Lily Li and Al Ramsay to co-chair Canadian Opera Company’s 2024 Centre Stage

Our event co-chairs for this year’s Centre Stage: “Lights. Camera. Opera!” are ready for their close-up! As we prepare to roll out the red carpet for an evening of glamour and show-stopping music, we’re delighted to introduce the dream team behind this year’s hotly anticipated signature gala.

Lily Li and Al Ramsay bring unbeatable experience, passion and skill to planning the annual fundraiser in support of emerging Canadian opera artists.

An Investment Counsellor and Portfolio Manager with RBC PH&N Investment Counsel, Lily is a passionate supporter of the arts as well as mentoring youth and advising her clients in charitable giving and philanthropy.

“I can’t wait to get back to work with the entire Centre Stage committee to make this year’s event truly unforgettable,” says Lily, who previously co-chaired Centre Stage in 2023. “Centre Stage is such an exciting celebration of the power of the human voice, of storytelling, and of hard work and raw talent to create something special. It’s also genuinely thrilling to think of the younger fans who could be watching and gaining inspiration from the rising stars we’re featuring this year.”

“I’m delighted to have this opportunity to work with Lily,” says Al. As Vice President, 2SLGBTQ+ and Black Customer Experience at TD Bank Group, he is devoted to removing systemic barriers to inclusion in order to enrich the lives of the diverse communities in which we live, work, and play.  “The Ensemble Studio Competition is all about promoting the brightest new Canadian talent, no matter where in the country they’re from. As an art form, opera has something to offer everyone, and events such as Centre Stage are a vital part of bringing new audiences to the opera house to experience that magic.”

Centre Stage takes place on Wednesday, October 30, 2024 at the Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts. Guests can look forward to plenty of Hollywood glitz, red carpet buzz, and world-class live entertainment throughout the evening, including the annual Ensemble Studio Competition showcasing Canada’s best young operatic talent.

Tickets for Centre Stage are now on sale!

Full details will follow at a later date with more information to be shared at coc.ca/CentreStage.