The Artist of the Week is Canadian conductor Simon Rivard, who will be conducting Giovanni Battisti Pergolesi’s La Serva Padrona and Gian Carlo Menotti’s The Medium with Opéra de Montréal, on October 8th. This double bill performance features the singers of the Atelier Lyrique de l’Opéra de Montréal.
This week, Simon chats about his inspirations and mentors, the pros and cons of opera life and his favourite place to be (besides the podium). Read on to find out more.
The Artist of the Week is mezzo-soprano Pascale Spinney, who will be making her role debut as Rosina in Opéra de Montréal’s Il barbiere di Siviglia, from September 28th to October 6th. This week, we sat down with Pascale to talk about her first singing lesson, favourite places and singers she admires.
Canadian baritone Max van Wyck takes us to Buffalo, New York where he is singing the notorious Count Almaviva in Le nozze di Figaro with Buffalo Opera Unlimited on September 27th and 29th (info and tickets here). In between rehearsals, Max shared the where to find the best hotdogs, most nostalgic coffee and very exclusive accommodations in Buffalo. Read on to find out more.
The Artist of the Week is Canadian mezzo-soprano Laura Pudwell, who will be performing in Grand River Opera’s gala concert, Make Our Garden GRO, at the Registry Theatre on Sunday, September 22nd.
This week, Laura chats about the biggest risk she’s ever taken on stage, her very musical upbringing, and what she’s currently reading. Read on to find out more.
The Artist of the Week Canadian-Armenian bass-baritone Vartan Gabrielian, who will be performing the role of Lo Zio Bonzo in Madama Butterfly with the Opéra National de Paris, running September 14 -October 25. This week, chatted with Vartan about the importance of finding a teacher who you trust, his favourite city to work in, and who has been inspiring him. Read on to find out more.
Canadian tenor Danny Leclerc, takes us to Szczecin, Poland where he is preparing for the competition the Great Tenors Tournament at Opera na Zamku. One of only eight finalists, Danny is representing Canada at the competition on September 7. In between preparations for the competition, Danny shared what he has been up to in Poland including going for walks in the Park Kasprowicza, eating authentic Polish cuisine at Ziemniak i Spolka, and performing in the gorgeous Opera na Zamku opera house. Read on to find out more.
The Artist of the Week is Filipino-Canadian tenor Mishael Eusebio, who is returning to Toronto to perform with Tapestry Opera’s Box Concerts, which brings music and performances to neighbourhoods across the GTA, running until Sept 14. This week, we sat down with Mishael to talk about what he loves to sing, his latest television and recording binges, and the best advice he has ever been given: “You never stop learning” (something we could all learn from).
The Artist of the Week is Canadian soprano Sydney Baedke. She is currently in Calgary performing in Ammolite Opera’s inaugural season, in their production of Proving Up, and new opera by Missy Mazzoli and Royce Vavrek. There are a few more chances to see this innovative show on August 27, 28, and 30 (tickets and info here). This week, Sydney found time to chat with us in between performances to share what it is like to be performing of a company’s inaugural season, what roles she would love to be singing now and in ten years, as well as how she views success in the industry. Read on to find out more.
The Artist of the Week is Canadian mezzo soprano Hillary Tufford. Currently in Toronto, Hillary is in rehearsals for Toronto City Opera’s upcoming production of Bizet’s Carmen, where she will be performing the titular role, running June 19-23. In between her busy rehearsal schedule, Hillary found time to chat with us about who first inspired her to sing, what roles she would like to be singing in 10 years, and how she values the moments of difficulty in life that allow her to grow and learn. Read on to find out more.
Canadian tenor Zachary Rioux, takes us to Munich, Germany where he is currently a member of the Opera Studio with Bayerische Staatsoper, and preparing the role of Gastone for their upcoming production of La Traviata, running June 18, 2024-June 22, 2025. Zachary was kind enough to share with us what his experience has been like in his new home of Munich, Germany, including the not to be missed Bevarian Oktoberfest, the best bar to find the local opera singers after a show, and which museums he has visited. Read on to find out more.
