The Artist of the Week is Canadian soprano Sarah Dufresne. She will be singing the role of Gilda in Pacific Opera Victoria‘s Rigoletto from April 23rd to 29th (tickets and info here).
Sarah had a very exciting year singing Ophelie in Thomas’ Hamlet with Opéra de Montréal, Yvette/Georgette in Puccini’s La rondine with the London Symphony Orchestra, Semele in Strauss’ Die Liebe der Danae with Bayerische Staatsoper and finishing off her season back home in Canada with Pacific Opera Victoria.
This week, Sarah share her go-to coffee spots, the roles she wants to be singing and her favourite composers. Read on to find out more.
Drink of choice?
I’ve been loving flavoured matcha lately, specifically the blueberry matcha from Blank Street Coffee (I go straight there whenever I go back to London).
Heels or flats?
Flats!
Top 3 favourite composers?
Mozart, Britten, Handel.
Which opera role do you want to be singing right now?
I would love to sing Tytania in Britten’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream.
Which opera role do you want to be singing in 10 years?
In 10 years, I would love to sing the title character in Handel’s Alcina.
Which role do you wish you could sing, but is not in your voice type?
I wish I could sing Carmen. She is such an interesting character, and her arias are some of the catchiest music ever written.
Coffee or tea?
I drink both every day – but usually more coffee than tea.
What is one surprising thing that you have learned in becoming an opera singer?
That a big part of your life is figuring out how to do everyday things while you’re away from home – make healthy meals, work out, learn new roles, etc.
What’s your ancestry?
It would surprise a lot of people, given my name, that my ancestry is not predominantly French, but it is just a little bit of French with a lot of British, Irish and Ukrainian.
Where’s your favourite coffee shop?
My favourite cafe is Cafe Santropol in Montreal. I used to live less than a block away from it and it was my favourite place to go, sit in the garden and have lunch.
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What’s the best thing about being an opera artist?
I get to travel, meet new people and sing!
Are you happiest in the country or in the city?
I am happiest with a nice combo of both. I love the city, but everyone needs some country time to balance it out.
What is something most people don’t know about you?
One thing most people don’t know about me is that, even though I love to work and travel, I also love being home in my favourite spot on the couch. (Working when I’m at home is even better!)
What is the ultimate goal of opera?
I think the ultimate goal of opera is to make the audience feel something and to share a similar emotional experience.
Does your process change from role to role?
Yes! Some roles take longer to learn the notes, and some take longer to get into the voice. Every role presents a unique set of challenges, and when it starts feeling like part of you, it is so rewarding!
Are you a perfectionist?
Yes, I am absolutely a perfectionist… which is not necessarily the easiest trait for a singer, because perfection doesn’t actually exist in music!
LEARN MORE ABOUT SARAH DUFRESNE
VISIT HER WEBSITE
© Vivian Gaumand
As Ophélie in Hamlet with Opéra de Montréal
© Camilla Greenwell 2022
As Papagena in Die Zauberflöte at the Royal Opera House
© Photo used with permission from the artist
Backstage at Bayerische Staatsoper during Die Liebe der Danae
(Left to Right: Emily Sierra, Avery Amereau, Evgeniya Sotnikova, Sarah Dufresne)
Rigoletto
Pacific Opera Victoria
DUKE OF MANTUA: Matthew Pearce
RIGOLETTO: Grant Youngblood
GILDA: Sarah Dufresne
COUNT MONTERONE: James Demler
SPARAFUCILE: Matthew Treviño
MADDALENA: Marion Newman, Nege’ga
MARULLO: Justin Welsh
MATTEO BORSA: Jan van der Hooft
GIOVANNA: Rebekah Janzen
COUNTESS CEPRANO: Jayne Hammond
COUNT CEPRANO: Andrew Greenwood
USHER: Graeme Linton
PAGE: Michaela Dickey
CONDUCTOR: Robert Tweten
STAGE DIRECTOR: Glynis Leyshon
SET DESIGNER: James Rotondo
COSTUME DESIGNER: Pam Johnson
LIGHTING DESIGNER: Gerald King
CHORUS DIRECTOR & ASSISTANT CONDUCTOR: Giuseppe Pietraroia
FIGHT DIRECTOR: Jacques Lemay
INTIMACY DIRECTOR: Treena Stubel
STAGE MANAGER: Christopher Sibbald
ASSISTANT STAGE MANAGERS:
Katerina Sokyrko & Giselle Clarke-Trenaman
Rigoletto is a gripping opera that delves into the depths of human emotion, showcasing the tragic tale of Rigoletto a court jester consumed by vengeance. The opera follows Rigoletto’s tumultuous journey as he navigates the intricate webs of power, deceit, and desire. With its iconic characters, including the manipulative Duke of Mantua and the innocent Gilda, Verdi’s masterpiece weaves a narrative of love, betrayal, and redemption.
As Rigoletto seeks retribution for the dishonor inflicted upon his daughter, the opera unfolds with breathtaking intensity, propelled by Verdi’s soaring melodies and iconic characters. From the exhilarating grandeur of the Duke’s court to the heart-wrenching tragedy of Rigoletto’s downfall, each moment resonates with raw emotion and visceral drama.
As the plot twists and turns towards its devastating climax, audiences are drawn into a world of passion, intrigue, and ultimately, catharsis. With its timeless themes and unforgettable music, Rigoletto remains a cornerstone of the operatic repertoire, captivating audiences with its gripping storytelling and powerful resonance.
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Máiri Demings is Opera Canada’s digital content specialist. She’s also a mezzo-soprano who has sung with Tapestry Opera, performs regularly with VOICEBOX: Opera in Concert and Toronto Operetta Theatre, and is one half of duo mezzopiano with pianist Zain Solinski.
