The Emerging Artists of Edmonton Opera take us to Whitehorse. Edmonton Opera has partnered with the Yukon Arts Centre to deliver school tours and community outreach to the Yukon led by mezzo-soprano Rachael McAuley, baritone Connor Hoppenbrouwers and conductor and pianist Spencer Kryzanowski (more info about the program here).
Rachael McAuley is a mezzo-soprano originally from Ottawa. Recently, she has performed with Edmonton Opera, Vancouver Symphony Orchestra, Vancouver Chamber Choir and Banff Centre for the Arts and Creativity. Recent role highlights include Judith (Understudy) in Bluebeard’s Castle, Serena Joy in Ruders’ The Handmaid’s Tale, Cherubino in Le nozze di Figaro, Serse in Serse and Mercédès in Carmen. Rachael is looking forward to joining Edmonton Opera to play Rossweisse in Die Walküre this spring.
Baritone Connor Hoppenbrouwers recently debuted as a soloist with the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra, and in April finished his time as a member of The McPhee Artist Development Program with Calgary Opera. Notable roles for Connor include Donner in Das Rheingold, Belcore in L’elisir d’amore, Paul Jobs in The (R)evolution of Steve Jobs, and Dancaïre in Carmen with Calgary Opera; Count Almaviva in Le Nozze di Figaro with the University of British Columbia Opera Workshop and Papageno in Die Zauberflöte with The University of Alberta Opera Workshop.
As Rachael, Connor and Spencer gear up for their final trip North (this time to Dawson City), they share the best cafés, beautiful views and give us a peak of the most enthusiastic opera chorus Whitehouse has to offer. Read on to find out more.
City where you’re working?
Whitehorse, Yukon.
How long are you working on contract?
Three trips over the course of four months (one week each).
What’s the opera house like?
Whitehorse is full of vibrant performances spaces – from the Yukon Arts Centre (a full performance venue) to the Old Fire Hall (which was where we created and rehearsed our school programs). We’ve spent the majority of our time in the Yukon visiting different schools and care homes in Whitehorse and surrounding communities such as Carcross, Haines Junction, and Carmacks.
Where is the most peaceful place in the city?
Walking the Millenium Trail along the Yukon River and into the fresh mountain pine and fir forests surrounding the trail.
Best coffee or tea?
It’s a tie between Midnight Sun Roasters and Baked!
Coolest bar or restaurant you’ve been to?
Gather. A glass blowing studio and restaurant serving a locally sourced menu, and unique cocktails served in handmade glassware.
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An activity you have done that is unique to the area?
Visiting the Eclipse Nordic Springs.
Is there something unexpected that happens locally that you discovered?
Thursday night Fiddle Night at the ‘98 Hotel (the second oldest liquor license west of Winnipeg!).
How did you find accommodation?
We were so lucky to have been hosted by the Yukon Arts Centre and Edmonton Opera who arranged our accommodations.
What’s the most important thing you think of when it comes to finding accommodation as a singer or pianist?
We all agree that, for us, the most important thing is a good night’s rest. In Whitehorse this is made easier since the sun doesn’t rise until around 11 am during the winter months!
Have you had a chance to explore some galleries or museums?
We were lucky to be nice and busy during our time in Whitehorse, but there is always something going on in town. We would encourage anyone visiting to take a look at the Yukon Arts Centre to see what installations and performances are happening.
Is there anything else you’d recommend?
We worked with a highly talented and enthusiastic group of folks from Yukon Theatre for Young People while in Whitehorse and would recommend checking out their next show!
LEARN MORE ABOUT EDMONTON OPERA
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE YUKON ARTS CENTRE
© Mike Thomas, Yukon Arts Centre
Spencer, Connor and Rachael with Edmonton Opera Head of Artistic Operations, Holly Kroeker
© Mike Thomas, Yukon Arts Centre
Mountain Views
© Mike Thomas, Yukon Arts Centre
At Takhini Elementary
© Mike Thomas, Yukon Arts Centre
At École Whitehorse Elementary
Emerging Artists Residency Program
Edmonton Opera
2024/2025
BARITONE: Connor Hoppenbrouwers
MEZZO-SOPRANO: Rachael McAuley
STAGE MANAGEMENT: Ryan MacAuley
PIANIST/CONDUCTOR: Spencer Kryzanowski
New This Season
This season, Edmonton Opera is proud to announce our collaboration with both MacEwan University’s Arts and Culture Management Program, as well as the Yukon Arts Centre. These two new partnerships will enhance Edmonton Opera’s Emerging Artist Residency Program by offering a unique and more well-rounded experience.
The Emerging Artist Residency Program is an in-person multiple residency opportunity for portfolio career professionals. The goal of this program is to help artists gain stage and role experience, while developing practical skill extensions to create sustainable careers in the arts. The multi-disciplinary program will take place in Edmonton, Alberta at Edmonton Opera, with module extensions to the Yukon, in collaboration with the Yukon Arts Centre.
Program Highlights
Performance opportunities including roles and understudy roles.
Coaching sessions with Edmonton Opera’s Music Director, Head Coach and Artistic Director.
Networking with nationally respected singers, conductors, and directors.
Mentorship from Edmonton Opera’s leadership team in artistic and professional development opportunities.
Opportunity to audit courses in collaboration with MacEwan University’s Arts and Culture Management program.
Outreach and community leadership development in the Yukon, in collaboration with the Yukon Arts Centre.
Education sessions about business and life in the industry (including marketing, government relations, production, patron services, etc).
Participation at public performance and outreach events including Opera Pubs and more.
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Máiri Demings is Opera Canada’s digital content specialist. She’s also a mezzo-soprano who has sung with Tapestry Opera, performs regularly with VOICEBOX: Opera in Concert and Toronto Operetta Theatre, and is one half of duo mezzopiano with pianist Zain Solinski.
