If life is like is an Opera sing it with symphony!
Rugby lovers, who were at the Bledisloe Cup Test Matches held in Auckland in 2009 would have secretly wished that the solo performer at the beginning could have sung a few more- for that is the power of her voice.
Those planning to attend the premier of ‘The Stars in Her Eyes,’ a locally produced English film at Sky City Theatre on November 18, 2016 would see an anxious, nervous, humorous and empathetic young woman literally at cross-roads. She made you laugh as well as sympathise but in the end she was happy and so were you.
Leila Alexander, our Model of the Fortnight is many things at once, just as her character ‘Anousha’ was in ‘The Stars in Her Eyes’ (see separate review in this issue).
The best medicine
“I believe in living life to the fullest, embracing opportunities and pursuing my dreams. I love challenges and I am not afraid to laugh at myself,” she said.
A second generation Anglo-Indian, born in Auckland to a full Indian mother and European-Kiwi Father, she has imbibed the traits and discipline of both.
A degree (Bachelor) of Laws has brought her career as a lawyer at a local firm, while her current pursuit of a Bachelor degree in Music with Classical Vocal Performance as Major continues to lit her passion for the arts.
Traditional Opera
She has taken leading roles in traditional operas, such as Serpina in La Serva Padrona, and has been featured in premier New Zealand operas including Len Lye, State of Mind and Kiri Masterclass.
Earlier this year, the New Zealand Opera School selected her to participate in a televised Masterclass with Dame Kiri Te Kanawa.
A regular competitor in Operatic events, she won the South Auckland Performing Arts Operatic Aria and Recital. This year, she was the Runner-Up at the prestigious Beacroft Aria Final on the North Shore.
She is the Coordinator of ‘Young Friends of the New Zealand Opera,’ which encourages people under 30 to evince interest in the art.
As well as singing, her 17-year training as a multi-disciplinary dancer, has helped her gain proficiency in tap, jazz and ballet with various dance academies.
-Venkat Raman
If you wish to be featured as our ‘Model of the Fortnight,’ please write to editor@indiannewslink.co.nz
