Centre Stage

What a night!

On October 23, the Canadian Opera Company welcomed guests to one of Toronto’s most dazzling cultural events: Centre Stage: Ensemble Studio Competition & Gala — a spectacular celebration of opera’s future stars.

Our community of arts lovers, supporters, innovators, and culture leaders filled the Four Seasons Centre of the Performing Arts with excitement, passion, and applause—coming together to champion the next generation of Canadian talent.

From a thrilling vocal competition with the COC Orchestra, led by Music Director Johannes Debus, to an unforgettable dinner and surprise performances right on the mainstage, the evening shone with artistry, elegance, and heart.

Because of you, the Ensemble Studio—Canada’s premier training program for emerging opera artists—continues to grow, inspire, and launch incredible careers. Together, we are shaping the future of opera.

Congratulations to our finalists!

We applaud the extraordinary artistry and courage of all this year’s finalists—a remarkable group of emerging singers who lit up the stage with unforgettable performances.

First Prize & Audience Choice Prize Winner
Nikan Ingabire Kanate, for her brilliant and breathtaking rendition of "Depuis le jour" from Charpentier's Louise 

Second Prize
Camila Montefusco: "Parto, parto" from Mozart's La clemenza di Tito

Third Prize
Søren Pedersen: "Largo al factotum" from Rossini's The Barber of Seville

Bravo to each of these rising stars—we can't wait to see where their talent takes them next.

Watch the Winning Performances

Relive the show-stopping moments — and see why these young artists captured the judges’ (and audience’s!) hearts.

Nikan Inagbire Kanate

Camila Montefusco

Søren Pedersen

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 240 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!