Canadian soprano Lauren Margison takes us to Memphis, Tennessee, where she is making her American debut as the soprano soloist in Verdi‘s Requiem with the Memphis Symphony Orchestra and Opera Memphis (tickets and info).
Lauren is the winner of the 2025 Elizabeth Connell Prize International Singing Competition and a 2024 Sullivan Award Winner. Recent and upcoming performances include La bohème with Opéra de Montréal, Verdi‘s Requiem with the Billings Symphony and a debut with Orchestre symphonique de Montréal for Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9.
While in Memphis, Lauren chats with us about the first rehearsal, restaurant recommendations and the sights she is excited to see. Read on to find out more.
I’ve been told to try Otherlands! So I am looking forward to that!
I am lucky enough to be put up in the beautiful guest house of Miriam and Charlie Handorf, who are major supporters of Opera Memphis. Their welcome has been so warm, and I am incredibly honoured to be staying here!
Personally, when I have to find accommodation for myself, I try to find somewhere that is as close to the theatre as possible. I have had some great success in the past on Airbnb.
The Civil Rights Museum is on my list for tomorrow! I’d also love to see Graceland if timing permits.
© Photo used with permission from the artist
In rehearsal
Verdi’s Requiem
Memphis Symphony Orchestra
Opera Memphis
March 28
CONDUCTOR: Robert Moody
SOPRANO: Lauren Margison
MEZZO-SOPRANO: Jamie Barton
TENOR: Limmie Pulliam
BASS: Kenneth Kellogg
MEMPHIS SYMPHONY CHORUS
CONDUCTOR: Joseph Powell
UNIVERSITY OF MISSISSIPPI CHOIRS
CONDUCTORS: Dr. Donald Trott and Dr. Elizabeth Hearn
Verdi’s ultimate masterpiece, sung by a quartet that will leave you breathless: Jamie Barton, Limmie Pulliam, Kenneth Kellogg, and Lauren Margison.
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