Centre Stage
Ensemble Studio Competition & Gala
One of the most exciting nights in Toronto’s cultural calendar!
Centre Stage: Ensemble Studio Competition & Gala—the Canadian Opera Company’s signature fundraising event—is returning to the mainstage in spectacular style on Thursday October 23, 2025.
This unforgettable evening combines world-class music, stunning performances, and elegant celebration—all in support of the rising stars of opera.
Since 2013, Centre Stage has raised over $4.5 million for the Ensemble Studio, Canada’s leading professional development program for emerging opera artists, and helped launch the international careers of dozens of extraordinary young singers.
5:30 p.m. – Doors Open: Enjoy complimentary cocktails and canapés
6:30 p.m. – Competition Begins
The Competition
Guests kick off the evening with an exclusive cocktail reception followed by a fun and fast-paced vocal competition that is the culmination of a nation-wide search for opera’s next big star. Finalists have the opportunity to vie for cash prizes, your vote, and the chance to be invited to join COC’s prestigious Ensemble Studio.
Finalists will be accompanied by the impeccable COC Orchestra under the baton of COC Music Director Johannes Debus.
Centre Stage Livestream
Centre Stage: Ensemble Studio Competition is a truly national competition for a national audience—which is why we’re once again delighted to offer a free livestream of the event that viewers can enjoy from coast to coast to coast, and beyond.
The Gala
Following the Ensemble Competition, Gala guests will step into the spotlight and onto the stage of the Four Seasons Centre for a specially curated dinner amid the beauty of our opera house with surprise performances throughout. The event is a unique opportunity to connect and engage with the night’s finalists and other COC artists.
Don’t miss your chance to be part of the next big moment in opera. See tomorrow’s stars, today!
For Gala Dinner individual and table tickets as well as sponsorship opportunities, please contact CentreStage@coc.ca
Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts
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
Congratulations from our sponsors!
