The Voices of Tomorrow

Events

Apr 24

The Canadian Opera Company dazzled with an unforgettable evening, celebrating the next generation of Canadian opera talent.

Photography by George Pimentel

The Canadian Opera Company hosted its 12th annual Centre Stage: Ensemble Studio Competition and Gala, its signature fundraiser in support of emerging Canadian opera singers, at the Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts on October 23. Themed “For the Love of Opera,” the event was attended by arts lovers, trend setters and leaders of Toronto’s philanthropic community who gathered for a night of impeccable music, luxe style and fierce talent. Guests were invited to cast their own votes in the exciting competition finale, hosted this year by veteran Canadian journalist and former MP Marci Ien. Following the competition, gala guests enjoyed an elegant three-course dinner by Sash Restaurant + Wine Bar on the COC’s mainstage in a spectacular setting, adorned by lush velvet, chandeliers, and red roses. Next year’s event—scheduled for Thursday, October 22, 2026—promises to be just as dazzling.

JENNIFER LIPKOWITZ AND ANTHONY SIRIANNI

MARCIA LEWIS BROWN AND JOHANNES DEBUS

SASHA REID-DEMPSTER AND COLIN DEMPSTER

PAUL GALBRAITH AND SALLY LEUNG

DAVID C. FERGUSON, GAEL MOURANT, PAMELA AUSTIN, GILLIAN STACEY, PAUL AUSTIN, BARCLAY CROSSLEY AND LILY LI

ALUSHA DOMANSKA, LAUREN BROWN, ADJOA DUNCAN, MIKE BROWN, POLLY DAS, JONATHAN MORGAN, HEATHER LANE

COLIN DEMPSTER, SASHA REID-DEMPSTER, BARCLAY CROSSLEY, LILY LI, KAREN GRUSON, JENNIFER LIPKOWITZ, ANTHONY SIRIANNI, VANESSA MIFSUD AND CHARLES HANNA

ENSEMBLE STUDIO ARTISTS IN PERFORMANCE AT THE CENTRE STAGE DINNER

ROSE BARROSO, KAREN GRUSON, LILY LI, SASHA REID-DEMPSTER, VANESSA MIFSUD AND MITRA ELOISE

SHABAB SHAMELI AND MITRA ELOISE

ARCLAY CROSSLEY, LILY LI, JENNIFER LIPKOWITZ AND ANTHONY SIRIANNI

MARCI IEN

FINALISTS IN THE 2025 CENTRE STAGE: ENSEMBLE STUDIO COMPETITION

CAMILA MONTEFUSCO AND SØREN PEDERSEN

THE COC’S MAINSTAGE TRANSFORMED FOR THE 2025 CENTRE STAGE GALA DINNER

BRUCE BAILEY AND GUEST

NOLAN BRYANT AND JOE COLAK

ISABELLA ARAUJO AND LUCCAS CORREIA

Stories

A Night of Distinction

The Living Luxe Awards Show returns with a sold-out, black-tie celebration honouring the very best across design, architecture, real estate, and inspirational impact.

Couture For a Cause

A radiant evening of style and generosity, City Couture once again brought the community together in support of SickKids Foundation and AIM.

An Evening of Excellence

Toronto’s legal community gathered at the Omni King Edward Hotel to celebrate excellence across the profession.

A Night of Vision

The Dream Beyond Limits Gala spotlighted Autism In Mind’s mission and the launch of a groundbreaking project that redefines support for adults with special needs.