Opéra de Montréal Announces the Finalists for the 2025 Talent Gala

Montreal, November 4 2025 — Opéra de Montréal is proud to unveil the nine finalists selected from among 144 applicants from across the country. These talented artists will take the stage at the 9th edition of the Talent Gala, a must-attend benefit event dedicated to celebrating and supporting the next generation of Canadian opera performers. This exceptional evening will take place on November 11, 2025, at Salle Wilfrid-Pelletier, Place des Arts, marking the grand finale of the National Auditions.

The 9 finalists are:

• Grace Budoloski, coloratura soprano (Winnipeg, MB)

• Natacha Demers, soprano (Gatineau, QC)

• Emma Gélineau-Cloutier, soprano (Mont-Saint-Hilaire, QC)

• Gennady Grebenchuk, baritone (Toronto, ON)

• Onur Hilaloglu, bass (Anamur, Türkiye)

• Nikan Ingabire Kanate, soprano (Ottawa, ON)

• Jeremy Scinocca, tenor (Toronto, ON)

• Daria Tereshchenko, mezzo-soprano (Toronto, ON)

• Alessia Francesca Vitali, mezzo-soprano (Montreal, QC)

This year’s jury brings together renowned figures from both the national and international opera scenes, who will determine which artists will continue their professional journey at the Atelier lyrique de l’Opéra de Montréal:

• Adrianne Pieczonka, Soprano

• Matthew Horner, Senior Vice President and Director, Vocal Division, IMG Artists NY

• Royce Vavrek, Artistic Director, Against the Grain Theatre, and librettist

• Jennifer Szeto, Director, Atelier lyrique

• Michel Beaulac, Zhao-Ionescu Family Artistic Director (of Opéra de Montréal)

The following prizes will be presented at the Talent Gala, providing meaningful support for the artists’ continued development:

• Grand Jury Prize ($10,000) — offered by Mrs. Vanda Treiser

• Stingray Star Award ($5,000) — determined by audience vote during the Gala

• $1,000 bursary — awarded to each finalist by the Jacqueline Desmarais Foundation

The Atelier lyrique de l’Opéra de Montréal: A Launchpad for Emerging Talent

Supported by the generosity of its patrons and donors, the Atelier lyrique stands out as a premier artist residency for emerging Canadian opera singers. It offers comprehensive professional training within Opéra de Montréal itself, serving as a vital springboard toward a professional career. Winners of the Talent Gala will join the Atelier lyrique for a full-time residency beginning in the 2026–2027 season, benefitting from personalized training, a bilingual and culturally rich environment, and invaluable stage and industry experience. Since its founding in 1984, the program has nurtured over 200 artists, including Julie Boulianne, Étienne Dupuis, and Jennifer Szeto, now the program’s director.

The Gala will be co-hosted by Caroline Gélinas (mezzo-soprano, Atelier lyrique 2017) and Andrea Núñez (soprano, Atelier lyrique 2020), both distinguished alumni of the Atelier lyrique.

Don’t miss this unique opportunity to celebrate and support the next generation of opera stars while enjoying an unforgettable evening of music and artistry.Reserve your seats now for the 2025 Talent Gala and join us in shining a spotlight on tomorrow’s voices: https://operademontreal.com/en/programs/talent-gala 

ABOUT OPÉRA DE MONTRÉAL

Firmly rooted in Montréal, at the crossroads of North American and European cultures, the Opéra de Montréal acts as a catalyst for the city’s artistic creativity and celebrates Québec and Canada’s rich vocal heritage. Bringing opera to life in all its diversity and daring, the company presents both the great classics of the repertoire and new works from here and abroad. Through its development program for Canada’s top young singers and its strong commitment to community and educational initiatives, the Opéra de Montréal creates unforgettable lyric events where everyone feels warmly welcomed and inspired.

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