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Opera Canada says of mezzo-soprano Simona Genga after winning the Canadian Opera Company’s 2017 Centre Stage Gala and Ensemble Studio Competition that she was reminiscent of a young Stephanie Blythe with “a vocal plushness, amplitude and range mature beyond her years.”
“I was first introduced to music when I was still a baby,” Genga says. “… [My mother] used to play Baby Mozart CDs for me which I also loved listening to when I was a kid!
“I grew up loving to entertain people, whether by making up stories, plays, songs or poems. After being encouraged to try various activities outside of regular schoolwork – soccer, basketball, dance, choir, etc. – I eventually came to voice.
“In some ways I feel more like singing chose me. It is the perfect culmination of so many things I love and love to share.”
This native of Vaughan, a municipality near Toronto, attended many COC productions and was keenly aware of the Ensemble program. After several audition steps, seven singers were selected to come to Toronto and work with COC coaches for a week and sing with the COC Orchestra.
“Being invited to the competition was an opportunity that I have always dreamed about. When I was notified I was extremely excited. I feel like everything in life leading up to moments like these are the things that prepare you. All my studies, experiences and steady preparation over the course of my life so far brought me to that moment. That is what made me feel ready for the competition.”
When asked if there were any surprises for her as she went through the competition process, Genga reveals her truly artistic sensibility. “I try to go into every experience with no expectations about how things will be but try to be very present and open to it all and whatever it brings. Because of that I learned a lot from the competition.”
The winner also of the Audience Choice Award, Genga will start her first year in the Ensemble Studio this fall. “I have been taking the time to explore my artistic process and personal development. I am looking forward to being involved with this year’s Opera for Young Artists and excited to be singing the Second Maid in Strauss’s Elektra alongside THE Christine Goerke!!”
Looking back, Genga holds the gala event very dear. “Being able to share this experience with the other competitors, sing on the stage with the orchestra and have the opportunity to go out and have fun, and be present through the whole experience made for some very special memories and moments I have learned from and will hold close to my heart.”
This page is also available in / Cette page est également disponible en:
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