Canadian Children Opera Company

From First Audition to Centre Stage: Lynn Isnar’s Transformative Journey with the CCOC

by | Jan 12, 2026 | Uncategorized

Lynn Isnar is a proud alumna of the Canadian Children’s Opera Company whose journey with the organization spans from her earliest introduction to opera to a full-circle return as a guest soloist. A chorister from 2002 to 2011, Lynn credits the CCOC with shaping her artistic path, fostering lifelong friendships, and inspiring her career as a professional musician and educator in the Greater Toronto Area.

Lynn Isnar’s introduction to opera began with a simple but pivotal moment. “My mom attended a performance at the Canadian Opera Company and noticed an advertisement in the program for the CCOC’s annual auditions,” Lynn recalls. “She called and scheduled an audition for me.”

That audition took place at the church at St. Clair and Yonge, where Lynn met Ann Cooper Gay for the first time. “This building would soon become the setting for so many meaningful memories and experiences,” she says. What began as a single audition would grow into a nine-year journey with the Canadian Children’s Opera Company.

 

Growing up at the CCOC

From 2002 to 2011, Lynn moved through almost every stage of the CCOC program, beginning in AC1 and progressing through AC2, PC, and eventually YC. “I was a member of the CCOC for nine years,” she explains, crediting the organization with introducing her not only to opera, but to the discipline and joy of performance at a young age.

Looking back, several productions stand out as formative experiences. “Some of my favourite productions include Dido and Aeneas, Into the Woods, and A Dickens of a Christmas,” Lynn shares. “These productions gave us the incredible opportunity to experience the excitement and discipline that goes into bringing an opera to life.”

Lynn pictured on the right as Mrs. Cratchit in the CCOC’s production of A Dickens of a Christmas in 2010.
Lynn pictured singing a solo as Mrs. Cratchit in the CCOC’s production of A Dickens of a Christmas in 2010.

On stage and behind the scenes

One moment, in particular, changed everything. “The first time I stepped on stage as a lead soloist was when I realized that music and performance were what I wanted to pursue for the rest of my life.” That role was Mrs. Cratchit in A Dickens of a Christmas, a production Lynn performed multiple times over the years. “I began in the chorus, moved on to smaller roles, and eventually sang the lead female role,” she says, performing alongside Mark Pedrotti as Scrooge and Ryan Harper as Mr. Cratchit/Marley. Not all memories were on stage. “A close second would be the time spent at the Harbourfront Skating Rink, skating and laughing with friends between winter performances,” Lynn adds. “Those moments were just as meaningful.”

Lynn pictured on the right with other CCOC choristers enjoying their free time between performances at Harbourfront Centre Theatre.
Lynn pictured on the right with other CCOC choristers as they skate around the rink between performances at Harbourfront Centre Theatre.

Lasting lessons and lifelong connections

The CCOC experience left a lasting impression. “The CCOC introduced me to opera and the art of performing, and it played a major role in my decision to pursue music,” Lynn says. Many of the friendships formed during those years remain strong today. “I’m still in touch with many friends from the CCOC, and so many of us went on to become musicians. It’s inspiring to see how this experience can shape and influence so many lives.” Mentorship also played a key role. “Ann and Errol were amazing mentors, especially during my transition from high school to university,” she reflects. “The CCOC instilled important lessons in preparation, focus, and respect for the craft and community.”  

A full-circle journey

Lynn pictured in the centre (blue dress) as the Nightingale surrounded by CCOC choristers in our 2023 production of The Nightingale of a Thousand Songs.
Lynn pictured on the left next to Ann Cooper Gay and CCOC chorister, Alice Malakhov, at rehearsals for our 2023 production of The Nightingale of a Thousand Songs.
Today, Lynn is based in the Greater Toronto Area, working as a freelance musician and music educator. “I perform regularly, record as a session artist, and teach music at a public school,” she says, continuing to build a career rooted in the foundation she developed at the CCOC. In 2023, Lynn returned to the CCOC in a new role—as a guest soloist in The Nightingale of a Thousand Songs, an opera by composer Serouj Kradjian with a libretto by Marjorie Chan. Based on an Armenian folk tale, the work features themes of resilience and hope. “Returning to the CCOC was a truly wonderful experience, both as a former chorister and in connection with my Armenian heritage,” Lynn says. “It felt like coming full circle seeing the choristers do the same things we once did,” she adds. “It was especially moving watching them perform in both English and Armenian.” A particularly meaningful moment came when Ann Cooper Gay attended a rehearsal. “Having her there made the experience even more special.” Reflecting on the project, Lynn expresses gratitude for the many artists, mentors, and volunteers who brought the opera to life. “It was a privilege to work alongside composer Serouj Kradjian and librettist Marjorie Chan,” she says, along with the CCOC’s artistic and administrative leadership who supported the production. For Lynn Isnar, the CCOC is not just where her musical journey began—it remains a community she continues to return to, carrying its lessons forward and helping inspire the next generation of young artists.
Lynn Isnar’s headshot.
Connect with Lynn Isnar

Website: www.lynnisnar.com
Facebook: facebook.com/lynnisnar
Instagram: @lynnisnar