specifically rowing. I enjoy reading and I am a frequent visitor of the Art Gallery of Ontario. Breakfast is my favorite meal and I love eating it for dinner. That is me in a nutshell.

Why did you pursue what you’re doing now? What was the inspiration?

I have been studying classical music most of my life. I don’t know if I have always loved it or if I grew to love it but once I understood why I was spending so many hours practicing I couldn’t imagine spending that much time doing anything else.  Most of our lives are spent working or thinking about work and I cannot imagine caring about something more than opera.

What is the best part of your day-to-day?
 
The best part of my day is that I get to do what I love. I never wish time away and I am always surrounded by people with passion. Every day is different and I always feel challenged.  I recently did 40 shows of Cosi fan tutte by Mozart and I never got sick of it. When the overture starts every performance is exciting, you never know what is going to happen on stage because there are so many elements and variables in constant motion.  As magical and mysterious as the stage is, the process of preparing a show is the real reward. There are many things to consider when tackling a new opera that include both musical and non-musical component s; language and libretto (usually Italian, French, German or English), which are often associated with an era, a country and its history and politics, which usually effects the musical nuances, style and orchestration. Keeping all of that in mind you must also grasp the composer’s interpretation of the poet’s text, the conductor’s interpretation of the composer’s music and the director’s overall vision that he creates through sets, lighting and costumes.  After all of that, you still need to apply good vocal technique (operas are long; if you sing poorly you will never make it to the end of the show, let alone a run), musicality, and your own personal inspiration to develop your character.  Opera is a complex web of philosophy, history, exoticism, nationalism, politics, make-believe, passion, tragedy, love and anything else humans experience.  It involves dance, art, fashion, theatre, acting and all the eccentric people that go with it. How could you not LOVE it!?!?! What was the question again?

What’s the most challenging?

The most challenging part of being an opera singer is “the unknown.”  Opera singers for the most part work on a contract basis. It is impossible to see the future and there are no guarantees.  You have to travel a lot and live out of suitcase, often missing important family events and experiencing amazing moments and milestones alone. There is also the obvious stress of reviews and critics. You cannot make everyone happy; the only way you can survive is by staying true to yourself.  Oh and presumably you have vocal chords of steel and you never get sick.

If you took a look in the cliché crystal ball, what do you see for yourself?

The crystal ball shows me a two year contract with the Canadian Opera Company, wine gums, wine, cheese, and the rolling hills of the country side because those are the things I can’t live without for long. Other than that your guess is as good as mine.

How do you embrace disruption in your work and personal life? 

An opera career is one big disruption and I embrace it by loving what I do.  I live in the moment and never let my ipod stray too far from my side. You never know when you might need to tune out the world and tune into Patsy Cline (my go- to stress reliever).  Sometimes the best thing to do is check out altogether and have a “Fast and the Furious” marathon; keep doing your thing Justin Lin!

What is the most memorable moment in your career?

Singing in the COC ensemble competition in November was a surreal experience. Performing at the new Four Seasons Centre, for the best Opera Company in Canada, in front of some of the most important people in my profession was a dream come true.  It was life changing. It justified all of my hard work and validated that I have something to say, or rather to sing.  The result of the competition was a position in one of the most prestigious young artist programs in North America. I will never forget that night and how it changed the course of my future.

Do you support any initiatives or charities? 

I have been involved in several ‘Opera in School’ programs, which promote Opera to young people all over Canada.  Giving young people the opportunity to experience something new and different has been a highlight in my career.  At the end of the Opera all of the singers stay on stage and answer their questions. Music in school is absolutely necessary, whether it is classical or not.  Opera is not readily accessible in most parts of our country, so touring companies are crucial for Opera awareness.   I am an advocate for Opera and for following your dreams in the arts. I am currently getting involved with a new mentoring program at the University of Toronto. There is no right way of starting a career in the arts. I was really lucky because I have always received an abundance of support from friends and family.  As someone who has experienced the good and the bad of following your dreams I want to be there as a guide for the next generation. It can be a lonely road even when you have a support system.

Tell us what you see yourself doing at 65 years old.

When I am 65 I imagine I will have stopped singing professionally, although Judith Forst is still killing it on stage (one of the perks of being a well-trained mezzo soprano is vocal longevity).  I have always said that the organ would be my retirement hobby.  I will still be engrossed in music, attending operas and concerts as much as I can (in better seats though, I hope).  There are so many different ways of being involved in the opera world that even when my voice finally retires I will look for new opportunities like, teaching, directing, researching new music or specializing in a particular musical style.

Just for fun: if you had to pick one app in the whole APPVERSE, what would it be?

I am a “renaissance woman” so a lot of technology gets lost on me.  I am sure there are many amazing apps that I have not discovered, however, there are two that make my life significantly easier; the voice memo app (which involves the uncomfortable task of listening to myself sing but it is an amazing tool for lessons and rehearsals) and the Google Maps App with GPS because I travel a lot and I actually don’t know how people got around before the iPhone.

Be sure to watch for Charlotte hitting the COC stage later this year, and follow this rising star on Twitter.