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Singing for my murdered sister helps me heal

In 2015, Nathalie Warmerdam was murdered by her ex-partner. Her brother, opera singer Joshua Hopkins, has released a song cycle to raise awareness about violence against women.

In 2015, Nathalie Warmerdam was murdered by her ex-partner. She was one of three victims that day; he also killed two other former partners, Anastasia Kuzyk and Carol Culleton. Basil Borutski was found guilty and sentenced to life in prison in 2017. Now as a way to deal with his grief, Nathalie's brother, opera singer Joshua Hopkins, has released a group of songs, known as a song cycle, in memory of his sister. With words by the writer Margaret Atwood and music by composer Jake Heggie, Joshua says he wants to use his voice to raise awareness about violence against women. To find out how to listen to the song cycle, you can visit: https://songsformurderedsisters.com

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When Judy Avey-Arroyo received a knock on her door and saw a baby sloth, it was love at first sight. She and her husband Luis went on to set up a sloth orphanage from their home in Costa Rica. Sadly, it was to be a labour of love that would take its toll on Luis. Outlook's Clayton Conn went to visit Judy's sanctuary in Limon in 2019.

Get in touch: outlook@bbc.com

Picture: Joshua Hopkins with his sister Nathalie Warmerdam
Credit: Joshua Hopkins

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44 minutes

Last on

Fri 23 Apr 2021 02:06GMT

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  • Thu 22 Apr 2021 11:06GMT
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  • Fri 23 Apr 2021 02:06GMT

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