The Canadian Opera Company has announced three emerging Canadian artists for the 2024-25 season.

The artists are sopranos Emily Rocha and Gabrielle Turgeon, and bass Duncan Stenhouse.

The singers join six returning Ensemble Studio members soprano Karoline Podolak, mezzo-soprano Queen Hezumuryango, tenor Wesley Harrison, baritone Korin Thomas-Smith, and pianist/coaches Brian Cho and Mattia Senesi.

All three incoming Ensemble Studio artists placed as finalists at Centre Stage at the Ensemble Studio Competition, a competitive vocal showcase for rising singers from all over Canada. Rocha took home the Second Prize and Stenhouse was awarded the Third Prize.

In a statement, COC General Director Perryn Leech said, “We were thrilled, excited, and deeply impressed by the gifts of Emily, Duncan, and Gabrielle through every stage of the Ensemble Studio Competition. It’s clear these three are immensely accomplished artists who are passionately dedicated to their craft. I’m looking forward to watching their skills grow throughout their time in the program and am genuinely excited by the talent that we’re seeing in this newest generation of Canadian opera performers.”

Ensemble Studio artists receive intensive coaching and practical experience through a highly tailored multi-year program that includes performing and understudying mainstage roles, while being provided with individualized career mentorship and guidance.