Opera Under 30 tickets for Lucia di Lammermoor, Salome and Dialogues des Carmélites go on sale Saturday, April 6 at 10 a.m. Read on to learn more about one of our Opera Under 30 ambassadors and improve your opera knowledge. Never miss a sale by signing up for our special Opera Under 30 email list.

Who?

Lyndsay Promane, 20
Student at University of Toronto, Faculty of Music

1. What was your first introduction to opera?
When I began classical vocal training, I found a recording of Beverly Sills as Rosina singing “Una voce poco fa” from The Barber of Seville and was blown away. My next discovery was Kathleen Battle and Wynton Marsalis’ album “Baroque duets”. Those artists acted as a springboard for me to discover opera and art song.

2. How did you find out about the Opera Under 30 program?
My brother took me to my first COC opera (Stravinsky’s The Nightingale and Other Short Fables) and he purchased our tickets through the Opera Under 30 program. I’ve continued to buy tickets this way ever since.

3. How many COC performances have you seen?
I’ve seen all the performances from the 2012-2013 season so far.

4. Have you turned any of your friends into opera fans?
I’ve exposed friends to opera through my own performances at school. They've told me they enjoyed the story and singing, but were distracted by the surtitles if the libretto wasn’t in English. Hopefully that doesn’t stop them from exploring great music they have yet to discover!

5. Tell us about your favourite opera!
Bernstein’s Candide holds a special place in my heart. I saw it when I was in high school, and it was my very first opera. I was moved to tears in the finale, “Make Your Garden Grow”, when the chorus stood and sang with the leads. The energy from the cast and orchestra was so powerful.

6. What opera from the spring season are you most looking forward to?
I’m especially looking forward to seeing Salome this season – the story and music are supremely beautiful.

7. What’s your favourite opera outfit?
Something comfortable for a long sit – black tuxedo jacket, black pants, low black heels, and a scarf for winter productions.

You can chat with Lyndsay on Twitter: @lyndsaypromane

Opera Under 30 tickets go on sale Saturday, April 6 at 10 a.m. online and in person at the Four Seasons Centre. For more information, visit operaunder30.ca