Adrianne Pieczonka Appointed Vocal Chair Of The Glenn Gould School

The Royal Conservatory announced today that it has appointed internationally acclaimed Canadian soprano Adrianne Pieczonka as Vocal Chair and Head of the Vocal Department of The Glenn Gould School (GGS), its acclaimed school of professional performance training for artists at the undergraduate, graduate, and postgraduate levels. Ms. Pieczonka is the first Vocal Chair in the school's history. She will take on this role in May 2019 as she continues her thriving career as a performing artist.

"It is an honour to welcome an artist of Adrianne's stature as the inaugural Vocal Chair of The Glenn Gould School," said Dr. Peter Simon, Michael and Sonja Koerner President & CEO, The Royal Conservatory. "Great artists are developed through the ongoing mentorship and guidance of outstanding teachers. As one of the world's preeminent operatic sopranos, the depth of Adrianne's expertise will be invaluable in supporting the artistic growth of the next generation of celebrated singers."

As Vocal Chair and Head of the Vocal Department, Ms. Pieczonka will conduct monthly master classes and will oversee The Glenn Gould School's Voice Program and Price Opera Program. Her responsibilities will include the selection and casting of the department's two annual operas as well as the school's annual vocal showcase. Ms. Pieczonka will also supervise the selection of conductors and directors for all department productions, as well as the selection of all other vocal master class artists.

"I am very excited and honoured to assume the role of Vocal Chair at The Royal Conservatory of Music's Glenn Gould School," said Ms. Pieczonka. "For the past several years I have given annual master classes for the singers of its Artist Diploma Program; I look forward to being involved with all other aspects of the Voice Department. Drawing on my experience from many years on stage, I hope to inspire and support young artists as they prepare themselves for careers as professional singers."

With an esteemed career spanning more than 30 years, Ms. Pieczonka has earned widespread international acclaim from critics and opera fans for her interpretations of Wagner, Strauss, Verdi, and Puccini heroines. She performs regularly on the world's greatest operatic stages, including New York's Metropolitan Opera House, the Royal Opera House in London, and Milan's Teatro alla Scala. She has also appeared in many of the world's most prestigious opera festivals, including Germany's legendary Bayreuth Festival. Her recording of Puccini arias earned a JUNO Award in 2011.

In addition to her achievements as a performing artist, Ms. Pieczonka is also a dedicated educator who has mentored young singers around the world. She is a committed master class artist who appears frequently throughout Canada and Europe. In recognition of her many cultural contributions, Ms. Pieczonka received the esteemed honorific of Kammesängerin by the Vienna State Opera in 2007. She was named an Officer of the Order of Canada in 2008, an Honorary Fellow of The Royal Conservatory in 2013, and in 2014 received the Ontario Arts Council's Paul de Hueck and Norman Walford Career Achievement Award.

The Royal Conservatory of Music is one of the largest and most respected music and arts education institutions in the world. Providing the definitive standard of excellence in music education through its curriculum, assessment, performances, and teacher education programs, the Conservatory has had a substantial impact on the lives of millions of people globally. In addition, the organization has helped to train a number of internationally celebrated artists including Glenn Gould, Oscar Peterson, David Foster, Sarah McLachlan, Angela Hewitt, and Diana Krall. Motivated by its powerful mission to develop human potential through leadership in music and arts education, The Royal Conservatory has emerged over the last two decades as a leader in the development of arts-based programs that address a wide range of social issues. For more information, please visit rcmusic.com.

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