Santa Monica Opera Singer Crowned Ms. Senior California

Alise Richel from Santa Monica was crowned Ms. Senior California 2013 in an event held Aug. 31 at the Rose Center Theater in Westminster.

Richel beat out 13 other contests that competed in the pageant designed for women over 60 who have reached the "Age of Elegance." Contestants took part in an interview, evening gown and talent competition as well as reciting their philosophy of life.

Richel was born in Brooklyn, New York and studied with conductors from the Metropolitan Opera, the Vienna State Opera as well as conductors from LaScala. She studied in the Opera Department at Tanglewood under the auspices of Leonard Bernstein. She also studied in the Opera Workshop at Columbia University; her rehearsal pianist was John Kander who went on to write greats such as “New York, New York.”

She married and raised two children and continued her love for singing. She later moved to Florida and sang with large Florida symphonies. Years later, she moved to Los Angeles to be near her son and is now teaching vocal students. Currently, she’s writing a book based on her approach to the art of singing.

Richel will travel to Atlantic City in October to compete in the Ms. Senior America Pageant.

Ms. Senior California of America, Inc. was established as a non-profit corporation in 2010 and is affiliated with Ms. Senior America, Inc., founded in 1971. The Ms. Senior California Pageant is celebrating its 26th anniversary, and is now the largest senior pageant program in the nation. For more information, please visithttp://www.MsSrCalifornia.com.