Canadian soprano Sarah Defresne takes us to London, where she is singing Yvette/Giorgette in two concert performances of Puccini’s La rondine with the London Symphony Orchestra on December 10th and 12th (info and tickets here).
Sarah is known for her clarity of tone, rapid coloratura, and diverse repertoire. Recently, she was highly praised for her role debut as Ophélie in Thomas‘ Hamlet with Opéra de Montréal. In 2025, you can hear her at Bayerische Staatsoper, Pacific Opera Victoria and Festival de Lanaudière.
While in London, Sarah shares her favourite markets, the best place to get coffee AND flowers and her ideal accommodations. Read on to find out more.
City where you’re working?
I’m working in London right now. I’m singing in La Rondine with the London Symphony Orchestra conducted by Antonio Pappano.
How long are you working on contract?
I am here for just under two weeks.
What’s the opera house like?
We are performing in the Barbican Centre but have been rehearsing in LSO St Luke’s. It’s a beautiful space which is a converted church used for rehearsal space.
Where is the most peaceful place in the city?
I used to live in London and spent most of my time around Covent Garden. I still love taking a walk by the Thames or browsing shops in Seven Dials to relax.
Best coffee or tea?
I found a cute coffee shop called Blooms and Beans which is near the rehearsal space! They have great coffee/pastries and also sell flowers and plants.
Coolest bar or restaurant you’ve been to?
I’ve been eating at The Salad Kitchen often while here, I love to find healthy, quick options for food while I’m away from home. It’s THE BEST! And there are a few of them in the city.
An activity you have done that is unique to the area?
Right now is the season of Christmas markets and when I’m travelling at this time of year, I love to check out the market in whatever city I’m in! I especially love the market near the Tower Bridge and the Borough Market which is there all year round, but becomes super Christmassy!
How did you find accommodation?
I’m so lucky to be able to stay with my good friend and fellow Canadian opera singer Avery Lafrentz in Canary Wharf while I’m visiting this time!
What’s the most important thing you think of when it comes to finding accommodation as a singer?
For me, the only thing that I look for with accommodation is somewhere that is quiet and comfortable, and staying with a friend is an added bonus.
LEARN MORE ABOUT SARAH DUFRESNE
VISIT HER WEBSITE
© Sarah Dufresne
Blooms & Beans coffee and plant shop
© Sarah Dufresne
Sarah in London
© Sarah Dufresne
Christmas in London
La rondine
London Symphony Orchestra
December 10 & 11
CONDUCTOR: Sir Antonio Pappano
MAGDA: Carolina López Moreno
LISETTE: Serena Gamberoni
RUGGERO: Michael Fabiano
PRUNIER: Paul Appleby
RAMBALDO: Ashley Riches
YVETTE/GIORGETTE: Sarah Dufresne
BIANCA/GABRIELE: Angela Schisano
SUZY/LOLETTE: Marvic Monreal
CREBILLON: Hector Bloggs
PERICHAUD: Tom McGowan
GOBIN: Sang Eup Son
London Symphony Chorus
London Symphony Orchestra
The Concert
A concert performance of La rondine, Puccini’s story of love thwarted by society’s conventions, an opera glowing with melody and orchestral colour.
The Music
Sir Antonio Pappano’s first encounter with the LSO was recording La rondine at Abbey Road Studios in 1996. ‘I’ll never forget the first down beat,’ he says, ‘when the Orchestra just exploded with activity and panache and derring-do.’
He returns to this work nearly 30 years later, in his first season as Chief Conductor, sharing his love of Italian opera in this full-bloodedly romantic score, with a matchless cast of singers. The opera explores longing for love against a background of family disapproval – a theme brilliantly captured in a famous scene from the film A Room with a View, set to the aria ‘Chi il Bel Sogno di Doretta’.
“La rondine is a fantastic vehicle for the orchestra, with a wonderful, bittersweet story. It’s light on its feet, rhapsodic and romantic.” Sir Antonio Pappano, LSO Chief Conductor
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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.
