The COC Ensemble Studio—founded in 1980 with a generous continuing grant from Imperial Oil Limited and with assistance from the Government of Canada—is Canada's premier training program for young opera professionals.
It provides advanced instruction, hands-on experience, and the practical career development skills necessary to succeed as a self-employed artist in a highly competitive international environment.
The Ensemble is chosen through a national audition process. Members of the Ensemble Studio receive a blend of advanced study and practical experience. In this one- to three-year program, singers receive vocal, theatrical and practical career development instruction.
Their practical experience includes understudy major roles, the annual Xstrata Ensemble School tour, special Ensemble Studio chamber productions and COC mainstage productions at the Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts.
Apprentice stage directors, conductors and vocal coaches participate in the preparation of the company's mainstage productions, as well as School Tour performances and Ensemble Studio productions.
On Wednesday, May 23, 2012 the rising stars of the COC Ensemble Studio will perform the title roles of Semele on the COC mainstage. All tickets $22 and $55.
Find out more.
Click here to read specific posts on the Ensemble Studio in Parlando, the COC blog.
Since its inception, more than 150 young Canadian singers, opera coaches, stage directors and conductors have acquired their first professional operatic experience through this program.
Graduates include such well known singers as Isabel Bayrakdarian, John Fanning, Robert Gleadow, Ben Heppner, Joseph Kaiser, Allyson McHardy, Jessica Muirhead, Wendy Neilsen, Gidon Saks and Krisztina Szabó.
Successful stage directors include Brian Deedrick, Tom Diamond, Roman Hurko and Maer Powell.
The Ensemble Studio program is designed to serve as a bridge between academic programs and the professional world of opera. Applicants must display exceptional talent, have extensive operatic training and a thorough musical education.
Auditions take place every fall in Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver and, if numbers warrant, Calgary.
Application for the 2012/2013 season is now closed. Please check back next summer for details on how to apply for the 2013/2014 season.
For more information contact the COC's Ensemble Studio Administrator at 416-363-6671 or send an e-mail.
Buy tickets to the Ensemble Studio performance of Semele to hear the rising stars of the opera world on Wednesday, May 23, 2012! All tickets $22 and $55.
The COC Ensemble Studio is Canada’s premier training program for young opera professionals and provides advanced instruction, hands-on experience, and career development opportunities. The Ensemble Studio is supported by the Government of Canada through the Department of Canadian Heritage, RBC Financial Group and other generous donors.
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