Highlands Opera Studio

Advanced Operatic Training - Richard Margison & Valerie Kuinka

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Bringing you the next generation of

Operatic Talent

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HIGHLANDS
OPERA STUDIO

Highlands Opera Studio provides advanced operatic training to a select group of talented young performers.

2023
EVENTS

Join us for the return to a FULL LIVE PERFORMANCE SEASON! Masterclass, Concerts, Community Events, Opera!

YOU CAN
HELP US GROW

As a not-for-profit organization, your tax-deductible donations to the Highlands Opera Studio are greatly appreciated.

Operating in Haliburton, Ontario, since its creation in 2007, Highlands Opera Studio is a professional performing arts mentoring program for emerging professional operatic artists. Established by Richard Margison, Artistic Director and Valerie Kuinka, General and Co-Artistic Director.

Teiya - Flute
Tosca - Justin Te Deum

LATEST NEWS

Season Programming Revision

July 7, 2023

Due to serious personal reasons, the creator/composer of ‘Mishaabooz’s Realm‘, Andrew Balfour, who was also appearing as a key performer, has cancelled all professional commitments for the next several months. […]

Announcing Highlands Opera Studio 2023 Season

December 15, 2022

July 27th – August 28th, 2023 Haliburton, ON- December 6th , 2022. Join us for the 17th season of Highlands Opera Studio! Highlights include Gaetano Donizetti’s hilarious opera sitcom, ‘THE […]

Media Release – OTF Grant Supports New Ways of Bringing Opera to Haliburton County

January 5, 2023

MEDIA RELEASE $92,100 OTF Grant Supports New Ways of Bringing Opera to Haliburton County Haliburton, ON (January 5, 2023) – On Thursday, MPP LAURIE SCOTT met with the team at […]

Online Registration For Highlands Opera Studio ​​2023 Auditions Now Closed

December 19, 2022

Apply Now: Highlands Opera Studio 2023, Professional Training & Development Program Dates: July 27th – August 28th, Haliburton, ON Live Audition Dates & Locations: Montréal – February 6th & 7th […]

MORE NEWS

UPCOMING EVENTS

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BOX OFFICE & INFO
1-855-455-5533

PROFESSIONAL PROGRAM

Scene from operatic performance

Professional Operatic Training at the Highlands Opera Studio
Richard Margison instructing a student

World Class Teaching Consultants & Adminstrative Staff

AUDITIONS

Audition registration for the 2023 Professional Program is now closed. If you're interested in being notified when future registrations open, please fill in your contact info below.

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Suzanne Taffot

As an African Canadian, for years prior to this, I had too often been marginalized and excluded from getting real singing opportunities..... During this internship, I was able to observe other professional singers, coach with the greatest teachers in the industry, sing in front of agents and above all, gain self-confidence.

- Suzanne Taffot, Soprano, LLB.
HOS 2017, 2018

Simona Genga

The Highlands Opera Studio experience was one of extremely high artistic quality and musical experience...Everyday throughout the program I left having learned something new, filled with inspiration towards my personal goals, and hope for the future of our art form and industry.

- Simona Genga, Mezzo-soprano
HOS 2020, 2021

Andrew Balfour

The opportunity to create and collaborate with Highlands Opera Studio on the Indigenous chamber opera Mishabooz's Realm in 2017 was one of the most enriching and powerful commissions of my career. It is my deep hope that this work, and our work together as members of the Highlands Opera Racial Equity Advisory Council, can continue to evolve and grow to present important issues and opportunities for First Nation artists and creators in this country.

- Andrew Balfour, Cree First Nation Composer & Librettist,
Artistic Director of Camerata Nova,
Winnipeg, Manitoba

Kaden Forsberg

Highlands is one of the best organized and most rewarding training programs that I have had the pleasure of being a part of.

- Kaden Forsberg, tenor
HOS 2019

Adam Luther

My experience at HOS was absolutely wonderful. The summer I spent there was a crucial step in my continuing development as an opera singer. The faculty of professionals they assemble is first-rate.

- Adam Luther, Tenor
HOS 2013

Tracy Cantin

The location is reason enough to want to attend this wonderful program, but the training we receive is absolutely top notch. Allowing the young artists to fully immerse themselves in their craft without the added financial burden of tuition is an opportunity that is simply not found elsewhere.

- Tracy Cantin, Soprano
HOS 2011

Geoffrey Schellenberg

Highlands Opera Studio has been one of the most positive and formative experiences I have had since I began studying opera. Valerie and Richard are able to connect participants with some of the best conductors, teachers, and coaches in the world, giving singers the ability to see incredible improvement over several weeks.

- Geoffrey Schellenberg, Baritone, Vancouver & Montreal
HOS '19, '20

Scott Brooks

It would be hard to overstate the value of this program. I was given the chance to perform one of my dream roles, and to work on it with world-class coaches. Moreover, Val and Richard are more than just great artists and teachers; they're genuinely supportive of the studio members, and the care they have for us shows in everything they do.

- Scott Brooks, bass-baritone
HOS 2016