News
Artist of the Week 17 Qs for Renee Fajardo
The Artist of the Week is Filipino-Canadian mezzo-soprano Renee Fajardo. She is the executive producer and mezzo soloist of Liham: a digital song cycle. Liham is a multimedia work that centres the complexity and resilience of the Filipino spirit and available to watch online. This week, Renee chats with us about her favourite places, portfolio career and a creative guilty pleasure. Read on to find out more.
OPERA PLACES Georgia Burashko takes us to São Paulo, Brazil
Canadian mezzo-soprano Georgia Burashko takes us to São Paulo, Brazil, while she is touring Purcell’s The Fairy Queen with Les Arts Florissants. The tour run from September 14th to 24th and will be making stops in Brazil, Uruguay and Columbia. While in Brazil, Georgia chats with us about how she turns temporary accommodation into an oasis, where to find the most inspiring art and best…Japanese food..? Read on to find out more.
Artist of the Week 17 Qs for Michelle Lafferty
The Artist of the Week is Canadian Indigeous mezzo-soprano Michelle Lafferty. She will be singing the roles of The Abbess and Mistress of the Novices in Calgary Concert Opera’s double-bill of Pergolesi’s Stabat Mater and Puccini’s Suor Angelica on September 12th and 14th. This week, Michelle shares her favourite composers, best advice and favourite backstage snack. Read on to find out more.
Artist of the Week 16 Qs for Taryn Plater
The Artist of the Week is Canadian mezzo-soprano Taryn Plater. She will be singing the title role in La Tragédie de Carmen with Nebula Performances from August 28th to September 7th. This week, Taryn chats with us about fulfilling her childhood dream, recent multidisciplinary projects and how her career as an urban planner influences her art. Read on to find out more.
Joel Ivany concludes tenure at Banff
With the conclusion of the summer program on the weekend of July 26th/27th, Joel Ivany marked the end of an era, concluding his 12-year tenure as artistic director of opera at the Banff Centre.
Canadian Soprano Lauren Margison Wins International Competition
Canadian soprano Lauren Margison received both First Place and the Audience Prize at the recent Elizabeth Connell Prize: International Singing Competition, held in London in early June.
OPERA PLACES Simona Genga takes us to Santa Fe
Italian-Canadian mezzo-soprano Simona Genga takes us to Santa Fe, where they are one of the 2025 Apprentice Singers at Santa Fe Opera. This summer, Simona will appear in a number of operatic and concert performances including her Santa Fe debut as Giovanna in Rigoletto, performing as La Frugola in Il tabarro as part of the Apprentice Scenes Concert and covering Rossweise in Die Walküre. While in Santa Fe, Simona shares her restaurant recommendations, favourite cafe and how the locals purge their negativity with the help of “Old Man Gloom.” Read on to find out more.
Artist of the Week 16 Qs for Odéi Bilodeau
The Artist of the Week is Canadian soprano Odéi Bilodeau. She will be singing the role of Frasquita in Bizet’s Carmen at Festival d’opéra de Québec. This week, Odéi shares how her first desk job led to her singing career, memories of a fiery performance and the best advice she’s been given. Read on to find out more.
Artist of the Week 20 Qs for Emily Rocha
The Artist of the Week is Canadian soprano Emily Rocha. She will be singing the role of Laurie Moss in Toronto City Opera‘s production of The Tender Land from June 18th to 22nd. This week, Emily shares how Taylor Swift inspired her to take singing lessons, her favourite opera houses and the singing tools she can’t live without. Read on to find out more.
OPERA PLACES Josh Lovell takes us to Atlanta
Canadian tenor Josh Lovell takes us to Atlanta, where he is singing the role of Jupiter/Apollo in Handel’s Semele with The Atlanta Opera from June 7th to 15th. While in Atlanta, Josh shares his favourite park for a morning walk with his dog Oscar and where to find the best doughnuts and escape rooms in-between rehearsals. Read on to find out more.
Artist of the Week 15 Qs for Rachel Krehm
The Artist of the Week is Canadian soprano Rachel Krehm. She will be singing the role of Big Sister in Opera 5’s world premiere of Come Closer from June 13th to 21st. Rachel is also the librettist of Come Closer, which is based on her experience of losing her sister Elizabeth to addiction. This week, Rachel shares her first operatic experience, her favourite dish to cook and why she loves the artistic process. Read on to find out more.
Artist of the Week 20 Qs for Jaclyn Grossman
The Artist of the Week is Canadian soprano Jaclyn Grossman. She will be singing the role of Brünnhilde in Wagner’s Die Walküre at Edmonton Opera from June 5th to 13th. This week, Jaclyn shares her mantras, why the Valkyries made her tear up and the importance of community. Read on to find out more.