Home-grown soprano, Emily D’Angelo not only takes home the grand prize of $5,000, but was also picked as the audience’s choice winner (last year’s winner, Charles Sy was also picked by the audience), worth $1,500. The first and second runners up, each collecting $3,000 and $1,500 respectively, were Lauren Eberwein and Bruno Roy. In total, there were eight finalists competing on November 3, 2015 and was hosted by the previous two winners, Karine Boucher (2013) and Charles Sy (2014). Both were also audience choice winners in their respective years.
The winners (from left to right: Emily D’Angelo, Lauren Eberwein and Bruno Roy)
As in previous years, the event started with a cocktail party in the lobby of the Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts, which was delicious. I think I went back a few times to grab more! I would have liked to see some vegetables and dip, however.
L-R: Canadian Opera Company General Director Alexander Neef, Ensemble Studio Competition Second Prize winner mezzo-soprano Lauren Eberwein, Ensemble Studio Competition First Prize and Audience Choice Award winner mezzo-soprano Emily D’Angelo, Ensemble Studio Competition Third Prize winner baritone Bruno Roy and Canadian Opera Company Music Director Johannes Debus, Centre Stage 2015.
The performances were beautiful and included a performance from current La Traviata cast member, Joyce El-Khoury during the deliberation. After the competition, there was a dinner onstage by Nota Bene’s executive chef, David Lee.
Headshots courtesy of KnotPR; Second image by Michael Cooper via KnotPR
