Danika Lorèn and GentleFreak at Nancy & Ed Jackman Performance Centre

Danika Lorèn and Gentle Freak preview OpenStudio and MainStage: Slaying My Demon Lover

Danika Lorèn unveils two exciting new initiatives from GentleFreak! Both OpenStudio and MainStage initiatives champion artist-led approaches to technique and production, expanding creative opportunities for professional singers at the local level.

GentleFreak OpenStudio explores the art of acoustic vocal improvisation, inviting participants to engage in unamplified vocal studies over several weeks. The project aims to develop a framework for classical vocal improvisation pedagogy that is accessible to professional and amateur vocalists.

GentleFreak MainStage is a co-production initiative empowering classical vocal artists to create and present original concert works. Audiences will get a sneak peek of the first MainStage concert coming in February 2026: Slaying My Demon Lover. This concert preview, led by Daevyd Pepper, features singers Queen Hezumuryango, Reilly Nelson, Danika Lorèn, and Jonelle Sills, with guitarist Lenny Ranallo.