Ep 27, Artist Talks: Kalena Bovell

Kalena Bovell is a Panamanian-American conductor, poet, and advocate who has been hailed as "one of the brightest stars in classical music." In 2023, she became the first Black woman to conduct an opera in Canada, leading the world premiere of the reimagining of Scott Joplin's Treemonisha. With an extensive list of awards including the Sphinx Medal of Excellence, Bovell is a pioneer who has carved out an illustrious career that weaves her own poetry, her passion for education, and a keen focus on building community through music.

In this episode we cover:

1. "Conducting means opportunity"

2. The beauty of 'starting late' on an artistic journey

3. The lonely aspect of being a conductor (and as an artist, in general)

4. The role(s) of a conductor

5. Bovell's conducting process

6. The magic of having one's own poetry set to music by a renowned composer

Learn more about Kalena:

• Website: kalenabovell.com

• IG: @silvursmiles

• Facebook: Kalena Bovell

https://youtu.be/CkpS2PfWVkw