The Ruby Awards
Congratulations to Ruby winner Nancy Hermiston!
 |
| Nancy Hermiston |
I enjoyed attending the “Rubies” in Toronto last Wednesday evening. The Rubies are Opera Canada magazine’s annual awards, named for Canadian opera legend Ruby Mercer. This year the three winners were baritone Russell Braun, philanthropist Jacqueline Desmarais, and educator Nancy Hermiston – our friend who directs the opera program at UBC.
 |
| Simone Osborne |
The Emcee was renowned mezzo soprano Susan Graham. Entertainment was provide by several singers, including Phillip Addis (in our recent Ariadne auf Naxos) and Simone Osborne, who will be our Juliette later this fall in Romeo et Juliette.
Nancy was cited for her leading role in opera education in Canada – a recognition richly deserved. Nancy has built an incredible opera program at UBC, producing excellent singers who are taking their places on important stages around the world.
 |
| Layla Claire |
Vancouver Opera is pleased to have developed a partnership with UBC Opera over the years that is mutually beneficial to the institutions and to the students; projects include using voice students in the Chorus of some of our mainstage operas and hiring students to serve as “covers” for our VOIS touring program. It is so important to VO that the UBC opera program exists – and that it is of such high quality.
The ARIAS Emerging Young Artist Award went to Layla Claire, who will sing Pamina in our Magic Flute in 2013
Previous BC recipients of Rubies include Irving Guttman, Judith Forst, Timothy Vernon, Ben Heppner and Richard Margison.
- James Wright, General Director, Vancouver Opera
