Toronto – Following a cross-country audition tour, seven of the country’s brightest new opera voices are about to step into the spotlight as finalists in the Canadian Opera Company’s Centre Stage: Ensemble Studio Competition, happening October 23, 2025 at the Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts. The evening is the COC’s largest fundraiser of the year, with all proceeds supporting the company’s world-renowned Ensemble Studio; since 2013, Centre Stage has raised over $4.5 million for the innovative career development program for emerging opera artists.
“This is a pivotal moment and milestone for any emerging singer,” says Dorian Cox, Director of the Ensemble Studio. “To be named a finalist is not only a recognition of exceptional talent, but also the start of a journey that can propel these artists onto national and international stages. We’re thrilled to welcome this year’s finalists and celebrate the extraordinary possibilities ahead of them.”
117 candidates applied to join the Ensemble Studio next season, with COC judges traveling all over Canada in a nation-wide audition tour presented by Pamela & Paul Austin and The P. Austin Family Foundation. After hearing nearly 60 young singers in Vancouver, Calgary, Montreal, and Toronto, the judges selected seven finalists for this year’s competition; they are:
- Jacob Abrahamse, tenor
- Jackson Allen, tenor
- Sarah Anderson-Caulfield, soprano
- Onur Hilaloglu, bass
- Nikan Ingabire Kanate, soprano
- Camila Montefusco, mezzo-soprano
- Søren Pedersen, baritone
On October 23, competition finalists will perform one last time, accompanied by the acclaimed COC Orchestra led by COC Music Director Johannes Debus for a shot at cash prizes and the chance to be invited to join the COC’s career-launching Ensemble Studio. Audience members will also have the chance to live-vote for the Audience Choice Prize, generously sponsored by Hatch.
This year, the company is also thrilled to toast to an inspiring Canadian Opera Company Ensemble Studio success story: internationally renowned dramatic tenor Ben Heppner! A member of the Ensemble Studio in 1982-1984, Ben returns as our special guest at Centre Stage to mark another remarkable milestone—his 70th birthday.
Gala tickets selling quickly!
Immediately following the competition, the mainstage of the opera house will be revealed for guests staying on for the night’s Centre Stage Gala, themed this year after COC’s romantic fall lineup: For the Love of Opera.
From specially created cocktails from Masala Spirits Co. and Sobrii, to a next-level culinary experience from Sash Restaurant + Wine Bar, plus some delightful surprises sprinkled throughout, it is my favourite night of the year – and one that is especially impactful for our next generation of talent, with all proceeds supporting emerging Canadian artists!”
Cheer on your favourite from everywhere
Once again, the Centre Stage: Ensemble Studio Competition will be livestreamed for viewing across the country and beyond. In addition, at-home audiences will be eligible to cast their vote for Audience Choice Prize, sponsored by Hatch.
Ticketing Information
All-inclusive competition tickets for Centre Stage: Ensemble Studio Competition start at $100 with special pricing available for guests between 16-29 years old through COC’s Opera Under 30 (OU30) program. Tickets are available online at coc.ca, by calling 416-363-8231, or by visiting the Four Seasons Centre Box Office in person at 145 Queen St. W.
For Centre Stage Gala tickets (individual or table bookings), as well as sponsorship opportunities, please contact CentreStage@coc.ca.
