Usually, opera is not generally something people consider to be cool and modern, but the Canadian Opera Company is changing this view! Now in its 14th year, Operanation is half party and half performance and is the perfect event for arts enthusiasts and the opera-curious. This year’s Operanation theme is “Into the Stars”, which will transform Toronto’s opera house into an ancient Roman celebration, inspired by the upcoming world premiere of Rufus Wainwright’s Hadrian. Operanation will feature performances by the COC Ensemble Studio in collaboration with a contemporary popular artist. Some past performers have included Kiesza, Dragonette, Nelly Furtado, Sam Roberts Band, Arkells, Yelle, and Broken Social Scene.
Lauren Eberwein – Soprano
Qualicum Beach, British Columbia native Lauren Eberwein placed second in the Canadian Opera Company’s Ensemble Studio Competition in 2015 and made her COC debut as Wellgunde in Götterdämmerung in 2017. She is a graduate of The Curtis Institute of Music and was an Emerging Artist with Opera Philadelphia. Her credits include Der Komponist in Ariadne auf Naxos, Mère Marie in Dialogues des Carmélites, Olivia in Cold Mountain and Clairon in Capriccio (Opera Philadelphia). She made her Carnegie Hall debut singing Handel’s Israel in Egypt with the New York Choral Society and last season made her Lincoln Center recital debut at Alice Tully Hall.
An avid chamber musician, Ms. Eberwein is a member of Philadelphia-based Gamut Bach Ensemble and is in residence at The Marlboro Music Festival. She is the recipient of a 2016 Sullivan Foundation Career Development Grant. In the COC’s 2017/2018 season, she appears as Giannetta in The Elixir of Love, Countess Ceprano in Rigoletto and the Cook in The Nightingale and Other Short Fables.
1. When did you first fall in love with the opera?
I first fell in love with opera in high school. I sang in a youth opera chorus on the weekends. I was a creative, quiet type, and I definitely found a like-minded community among the opera nerds! I looked forward to every Saturday when I would join my colleagues at the opera theatre to express ourselves through song, movement, and drama. Opera is the perfect outlet for a young angst-ridden soul!
2. Where and what did you study?
I studied vocal performance at the Curtis Institute of Music in Philadelphia.
3. How would you describe Operanation to someone who has never attended before?
Operanation is the ultimate mashup. Think Toronto’s nightlife meets the glitz and glam of the opera. Come as the fiercest version of yourself or embody your favourite diva–and then hit the dance floor with me!
4. What are you most excited for this upcoming year with the COC?
I’m extremely excited to perform alongside the incomparable Christine Goerke in Strauss’ Elektra in the 2018/2019 season.
5. Where’s your favourite place to eat in Toronto?
I love Kupfert and Kim, at Richmond and Spadina.
6. What is your favourite city to perform in – next to Toronto?
Philadelphia. That city essentially raised me. Going back to perform there feels like going home.
Featured Image: (l-r) Kiesza, Lauren Eberwein and Charles Sy perform at Operanation 2017, photo: Ryan Emberley
Have you been to Operanation? Let us know in the comments!
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