The Canadian Opera Company opens its 2025-26 season with Charles Gounod’s Roméo et Juliette, which has not been staged by the company in over 30 years. This new production hails from Sweden’s Malmö Opera, bringing its original Juliette to Toronto for the same role.
Russian-born, Paris-based Kseniia Proshina is a fast-rising young soprano who has won several awards in Europe. She is thrilled to reprise her role of Juliette in Toronto. We spoke to her about her upcoming North American and COC debut.
Tell us about your journey into the world of opera.
I come from a family of engineers and teachers, but my parents have always been very passionate about every kind of arts. Singing has always been my main passion, and I loved to perform. I envisioned myself to be a pop star like Natalia Oreiro or Jennifer Lopez.
I started attending music school at the age of six. When I was about 14, my teacher told me that my singing technique was not pop, but classical singing. She introduced me to opera, a genre I found boring and never listened to before. When she showed me a video of Anna Netrebko in La Traviata, I was mesmerized. I realized that behind every opera there is a story, drama and theater — every form of art.
After studying at the Academy of Culture and Art in my hometown, I moved to Italy to do more studying under the guidance of Alessandro Svab, who is still my teacher. In 2019, I auditioned for, and was accepted to the Young Artist Program of the Paris National Opera. That was a new page and one of the greatest events in my life.
What special significance does the role of Juliette have for you?
After three years in the Paris Opera Academy, I started my freelance career in 2022, and Juliette was my first big role. The Malmo’s Roméo et Juliette was a new production, and I was the first Juliet, so I was the creator of this role. Amy Lane was the director of that production, and now again at the COC. This team and the production are very dear to my heart.
Tell us about the character of Juliette and the demands of the role
My Juliette is very young and smart. She is a dreamer, someone who wants to feel and be alive, and be loved. She wants no part in the Capulet’s world of power and money.
I adore my Juliette because she’s so fresh, and I love the development of her character from a young girl to a strong woman making her own decisions.
Musically, Juliette is a challenging role that demands a wide vocal range. She starts as a light soprano, but then develops dramatically in the low register. Every show is a big, profound journey, both vocally and emotionally.
What is your favourite part of the opera?
My favourite moment is the finale of the third act. It’s an incredibly powerful moment with duels and sudden deaths. That’s the turning point of the whole story that leads to the tragic ending. But, of course, I also love the fifth act, the finale of the opera, because it’s incredibly touching and emotional.
It is really amazing how Gounod’s music and Shakespeare’s story are the perfect match. His music is written so eloquently and comfortably for the soprano voice of Juliette.
Tell us about this COC production and what it is like to be working with the COC.
This production is set in the late 1800s in New York. The staging, lighting and costumes are absolutely amazing. There is a feeling of something dreamy and surreal mixed with reality.
Everybody at the COC is so nice, supportive and professional, and the company creates the right atmosphere for us to work and perform. I’m learning so many new things. And it is unbelievable to be the Juliette of Stephen Costello’s Romeo! I think we are a good team and manage to create a credible pair of lovers.
What would be the one thing you’d like Toronto audiences to take away from this opera?
I hope they will relive their youth, and recall the thrill of when they fall in love for the first time!
What are your favourite operatic roles so far, and future dream roles?
I enjoyed singing Gilda in Verdi’s Rigoletto, but my favourite role was The Queen of Shemakha in Rimsky-Korsakov’s The Golden Cockerel. One of my dream roles is Violetta in Verdi’s La Traviata, which I’m going to sing this season in Komische Oper Berlin. It is a dream come true! Another dream role is Massenet’s Manon which I hope to sing one day.
What advice would you give young singers aspiring to a career in opera?
Always be yourself. Work a lot on your technique, character and individuality. Never give up and listen to your inner self. Surround yourself with good people who will understand you in any state or mood. Unwaveringly believe that everything happens for the best. And don’t forget that you sing for others, not for yourself.
- Canadian Opera Company presents Roméo et Juliette from September 27 to October 18 at the Four Seasons Centre For the Performing Arts in Toronto. Find show details and tickets [HERE].
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