My "Dented" summer

Well I'm back on the West Coast after a 6 incredible weeks at Opera NUOVA in Edmonton, preceded by a productive school year in Montréal. I'm spending the rest of the summer at my favourite summer job - the Dent Island Lodge in BC. I'm managing to sneak in some fishing and whale-watching along with the serving and housekeeping. It's long days, but I sure can use the overtime! I even sing occasionally for the guests in the restaurant if we have a birthday, anniversary, or if someone finds out I have another life as an Opera singer....if I had my harp here I would undoubtedly be doing some of that too.

Opera NUOVA summer 2011

It's hard to believe this 6-week adventure has come to and end! I recently had the pleasure of participating in the Opera NUOVA intensive summer training program in Edmonton. We produced three fully-staged, fully-orchestrated operas, as well as many art song and aria concerts. I played Jezibaba (the witch) in Rusalka, Dvorak's beloved opera which features the famous "Song to the Moon". I had the opportunity to coach with some of Canada's finest vocal teachers, and work alongside some of Canada's finest young operatic talent. Video footage to come....but in the meantime, here's a picture of me as Jezibaba, with Lida Szkwarek as Rusalka. And yes, that is my real hair.