Music has been an integral part of Sonja’s life since childhood. Growing up with a music historian and a classically trained soprano as parents exposed her to a great deal of classical repertoire. Sonja spent much of her youth singing in choirs and playing the violin. In her late teens, she was presented with the opportunity to audition for the world reknowned Interlochen Arts Academy in Interlochen, Michigan. She decided to audition for the voice department, where room was available for one more student.
Sonja graduated from Interlochen with flying colours and returned home to Canada to continue studying voice at the Don Wright Faculty of Music at The University of Western Ontario. As part of her studies at UWO, Sonja performed in several operas to gain more experience on the stage. She also took up the position of soprano soloist at First St. Andrew’s United Church, which is widely recognized for its fine music program.
Simultaneously, a close friend encouraged her to try Jazz. Her initiation into the Jazz world was a New Year’s Eve gig at a local restaurant. That night proved to be a trial by fire as Sonja spent the evening entertaining the crowd with Jazz standards she’d only just learned (and more than a few which she had to sight-read!). Finding it to be an exhilirating experience, Sonja continued to work on expanding her jazz repertoire and finding a vocal technique that lent itself better to jazz than opera.
Following graduation, Sonja found herself performing more and more Jazz at local restaurants, clubs and private functions. She also worked full-time as a waitress, performing for enthusiastic crowds on nights and weekends. She collaborated with many of London’s very talented Jazz musicians, learning the skills of jazz musicianship as she went. Their mentoring of her singing paid off and in 2005, Sonja was recognized with a London Music Award for Most Popular Jazz Performer.
It was at this time that a life-changing opportunity arose. At the prompting of her mother, she sent an audition CD to the producers of a new television reality/documentary series entitled Bathroom Divas. Chosen from hundreds of CDs to come and audition live, she earned a spot on the show as one of six finalists that would attend a three week Opera ‘Boot Camp’ in Toronto. Having gone six years without any voice lessons, this was the ultimate opportunity for Sonja to receive not only training, but invaluable feedback from some of Canada’s top operatic performers and trainers. The experience was incredibly valuable and renewed her interest in the classical and operatic repertoire, as well as her confidence in her operatic capabilities.
After three weeks of boot camp and a second-place finish, Sonja decided to continue the process of musical growth by returning to her classical music studies at UWO, where she obtained the degree of Master of Music under the tutelage of Mary Lou Fallis, one of the instructors and producers of Bathroom Divas. During her studies Sonja kept a busy performing schedule, which included roles in several operatic productions with UWOpera and Orchestra London. She also released her self-produced debut jazz CD, which has been met with great enthusiasm from her fans and the arts community in London and the surrounding area and led to an invitation to perform at London’s highly successful summer music festival, Sunfest in 2008. Sonja was the only local performer to take the stage in the festival’s jazz village, performing two shows for enthusiastic crowds.
On the classical side of things, Sonja was pleased to be a featured soloist with Orchestra London, the Victoria Symphony and the Vancouver Island Symphony in a Christmas Pops show written and arranged for her and conducted by fellow Jazz musician and UWO grad, Jeff Christmas. Hence, she has become a regular guest performer in the Orchestra London Pops series.
Desiring to create more opportunities for herself and other UWO music grads in the London area, she formed her own production company, Diva Lounge Productions, which is busy developing several original works in collaboration with local London composers. In addition to these many accomplishments, Sonja was also honoured to win several awards, scholarships and competitions for both her jazz and classical performing.
Whether crooning jazz standards with her band, singing with the symphony or performing on the operatic stage, Sonja’s passion for music is evident in her presence and attitude. It is this passion coupled with her consummate musicianship, sparkling voice and versatility that make her a performer to remember and enjoy!
The London Chamber of Commerce and Principal Sponsor Lerners, are pleased to present the London City of Music Expo. The featured musical act will be an acoustic performance by Cowboy Junkies, featuring Margo Timmins, Michael Timmins, and Jeff Bird. With musical performances, a small tradeshow, and a keynote/seminar, this is marketed to attract a broad spectrum of Londoners both within and from outside of the music industry.
Cowboy Junkies – 9:30 PM
Additional artists to be announced soon
For more information, visit www.londoncityofmusicexpo.ca
In collaboration with playwright and host Adam Corrigan-Holowitz, a humorous Stuart McLean-style exposé and celebration of our Old South London neighbourhood. Featuring vocalist Denise Pelley, pianist Stephen Holowitz, and music by local composers.
Do it for Her is a one-day fundraiser, created in honour of my late mother Karen Kloibhfer, which embodies her motto, “any act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted.” All donations are collected and divided between the two charities, and donors receive a tax receipt from either the London Health Sciences Foundation or the London Abused Women’s Centre at a later date. This year, Do it for Her has a new date, bigger location, more vendors, and EVEN MORE PLANTS!!! And shhh…there’s going to be massages, food, popcorn, face painting, and so much more! Thank you to our sponsors, Urban Green. For more details, please visit https://www.stefkloibhofer.com/do-it-for-her-botanical-and-artisan-expo
6 London art galleries are set to participate in the upcoming Canadian Art Hop between April 26 – 28, 2024. Organized by the Art Dealers Association of Canada, the Art Hop includes over 85 Canadian art galleries from Vancouver to Halifax and is devoted to the discovery, celebration and love of Canadian art and art galleries.
Commencing Friday, April 26 to Sunday, April 28, 2024, this inaugural event promises to captivate art enthusiasts with an array of art centered programming, special exhibits, and events.
In London, Forest City Gallery, Good Sport, McIntosh Gallery, Michael Gibson Gallery, Museum London, and the TAP Centre for Creativity have joined together for a weekend full of talks, exhibitions, openings, tours, and workshops.
Join us for the following free events in London over the weekend:
Friday, April 26:
Museum London, Exhibition Tour with Andrew Kear for – UPwithART | 12 PM - 1 PM
Forest City Gallery, Artist’s Tour with Gina D’Aloisio for PACKED-IN | 6 PM - 7:30 PM
TAP Centre for Creativity, Zine Expo in conjunction with Ting Zine Expo | 6 PM - 9 PM
Saturday, April 27:
Good Sport, Studio Tour | 11 AM - 5 PM
McIntosh Gallery, Matt Bahen & Matthew Ryan Smith in Conversation | 1 PM - 2 PM
Michael Gibson Gallery, Opening Reception with Etienne Zack | 2 PM - 4 PM & Artist Talk @ 3:30 PM
TAP Centre for Creativity, Intertwining Love and Politics in WWII with Prof Martin Horak | 2 PM
Sunday, April 28:
Good Sport, Studio Tour | 11 AM - 5 PM
Forest City Gallery, Hindsight: Collage Workshop Celebrating 50 years of FCG | 1 PM - 4 PM
Museum London, Docent Led Exhibition Tours | 2 PM - 3 PM
Participating Galleries & Exhibitions on View:
Forest City Gallery
Gina D’Aloisio “Packed In” & FCG’s Member’s Exhibition “See You There”
Open Thursday 12 PM - 7 PM & Friday, Saturday 12 PM - 5 PM
Good Sport
Studio Tour and Artist Meet and Greet
Open Saturday & Sunday 11 AM - 5 PM
McIntosh Gallery
Matt Bahen “Coming Down the Mountain” & The Coves Collection
Open Thursday, Friday 11 AM - 5 PM and Saturday 12-5pm
Michael Gibson Gallery
Etienne Zack “Mind Pictures”
Open Thursday, Friday & Saturday from 11 AM - 5 PM
Museum London
UpwithArt Fundraiser Exhibition, Camille Turner & Camal Pirbhai: The New Brunswick 5, MEDIAH: Spectral Vane, Shari Hatt: Screen Tests (After Warhol), Taking the Long View
Open Thursday 11 AM - 8 PM, Friday, Saturday & Sunday 11 AM - 5 PM
TAP Centre for Creativity
Ting Comic and Graphic Arts Festival Exhibition
Open Thursday, Friday & Saturday from 12 PM - 5 PM
Google Map Link: https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/1/viewer?mid=1g-J0SXOrSHo1cj7_KXKpAsOO1a7u_h8&ll=42.99574542893578%2C-81.23571557921633&z=12
May's Horror At The Hyland Presents The CROW Playing May 10th At 9:30 PM! The night before his wedding, musician Eric Draven (Brandon Lee) and his fiancée are brutally murdered by members of a violent inner-city gang. On the anniversary of their death, Eric rises from the grave and assumes the gothic mantle of the Crow, a supernatural avenger. Tracking down the thugs responsible for the crimes and mercilessly murdering them, Eric eventually confronts head gangster Top Dollar (Michael Wincott) to complete his macabre mission.
The Go Wild Grow Wild Green Expo returns to the Western Fair District Agriplex with a re-imagined, inclusive vision that will inspire and engage you.
Explore the vibrant activities and ecological solutions making a difference in southern Ontario and celebrate the hope we have in the land!
ALL AGES EVENT!
Get your early bird tickets now at caroliniancanada.ca/expo/tickets
Come spend your day connecting with ecotourism adventures, learning how to protect native wildlife, adding to your native plant gardening skills, experiencing wildlife shows, learning Indigenous Stories of this land and MORE!
Photo credit: Brian Mestagh Photography
London’s food scene is growing rapidly, and our food trucks are no exception. We’ve compiled a list with a few of our local favourites to make your hunt for great food on the go a little easier.
La Casa celebrates its Italian roots by offering traditional home-style fare such as risotto, ravioli, lasagne, angel hair pasta, pizza, veal, lamb and calamari. The menus emphasize the classics of Italian cuisine and the authenticity that comes from family recipes handed down through generations.
Marienbad Restaurant has brought a sophisticated European flair to the city since 1974. This is fine dining, in a casual atmosphere. Next door, Chaucer’s Pub features one of London’s strongest craft beer and import selections.
Experience a world of luxury like never before. At Nash Jewellers their goal is to deliver the best jewellery experience possible for customers. Offering an extensive array of jewellery including engagement rings, watches, and beautifully designed wedding bands.
Excitement for everyone! With over 750 slot machines, you’ll find video, stepper, keno, poker machines and the newest slots plus the favourites you know and love. The Getaway Restaurant also has an array of dining and drinking options for your enjoyment.
A not-for-profit, Agricultural Society that is a leading destination for year-round dining, agriculture, entertainment, commercial, sports and recreation, anchored by signature events, the annual Western Fair
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