On October 23rd, the Canadian Opera Company hosted its 12th annual Centre Stage: Ensemble Studio Competition and Gala, its signature fundraiser in support of emerging Canadian opera singers. The theme this year was “For the Love of Opera”.
As in previous years, guests were able to vote during the opera competition which was hosted by veteran Canadian journalist and former MP Marci Ien. All proceeds from the event support the Canadian Opera Company’s Ensemble Studio which is a career development program for young artists.
This year’s competition featured 7 finalists from coast to coast, aiming to win a cash prize and also be invited to join the Ensemble Studio. 700 audience members attended in person this year with 1700 viewing the livestream! Competition judges this year included Roberto Mauro, COC Director of Artistic Planning & Operations, Liz Upchurch, Head of Music for the COC Ensemble Studio, Dorian Cox, Director of the COC Ensemble Studio, Elaine Overholt, famed Hollywood and Broadway vocal coach and performer and Morgan Reid, Managing Director of Dean Artist Management. Nikan Ingabire Kanate won this year’s First Prize, Camila Montefusco took home Second Prize, and Soren Pedersen won Third Prize.
Following the competition, gala guests enjoyed an elegant three-course dinner by Sash Restaurant + Wine Bar on the COC’s mainstage in a spectacular setting adorned by lush velvet, chandeliers, and red roses. A huge congratulations to the lucky winners!
Hillary LeBlanc
Latest posts by Hillary LeBlanc (see all)
- Canada Shore is Reality TV at it’s Peak - January 27, 2026
- Project Runway Canada Finalists Plan to Champion Canadian Fashion - January 25, 2026