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.
Yannick Nézet-Séguin extends contract with Met through 2030
Gerald Finley named Kammersänger at Bavarian State Opera
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.
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.
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
