The COC’s Ensemble Studio competition; effectively the final auditions for potential new members of the program, gets a makeover this season.  Previously it was held in the Richard Bradshaw Amphitheatre with each member performing two arias with piano accompaniment.  Now it becomes a gala event styled Centre Stage and held on the main stage of the Four Seasons Centre with accompaniment from the COC orchestra.  There’s also a cocktail reception and black tie dinner.

I understand that the format will be that each singer performs an aria of their choice for the judges behind closed doors and a second, of the judges’ choice, for the gala audience.  In any event, it’s on November 26th with doors open at 5.30pm.  Tickets for the reception and competition are $100 and for the dinner $1500.  More details here.