Butterfield Young Musician of the Year Isabella Rooney is a natural performer.
“I have a natural memory for picking up words and melodies,” she tells Weekender.
“My parents recall me hearing a song for a second time and already knowing all the words and the melody. But I should mention that I see myself more as a performer… I also study piano and ballet and expect to use these skills in the future as well.”
The 12-year-old says that performing feels right and comfortable, something she was simply meant to do and that she looks forward to performing wherever and whenever she can.
European tour
This summer Isabella has been given the great accolade of an invitation to perform on tour with the Canadian Children’s Opera Company as they visit Germany, Austria and Italy. The highlight of that will undoubtedly be the choir’s participation in the Summa Cum Laude International Youth Music Festival in Vienna in July.
“Last year I went up to Toronto to perform in the [opera company’s] world premiere of The Secret World of OG and happily they invited me back to go on the European tour…I look forward to rejoining the friends I made there last year.
“I am looking forward to singing in those giant cathedrals, performing in front of lots of people and getting the chance to see Europe while doing what I love. This will be my first time in Europe and I am very excited to get to see the musical side, not just its beauty and cool buildings,” says Isabella.
Selling lemonade
In order to raise money for the trip, the talented singer has been selling lemonade from a stand and says that her friends have been helping by baking and “acting crazy on the side of the road.”
She adds that she loves to sing jazz and show tunes – spanning from the ‘30s, ‘40s and ‘50s plus 1970s rock, and all jazz.
“My favourites would be the Four Seasons, Michael Buble, Frank Sinatra, Michael Miller, Sting and many others. I don’t usually listen to current pop but I will always be open to new music.
“One day my dream job would be on Broadway or just going around doing concerts, until someday I make enough money to be a space tourist.”
What was that saying about the sky being the limit?
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