Annual B.C. Cancer Foundation Fundraiser “Maria’s Opus” on November 14th

The Annual B.C. Cancer Foundation fundraiser “Maria’s Opus” will take place Sunday November 14th at St. James Community Square in Vancouver. The event promises to glitter and sparkle while inspiring youth to join in.  The evening will be filled with jazz favorites and art to raise money for all the “Marias” that have been lost to cancer.

Creator and Producer Natalia Pardalis, who lost both her mother Maria and her godmother Mary to cancer when she was a little girl, has created this event.  The event is to commemorate these two ladies whose passing has touched indelibly her own life but also ALL the women who have lost their lives to cancer. Natalia’s Greek Orthodox roots inspired her to use the name Maria’s Opus, as the Virgin Mary depicts the caring mother and matriarch. “Maria’s Opus to me is a way to commemorate all the mothers, aunts, sisters and friends the world has lost to this terrible disease, and since it was my mother who taught me how to play the piano and inspired me to sing, I felt that through these gifts I should show how much she meant to me” says Natalia.

Natalia envisioned the event to encourage young talent while providing an opportunity for them to work and learn with professionals. Musicians and artists that welcomed the opportunity to participate and give back in a major way include Guest Conductor Jon Thompson, Chair- Department of Music Trinity Western University, Suzy Berstain who is freshly back from her overseas exhibit workshop “Mia Muse”, artist/photographer Rob Sombilon and vocalist Rebecca Van Drunen. Also participating is the Long and Mcquade Family of Choirs and the Vancouver Tap Dance Society.

Their goal is to raise seven thousand dollars. Tickets are only $20 and sold off the website: www.bccancerfoundation.com.

Doors open at 8pm. For more information please visit: www.mariasopus.com