High Notes
The Canadian Opera Company dazzled with a night of glamour, opera and fine dining in support of emerging Canadian talent.
Photography by Ryan Emberley
On October 30, 2024, the Canadian Opera Company hosted the 11th annual Centre Stage: Ensemble Studio Competition, its signature fundraiser in support of emerging Canadian opera singers. With its Hollywood-inspired theme—Lights, Camera, Opera—the event delivered plenty of glamour for the arts lovers, trendsetters and philanthropic leaders in attendance. Guests were invited to witness and cast their votes in the exciting competition finale, hosted this year by Canadian actor and comedian Emma Hunter. Following the competition, gala guests enjoyed an elegant meal created by Lucie’s executive chef, Arnaud Bloquel, while being treated to spontaneous dinner performances alongside the night’s competition winners and artists of the current Ensemble Studio.
Haris Sardar (left) and Mario Brizar
Jeffrey Remedios (left) and Lucia Remedios
Brian Collins (left) and Centre Stage Co-Chair Al Ramsay
Artists of the 2024/2025 Ensemble Studio
Guests at COC Centre Stage 2024
Tori Laurence (left) and Film director/producer Barry Avrich, both Partners at BT/A Advertising
Left to right: Centre Stage Co-Chair Al Ramsay, Chancellor of Toronto Metropolitan University Donette Chin-Loy and Dr. Michael Daniels
COC Deputy General Director Christie Darville (left) and CEO/PDG of Canadian Foundation for AIDS Research (CANFAR) Alex Filiatrault
Julianna Foster (left) and Etalk host Tyrone Edward