Centre Stage
Ensemble Studio Competition
Experience the thrilling power of the human voice and the potential genesis of stardom, as a new generation of brilliant singers compete in the final round of auditions for the Ensemble Studio, Canada’s leading career development program for emerging opera artists.
Finalists, selected through rigorous cross-country auditions, will perform an aria each, demonstrating their technical ability, dramatic expression, and overall stage presence in front of a live audience.
For most singers in the competition, this moment represents their biggest artistic accomplishment in their young careers—and a potentially life-changing experience.
This is undoubtedly one of the most exciting evenings of the year where history will be made, and a star will be born. Whether you are curious about opera or an aficionado, it's an unforgettable showcase of beautiful music and dazzling Canadian talent.
Lights. Camera. Opera.
Join us live as Canada’s top voices compete for your vote to be the next opera star!
It's a fun-filled and exciting night at the opera house as the best and brightest singers in the country perform one outstanding aria after another, in the hopes of wowing our judges—and you! The Ensemble Studio Competition is not only a great chance to sample some of opera's biggest hits and meet up-and-coming talents, all proceeds from the night support emerging Canadian artists.
6 PM: Doors Open
7 PM: Vocal Competition
Tickets start at $50.
We’re proud to present Centre Stage as a truly national competition, for a national audience—that’s why we’re once again offering a free livestream of the event that viewers can enjoy from coast to coast to coast, and beyond.
Whether you join us for the glitz and glamour of the competition in person, or remotely from the comfort of home, you’ll be able to vote for our Audience Choice Award.
Meet our Finalists
Chelsea Kolić
Olivia LaPointe
Ariana Maubach
Nicholas Murphy
Emma Pennell
Mikelis Rogers
Ilanna Starr
Canadian actor and comedian Emma Hunter hosts this fast-paced and fun-filled night!
Plus, this year's judging panel is comprised of:
- Roberto Mauro, COC Director of Artistic Operations & Planning
- Dorian Cox, Director of the COC Ensemble Studio
- Liz Upchurch, Head of Music, the COC Ensemble Studio
- Edith Wiens, celebrated Canadian and distinguished voice teacher
Enhance your experience with the Spotlight Gala Dinner.
This year’s glamourous 3-course dinner under the stars in Studio 145 (Henry N. R. Jackman Lounge) is Sold Out.
For more information on the event or to be added to the mailing list for next season’s Gala, please contact:
Norm Smyth
Director, Signature Events
norms@coc.ca / 416-306-2382
The COC Ensemble Studio
The COC Ensemble Studio is an innovative artist development program for emerging Canadian opera professionals.
The company’s uniquely collaborative approach blends advanced study and practical experience through a multi-year program that’s individually tailored for each member. Artists receive intensive vocal coaching; language, movement and acting studies; as well as private masterclasses with renowned opera professionals. Ensemble singers perform and understudy mainstage roles, while Ensemble pianists participate in the preparation of the COC’s mainstage productions.
Since 1980, nearly 230 young professional Canadian singers and pianists have acquired foundational opera experience through the Ensemble Studio. Former members include Ben Heppner, Krisztina Szabó, Emily D’Angelo, Claire de Sévigné, Gordon Bintner, Ambur Braid, Miriam Khalil, Wallis Giunta, and David Pomeroy.
To learn more about the COC Ensemble Studio, click here.
