Artist In Residence

Inspired by her exceptional first year as Artist In Residence with Opera Atelier, Pynkoski and Lajeunesse Zingg announce an expanded two-year appointment of soprano Measha Brueggergosman-Lee as Artist In Residence from June 2021 to June 2023. 

The Artist in Residence is appointed on the basis of outstanding professional attainments, creative accomplishments, and a dedication to equity, diversity and inclusion in their creative domain. Brueggergosman-Lee will continue to contribute to the success of the company’s artist training, education and outreach activities  by leading lectures, demonstrations, and master classes over the two year period. 

Brueggergosman-Lee will continue to shape Opera Atelier’s popular Making of an Opera (MOAO) program - a free program, which launched in 1995, designed to introduce all aspects of opera to middle school and high school students from diverse backgrounds, and in particular, from Toronto’s Neighbourhood Improvement areas - as well as teach master classes, and share her inimitable voice on Opera Atelier’s digital channels, sharing blog posts, photos, interviews, and unique musical content.

"We are in an era of explosive innovation and creativity.  MOAO re-enforces the necessity of pouring into a student's potential through free access to the process behind the classical arts.  I aim to provide students with an opportunity to explore new ways of thinking of the future and, in so doing, unlock a level of understanding that emboldens them to believe in themselves and embrace unlikely collaborations. The very restrictions imposed by COVID-19 became a catalyst for new creation and I believe the mandate of MOAO is to find points of connection that will allow students to expand their minds by learning each other’s histories with respect and empathy."

- Measha Brueggergosman-Lee

“Measha always delivers performances of extraordinary power and depth. Her commitment to every role she undertakes is nothing short of exceptional, and it comes as no surprise to us that she applies the same work ethic and principles when acting as an educator and ambassador of opera.”

- Marshall Pynkoski, Opera Atelier Co-Artistic Director.

“We are deeply honoured and incredibly excited that Measha has joined Opera Atelier as Artist In Residence this season to help continue to foster a greater appreciation and understanding of the singular artform of opera for the next generation.”

- Jeannette Lajeunesse Zingg, Opera Atelier Co-Artistic Director.
PDF of Press release
Photo:
1) Soprano Measha Brueggergosman-Lee. Photo by Shawn Peters.