This month, the Canadian Children’s Opera Company celebrates another remarkable family whose journey spans from the rehearsal hall to the boardroom—and beyond. Mother and daughter Maria and Maddy embody what makes the CCOC community so special: artistry, commitment, and the bonds forged through shared music-making.
A musical beginning
For Maria, it all began with a simple conversation among chorister friends. “From when she was a toddler, Maddy was singing, dancing, and playing the guitar—she just loved music,” Maria recalls. When her daughter turned six, Maria mentioned to a fellow choir member that she was looking for lessons. Her friend, who was involved with the CCOC, told her all about the organization—and the rest was history.
Maddy joined the Ruby Chorus in 2010, beginning a twelve-year journey that would carry her through several choruses and countless productions, tours, and performances. Meanwhile, Maria—initially just waiting out parking challenges during rehearsals—began lending a hand with everything from ushering choristers to the bathroom to stuffing envelopes. Before long, she was a dedicated volunteer, then a board member, and eventually Chair of the CCOC Board of Directors (2019–2023).
Growing up with the CCOC
From 2010 to 2022, Maddy immersed herself in the full CCOC experience. Her favourite productions include The Snow Queen (“my character was so goofy, rehearsals were just a lot of fun”) and the major touring works Brundibar and The Monkiest King. But Maddy has so many more fond memories: “Even years after we did Laura’s Cow, the ‘lifers’—those of us who’d been in CCOC since we were little kids—could still break out into harmony and sing that music anywhere.”
Maria fondly remembers Brundibar for its emotional resonance and the European tour that followed, and The Monkiest King for its recording sessions at CBC studios—which produced Maddy’s first ever music streaming credit.
Maddy pictured on the right as one of the Crows from the CCOC’s production of The Snow Queen in 2019.
Maddy pictured on the left as the Monkiest King backstage at the CCOC’s production of The Monkiest King in 2018.
Memories to last a lifetime
Mother and daughter treasure their many CCOC memories, but a few moments stand out.
Maria recalls the Brundibar tour’s visit to Terezin concentration camp outside Prague, guided by Holocaust survivor John Freund, who had sung in the same opera there as a child prisoner. “Performing that opera for him and other survivors brought home how the CCOC is not just about singing, but about meaningful education and human connection,” she reflects.
Other memories include the infamous “vomit concert” (when despite food poisoning striking several choristers mid-performance, the choir kept singing in a demonstration of impressive discipline) and the proud moment Maria heard an announcement at the Four Seasons Centre that her 12-year-old daughter would be performing as the Second Spirit in The Magic Flute.
For Maddy, the Brundibar tour also looms large: “We went down into the Wieliczka Salt Mine in Poland, 100 meters underground, dressed in miners’ robes, and sang Psalm 23 for the tourists there.” She also cherishes memories of choir camp, where late-night conversations with older choristers offered friendship and wisdom. “Those were some formative experiences of my adolescence.”
Maddy pictured performing in the Canadian Opera Company’s production of Hadrian in 2018.
Maddy pictured in the centre backstage at the Canadian Opera Company’s production of Tosca.
camp outside Prague, guided by Holocaust survivor John Freund.
Where they are now
After years of volunteer leadership, Maria now enjoys being an enthusiastic financial donor. Reflecting on her tenure as Chair through the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, she’s proud of the CCOC’s perseverance: “I felt responsible to deliver programming to 125 kids somehow when everything was closed.” Fortunately, with the help of a dedicated staff, engaged community, and crucial involvement of Kyra Millan—former CCOC board member, soprano and artist educator, who stepped in as temporary Artistic Director of the CCOC—rehearsals moved online and alternative opportunities were found for the choristers to perform. These included providing singers for an animated CBC TV program and singing backup for a band recording.
Maddy, now in her senior year at the University of Michigan, studies classical voice while building a growing career in folk music. “There’s a vibrant community of singer-songwriters here,” she says, “many from jazz and classical backgrounds.” She also works in film production and podcast editing for two philosophy publications. After graduation, she hopes to take her music “westward toward Los Angeles.”
Maddy pictured alongside her banjo.
Maddy pictured centre stage performing alongside her band.
Maddy pictured on the right next to her parents, Maria Ringo Stauble and David Stauble.
The CCOC’s lasting influence
Both Maria and Maddy speak passionately about the CCOC’s profound impact on their lives.
“As a family we learned to appreciate opera in all its complexity,” says Maria. “The friendships I made, the resilience and discipline I witnessed in the choristers—it all showed me how vital arts education is for children. I’ll always support the CCOC’s mission.”
For Maddy, the impression left by her years in the CCOC runs even deeper: “CCOC made me a singer, a writer, an actor, a comedian—and most importantly, a storyteller. It taught me professionalism, accountability, and how to advocate for myself. Those lessons shape everything I do.”
A family rooted in song
Through more than a decade of music-making, leadership, and learning, Maria and Maddy’s story embodies the heart of the CCOC: a place where children grow into artists, families grow into community, and music connects generations.
We thank Maria and Maddy for sharing their CCOC journey, and for reminding us that the power of music extends far beyond the stage.
If you have alumni memories to share, we’d love to hear from you! Get in touch at alumni@canadianchildrensopera.com.