Success Stories

MATTHEW TISSI

Former CCOC Principal Chorus member Matthew Tissi is one of two young men cast in the role of Kurt in Mirvish Productions The Sound of Music. The North American premiere of The Sound of Music is running from October 3, 2008 to May 31, 2009 at the Princess of Wales Theatre.

Matthew, a young Torontonian, has a true passion for the performing arts. Through his work with the Canadian Children’s Opera Company (CCOC), Matthew has performed with the Canadian Opera Company (COC), the Toronto Symphony Orchestra (TSO) and the Toronto Philharmonia.

In the past year, Matthew appeared in 11 performances of the COC's production of Tosca, two performances of the TSO's Carmina Burana, and numerous other concerts.

Recently, Matthew achieved First Class Honours in both his RCM Grade 6 Voice and his RCM Grade 2 Piano.

Matthew loves singing, acting, travelling, has a great sense of humour and fully appreciates every moment of his burgeoning career in the performing arts.

Matthew is excited to be part of The Sound of Music and thanks everyone involved in the production for this opportunity, his family, friends, the Regina Mundi Catholic School community, the Columbus Centre’s vocal coach Tetyana Carino-Ivchenko and the CCOC’s artistic director Ann Cooper Gay.


KATIE STELMANIS

In January of 2008 I released my first solo record called "Join Us" with the Blocks Recording Club in Toronto, an independent arts collective that supports Toronto's experimental musicians who might not be able to find a home with any of Canada's more prominent record labels. Its most famous member is Owen Pallet, the violin playing sensation known as "Final Fantasy."

My record debuted the College Radio Charts at #6 before it hit #2 a few weeks later. It has been picked up by various medias all over the country and in Europe eager to review it and inquire as to where it came from. The Toronto Star rated one of my songs #1 on the Anti-Hit List. The CBC has also become a major supporter of Join Us, with frequent airplay on its three stations and a Live "Fuse" session with Fred Eaglesmith. This summer I will be touring the record from East to West with my band.

The attention I have received in the past few months has been overwhelming as a young independent artist, and I know it is because my sound is very different and very original. When people ask what my musical background is the first thing I mention is that I was a member of the CCOC, which hands down has provided the foundation for which I write and perform music today. Professional experience on and off the stage; the complicated arrangements of Mr. Tuttle's 20th century choral repertoire; and the keen ear I have developed for vocal harmony has helped me evolve into a unique pop artist. Most importantly, the CCOC exposed me to the greatest love of my young life, Opera! Which is an art I probably would have otherwise never found an interest in.