Barihunks to compete in Canadian Opera Company Competition

Gordon Bintner

Ten Canadian singers, including three baritones, have been selected to compete for a place in the Canadian Opera Company's Ensemble Studio training program. The final ten participants were selected from a pool of 146 singers. Saskatchewan native Gordon Bintner, who has been featured on this site leads the pack of low voices, which also includes Ontario native Clarence Frazer and Prince Edward Island native Nathan Keoughan

The competition will be held on November 29th at the Richard Bradshaw Amphitheatre at the Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts in Toronto. The competition is open to the public. Tickets are $15 and be available for purchase online, by calling COC Ticket Services at 416-363-8231, or in person at the Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts Box Office, located at 145 Queen St. W., Monday to Saturday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Nathan Keoughan

Each finalist must perform two arias to showcase his or her vocal technique and range before an audience and panel of judges.  Organizers will award a first prize of $5,000, a second prize of $3,000, a third prize of $1,500 as well as a People’s Choice Award of $1,500.

The jury, headed by Canadian Opera Company general director Alexander Neef, will select an unspecified number of finalists to join the COC’s 2013/2014 Ensemble Studio. Graduates of the program include stars such as Ben Heppner, Isabel Bayrakdarian and David Pomeroy.

Other singers in the competition are mezzo-soprano Charlotte Burrag, soprano Aviva Fortunata, tenor Andrew Haji, mezzo-soprano Danielle MacMillan, tenor Michael Marino, soprano Lara Secord-Haid and soprano Kelsey Vicary.

Don't forget to buy you 2013 Barihunks Charity Calendar before the holiday rush: