Artist of the Week
Artist of the Week 14 Qs for Guillermo Silva-Marin
The Artist of the Week is Puerto Rican-born stage director Guillermo Silva-Marin. Guillermo is the General Director of Toronto Operetta Theatre and is directing the final production of their 40th anniversary season, Gilbert and Sullivan’s The Gondoliers from February 28th to March 2nd. This week, Guillermo shares the music of his childhood, the singer he most admires and how being only 5’6” tall proved to be an advantage in his career. Read on to find out more.
Artist of the Week 23 Qs for Sharleen Joynt
The Artist of the Week is Chinese-Canadian coloratura soprano Sharleen Joynt. She will be performing the role of The Queen of the Night in Mozart’s The Magic Flute at Seattle Opera from February 22nd to March 9th. This week, Sharleen reveals what you can find in her bag at every gig, the best and worst thing about being an opera artist and what success looks like to her. Read on to find out more.
Artist of the Week 18 Qs for Leslie Dala
The Artist of the Week is Canadian conductor Leslie Dala. He is conducting Jonathan Dove’s Flight at Vancouver Opera from February 8th to 16th. This week, Leslie chats about his musical childhood, what it means to be brave in music and what success looks like. Read on to find out more.
Artist of the Week 20 Qs for John Tessier
The Artist of the Week is Canadian Tenor John Tessier. He will be playing Ernesto in Calgary Opera’s production of Don Pasquale on February 1st, 5th and 7th. This week, John shares his first operatic experience at age 12, a risky performance involving rubber boots and the role that continues to have the greatest impact on him. Read on to find out more.
Artist of the Week 20 Qs for Rachel Fenlon
The Artist of the Week is Canadian soprano Rachel Fenlon. She is currently on tour performing Schubert’s Winterreise as both singer and pianist. Her upcoming Canadian stops include Salt Spring Island, British Columbia, Whitehorse, Yukon, Dawson City, Yukon and Toronto, Ontario. Recently, she released her debut album Winterreise, making her the first artist to interpret the work as singer and pianist on recording.
This week, Rachel shares her favourite composers, what she has learned about finding happiness and the role she wants to sing next. Read on to find out more.
Artist of the Week 20 Qs for Keri-Lynn Wilson
The Artist of the Week is Canadian-Ukrainian conductor Keri-Lynn Wilson. She will be conducting Puccini’s Madama Butterfly at the Canadian Opera Company from January 24th to February 16th. This week, Keri-Lynn shares he favourite Ukrainian meal, the opera that made the biggest impact on her and how she knew she was destined to be a musician. Read on to find out more.
Artist of the Week 15 Qs for Barbara Hannigan
The Artist of the Week is soprano and conductor Barbara Hannigan. Her upcoming engagements include performances with Philharmonie de Paris and Philharmonie Luxembourg (both conducted by Sir Simon Rattle) and the continuation of her tour with pianist Bertrand Chamayou in Paris. This week, Barbara shares the albums she’s been listening to, her love of animals and the biggest turning point in her career. Read on to find out more.
Artist of the Week 30 Qs for Tracy Dahl
The Artist of the Week is Canadian coloratura soprano Tracy Dahl. She is a featured soloist in Flipside Opera’s Love Languages on January 11th. This week, Tracy chats with us about her musical family, a slippery Die Fledermaus and her favourite places to sing.
Artist of the Week 20 Qs for Florie Valiquette
The Artist of the Week is French-Canadian soprano Florie Valiquette. She will singing Pamina in a French translation of Mozart’s The Magic Flute at Opéra Royal de Versailles.
This week, Florie tells us all about the artists who have inspired her, the small things in life that make her the happiest and introduces us to her best furry friend. Read on to find out more.
Artist of the Week 18 Qs for Nicole Leung
The Artist of the Week is Canadian soprano Nicole Leung. She is currently an Emerging Artist with Opera on the Avalon for the 2024/2025 season. This hybrid program focuses on delivering professional development, 9 months of financial support, and the environment that allows singers to be the best artist they can be. This week, Nicole shares her favourite role, her guilty pleasure and her musical inspirations. Read on to find out more.
Artist of the Week 17 Qs for Asitha Tennekoon
The Artist of the Week is Sri Lankan-born tenor Asitha Tennekoon. He will be the tenor soloist in Symphony Nova Scotia’s Messiah on December 20th and 21st.
This week, Asitha reveals his biggest fears, favourite things about singing with an orchestra and what he’s reading right now. Read on to find out more.
Artist of the Week 17 Qs for Caitlin Wood
The Artist of the Week is Canadian soprano Caitlin Wood. She will be the soprano soloist in Vancouver Bach Choir’s Messiah on December 14th.
This week, Caitlin chats with us about the artists who inspire her, the role she wants to sing next and what happiness is to her. Read on to find out more.












