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Hali Krawchuk, Coordinator of Cultural Activities, Department of Music
What inspires you the most about your job?
I am constantly inspired by our students – by their hard work and dedication as they strive to become musicians or music scholars in a highly competitive field. Music also inspires me deeply and I feel blessed to be surrounded by it and working in an environment where I can help to support and nourish future artists and to create new audiences for the performing arts.
What gives you the most pride?
One of my proudest accomplishments was going back to university in the early 1990s to study music and arts administration at the University of Ottawa. Although the decision to leave full-time employment was difficult, choosing to return to school as a “mature student” in a field of immense interest to me was incredibly fulfilling.
What is your favourite pastime?
Wine tasting. This complex, mysterious and wonderful beverage reveals a world of possibility in a glass, tapping into our olfactory memory and even our collective unconscious. I love learning about the mighty grape’s inextricable relationship with the earth, and about ancient time-honored methods of viticulture and viniculture. And this new hobby complements my love of food and cooking.
What quality do you value the most?
I value tolerance. I’m fascinated by other cultures and I love to travel. Visiting another country is eye-opening and soul expanding. It exposes a person to other ways of being and serves to help us not only understand what our differences are, both superficial and otherwise, but also reminds us of important similarities like our fundamental humanity.
What is the best kept secret in your department?
The extraordinary talent found in the Department of Music. I don’t know if our friends and colleagues outside the department are aware of the high level of artistry that can be experienced at our concerts throughout the academic year. Our schedule of events includes the Faculty and Friends chamber music series, orchestra and wind ensemble concerts, full opera performances and many other activities. These are among some of the best deals in town for concertgoers and they are right here on campus! Check out www.music.uOttawa.ca and click on Concerts, Masterclasses, Lectures.
