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Burrage Hopes to Hit a High Note in Canadian Opera

It could be a career defining week for a local Opera singer. Charlotte Burrage of Sweaburg is competing as one of 10 finalists in the Canadian Opera Company's Second Annual Ensemble Studio Competition. The event is being held Thursday at the Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts in Toronto. Burrage, who's a mezzo-soprano says her singing roots started here in Woodstock over 20-years-ago. "I started singing around the age of 8 with Beth Faulkner, who is still in Woodstock, she was my very first teacher. Then I went right into University out of high school and I did 8-years of University for Opera." Burrage earned Bachelor's and Masters degrees from the University of Toronto. She recently completed a diploma in opera at the University of British Columbia. Burrage is currently on tour with Quebec-based Opera company, Jeunesses Musicales Canada. Her past roles include Dorabella (Cos? fan tutte, Jeunesses Musicales), Cendrillon (Cendrillon, UBC Opera Ensemble) and Hansel (Hansel and Gretel, Vancouver Opera in Schools). But, she says competing in this week's Ensemble Studio Competition is an excellent opportunity to land a longer-term signing opportunity. "Having a 2-year contract would be pretty amazing for an Opera singer to be able to put down a few more roots than I have right now. Travelling is wonderful. I've been able to see so much of the countryside, but it would be really great to be able to stay in one place."

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