I’ve had amazing experiences singing at some unique venues — but singing at the Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts as a finalist in the Ensemble Studio Competition was an especially sentimental and profound experience for me.

It’s the theatre where I first fell in love with opera, the place that inspired me to follow my dreams of studying classical voice, and the venue I had always dreamed about singing in.

During the final callback auditions, it was so exciting to meet, reconnect and share this once-in-a-lifetime experience with the other finalists. It was such a positive and supportive group – we made a Facebook group where we planned meals together, picked up coffee and tea orders for each other, and gave each other advice and support throughout the week.

I learned so much during that time, but one of the most important things was to trust myself and my intuition. I was encouraged by the coaches and Johannes Debus (the COC’s Music Director) to really dig deep, be brave, and allow my vulnerability and joy for music to come through generously when I’m performing, not just on stage but also in rehearsals and lessons.

We were so well prepared and supported in the lead-up to the competition, but I was still surprised at how ready and comfortable I felt the moment I stepped onto the stage that night. I don’t have enough words to describe just how exhilarating and palpable that moment was. It was absolutely surreal.

The power and magic in the sound of the COC Orchestra led by Johannes Debus is incomparable. From the first note the orchestra played, I was filled with such wonder and childlike excitement – I still feel that way every time I hear them play. I felt utterly spoiled to have them to myself for two arias!