Here is what past COVC Scholarship recipients have to say about the COVC .....

K I M B E R L Y   B A R B E R,    o p e r a    p e r f o r m e r 

The COVC scholarship assistance given to young singers is vital and

important.  As an emerging artist studying at U of T, the support I received

from the COVC was invaluable in terms of cementing my confidence and giving

me needed affirmation that I had something to offer. The sense of community

that was instilled in all of us by the palpable, constant support and

appreciation by the members of the COVC is something that remains with me to

this day.  When you have a passion for something, to support it financially is such a positive way to "give back".  The members of the COVC do exactly that, and it warms all of our hearts.

Thank You!

Kimberly Barber

J O E L   I V A N Y ,   o p e r a    s t a g e    d i r e c t o r

I spent 7 weeks in Europe and specifically Sulmona, Italy.  It was a wonderful experience.  I was able to partake in Italian language classes and am now quite proficient.  I also directed Haydyn's opera, La Canterina.  It went extremely well.  The highlight for me came when I saw Italian youngsters laughing during the opera.  They were able to understand the language, "get" the jokes and were engaged the entire time. 

    

After my time in Italy, I was able to travel to Croatia, Budapest, Venice and finally Modena.  In Budapest I was able to take a tour of the glorious Hungarian State Opera House.  In Vienna, I was able to see the city that so many operas speak of and in Modena I experienced the city of Pavaraotti's birth and death.  I was able to see his grave and be in the city of the word's greatest tenor.

None of this would have been possible without the support of the COVC's 60th Anniversary Commemorative Award.  Thank you for this generous support.  I am confident and sure that this experience has affected me and will translate through my art form.

Supporting young singers and artists is invaluable to their success.  When funding is being cut across the country, it is wonderful to know that there are still funding bodies that support the arts.

Sincerely,

Joel Ivany

P H I L I P  K A L M A N O V I T C H ,   o p e r a    p e r f o r m e r

I would like to take this opportunity to thank your organization from the bottom of my heart for providing me with the support to attend the Centre for Opera Studies in Italy. My growth as a musician and an artist at this program was unparalleled. The town of Sulmona, Italy is simply breathtaking. I am so grateful for the chance to go and train in Italy, the birthplace of opera. Simply being there surrounded by its beauty and culture at all times improved my singing and my life in general. I was able to develop as an artist through coachings and lessons with the remarkable voice and piano faculty, I was able to develop my body and mind through daily Pilates classes, Italian lessons, and performance psychology.  I was able to develop myself as a person by interacting with the other students and members of the town, and experiencing all that Sulmona and Italy had to offer.

It is difficult for me to narrow down the amazing experiences that C.O.S.I. gave me, but there were three that stood out. The first was the initial musical run-through of La Boheme. Hearing this beautiful music sung live for the first time by a room full of world-class young artists was nothing short of tremendous. Singing together with these other musicians gave me chills. I realized the high level of talent that I would have the privilege of working with, and I found myself so thankful for the opportunity. The second experience was performing in an outdoor concert in the small town of Raiano. There was a small stage set up in front of the beautiful old church in the town centre. Nearly everyone in the program performed that night to an enthusiastic, appreciative audience of what seemed to be the entire town! I was thrilled to be performing outside in Italy on a beautiful summer night. I found myself completely without worry or stress when I walked onto the stage; all I wanted to do was sing. I finished my aria, I bowed, and I could not stop grinning from ear to ear for the rest of the evening. Finally, there was the performance of La Bohème. For me, it was magical. Singing Marcello at such a young age and such an early stage in my career was daunting at first, and I was more than a little bit nervous when that curtain opened, but I felt such warmth from the audience and from my colleagues that my nerves disappeared. I was left with nothing but the joy of performing. I have never been happier on stage than I was that night. When I came out to bow there were tears in my eyes. I will carry these memories with me for the rest of my career, and for the rest of my life. 

I cannot emphasize enough that without the aid of the C.O.V.C. attending this program would have been very difficult, if not impossible. I was overjoyed when I heard I had received this inaugural scholarship because it meant I could have what I knew would be a life and career changing experience. It means so much to have the generous support of others, especially at this crucial stage of starting a career and life in music. I consider myself so privileged to be studying and performing opera. It is what I love to do, and having your support means the world to me and assuredly every other young artist.

Thank-you,

Philip Kalmanovitch

P E T E R   M c G I L L I V R A Y ,   o p e r a    p e r f o r m e r

The COVC has been of immeasurable help in building and developing my career as a Canadian singer. Its support goes beyond merely being a conduit of financial aid from interested donors to needy talent. The COVC is a true community – a close-knit network of art supporters who care deeply about giving young Canadian artists a chance to succeed and reach their full potential. As a scholarship award winner at the University of Toronto’s Opera Division and as a two-time Chalmers award winner, I can say with confidence that I would not be working as a professional singer today without the considerable generosity of the COVC, its friends and benefactors. With rising tuition, increased living expenses and crushing student debt, the modern reality for all students and artists, it takes an enormous leap of faith for those who dream of a professional singing career to believe in themselves enough to stick  with it. Fortunately there are organizations out there like the COVC to invest their faith in us, to support our studies and to encourage professional development. It is in no small part due to their efforts that Canada hits far above its weight in terms of renowned international singing talent. I heartily endorse the efforts of the COVC in supporting the next generation of Canadian artists.

Warmest regards,
Peter McGillivray

J A N E T   S T U B B S ,   o p e r a    p e r f o r m e r

As a young singer studying at the Opera School at U of T's Faculty of Music, I was most fortunate to be the recipient of scholarships from the then COWC.  The scholarships not only provided financial assistance, but also much appreciated encouragement and recognition. 

Best wishes,

Janet