Aug 16, 2024

This month, Manitoba Opera proudly celebrates the fifth anniversary of our Digital Emerging Artists Program (DEAP). Launched in 2020 to support opera singers during the pandemic, DEAP provided crucial development opportunities for artists when live performances were paused.

Five years later, DEAP continues to set itself apart as a leader in training emerging artists with a unique focus on digital skills. As the opera world evolves, DEAP equips artists with the tools to thrive in a digital age, ensuring they stay relevant and in demand.

Each year, artists who are ready for the next step in their opera careers, submit an online audition. The carefully selected five-artist cohort receives 80 hours each of virtual instruction, including rigorous vocal training, acting and diction coaching, digital tool proficiency, and meaningful discussions on civic engagement and opera. With ongoing commitment to the program since its first year, a stellar core faculty includes Tracy Dahl, Marion Newman, Monica Huisman, John Tessier, Ann Hodges, and Stephen Bell.

What truly sets DEAP apart is its emphasis on digital skills. Award-winning filmmaker Stephen Bell teaches participants about recording, video production, and digital platforms – skills that are revolutionary for opera singers. The artists’ hard work culminates in small-scale music videos, designed by the participants from storyboard to post-production while guided by a professional videography team. This project management significantly enhances their toolkits while preparing them for a multifaceted career in opera.

Over the past five years, DEAP has evolved, creating an Independent Learner position specifically for BIPOC artists. This addition in 2022 was critical in addressing the need for greater diversity and inclusion within the opera community. By providing a dedicated space for BIPOC artists, DEAP ensures that these emerging talents receive the learning, networking, and development opportunities necessary to thrive in their early careers. This position not only enriches the artist’s professional journey but also brings diverse voices and perspectives to the forefront of opera.

The success of DEAP is rooted in the openness and collaborative teaching approach of the core faculty, who share their lived experiences in an industry that has dramatically changed over time. This provides artists with the encouragement to explore their own creative voice and artistic agency, enriching opera’s cultural tapestry and helping audiences see themselves reflected on stage. Baritone Luka Kawabata, a 2021 DEAP alumnus, developed his Hafu project, a series of art song videos exploring his Nikkei identity and the history of Japanese diaspora in Canada. His work has launched his unique voice throughout his engagements with Vancouver Opera. Luka reflects, “The support of Manitoba Opera’s DEAP allowed me to explore new avenues of my musical creativity. The participants and faculty quickly became a family and continue to be a community that I can depend on. This program has significantly influenced how I view the possibilities of my artistic career.”

In its five years, DEAP has graduated 23 emerging artists, all of whom have found exciting opportunities upon graduation. The program’s impact is international, with graduates like Sydney Baedke debuting at the Royal Opera House in London. Alumni have performed with prestigious companies, including Manitoba Opera. For instance, Alex Hetherington (2023 DEAP) sang in the Canadian Opera Company’s production of Medea this past May, and Lizzy Hoyt (2020 DEAP) starred in Manitoba Opera’s 2022 production of La Cenerentola.

“Every year of this program, I am absolutely astounded at what is possible from these young artists. It is not just the amazing voices that we get to explore, but the connection they all make with the digital projects they pitch. That creativity and exploration would not be possible in any other program and is so unique to the vision of Manitoba Opera. Here it its 5th year, the excitement and interest are still going strong, and as a faculty member from the beginning, I am so humbled and impressed at what is accomplished in such a short time.” says DEAP faculty member Monica Huisman. 

The success of the program is made possible by our generous sponsors – the Azrieli Foundation, RBC Foundation, and Jacqueline Desmarais Foundation. Their generosity has been instrumental in supporting the next generation of Canadian opera singers. Together, we are creating a brighter future for opera, helping it thrive and inspire generations to come.

From L to R Top Row: Tessa Fackelmann, Olivia Kang, Kaden Forsberg, Sydney Baedke, Ellita Gagner, Luka Kawabata, Alex Hetherington, Yanik Gosselin.
From L to R Middle Row: Nick Borg, Lizzy Hoyt, Aemilia Moser, Keely McPeek, Ritchie Diggs, Chelsea Kutyn, Sara Schabas, Nolan Kehler.
From L to R Bottom Row: Jeremy Scinocca, Lauren Estey, Taryn Plater, James Coole-Stevenson, Gabrielle Côté-Picard, Ana Toumine, Arieh Sacke.