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.
Artist of the Week 20 Qs for Jessica Latouche
The Artist of the Week is Canadian soprano Jessica Latouche. Currently in rehearsals in the role of Rosalinde for Opéra de Québec’s production of La chauve-souris, May 11-18. In between rehearsals Jessica sat down to talk to us about what inspired her to become a singer, some of her favourite roles, and how she deals with the tough rejection that comes with the music industry. Read on to find out more.
OPERA PLACES Marta Herman takes us to Lucerne, Switzerland
Canadian mezzo soprano Marta Herman takes us to Lucerne, Switzerland where she is performing the role of Anastasio in Luzerner Theater’s production of Vivaldi’s Il Guistino, running May 2 to June 20. During her downtime, Marta shared with us what it has been like to stay in Luzern, including her favourite place to grab a coffee, the best way to explore the natural beauty in the city, and which museums she has been touring. Read on to find out more.
Artist of the Week 17 Qs for Natalya Gennadi
The Artist of the Week is Ukrainian-Canadian soprano Natalya Gennadi. She is currently in rehearsals with Soundstreams for their upcoming production, Grandma’s Shawl. This is a piece she curated and is featured in – a musical journey inspired by the tale of Kokum Shawls, telling the story of the lasting bond between Ukrainian women and Indigenous women. Get your tickets for this one night only event on May 4. Lucky for us, Natalya was able to spare a few minutes to share with us who inspires her as a singer, how she shared a tea date with the great Ileana Cotrubas, and what she would do if she won the lottery. Read on to find out more.
Artist of the Week 10 Qs for Emma Parkinson
The Artist of the Week is Canadian mezzo soprano Emma Parkinson. She is preparing the role of Flora in Verdi’s La Traviata for Opéra de Massy’s upcoming production. Emma was kind enough to sit down with us to talk about what her view of success looks like, what opera caused her to cry for the very first time, and how she is secretly an incredible salsa dancer. Read on to find out more.
OPERA PLACES Andriana Chuchman take us to Houston, TX
Canadian soprano Andriana Chuchman takes us to Houston, Texas where she is making her role debut as Donna Anna in Houston Grand Opera’s production of Don Giovanni, running April 19 – May 3. Between rehearsals, Andriana shared with us what she has been up to while in Houston, including exploring the culinary delights that Houston has on offer, going to Astro games, and going to the Houston Zoo with her family! Read on to find out more.
Artist of the Week 16 Qs for Lara Ciekiewicz
The Artist of the Week is Canadian soprano Lara Ciekiewicz. Currently, she is in her hometown preparing the role of Micaëla for Manitoba Opera’s upcoming production of Carmen, running April 13-19. This week Lara spared a few minutes to share with us how she is working on her braiding designs for her Easter paska, how she experiences the ups and downs of the industry, and what it means to her to be brave with music including some amazing hashtags #humblingandmagical #dothething #artforall. Read on to find out more.
Artist of the Week 18 Qs for Antoine Bélanger
The Artist of the Week is Canadian tenor Antoine Bélanger who is currently in Montreal reprising his role as Znorko in Enigma. Originally premiered by l’Opera de Metz, it is now being produced by Opéra de Montréal, running April 7-14. We sat down to talk to Antoine about what inspired him to start singing, his love of Lord of the Rings, and how his career has taught him how to be resilient in the face of adversity. Read on to find out more.
OPERA PLACES Rose Naggar-Tremblay take us to Erfurt, Germany
Canadian contralto, Rose Naggar-Tremblay takes us to Erfurt, Germany where she is performing the role of Erda in Theater Erfurt’s current production of Wagner’s Das Rheingold, running March 23 to May 9. On her way to Paris, Rose had a few moments with us to share what the Opera House at Theater Erfurt is like, where to find the best coffee in town, and what she has been doing for fun while overseas. Read on to find out more.
