Get to Know Centre Stage: Ensemble Studio Competition

Curious to know more about Centre Stage: Ensemble Studio Competition? Here are a few of our most frequently asked questions (with answers!) about the adjudication process, competition schedule, and past winners.

What should you expect to see at Centre Stage? 

Finalists will each perform two arias accompanied by a full orchestra (the first in a closed-round competition for the judges only, and the second in a public round in front of a live audience) demonstrating their artistic expression, technical ability, dramatic conviction, and overall stage presence. For most singers in the competition, this moment represents their biggest artistic accomplishment to date—and is a potentially life-changing experience.

For audience members, it's an unforgettable showcase of beautiful music and dazzling Canadian talent, culminating in judges’ prizes and a thrilling public vote for the Audience Choice Award.

How can I enhance my experience? 

VIP Cocktails and Competition ticket-holders can look forward to an exclusive open-bar reception in the Richard Bradshaw Amphitheatre at 6 p.m. before enjoying the competition from Ring 3.

How long does the competition last? 

The competition begins at 7 p.m. and is expected to conclude around 8:45 p.m. 

How do the finalists choose their arias?

Closed-round and public-round competition arias are chosen in consultation with the finalists and COC artistic leadership to demonstrate the full range of their artistic expression and vocal technique. Finalists are also invited to present a third aria of their choosing during the callback period leading up to the competition.

Who are the judges? 

Our judging panel will be comprised of COC artistic staff, guest artists, and industry influencers, to be announced in the coming weeks.

How is a winner selected?

The First, Second, and Third Prize winners are selected by the judges, who will pick the strongest performance of that evening from closed and public rounds.

The Audience Choice Award is determined by a public vote (open both to in-person audience members and anyone following the livestream).

Who are some notable past winners?

Midori Marsh 2019
Named a Top 30 Artist under 30 by CBC Radio, soprano Midori Marsh won both First Prize and the Audience Choice Award in our 2019 Centre Stage competition. During her time as a  COC Ensemble Studio artist, her portrayal of Papagena in Mozart’s The Magic Flute was described as “amusingly playful” and “infectious,” (Stage Door) earning her wide critical acclaim. Last season, she portrayed The House (soprano) in Tapestry Opera’s production of Rocking Horse Winner by Gareth Williams and Anna Chatterton. She also collaborated with the Banff Centre for the Arts, where she took on the roles of Sarah Thorpe in Lizee’s No One’s Safe and Johan’s Mother in Prestini’s Silent Light. 

Matthew Cairns 2018
The First Prize winner of the 2018 Centre Stage competition and winner of the CBC Music Young Artist Development Prize, tenor Matthew Cairns made his Metropolitan Opera debut as the Messenger in Verdi’s Aida and covered the role of Bob Boles in Britten’s Peter Grimes while in his first year in the Lindemann Young Artists Program. Matthew returned to the COC in 2023 to appear as Macduff in Verdi’s Macbeth in a performance hailed as “stunning” (The Globe and Mail). This season, he will once again return to our stage to perform as Ismaele in Verdi’s Nabucco and the Drum Major in Berg’s Wozzeck.