Suzanne Rigden, Canadian Soprano                                                                                                                                                    Home  

Who am I?

I am a coloratura soprano, born and raised in Halifax-Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, where I began my singing craft on the living room hearth at two years old.  Coming from a musical family, with fiddler grandfathers, a music teacher and pianist mom, and a jazz saxophonist and concert band clarinetist dad, music has always been an important part of my life.  My musical training included taking voice lessons at Halifax's Maritime Conservatory, achieving Grade 8 piano, playing flute in the school band, dancing ballet and jazz with Coastal Dance, singing in many choirs including the National Youth Choir, and performing in many musicals, and playing a lead operetta role with the Nova Scotia Gilbert and Sullivan Society.  I studied vocal performance at Acadia and Memorial Universities and opera at University of British Columbia, graduating in May, 2009, with my Masters of Music in Opera Performance.  The influence and encouragement of such amazing teachers as Sharon DeWolfe, Lorraine Thompson, Cheryl McCarthy, Paula Rockwell, Caroline Schiller, Nancy Hermiston, Gerald Martin Moore, Sylvie Verret and Anna Skibinsky have led me to pursue a career as a coloratura soprano in love with opera! 

Joining Atelier lyrique and Opera Montreal gave my budding opera career such a boost, as did studies at Mozarteum in Saltzburg, International Vocal Arts Institute in Tel Aviv, and Merola Summer Opera Program in San Francisco. The wonderful coaches that have helped me fine tune my craft and the opportunities to portray exciting soprano roles with orchestra have given me the confidence to follow my dream.  I have sung in China, Estonia, Czech Republic, Italy, Austria, Israel, New York, Seattle, San Francisco, and from coast to coast in Canada.  Opera is such an exciting job!  Thanks to all who have given me financial support and career guidance along my journey.  I am looking forward to returning to my roots in Nova Scotia, where I will be singing my debut Queen of the Night in May 2012 with Maritime Concert Opera, and joining Opera Nova Scotia as Blondchen in 2012 and Luisa Miller in 2013.  Singing is my life.  I hope someday to share my joy with you!

Suzanne E. Rigden