In Kelowna's lively arts scene, Alex Thiessen is making her mark with her incredible singing and orchestral skills. Alex, a talented soprano, recently won a festival in the Shuswap for her beautiful voice, surprising even herself with her performance. "I really did enjoy it. I didn't think I did very good, but it's funny how we often surprise ourselves," she said, reflecting on her unexpected success.

Alex's musical journey began in Red Deer, Alberta, where she started playing piano at seven. Unlike her siblings, she fell in love with the instrument immediately. "I was so excited, and I loved it. I didn’t realize I was ahead of my siblings, which made me a bit mad when my teacher skipped me ahead," she laughed, recalling her early lessons.

It wasn't until she was 17, attending Opera Under the Stars, that Alex realized her passion for singing. "That performance made me want to pursue singing seriously," she explained. Her talent has flourished under the guidance of vocal coaches, including her current mentor Alexandra Babel, who praises Alex's significant growth, both vocally and personally.

Alex is also part of Candesca, a women’s vocal group that explores a mix of classical and contemporary music. This group has been a crucial part of her development, providing a supportive community where she and her fellow singers push each other towards self-improvement and self-acceptance. "It’s amazing to see how much I’ve grown just within a year," Alex shared.

Apart from her musical talents, Alex experiences synesthesia, a condition where the senses intertwine — for her, seeing colors when hearing music. "It's like pressing a purple key instead of a white or black one," she described. This unique perception enriches her musical expression, allowing her to experience and perform music in a deeply personal way.

Alex and her group, Candesca, are preparing for a once-in-a-lifetime performance at Carnegie Hall in New York. "It's going to be a challenging but exciting experience," she said, anticipating the event. Before heading to New York, Candesca will hold a local concert in Kelowna, offering a preview of their repertoire.

Alex's journey is a powerful reminder of how passion and community can elevate individual talent, making Kelowna's arts scene richer and more vibrant. For those looking to support local talent and experience the power of music, Alex's upcoming performances are not to be missed.

Join us as we continue to celebrate voices like Alex's that inspire and enrich our community. Stay tuned for more stories from "Voices Unleashed."