“A beautifully surreal Wonderland” – Dawn Martens, Opera Canada
This year’s sold-out production of Alice in Wonderland brought over 100 choristers to the stage alongside a professional chamber orchestra in a delightful new production of a classic tale. Under the leadership of Chelsea Woolley and Teri Dunn, singers gained invaluable experience in a full-scale operatic production, building artistry, confidence, and collaboration.
Also this season, we expanded our run from 6 to 8 performances, adding two dedicated community performances that welcomed students and families from partner organizations serving families and young people across Toronto, including Sistema Toronto, Dixon Hall Music School, University Settlement Music School, St. James Town Children’s Choir, and Kids Up Front Toronto. These performances increased access to live opera while deepening our community connections. Alumni also returned as audience members, and some answered the call for volunteer light walkers—enabling these alumni the opportunity to return to the Harbourfront Centre Theatre stage, and reconnect with their own CCOC journeys while supporting our current production.
Our Apprentice and Intermediate Choruses participated in the Ontario Youth Treble Festival’s Junior Treble Festival, joining peer ensembles from across the region including: Bach Children’s Chorus, Brampton Children’s Chorus, Chorus Niagara’s Children’s Chorus, Hamilton Children’s Chorus, and Oakville Children’s Chorus, in a shared celebration of young voices. Led by guest clinician, Artistic Director of the LA Children’s Chorus, Fernando Malvar-Ruiz, singers engaged in workshops, observed fellow choirs, and built meaningful connections. The culminating concert of individual choirs and two massed choir pieces reflected not only musical growth, but the importance of community, mentorship, and collective artistic experience in shaping young performers.
This spring, members of the Principal Chorus began rehearsals for the Canadian Opera Company’s new production of Werther, performing alongside internationally acclaimed artists. Having prepared their roles with CCOC Artistic Director and Principal Chorus Conductor Teri Dunn, singers entered the full professional process, including staging rehearsals and costume fittings. As the first group of young singers to bring the roles in this new production to life, they now prepare for opening night at the Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts. Experience the impact of CCOC’s training on stage—tickets available at coc.ca.
The Principal Chorus is honoured to collaborate with Vesnivka and the Canadian Bandurist Capella in a concert marking the 40th anniversary of the Chornobyl disaster at St. Paul’s Basilica in Toronto on April 26, 2026. Singing in Ukrainian, choristers are embracing new cultural and musical learning while contributing a powerful youth voice to this act of remembrance. This collaboration reflects CCOC’s commitment to connecting young artists with meaningful artistic experiences that resonate beyond the stage.