Artist Name: Karina Bray
Voice type: full lyric soprano
Role you’re singing this year: Anna Maurrant in  Street Scene

Where are you from? How did you first get interested in opera or musical theatre? 

I come from a very small town in Ontario which had a large interest in music. As a young child I would participate in musical theatre productions and recitals for piano and voice. My family has always had an interest in every genre of music, giving me the opportunity to try out different styles. Opera became my ultimate choice when I heard the aria Quando m’en vo when I was still in grade school.

When did you start studying voice? Where are you studying now?

I started studying voice at a very young age with the Royal Conservatory of Music program. After graduating from Wilfrid Laurier University with my Honours Bachelor of Music in Voice Performance under the care of Daniel Lichti, I am now studying with many esteemed teachers, performers, and coaches including William Shookhoff and Victor Martens.

What came first for you, theatre or music?

Music and theatre have always had a profound influence in my life, making it difficult to distinguish which came first. 

What are your dream roles?

My dream roles would have to be Desdemona from Verdi’s Otello, Musetta from Puccini’s La Boheme, and Wally from Catalani’s La Wally which I have the great opportunity to perform this title role in Toronto in March 2016. I have always been drawn to characters that show different kind of strengths in their music and in their choices.

What are you most looking forward to about this summer?

I am very much looking forward to collaborating with new and talented performers as well as learning from established professionals.

Thanks, Karina! Are you a participant or staff member this year? Why not submit your own answers to our questionnaire!