As far as full circle moments go, there are few which can eclipse the one Ambur Braid is having.
Braid is among dozens of Ensemble Studio artists who have gone on to chart impressive international careers after graduating from the COC’s development program. Nearly 230 emerging opera performers and pianists have been a part of the residency since its inception in 1980. Among its most notable alumni: Ben Heppner, Krisztina Szabó and Wallis Giunta.
Many who enter the program join as starry-eyed artists, often just having completed an undergraduate degree. Throughout the residency, which typically spans two seasons, Ensemble Studio members receive intensive training while also understudying senior artists in mainstage productions. “It was a matter of hours before the dress rehearsal and my system sort of went into survival mode,” he said. “It was exhilarating.”