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Meet the 10-year-old B.C. opera singer taking the arts world by storm
Meet the 10-year-old B.C. opera singer taking the arts world by storm

Global News

time08-07-2025

  • Entertainment
  • Global News

Meet the 10-year-old B.C. opera singer taking the arts world by storm

Jake Apricity Hetherington is only 10 years old, but there's nothing little about her voice — or her ambitions. The young, classically trained singer is taking the performing arts world by storm and has already stacked up an impressive resume. That includes singing the national anthem to kick off Vancouver Canadians and Vancouver Whitecaps games earlier this year. 'I don't have stage fright, I never have, and I like performing in front of crowds, so I wasn't really that nervous, but I was a bit just because I had never performed for that many people,' she said of her anthem performance in front of a crowd of 20,000 at BC Place last month. 'I felt happy, overwhelmed, so nervous. I felt like every emotion at the exact same time.' 2:06 Global BC Arts & Culture Scene: 65 years of Vancouver Opera Despite her young age, Hetherington already has plenty of experience: her debut performance came in a production at her grandmother's church at just two years old, when she played a shepherd. Story continues below advertisement Her mother, Melissa Mercier, told Global News her daughter started singing before she even started talking. 'She announced to mom and dad that she was going to be an opera singer at three years old, which we didn't quite take seriously at first, but she started singing it, so we got her a vocal coach,' she said. 'And she never stopped being interested. She's never stopped loving it. And she loves it even more than before. And now she's learning German and Italian. Sure, why not?' Mercier said there are plenty of singers on Hetherington's paternal side of the family, and that performance might just be in her DNA. But she said it's her daughter's work ethic, being willing to 'do whatever it takes,' that has underpinned her successes. Get breaking National news For news impacting Canada and around the world, sign up for breaking news alerts delivered directly to you when they happen. Sign up for breaking National newsletter Sign Up By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy At age seven, Hetherington handled her first lead role in an operatic performance of Amahl and the Night. Opera, Hetherington said, is an experience like no other. 'It's just the feeling that it gives me, it just feels so inspirational and so beautiful to me because you only have one shot and there's no microphone so you have to sing your entire heart out and I think that feeling is just one of the best feelings in the world,' she said. Story continues below advertisement Mercier said it was this production that made it clear her daughter was a true performer. 2:16 This is BC: Vancouver woman uses latest technology to create opera 'I guess I was nervous because we didn't know. Can she? Can she not? We knew she could sing, but that's different to be on stage for 95 minutes. And she just nailed it. And I think since that moment, nervousness went away. I'm not nervous. I know she's got this.' Hetherington recently made history as the youngest performer to ever star in the titular role of The Little Prince with the Pacific Opera Victoria. When the show premiered, she was only nine years old. 'It makes me feel really proud that I actually accomplished that, and it makes me feel a bit overwhelmed. Like, at first, when I realized that, I was like, 'Oh my God, I did that!'' Story continues below advertisement 'I learned that (being) in a gigantic role is really hard, but also not that hard at the same time. It was kind of just the perfect mix, so I learned that even if it seems like the biggest thing in the entire world, sometimes if you just really focus on it, it's not that big.' On top of the singing, Hetherington has also landed screen credits with a recurring role in the Netflix series Virgin River. While Hetherington's exploits on stage might set her apart from other kids her age, offstage, she's a lot like other B.C. girls her age. She enjoys having sleepovers with her friends, fashion and working on art and science projects. 'Like the ones where you mix a bunch of things and it foams,' she said. 'I love those things. I love foam, that's one of my favourite things in the world.' 1:07 Inaugural Opera in the Park at Burnaby's Deer Lake The little singer has big plans for the future. Story continues below advertisement When she's old enough, she hopes to play the Queen of the Night in The Magic Flute. The queen's aria, she said, is what inspired her as a three-year-old to want to become an opera singer. 'I was like, 'Mom, Dad, I'm going to be an opera singer. I have to do this.' And I haven't changed my mind. I'm not going to.' She also has advice for other young artists who might be hesitant about getting up onstage. 'If they have stage fright, it's always better to try and maybe not do that good,' she said. 'It's better to just try and see that, 'Oh, maybe this isn't right for me,' instead of not trying and then missing out on a super great opportunity, whether you're scared or not, and whether it seems like a gigantic thing or not.'

Globally acclaimed DJ Francis Mercier to debut in India with 3-city tour
Globally acclaimed DJ Francis Mercier to debut in India with 3-city tour

Hans India

time27-06-2025

  • Entertainment
  • Hans India

Globally acclaimed DJ Francis Mercier to debut in India with 3-city tour

Renowned Haitian DJ and music producer Francis Mercier is all set to make his India debut this October with a three-city tour, bringing his celebrated Ibiza residency "Soley" to Indian audiences. Known for his soulful, cross-cultural house music and dynamic live performances, Mercier will perform in Mumbai on October 10, Delhi-NCR on October 11, and Kolkata on October 12, 2025. Marking a major milestone for Indian EDM fans, this tour will offer an immersive musical experience, blending African rhythms, Levantine sounds, and Caribbean vibes—hallmarks of the Soley concept. Meaning "sun" in Haitian Creole, Soley is more than just a party—it's a celebration of inclusion, cultural fusion, and rhythmic heritage, uniting global audiences through music. With over 100 million cumulative streams and appearances at iconic venues and festivals such as Coachella, EDC Vegas, and stages in Ibiza, Paris, London, New York, Marrakech, and more, Francis Mercier is at the forefront of a global house music movement. His unique sound and infectious energy have earned him a devoted following worldwide. Ticket pre-sales for the India tour begin on June 26, 2025, followed by general sales starting June 27 on BookMyShow. Karan Singh, CEO of Sunburn, said, 'Bringing Francis Mercier's Soley to India is a proud moment. His ability to blend global sounds into a unified, unforgettable dance floor experience makes this one of our most anticipated showcases yet.' With this debut, Francis Mercier is set to captivate Indian audiences and expand the reach of Soley, promising three nights of rhythm, unity, and unforgettable energy.

Sunburn brings DJ Francis Mercier to India for 3-city tour in October 2025
Sunburn brings DJ Francis Mercier to India for 3-city tour in October 2025

The Hindu

time25-06-2025

  • Entertainment
  • The Hindu

Sunburn brings DJ Francis Mercier to India for 3-city tour in October 2025

Sunburn has confirmed that internationally known Haitian DJ and producer Francis Mercier will tour India this October as part of a three-city schedule. The shows mark Mercier's debut in the country and will include performances in Mumbai on October 10, Delhi-NCR on October 11, and Kolkata on October 12, 2025. The tour will feature Mercier's Solèy set, a show he has developed during his residency in Ibiza. The concept focuses on a blend of electronic music with African, Caribbean, and Middle Eastern influences, and is positioned as a celebration of cultural diversity through sound. Ticket pre-sales will begin on June 26 at 12:30 PM IST, followed by general sales on June 27 at 12 PM IST, exclusively via BookMyShow. Prices start at ₹1,500. Mercier has built a reputation for combining house music with traditional sounds, and his work has been released under labels such as Sony, Columbia, Mad Decent, and Armada. He has collaborated with artists like Diplo, Major Lazer, Gorgon City, and Magic System. His music has received support from names including Black Coffee, Claptone, and Rüfüs Du Sol. With over 100 million cumulative streams, Mercier has performed at major global venues and festivals, including Coachella, EDC Las Vegas, and events in Paris, Ibiza, New York, and Marrakech. He has also been featured on international platforms such as BBC Radio 1, SiriusXM, and Tomorrowland One World Radio. Sunburn, which has played a major role in promoting electronic music in India, continues to bring global acts to local Indian audiences. The Francis Mercier tour follows similar efforts to introduce international music IPs to the Indian live event scene.

Former parishioners of long-closed Revere parish to hold 21st annual outdoor reunion Mass
Former parishioners of long-closed Revere parish to hold 21st annual outdoor reunion Mass

Boston Globe

time12-06-2025

  • General
  • Boston Globe

Former parishioners of long-closed Revere parish to hold 21st annual outdoor reunion Mass

Like other Catholics upset about losing their parish, Our Lady's members appealed the closing all the way to the Vatican, but the decision was not reversed. In 2014, the church building was sold to an Ethiopian congregation, which still worships there, the Globe reported. Advertisement This year's mass will be dedicated to former parishioners who have died , particularly Carmela Mercier, said John Verrengia, who organizes the Mass. 'She was a 95-year-old parishioner who lived right down the street from Our Lady of Lourdes,' he said of Mercier, who died last fall. 'She was everything that Our Lady of Lourdes was all about.' Mercier and her husband were active parishioners. They baked bread for the Feast of St. Joseph's in March and May, he said. 'I saw her last year, 95-year young, she looked great, and she was so excited about the Mass,' Verrengia, 69, said. All parishioners who have died will be remembered at the Mass, with a special dedication to Mercier, he said. Advertisement 'She loved the church,' Verrengia said. 'The church was her whole life.' Verrengia said that the church and the community that formed around it was important to him. Despite Our Lady's closing, Verrengia said, the yearly Mass brings people back to Beachmont for community worship. 'You go on, we certainly do, all of us go on,' Verrengia said. ' we go back there it's like we never left. It's really like we never left.' Adam Sennott can be reached at

Long-lasting HIV prevention shot heads toward approval
Long-lasting HIV prevention shot heads toward approval

Yahoo

time06-06-2025

  • Health
  • Yahoo

Long-lasting HIV prevention shot heads toward approval

June 6 (UPI) -- A new vaccine to prevent HIV is expected to be approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration later this month. If approved, the shot -- lenacapavir -- would be given twice a year and could be a big step forward in the fight against HIV. Drugmaker Gilead Sciences tested the shot in a study of women and girls. None of the participants who received the injections got HIV. That early success helped boost Gilead's stock by 73% over the past year, The Wall Street Journal reported. "We know it's challenging to take a daily pill for prevention, and we see an incredible opportunity here," said Johanna Mercier, Gilead's chief commercial officer Right now, more than 400,000 people in the United States use pills to prevent HIV, The Wall Street Journal added. These medications are referred to as PrEP, short for pre-exposure prophylaxis. Gilead expects the number of users to top 1 million by the next decade. Many people already say they'd prefer a shot over daily pills. In one survey of more than 500 PrEP users, 95% said they would switch to a long-acting injection. Sales of other long-acting options, like the shot Apretude from GSK, have risen sharply - up 63% in the past year. Even with strong results, Gilead faces several hurdles. One is reaching the people who need PrEP the most. Black Americans represent 39% of new HIV cases but only 14% of current PrEP users. Many people still face stigma or lack insurance coverage, which can limit access. Gilead says reaching underserved groups is a top goal. Most current PrEP users have commercial insurance, but Medicaid will be key for expanding access to lower-income communities. Another concern: Some experts worry the new shot may simply replace current Gilead products, like the daily pill Descovy, which now holds about 40% to 45% of the market. But Gilead says the shot should help expand the overall number of people using PrEP in both the U.S. and abroad. "We're thinking globally about the public health impact we can have," Mercier said. The company is working with governments and health groups in the United Kingdom and low-income countries to raise awareness and make these products more available. More information The National Institutes of Health has more on Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP). Copyright © 2025 HealthDay. All rights reserved.

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