Toronto City Opera has announced the eight finalists who have been selected to compete in the second annual Macina Voice Competition. The event will take place on February 22, 2025 as a showcase for Canadian young opera singers.
The eight competitors were selected from 110 video submissions from across Canada. They’ll be competing for cash prizes totalling $5,000, along with performance opportunities, in front of a live audience.
The Competition
The Macina Voice Competition was established in 2024 to honour TCO’s longtime Artistic Director, Giuseppe Macina. It celebrates and continues his commitment to young artists, and providing them with performance opportunities.
“Giuseppe Macina inspired and mentored many young talents, helping them hone their craft and find their voices on stage,” says John Minardi, Board President and long-time TCO Chorus member.
“This competition continues his legacy by offering a platform for the next generation of opera stars.”
The list of finalists includes
- Alex Hetherington, Mezzo Soprano
- Matthew Li, Bass
- Lauren Margison, Soprano
- Christian Masucci-Facchini, Counter Tenor
- Sara Schabas, Soprano
- Paulina Swierczek, Soprano
- Spencer VanDellen, Tenor
- McKenzie Warriner, Soprano
Each finalist will perform two arias chosen to showcase their artistry, technical skills, dramatic interpretation, and stage presence. The judges include a panel of industry professionals that include:
- Adrianne Pieczonka, Soprano & Chair in Voice, Glenn Gould School
- Anna Theodosakis, Stage Director, Canadian Opera Company
- Rebecca Townsend, Artist Manager, Stratagem Artists
- Sandra Horst, Chorus Master, Canadian Opera Company & Program Director, UofT Opera
- Jennifer Tung, Artistic Director, Toronto City Opera
For the audience, after the competitors have sung, and the jury is deliberating, the Toronto City Opera Chorus will perform classic opera choruses. The audience can also vote for the Audience Prize.
- The finals take place on February 22 at 2 p.m. at the Church of the Redeemer. Find tickets and more information [HERE].
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