October 22, 2018
Kelly Turpin is an art producer in Minneapolis. She is an advocate of opera and art as a social movement and strives to produce work that is accessible, inclusive, and challenging, in ways that engage and educate communities. She received opera performance degrees from Ithaca College (BM) and Arizona State University (MM) and continues to perform locally. At MPA Talks, Kelly will be discussing her journey as an opera singer to artistic activist, which is how Arbeit Opera Theatre came to be. She has always wanted to make a difference, be at the forefront of change and societal progress, but only recently discovered how she could do that with her background in opera.
We asked Kelly several questions so that you could get to know her better prior to MPA Talks!
We ask our students to dream big and do right. Do you feel that call to action is important to the future of our society and if so, why?
Yes! And it’s something I don’t think should or will ever change. However, I think it should begin with doing right. Acting with integrity sometimes comes with more of a risk than it should. It’s a guarantee of difficult situations and decisions along the way but in striving to live with integrity through every action and choice it’s also a guarantee of progress and positive change. With determination to do right and uphold truth through passion there’s nothing that can hold you back on achieving those big dreams.
What do you believe will be the greatest challenge our current students will face in their lifetimes and how do you see MPA equipping them to face that challenge?
Not knowing where to concentrate their skills and energy upon graduating. There is so much that needs addressing in our world and society right now and it’s over-stimulating. With the expanse in technology and media platforms our youth is more involved at a younger age than ever before and they’re ready to get out there and make change. MPA excels at nurturing each students personal strengths along with creating well-rounded learners. MPA allows for ample opportunities and guidance in these areas, giving the student focus and experience towards their goals. And should those goals change, they’ll have been given the tools to roll with the punches and continue to adapt throughout their careers.
How do you start your day?
Jumping right in! I need to get better about allowing myself to wake up a bit and ease into the day before starting work, but I love what I do so that’s proved to be difficult.
Who inspires you to be better and how?
I am always somehow inspired when I attend any kind of concert or performance. Either by an artist on stage or with the organization itself. Sometimes I’m even so UNinspired by a performance that it inspires me to stay focused on my mission. It’s at the point now that I have to bring a little journal along to every concert because I end up being inspired with so many ideas that I have to write them all down right away!
What book are you currently reading? Would you recommend it?
I recently finished a biography on Kurt Vonnegut that I highly recommend. I just began a science fiction novel for the book club I’m in, “The Man with the Compound Eye”s by Taiwanese author Wu Ming-Yi and am enjoying it so far.
Purchase your tickets to join us for the fifth annual MPA Talks on Saturday, November 10, 2018. This re-imagined event is designed to bring us together to gain new perspectives and be inspired. The social hour and hors d’oeuvres will begin in the Gallery at 6 PM, followed by the featured speakers’ presentations from 6:30-7:30 PM. Tickets are $20 and include the hors d’oeuvres, dinner, and presentations. Tickets are limited to 50.
