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One crisp autumn night this month marked a momentous evening for the Canadian Opera Company (COC), as they celebrated a new generation of on-the-rise opera singers during the company’s 12th Annual Centre Stage: Ensemble Studio Competition. The evening marked the grand finale of the search for Canada’s top young talent, with contestants vying for cash prizes and the chance of receiving an invitation to join the company’s prestigious Ensemble Studio training program. Nearly two hundred applicants from across the country were whittled down to just seven final contestants. Each finalist performed multiple arias, both in closed judge-only settings and in a live public performance.
Photography courtesy of the Canadian Opera Company
The main talk of the night was no doubt Nikan Ingabire Kanate’s triumphant first-place win, as the Ottawa-based soprano took home a $12,500 award generously sponsored by the Estate of Donald Lawrence Biderman, and the Hatch Audience Choice Prize of $3,000. A truly gratifying moment of well-deserved recognition as Kanate continues to pursue a Master of Opera degree, after completing a Bachelor of Music from the University of Toronto. Alongside Kanate, mezzo-soprano Camila Montefusco of Montreal, a Brazilian-born storyteller who possesses “an instrument of remarkable power and endurance,” took home the second prize. Amounting to $8,000, the prize was generously sponsored by Wendy J. Thompson and Canadian-American, Søren Pedersen, a baritone artist with a Master of Music in Voice Performance who is currently pursuing his Artist Diploma received the third place prize of $5,000, sponsored by Peter Neelands. As the competition drew to a close, attendees were invited to mingle amongst the night’s finalists and current Ensemble Studio artists. Together, they enjoyed an elegant three-course dinner created by Sash Restaurant + Wine Bar. The evening was filled with angelic musical performances against a backdrop of crystal chandeliers and show-stopping red curtains. The event came together to honour new talent, platforming young artists while providing an unparalleled opportunity for them to share their craft. “There’s something magical about seeing the future of opera take shape before your eyes,” says COC General Director David Ferguson. “The Ensemble Studio Competition brings together some of Canada’s most gifted young voices—artists whose talent and passion remind us why this art form endures. To all of this year’s finalists: congratulations. The path ahead is bright, and we can’t wait to see where your voices will carry you.” Check out the gallery below to see key moments and stylish attendees at the event. Continue Reading
