Artist of the Week

_{OPERA PLACES} Danny Leclerc takes us to Szczecin, Poland

by Communications | Sep 5, 2024 | Artist of the Week, Featured, News

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.

_{Artist of the Week} 20 Qs for Mishael Eusebio

by Communications | Sep 3, 2024 | Artist of the Week, Featured, News

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).

_{Artist of the Week} 22 Qs for Sydney Baedke

by Communications | Aug 23, 2024 | Artist of the Week, Featured, News

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.

_{Artist of the Week} 34 Qs for Hillary Tufford

by Communications | Jun 20, 2024 | Artist of the Week, Featured, News

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.

_{OPERA PLACES} Zachary Rioux takes us to Munich, Germany

by Communications | Jun 17, 2024 | Artist of the Week, Featured, News

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.

_{Artist of the Week} 18 Qs for Neema Bickersteth

by Communications | Jun 5, 2024 | Artist of the Week, Featured, News

The Artist of the Week is Canadian singer/artist/maker Neema Bickersteth, who is currently in Toronto rehearsing for the Canadian Opera Company’s upcoming production of Aportia Chryptych: A Black Opera for Portia White, running June 14-16. This week are fortunate that Neema found a few spare minutes in between rehearsals to talk to us about where she finds inspiration, how she defines success, and how her young daughter gave her the best advice she has ever been given. Read on to find out more.

_{Artist of the Week} 38 Qs for Neil Craighead

by Communications | May 29, 2024 | Artist of the Week, Featured, News

The Artist of the Week is Canadian bass-baritone Neil Craighead. Currently in Edmonton, Neil is preparing the role of Wotan in Wagner’s Das Rheingold for Edmonton Opera’s upcoming production, running May 28- June 1. This week Neil took a few moments out of rehearsal to chat with us about the ups and downs of being an opera artist, what role he would love to be singing right now, and what big investment was worth the money. Read on to find out more

_{OPERA PLACES} Luka Kawabata takes us to Vancouver, BC

by Cait Wood | May 24, 2024 | Artist of the Week, Featured, News

Nikkei-Canadian baritone, Luka Kawabata takes us to Vancouver, BC where he is performing the HAFU ハーフ Project, a live presentation of the digital series of the same name, presented by City Opera Vancouver, running May 25-26. This week we chatted with Luka about all things Vancouver, the best place to grab a coffee, a bite to eat, and the recommendation to never miss the beautiful sunset along the Seawall.

_{Artist of the Week} 17 Qs for Carolyn Sproule

by Communications | May 22, 2024 | Artist of the Week, Featured, News

The Artist of the Week is Canadian mezzo soprano Carolyn Sproule. She is currently preparing the role of Kate Pinkerton in Puccini’s Madama Butterfly at the Hyogo Performing Arts Center, running July 12 -21. This week Carolyn sat down with us to share who inspires her to sing, how she views success, and how mediation and yoga has transformed her life and how she approaches her singing. Read on to find out more.

_{OPERA PLACES} Brett Polegato takes us to Dublin, Ireland

by Communications | May 16, 2024 | Artist of the Week, Featured, News

Canadian-Italian baritone Brett Polegato takes us to Dublin, Ireland where he is in rehearsals for the Irish National Opera’s upcoming production of Verdi’s La Traviata in the role of Germont père, running May 17 -31. Lucky for us, Brett found a few moments in between rehearsals to sit down with us to talk about his experience in Dublin, including what the opera house is like, where his favourite cafes and restaurants are located, and how he has found the luck of the Irish by talking to the local Dubliners. Read on to find out more.