AK: First there was another duet inside me and that was how to combine the spirituality that I was becoming aware of and my scientifically trained outlook that could not accept it. I observed and experimented with the effect of frequencies on state of mind. In particular we were working on certain frequency generators that using biofeedback could simulate alpha range frequencies and create a deep state of meditation. I also noticed the difference between electronically produced frequencies and musical instruments and how specific human voice effects the mind. I became interested in using the the voice, in particular the trained operatic voice, to be a vehicle for simulating the mind to different states from meditative to healing. In my search I came across The Opera Project and was intrigued by their mandate - particularly the aspect of spiritual intention in singing and got in touch with the company's founder and director, Ms. Klassen. The outcome of our many discussions is perhaps the creation of this new spiritual art form.

IN: Can you elaborate on the mandate of The Opera Project, Ms. Klassen?

HK: The spiritual intention in our mandate is to invite singers to the stage to create "Sounds that Change the World". We make space for the disciplined artist who wants to go beyond technical perfection and explore a more fullfilling and encompassing way of singing. Since every cell in our body is vibrating it is not a particular leap of the imagination to suggest that the voice heals through vibrations. The magic of creation of which the artist is aware is that art, heals, inspires, and brings about the evolutionary process regardless of how conscious the artist is. However I have come to trust that with thought and conscious intention we can better chanel the process. It's what artists were created to do. In the process an energy is tapped into that brings a lot of joy and freedom. Humanity is at a point in its evolution where the marriage of conscious spirituality and art is becoming an expectation of the society. It is particularly potent here in Vancouver.

IN: Is that what brought you to Vancouver, I believe in the summer of 2004?

HK: I definitely moved here for a life- style change anticipating that the esoteric energy in this city might present me with the kind of possibilities for a more balanced way to use my gifts that would also reflect my spiritual sensibilities. I desired that before stepping into the arena of directorship here that such people as could help create this vision with me would walk into my proverbial door. In other words I was holding out for a level of synchronicity that would lead and support me clearly.

IN: Dr. Kia, how does science and your view fit into this world that Ms. Klassen has just described?

AK: Although scientifically synchronicity or even spirituality is not proven the beauty of what she says is in its simplicity. She knows how as a singer she could make people happy or sad and move them no matter whether science has found the why and how. She has observed and felt the connection. It is like whether science discovers and finds the cause for cancer or not the disease is there. She senses things that the scientist and engineers may take years to understand Until now science and technology were fighting spirituality. However now there are many scientists that are working in this field and creating a bridge between the two worlds.

IN: Being also an international businessman how do these worlds work with the arts and artists ?

AK: My international experiences have showed me many cultures and art forms. I have shared and felt the beauty of music of every place with those people. As a businessman my contribution is designing a sustainable business model for the Spiritual Art Experiences. It is a great pleasure to be part of such a noble cause for humanity. I sense, similar as blossoms coming with the spring, now there is a spring of spirituality happening for human beings. There are talks, courses, and ashrams growing every where. As a pragmatic person I am trying to bring bees to pollinate these blossoms in this orchard so the humanity enjoys the fruit of spirituality. In business language practically speaking there is a market for the collaboration of Science, Art and Spirituality. Most significantly at this point of human evolution technology is creating the means for awakening mass consciousness.

IN: After hearing about science and higher consciousness I have to ask, how does the unlikely title of Opera, Cabaret and all that Jazz fit?

HK: I admit that last summer when I conceived the 2005-6 season May was a long way away. I thought that the tag of 'All That Jazz' would give me some flexibility in how this concert might eventually be shaped. One aspect was already clear and that was my intention to bring together an Art Expression - a concept I created in Winnipeg in 2000 to create an opportunity to bring many art genres together, which we definitely have done here.

By the time February of this year rolled around, and one and a half seasons in Vancouver already behind us, my energies were ready for a more specific creativity aimed towards our spiritual mandate. One of the operative words in our mandate is WORLD and a variety of seasoned artists that had their own dynamic global visions were entering my sphere in significant and certainly synchronistic ways. I had of course been in conversation and creating with Dr. Kia since mid- October. He also has a global vision to create a concert tour that bridges the arts and science with healing sounds. So this concert on May 14 is a beginning of this idea and the seasoned artists involved in the concert also share this global vision. Jazz,opera, and cabaret join healers, shaman, a throat singer, chakra tonal vibrations and colors, spirit drummers, visual art and dancers to take you through the chakras of human experience through to the Divine Mind. Though this appears to be a tall order there is an energy that is creating ahead of us to prepare this moment.

I have been in awe of the process and am deeply thrilled to be a catalyst and a participant in this event.