Meet the Cast of FAUST

The cast of Faust share what they love about their characters—as well as some favourite Toronto hangouts and which common opera misconceptions they’d most like to challenge—in our latest Meet the Cast Q&A.

Find out who’s an Army veteran, who loves ramen, and who’s got a bone to pick with Taylor Swift!

Long Long, tenor
Faust

COC: What most attracts you to your character?

Long: Faust has been one of my dream roles for a very long time. I think it’s because this man is a person who has a dying and old soul in a young shell of body. He desires the beauties of life but he confuses how to have them. He is driven by a greedy desire to sign the contract with the devil, but his love for Marguerite is true and unstoppable. So, speaking as an opera singer and an actor, it’s no doubt an attractive role.
  
COC: What’s your favourite moment in this opera?

Long: I think it would definitely be the last act when Faust wants to rescue Marguerite from prison. There is one lyric: “Yes, it’s me, I love you!” It’s just so moving. We can see the core of this opera from this line: the devil doesn’t believe in love[…] but Faust realizes in the last moment that he truly loves Marguerite. This time, love won again.

Kyle Ketelsen, bass-baritone
Mephistophélès

COC: Put in Faust’s position, which would you choose: knowledge, youth, or love? 

Ketelsen: At that advanced age?  Youth, for sure. If I then desire, I can acquire the other two.

COC: What most attracts you to your character?

Ketelsen: The gleeful enjoyment he shows for his job. It’s deftly illustrated in the music and text. It’s always a joy to bring this character to life!

COC: What’s your favourite moment in this opera?

Ketelsen: I love the church scene, in which I’m casting quasi-subliminal doubt and despair into Marguerite’s mind. The supernatural elements of the scene, and the imagery it evokes (not to mention the beauty of the music!) give me chills while singing.

COC: What is one opera myth that you’d like to see debunked?

Ketelsen: I’d really like to see a change in the public perception that opera is elitist, or artistically inaccessible. Most opera organisations have been working to change this notion. A quite common remark I’ve heard from first-time opera goers is just how relatable, understandable, and modern the story was, in addition to how moving the music was. People who don’t share this opinion are often those who’ve never actually been to an opera! Just like we taught our kids about food, our only rule is that you try it before making a decision.

COC: Do you have a favourite Toronto hangout?

Ketelsen: I love the Distillery District. The architecture, combined with its history, and unique shops and restaurants. Always a lively area.

COC: What’s one thing that people might be surprised to learn about you?

Ketelsen: I’m a huge rock and roll fan, and an Army veteran. I guess that’s two things.

Guanqun Yu, soprano
Marguerite

COC: Put in Faust’s position, which would you choose: knowledge, youth, or love? 

Yu: I would crave youth and love. Since he’s got the knowledge already.

COC: What most attracts you to your character?

Yu: She’s brave and curious about things she doesn’t know, which is something special in our production. 

COC: What’s your favourite moment in this opera?

Yu: The moment they can finally be together. And the music at the end of the second act!

Ariane Cossette, soprano
Marguerite

COC: Put in Faust’s position, which would you choose: knowledge, youth, or love? 

Cossette: Love, the answer will always be love. 

COC: What’s your favourite moment in this opera?

Cossette: It's hard to choose, I am such a Gounod fan. One of my favourite moments has to be the church scene, when Mephistophélès tries to scare Marguerite. She is terrified, but then she finds strength in prayer and it's a beautiful, powerful moment.

COC: Do you have a favourite Toronto hangout?

Cossette: My favourite restaurant in Toronto is Ikkousha Ramen on Queen Street. It's comfort food for me and it's right beside the Four Seasons Centre, which is a plus! 

COC: What do you enjoy most about singing at the Canadian Opera Company?

Cossette: This opera house has incredible acoustics and it's always a joy to sing on this stage. Having been a part of the Ensemble Studio, it also definitely feels like coming home to family. 

Alex Hetherington, mezzo-soprano
Siebel

COC: What most attracts you to your character?

Hetherington: Oh, I love Siebel for his heart. He feels his emotions very deeply and has a remarkably strong moral compass. It’s what makes him stay loyal to Marguerite even after she soundly rejects him. It’s also what makes him immediately distrustful of Mephistophélès (and Lucy and Bubs!), which is really fun to play in his first few scenes. 

COC: What’s your favourite moment in this opera?

Hetherington: I love the moment near the end of Act 2 when we hear Marguerite singing to herself through her window. There’s something quite divine in the music, listening to it really feels like falling in love. Safe to say Siebel would have a different view on the matter :P

Also, there are so many moments in the opera that I love that feature our incredible dancers (seriously, they are so talented!). Their parts in the jewel song and the soldier’s chorus are especially delightful.

COC: What is one opera myth that you’d like to see debunked?

Hetherington: That it’s prohibitively expensive to attend. There are so many discounted pricing options: $22 for those under 30, and standing room tickets for $12—and I dare you to find a sandwich in downtown Toronto for less than $12. Even at full price, opera tickets are still far less than what you’d pay for a ticket to see a top 40 artist perform (I’m looking at you, the Eras tour!!)

COC: Do you have a favourite Toronto hangout?

Hetherington: If I have a whole day, I think a trip to the islands can’t be beat. For just a night out, I always have a good time at Drom Taberna–the music and the vibes are just *chef’s kiss*.

COC: What do you enjoy most about singing at the Canadian Opera Company?

Hetherington: I have so much love for the people here. This is my third year singing with the company; two in the studio, and now on my own (cue Les Mis backing track…). In that time I’ve met some of the dearest people to me. Kindred spirits are not so scarce and all that…