ARIAS Katherine von Maydell Award Jury Members

J A N E T   S T U B B S

Mezzo soprano Janet Stubbs performed in opera, concert and oratorio for nearly two decades all across Canada and in the U. S.  Janet enjoyed a close association with the Canadian Opera Company, performing a wide variety of roles from the title roles in Carmen and Cenerentola, to Mère Marie in Les Dialogue des Carmelites to Maddalena in Rigoletto, to Cherubino in Les Nozze di Figaro.

Janet graduated from Victoria College and the Faculty of Law at the University of Toronto Law School and was admitted to the bar in Ontario before venturing into the world of opera and studying at the Opera School at the U of T’s Faculty of Music.  Janet is one of 19 women profiled in a permanent photo exhibit launched in March 2006 honouring U of T, Faculty of Law women “Trailblazers”, and is a recipient of the Arbor Award for outstanding voluntary service to the U of T.  The Janet Stubbs Graduate Fellowship in opera was established in 2006 by Chancellor Emeritus Henry N. R. Jackman in honour of music alumna Janet Stubbs.

W A Y N E   G O O D I N G

Toronto-based journalist Wayne Gooding is the editor of Opera Canada magazine, with which he has enjoyed an association for almost two decades. A business journalist by profession, he has, as writer and presenter, explored all facets of opera and music-theatre for a variety of organizations, including Financial Post, Opera Now (London, Eng.), Canadian Opera Company, CBC Radio 2, the Toronto Wagner Society, Toronto Opera Club, Vancouver Opera Club and other arts organizations.

J A M E S   N O R C O P

Born in California. James Norcop began his career as a professional boy soprano appearing in concert, on radio and in films (including Going My Way). After graduating from the University of Southern California, he studied voice and performed professionally in Zurich, Salzburg and Vienna.  Among Mr. Norcop’s teachers and coaches were Gwendolyn Williams Koldofsky, Alice Ehlers, Ria Ginster, Georg Hartmann and Kurt Rapf.

Returning to the United States, he began his career as an arts administrator at the Greek Theatre in Los Angeles.  He subsequently worked for Columbia Artists Management and was Assistant Manager of the Seattle Symphony.  He came to Canada in 1965 as Manager (later General Manager) of the Vancouver Opera.  While there, he established a professional training programme and the British Columbia Opera Ensemble.  Joining the Ontario Arts council in 1967, he was Music Officer, Executive Director of the Ontario Federation of Symphony Orchestras and latterly head of performing arts touring.  In 1971, he originated the annual showcase conferences known as "Contact".

After his retirement from the Council, Mr. Norcop took up his vocal interests again,studying over a period of four years with the renowned Martial Singher at the Music Academy of the West in Santa Barbara.  He performed and taught singing for a number of years.