ACCOLADES for ARIAS!

Excellence requires practice, practice takes time, and time is...scholarships.  As I began my studies to enter into the operatic world I was fortunate enough to be supported by ARIAS, allowing me to enthusiastically focus on musical and dramatic preparation without the exhaustion and distraction of having to work extra jobs to pay for my studies.  The countless hours I spent in lessons and coachings, practice rooms and libraries, learning my craft from my mentors, would not have been possible without these scholarships.  My lessons from these formative times of study continue to be the bedrock of what I have to offer on stage.  The talent which will surely continue to spring up across Canada must be given the chance to bear its fruit, if not with the support of governmental agencies then by the generosity of those who cherish opera's power to move, inspire and enrich us as a culture.

With thanks,
Phillip Addis

The COVC has always been an important and vital organization committed to the support and development of young Canadian singers. Without this dedicated group, many young singers would not have the ability to follow their dreams. Many of us would have found the sheer magnitude of costs associated with our art form to be overwhelming. Like many of my colleagues, I received financial assistance each year while I was studying at the University of Toronto in the Opera Division, which allowed me the freedom to focus on my training and my craft. The COVC gave me the opportunity to do what I love. I was so grateful as a young singer to not only receive financial assistance but also to gain the support of people who were passionate about developing Canadian talent and who took pride in watching each singer’s career. I have gained many friends from my interaction with the group and continue to be encouraged by them. Their dedication has helped me to achieve a career not only in Canada but also in many parts of the world, which makes me so proud to have been supported by such an indispensable organization.

In appreciation,
Colin Ainsworth

It is with warm regards and deep appreciation that I express my gratitude to the Canadian Opera Volunteer Committee for their longstanding generosity and support. As a recent graduate of the University of Toronto Opera School, I can say with utmost certainty that I would not have been able to experience such a high level of training without the continuous financial support of this unbelievably committed group of individuals. The lack of financial stability, high costs associated with continuous training, and current economic instability associated with a career in the arts requires an immeasurable love and passion, a huge leap of faith, and continual commitment to one’s craft to pursue a career in opera.  The financial support and the committed contingent of familiar faces at all of our performances were a great support, inspiration, and encouragement during my two years at the opera school. The Canadian Opera Volunteer Committee, through their financial and personal support, ensure that the world of opera can continue to thrive in and outside of Canada , individuals such as me can continue to reach for our dreams, and audiences can continue to be enlightened and touched by this beautiful art form.

Best wishes,
Allison Arends

The COVC scholarship assistance given to young singers is vital and important. As an emerging artist studying at U of T, the support I received from the COVC was invaluable in terms of cementing my confidence and giving me needed affirmation that I had something to offer. The sense of community that was instilled in all of us by the palpable, constant support and appreciation by the members of the COVC is something that remains with me to this day. When you have a passion for something, to support it financially is such a positive way to "give back. The members of the COVC do exactly that, and it warms all of our hearts.

Thank You!
Kimberly Barber

Spending this past summer with the Center of Opera Studies in Italy (COSI), under the artistic direction of Darryl Edwards, was an invaluable experience. COSI takes place in the city of Sulmona, at the heart of Italy. The main stage production this year was Handel’s Giulio Cesare, in which I sang the role of Cleopatra.  The training included Italian lessons every morning and vocal, dramatic, diction, staging and movement classes led by some of the foremost professionals in the field including soprano Wendy Nielsen and stage director Tom Diamond. All of this training helped me prepare for the production while providing me with valuable skills I can use in the future . COSI is a special summer program because it allowed me to be completely immersed in the Italian culture while working on an Italian opera.

The opportunity allowed me to keep training and improving my craft during the off months of my academic year. This was important because the program helped strengthen and refine the work I am doing at the University of Toronto and gave me a different perspective, as I worked in a new environment with new faculty and colleagues. The chance to live in Italy and work intensively on opera, where much of our contemporary tradition was founded, is one that I was very fortunate to undertake.

My summer experience at COSI, will enable me to finish my Master’s degree strong and provide me with the confidence and experience to audition for young artist programs and professional engagements.

As a recipient of the Richard Jablonski Memorial COSI Summer Study Abroad Award I know it has made it possible for my COSI experience. The training I gained from COSI will serve my operatic career for the rest of my life, for this I am truly thankful.

Sincerely,
Claire de Sévigné

I spent 7 weeks in Europe and specifically Sulmona, Italy. It was a wonderful experience. I was able to partake in Italian language classes and am now quite proficient. I also directed Haydyn's opera, La Canterina. It went extremely well. The highlight for me came when I saw Italian youngsters laughing during the opera.  They were able to understand the language, "get" the jokes and were engaged the entire time.

After my time in Italy, I was able to travel to Croatia, Budapest, Venice and finally Modena.  In Budapest I was able to take a tour of the glorious Hungarian State Opera House.  In Vienna, I was able to see the city that so many operas speak of and in Modena I experienced the city of Pavaraotti's birth and death.  I was able to see his grave and be in the city of the word's greatest tenor.

None of this would have been possible without the support of the COVC's 60th Anniversary Commemorative Award.  Thank you for this generous support.  I am confident and sure that this experience has affected me and will translate through my art form.

Supporting young singers and artists is invaluable to their success.  When funding is being cut across the country, it is wonderful to know that there are still funding bodies that support the arts.

Sincerely,
Joel Ivany

NOTE:  In 2010/11, Joel will be interning as an assistant director at the Oslo Opera House in Norway.  Follow Joel's writings on his experience at his blog, http://operadirector.blogspot.com/

I would like to take this opportunity to thank your organization from the bottom of my heart for providing me with the support to attend the Centre for Opera Studies in Italy. My growth as a musician and an artist at this program was unparalleled. The town of Sulmona, Italy is simply breathtaking. I am so grateful for the chance to go and train in Italy, the birthplace of opera. Simply being there surrounded by its beauty and culture at all times improved my singing and my life in general. I was able to develop as an artist through coachings and lessons with the remarkable voice and piano faculty, I was able to develop my body and mind through daily Pilates classes, Italian lessons, and performance psychology. I was able to develop myself as a person by interacting with the other students and members of the town, and experiencing all that Sulmona and Italy had to offer.

It is difficult for me to narrow down the amazing experiences that C.O.S.I. gave me, but there were three that stood out. The first was the initial musical run-through of La Boheme. Hearing this beautiful music sung live for the first time by a room full of world-class young artists was nothing short of tremendous. Singing together with these other musicians gave me chills. I realized the high level of talent that I would have the privilege of working with, and I found myself so thankful for the opportunity. The second experience was performing in an outdoor concert in the small town of Raiano. There was a small stage set up in front of the beautiful old church in the town centre. Nearly everyone in the program performed that night to an enthusiastic, appreciative audience of what seemed to be the entire town! I was thrilled to be performing outside in Italy on a beautiful summer night. I found myself completely without worry or stress when I walked onto the stage; all I wanted to do was sing. I finished my aria, I bowed, and I could not stop grinning from ear to ear for the rest of the evening. Finally, there was the performance of La Bohème. For me, it was magical. Singing Marcello at such a young age and such an early stage in my career was daunting at first, and I was more than a little bit nervous when that curtain opened, but I felt such warmth from the audience and from my colleagues that my nerves disappeared. I was left with nothing but the joy of performing. I have never been happier on stage than I was that night. When I came out to bow there were tears in my eyes. I will carry these memories with me for the rest of my career, and for the rest of my life.

I cannot emphasize enough that without the aid of the C.O.V.C. attending this program would have been very difficult, if not impossible. I was overjoyed when I heard I had received this inaugural scholarship because it meant I could have what I knew would be a life and career changing experience. It means so much to have the generous support of others, especially at this crucial stage of starting a career and life in music. I consider myself so privileged to be studying and performing opera. It is what I love to do, and having your support means the world to me and assuredly every other young artist.

Thank-you,
Philip Kalmanovitch

The COVC has been of immeasurable help in building and developing my career as a Canadian singer. Its support goes beyond merely being a conduit of financial aid from interested donors to needy talent. The COVC is a true community – a close-knit network of art supporters who care deeply about giving young Canadian artists a chance to succeed and reach their full potential. As a scholarship award winner at the University of Toronto’s Opera Division and as a two-time Chalmers award winner, I can say with confidence that I would not be working as a professional singer today without the considerable generosity of the COVC, its friends and benefactors. With rising tuition, increased living expenses and crushing student debt, the modern reality for all students and artists, it takes an enormous leap of faith for those who dream of a professional singing career to believe in themselves enough to stick with it. Fortunately there are organizations out there like the COVC to invest their faith in us, to support our studies and to encourage professional development. It is in no small part due to their efforts that Canada hits far above its weight in terms of renowned international singing talent. I heartily endorse the efforts of the COVC in supporting the next generation of Canadian artists.

Warmest regards,
Peter McGillivray

During my time at the University of Toronto, Faculty of Music - Opera Division, the support of the COVC not only enabled me to hone my skills as a singer, but also provided invaluable performance opportunities.  It is essential for a community to support artistic and cultural endeavours and to nourish the talent that provides this multi-layered society with an outlet for creative expression. Thanks to the gracious encouragement and support of the COVC, I now enjoy a professional career in opera.

Warm regards,
Kathleen Promane

I cannot begin to express my gratitude to ARIAS for granting me the 2010 Katharine von Maydell Summer Study Abroad Award.  I returned mere days ago from Aspen, Colorado where I spent 9 weeks studying at the Aspen Opera Theatre Center.  AOTC has a reputation as one of the finest summer programs for vocal study, and my experience was no exception.  Over the weeks I was involved in two main stage productions, as Il Conte in ‘The Marriage of Figaro’, and as the cover for Figaro in Corgliano’s ‘The Ghosts of Versailles.’  One of the highlights of my summer was the final performance of The Marriage of Figaro, which was broadcast live on Aspen Public Radio, and streamed online to many of my friends in Canada and even my father in Belgium.
In addition to the high quality productions at AOTC, there were many other great opportunities at Aspen that have boosted my development as a singer and artist.  I was grateful for the opportunity to study voice with Dr. Stephen King, a voice teacher at Rice University and Houston Grand Opera.  I had the opportunity to sing in a masterclass for Maestro James Conlon, music director of both Los Angeles Opera and Ravinia Festival.  Too numerous to name were the exceptional full-time staff – directors, coaches, and teachers – to whom I owe a debt of gratitude for my experience and development this summer.

By far the most exceptional part of the Aspen experience was the amazing colleagues and friends I made this summer.  There is nothing more inspiring than meeting other young singers who share a passion for the art that continues to drive opera to new and exciting levels.  I have learned so much from my colleagues and hope that these professional relationships will grow and continue to inspire me as our careers develop together.
Your support afforded me what I am already certain has been an invaluable experience to the development of my career.  Thank you for your continued support of young singers like myself.
"In these days of political, personal and economic disintegration, music is not a luxury, it's a necessity; not simply because it is therapeutic, nor because it is the universal language, but because it is the persistent focus of our intelligence, aspiration and goodwill." - Robert Shaw
 
Kindest regards,
Geoffrey Sirett

As a young singer studying at the Opera School at U of T's Faculty of Music, I was most fortunate to be the recipient of scholarships from the then COWC. The scholarships not only provided financial assistance, but also much appreciated encouragement and recognition.

Best wishes,
Janet