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."

UPDATE: Charges Are Laid After Two Fires in the City
SWPH Reports High Influenza Risk
Deputy Warden Appointed for 2026
Handbags for Hospice to Shimmer for Sakura House
Beachville Museum Employee Receives Award
SWPH Issues Cold Weather Alert
Oxford OPP Briefs - Dec. 15th 2025
White Christmas Not Guaranteed for Oxford
PJHL Recap - Dec 12th to Dec 14th
Holiday Safety Tips from OCAR
Paris Man Charged with Impaired
Rob Reiner Dead at 78
Christmas Lights Stolen in Ingersoll
UPDATE: Cyber Security Experts Investigating Oxford Incident
PJHL Preview - Dec. 12th to Dec. 14th
Tour of Lights Begins this Weekend
Drunk Drivers Charged in Woodstock
Week Three Results for Festive RIDE Campaign
Woodstock Passes 2026 Capital Budget
An Impaired Driver was Caught in EZT