Artist of the Week 34 Qs for Hillary Tufford
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
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
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
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
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
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.
Michael Jones appointed new Editorial Director of Opera Canada Publications
Opera Canada Publications is pleased to announce the appointment of Michael Jones as the new Editorial Director of Opera Canada Publications, effective July 1, 2024.
OPERA PLACES Brett Polegato takes us to Dublin, Ireland
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.
Editor’s Notebook: Spring Magazine Print Issue
In this leadership issue, we celebrate the remarkable achievements of Canadians who are assuming new artistic leadership roles in the world of opera, both at home and abroad.
Artist of the Week 20 Qs for Krisztina Szabó
The Artist of the Week is Canadian-Hungarian mezzo soprano Krisztina Szabó. Next month she will be taking on the role of Mrs. Grose in Britten’s Turn of the Screw with Opera 5, running June 12 to15. This week we sat down with Krisztina, she shared what happiness means to her, the funniest thing that has ever happened to her onstage, and what is the best thing about being an opera artist. Read on to find out more.
