The Canadian Opera Company’s Centre Stage Ensemble Studio Competition is one of the most exciting events in Canada’s opera world. Now in its 11th year, it is a celebration and fine showcase of young Canadian operatic talents. This year, out of 120 applicants and 78 auditions throughout the country, seven finalists—three sopranos, two mezzos, a baritone and a bass-baritone—were chosen to perform their final aria in front of a live and live-streamed audience, which also participated in voting for their favourite artist.
Each vocalist was accompanied by the full force of the COC orchestra, under the direction of Johannes Debus. The orchestra also opened the evening with a delightfully vivacious Overture from Verdi’s Un giorno di regno. The evening was hosted by the animated actor Emma Hunter.
In addition to substantial cash prizes, the finalists were vying for coveted invitations to join the COC Ensemble Studio, Canada’s premier training program for young opera professionals.
The panel of judges included famed Hollywood and Broadway vocal coach Elaine Overholt; renowned Canadian soprano Edith Wiens; and three COC artistic leads: Ensemble Studio Director Dorian Cox,; Artistic Operations & Planning Director Roberto Mauro; and Ensemble Studio Head of Music Liz Upchurch.
First Prize and Audience Choice Prize winner Ariana Maubach. Photo: Michael Cooper.
Mezzo-soprano Ariana Maubach of Toronto took home the $7500 First Prize and the $1000 Audience Choice Award. Maubach is currently a second year Resident Artist at the Academy of Vocal Arts in Philadelphia. A natural performer, she has a unique, magnetic instrument with a very dark timbre that sounds almost like an alto. Maubach sang “Cruda sorte” from Rossini’s L’italiana in Algeri which showcased her rich middle range.
Second Prize winner Emma Pennell. Photo: Michael Cooper.
Soprano Emma Pennell of South River/Corner Brook Indian Band won the $5000 second prize. They are an engaging performer with a bright tone and a hint of dark timbre. They delivered a confident performance of “Donde lieta uscì” from Puccini’s La Bohème, but it lacked the vulnerability and sensitivity befitting the role of the frail Mimì.
Third Prize winner Olivia LaPointe. Photo: Michael Cooper.
The Third Prize of $2500 was awarded to soprano Olivia LaPointe of Fredericton, NB, the most seasoned and technically mature performer amongst the competitors. Her aria, “Obéissons, quand leur voix appelle” from Manon by Massenet, was the most technically challenging piece of the evening. It was executed with good control, and showed off her versatile range which included a fleeting high E and a sustained high D. Her vocal palette was bright throughout, and would have benefitted from a wider range of colours.
Mikelis Rogers. Photo: Michael Cooper.
My personal vote went to baritone Mikelis Rogers from London, ON and current member of Opéra de Montréal Atelier lyrique young artist program. His versatile palette ranges from an impossibly rich and resonant bass-baritone to a bright tenorial sound. Even though he did not land in the winners’ circle, his heartfelt performance of “Ya vas Lyublyu” from Tchaikovsky’s The Queen of Spades was most moving.
The remaining finalists—soprano Chelsea Kolić (Hamilton, ON), bass-baritone Nicholas Murphy (Charlottetown, PEI) and mezzo Ilanna Starr (Washington, DC/ Montreal, QC)—all deserve accolades for their fine performances.
The exhilarating evening was a testament that Canada is full of exciting young operatic talent. The world is watching.
Based in Toronto, the Canadian Opera Company is the largest producer of opera in Canada and one of the largest in North America. General Director David C. Ferguson joined the company in 2024, forming a leadership team with Music Director Johannes Debus and Deputy General Director Christie Darville.
The COC enjoys a loyal audience, including a dedicated base of subscribers, and has an international reputation for artistic excellence and creative innovation. Its diverse repertoire includes new commissions and productions, local and international collaborations with leading opera companies and festivals, and attracts the world’s foremost Canadian and international artists.
The company is an incubator for the future of the art form, nurturing Canada’s new wave of opera performers and creators with customized training and support. The COC’s purpose-built opera house, the Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts, is hailed internationally as one of the finest in the world. For more information, visit coc.ca.
For more on Centre Stage: Ensemble Studio Competition, including event details and a full list of finalists, please visit coc.ca/CentreStage.
