The Canadian Opera Company (COC) has announced the finalists for its Centre Stage: Ensemble Studio Competition.

The artists include:

• Chelsea Kolic, soprano – Hamilton, ON
• Olivia LaPointe, soprano – Fredericton, NB
• Ariana Maubach, mezzo-soprano – Toronto, ON
• Nicholas Murphy, bass-baritone – Charlottetown, PEI
• Emma Pennell, soprano – South River, ON / Corner Brook Indian Band – Mi’kmaq
• Mikelis Rogers, baritone – London, ON
• Ilanna Starr, mezzo-soprano – Montreal, QC / Washington, DC

These seven artists were selected from a pool of 120 candidates who applied. The finalists will sing one last aria with the Canadian Opera Company Orchestra on Oct. 30 in a live performance with a judging panel featuring Roberto Mauro, COC Director of Artistic Operations & Planning; Dorian Cox, Director of the COC Ensemble Studio; Liz Upchurch, Head of Music of the COC Ensemble Studio; and soprano and voice teacher Edith Wiens.

Audience members will be able to vote on an Audience Choice Award winner.

“It is an immense privilege each year to hear so many emerging singers across the country and to witness their exceptional level of artistry,” said Cox in an official press release. “Centre Stage is an evening like no other where we celebrate these artists, shine a spotlight on all they have to offer, and help to launch their careers across Canada and on the international stage!”