Simona Genga

Mezzo Soprano

Named one of the CBC's "30 hot Canadian Classical Musicians under 30” Mezzo Soprano Simona Genga, is known for her vocal plushness, amplitude and range which are mature beyond her years (Opera Canada). Toronto raised, Simona is a proud graduate of the COC’s Studio Ensemble and the University of Toronto’s Opera School.

As a Gerdine Young Artist, Simona received the 2018 Barbara and Stanley Richman Award for demonstrating "exceptional potential for a significant career" at Opera Theatre of Saint Louis where she returned the next year as Annina in a special production of La Traviata directed by Patricia Racette.

An avid interpreter of song, Simona’s favourite summer was spent studying at the Franz Schubert Institute where she was deeply inspired by the late Dr.Deen Larsen. Her sensitive and emotional grasp on repertoire have granted her fellowships with the Ravinia Steans Music Institute, the Chautauqua Institution, and awarded her prizes including the Norcop Song Recital Prize, an Elora Festival Recital, Developing Artist Grants from the Hnatyshyn Foundation, the Sullivan Foundation and Ruby Mercer Awards.

Most Recently, Simona has made COC debuts as the Second Maid in Elektra, Cindy in Wow Factor, Berta in the Barber of Seville, and Gertrude in Hansel and Gretel (Opera for Young Audiences). This spring, Simona was preparing the High Priestess for Aida and workshopping the role of Mrs. Macaroni in Ian Cusson’s new opera Fanstasma which is postponed from the Fall of 2020.

In the wake of COVID-19, Simona has been honing both artistic and administrative skills, joining the OmniArts Foundation in organizing and performing in their Virtual Concert Series entitled “Lean on Me” which raised money to support Artists. Simona is extremely honoured to be joining Highlands Opera Studio for Independent Study this summer.