Seven of Canada’s most promising new opera singers have been selected to compete in the Canadian Opera Company’s
Centre Stage: Ensemble Studio Competition on October 26, 2023 at the Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts. The annual fundraiser and vocal competition showcases the very best in emerging opera talent, with all proceeds supporting the COC’s prestigious artistic career development program, the Ensemble Studio.
125 candidates applied to join the
Ensemble Studio next season, with judges traveling all over Canada to hear nearly 90 young artists in-person, with stops in Vancouver, Calgary, Montreal, and Toronto. This year’s finalists are:
Immediately following the main event, Spotlight Premium Experience ticket-holders enjoy a three-course dinner and live entertainment presented in the stunning Henry N. R. Jackman Lounge which, on this night, will be transformed into glamorous Studio 145 as part of the night’s Hollywood-themed festivities.
For full details on competition timing and tickets, please visit
coc.ca/CentreStage
Tickets for Centre Stage: Ensemble Studio Competition range from $80-$150 with Opera Under 30 tickets priced at $35 anywhere in the auditorium. They are available online, by calling 416-363-8231, or by visiting the Four Seasons Centre Box Office in person at 145 Queen St. W.
BMO Financial Group: Season Sponsor
The COC Ensemble Studio is Underwritten By: The Catherine and Maxwell Meighen Foundation, with major support from Anne & Tony Arrell, Marjorie & Roy Linden, The Estate of Tom C. Logan A.R.C.T., The MacNeill Family Foundation, Wendy J. Thompson, The Azrieli Foundation, RBC Foundation, and Stingray with additional support from ARIAS: Canadian Opera Student Development Fund, Marcia Lewis Brown, Neil & Blanche Carragher, Catherine Fauquier, George & Irene Hamilton, Patrick and Barbara Keenan Foundation, Joy Levine, Patricia & Frank Mills, and Brian Wilks
Presenting Sponsor: RBC
Artist Training Partners: Letko Brosseau, Morgan Meighen & Associates
Rising Star Sponsors: Anonymous
Spotlight Experience Supporters: Kristy Balkwill, Frank Bartoszek & Daniel O'Brien, Mike Brown, BT/A Advertising, Burgundy Asset Management, Jean Davidson & Paul Spafford, Hatch, Lily Li, TD Bank Group
Supporting Sponsors: Marcia Lewis Brown, Ernst & Young, Kristine Vikmanis & Denton Creighton
Event Sponsors: Bespoke Audio Visual, BT/A Advertising, Cavinona Wine Club, Chair-man Mills, The Chase, Terroni, Wellington Printworks Inc.
Artist Prize Sponsors: ARIAS: Canadian Opera Student Development Fund, Classical 96.3 FM, Richard and Darcy Phillips, Temerty Foundation