Carole-Anne Roussel (soprano) Queen Elisabeth Competition Laureate

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Soprano Carole-Anne Roussel is forging a path that diverges from the mainstream model. She notes that perhaps it was this kind of “bold move,” here in the context of repertoire choices, that made her stand out in the Queen Elisabeth Competition.

One of two Canadian laureates, Roussel says she was “proud of the choice to go against the grain” and sing a less popular soprano repertoire, including works by Menotti, Beach, Poulenc, and an aria from Stravinsky’s The Rake’s Progress.

Outside of her unique repertoire selections, Roussel aspires to be a relevant, useful musician. She believes strongly in the power of inter-human connection, and seeks to personify a link between music and the audiences for whom she sings. As an artist, Roussel asks herself questions like “What else is there beyond a ‘love’ for what you do?” and “How do you adequately receive what life gives you?”

Though it would take more than one person to answer these profound questions, they point to the role music plays in Roussel’s life—as something much deeper than performance or black-and-white notes on a page. When asked about her favourite musical experience, she was keen to share a story about singing in a Belgian prison during her time with the Queen Elisabeth Competition. It felt, she said, as though her singing was the only taste of freedom some prisoners had had in months. “The freedom in my voice was a difficult pain for them to endure,” she said, “but they chose to endure it anyway.” To her, giving music to those who would normally be deprived of it represents the core of her goals.

Roussel is determined not to take any musical interaction or experience for granted. She focuses on respecting anyone that crosses her path, as she understands that even a passerby could influence her life and musical journey. “Anyone you talk to can have an impact on your musical life,” she said, adding: “I love to listen to and admire the greats like Renée Fleming, but I don’t want to minimize everyone who teaches me to be a good person, because that is what I pour into my singing.” Such dedication to the symbiosis of music and community values speaks to Roussel’s character. Her singing is clearly masterful, but it is her knowledge of herself and her world that makes her a truly exceptional musician.