• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to footer
United Active Living

United Active Living

United Active Living Communities for independent living

  • Home
  • Care Options
    • Independent living
    • Assisted living
    • Memory Care
    • Alzheimer’s
    • Integrated living
  • Communities
    • Garrison Green
    • Fish Creek West
    • Fish Creek North
  • About Us
    • Our Values
    • Partnerships
  • Blog
  • Contact Us
  • Book a tour
  • 403-873-3953
  • 587-841-5134

Calgary Opera Lends its Voices to Garrison Green

November 17, 2016

“Opera is complex for those who perform it, but also for those who listen to it. It takes more time, more patience and more spirit of sacrifice. All this is well worth it because opera offers such deep sensations that they will remain in a heart for a lifetime.” – Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli

calgary-opera-and-residents-opResidents at Garrison Green were treated to an afternoon of opera thanks to seven singers from Calgary Opera’s Emerging Artists program. The seven, accompanied on the piano by their director Mel Kirby, thrilled the more than 50 residents in attendance with several arias and a group finale that brought tears to many.

“We do what we can because we love it,” explained Emerging Artist Johnathon Kirby. “If the residents can’t come to us, we come to them. We often get our best reactions from older adults because many of them have supported Calgary Opera for years. It’s important for us to be here.”

Calgary Opera is one of several arts, culture and higher learning organizations that United Active Living is partnering with. Each partnership provides opportunities for residents to experience small, intimate concerts within their communities, and to attend outside performances.

lauren-woods-calgary-opera-small-op
Soprano Lauren Woods performs an aria for residents

“Having a group like Calgary Opera come into one of our communities provides a unique opportunity for residents to hear the music they love, particularly if they aren’t able to get out as often as they would like,” said United’s music director Jill LaForty. “You can feel the power in their voices that you may not experience fully in a theatre setting. It’s really a special experience.”

Singer Anne-Marie MacIntosh said it’s important to give concerts within the community. “It’s a special moment for us and for them. It’s a good opportunity to connect with the audience in an intimate setting to see what works and to test out new repertoire.”

Calgary-Opera-johnathon-kirby-op
Emerging Artist Johnathon Kirby

To resident Mary Fenwick, the experience was emotional. “They transported me to another place. They reached right into the audience and played to us. It was just wonderful. They are so talented.”

Resident Jim Dolph said “It was an opportunity to experience something we wouldn’t normally do. They are so talented. It was a real privilege to have them here.”

Read more about United’s partnerships here.

Have a question about United Active Living’s unique approach to aging?

Contact us! We are happy to help!

Tell us what you think. Join the conversation by commenting below!

Did you like this article? Sign up for our weekly blog using the form above!

Want more great articles like these sent straight to your inbox?

Sign up for a newsletter.

Footer

logo
(403) 873-3953
Book a tour
  • facebook
  • twitter
  • Instagram
  • youtube
  • LinkedIn
  • Our Services
    • Independent living
    • Assisted living
    • Memory Care
  • Our Difference
    • United Minds
    • Commitment to Wellness
    • Integrated living
  • Health & Wellness
    • Wellness Services
    • Hospitality Services
    • Services & Amenities
  • Programs & Events
    • Partnerships
    • Education Programs
    • Arts & Culture Programs
  • About Us
    • FAQ
    • The Transition to Senior Living
  • Reaching us
    • Careers
    • Contact Us
Garrison Green (Integrated Living) 3028 Don Ethell Boulevard SW
Calgary, Alberta
T3E 0C9
 
Rentals and Leasing: (403) 917-1389 Concierge: (403) 685-7200 Fax: (403) 240-3772
Fish Creek North (Memory Care + Assisted) 51 Providence Boulevard SE
Calgary, Alberta
T2X 0X2
 
Rentals and Leasing: (587) 841-5134 Concierge: (587) 481 7907 Fax: (403) 873-3961
Fish Creek West (Independent Living) 14720 1 St SE
Calgary, Alberta
T2X 2A3
 
Rentals and Leasing: (587) 609-8167 Concierge: (587) 481 7907 Fax: (403) 873-3961

Copyright © 2023 United Active Living Website Licensed by Tastic Marketing | Marketing by Digital SeniorityTerms of ServicePrivacy Policy

Unique Assisted Living at United's Garrison Green - Calgary, AB