The Canadian Opera Companyhas selected seven finalists from across the country to showcase in this year's exhilarating vocal competition at its annual gala fundraiser,Centre Stage, on November 3, 2016. Selected from a pool of 119 aspiring Canadian opera singers, the final seven will take to the stage of Toronto's Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts to perform selected arias in the hopes of securing a cash prize, ranging in value from $1,500 - $5,000, and a highly coveted invitation to join Canada's premier training program for young opera professionals, the COC Ensemble Studio.
Centre Stage is an inspiring night to celebrate Canada's emerging opera voices with its feature event, the Ensemble Studio Competition, offering patrons in attendance a rare glimpse into the early days of a young opera singer's professional journey. The young singers featured in the 2016 vocal competition are: baritone Samuel Chan (Calgary); soprano Maria Lacey (St. John's, N.L.); soprano Myriam Leblanc (Saint-Lazare, Que.); soprano Andrea Lett (
Prince Albert, Sask.); mezzo-soprano Simone McIntosh(Vancouver); soprano Andrea Núñez (Markham, Ont.); and baritone Geoffrey Schellenberg (Vancouver).
The 2016 finalists were chosen following preliminary auditions in Calgary, Toronto and Montreal. At Centre Stage on November 3, each singer will give a performance showcasing their vocal technique, as well as artistic and interpretive range, before an audience and panel of judges. First Prize, also known as the Chair's prize in recognition of the Chair of the COC's Board of Directors, is valued at $5,000 with $3,000 awarded for Second Prize and $1,500 for Third Prize. An Audience Choice Award, selected by audience vote, is valued at $1,500. Select finalists may also be invited to join the COC's 2017/2018 Ensemble Studio, to be announced at a later date.
"Centre Stage is a celebration of Canada's emerging opera voices and it's a testament to the richness of talent developing across the country to showcase a cross-section of voices drawn from communities coast-to-coast at the competition this year," says COC General Director
Alexander Neef. "Every year the pool of finalists bring something new to the competition. This year, with many singers of the same voice type, it's a unique opportunity for the finalists to show their distinctive characteristics and individual artistic flair in how they sing their pieces of music."
COC General Director
Alexander Neef heads the jury for the vocal competition portion of the evening. He's joined by returning judges COC Director of Music and Artistic Administration Roberto Mauro, Director of the COC Ensemble Studio and Orchestra Academy Nina Dragani?, and Head of the COC Ensemble Studio Liz Upchurch, as well as Canadian soprano and Ensemble Studio Head Vocal Consultant Wendy Nielsen, who is also a graduate of the COC's program. New to the panel for 2016 is American tenor Neil Shicoff, hailed as one of the leading tenors of his generation and now a sought-after vocal coach.
Hosting Centre Stage this year is legendary Canadian tenor and CBC Radio personality
Ben Heppner. A 1984 graduate of the COC's Ensemble Studio, Heppner went on to have an illustrious career that took him to opera stages and concert halls around the world before giving his final professional opera performance in the title role of
Peter Grimes with the COC in 2013. On November 3, 2016, Heppner hosts Centre Stage for the second time since the gala launched in 2013. He'll oversee the evening's vocal fireworks when the seven finalists perform from the mainstage of Canada's first purpose-built opera house, accompanied by the internationally acclaimed COC Orchestra led by COC Music DirectorJohannes Debus, before an audience of 1,000 spectators. The vocal showcase at Centre Stage culminates in an announcement of the competition's winners.
Following the competition, Centre Stage gala guests go on to enjoy an elegant formal dinner from the stunning vantage point of the Four Seasons Centre stage, joined by competition finalists and winners and notable COC artists, as well as key supporters of the company, including many of Canada's business and philanthropic leaders. Guests are treated to a rare opportunity to enjoy the gastronomic creations of Chef
David Lee outside of the acclaimed restaurant Nota Bene, where Lee is executive chef. This year's gourmet experience is inspired by the famous French steak dish, Tournedos Rossini, rumoured to have been created for composer Gioachino Rossini (1792 - 1868). Chef Lee brings his take on the contemporary Canadian experience with the creation of a culinary progression that nods to the traditional richness of haute cuisine while also showcasing a modern twist.
Doors open to the Four Seasons Centre (145 Queen St. W.) at 5:30 p.m. for a cocktail reception with the vocal competition taking place at 6:30 p.m. in R. Fraser Elliott Hall. Tickets to Centre Stage are $100 for the cocktail reception and competition. Specially priced $35 tickets are also available for patrons between the ages of 16 and 29 through Opera Under 30 sponsored by TD Bank Group. Gala dinner tickets are $1,500. All proceeds from Centre Stage support the COC's Ensemble Studio.
For more information and to purchase tickets, visit COCCentreStage.ca, call COC Ticket Services at
416-363-8231 or visit the Four Seasons Centre Box Office (145 Queen St. W.).
