Arminè Kassabian

Recognized for her "voluminous and luscious vocal tone" (International Opera), mezzo-soprano Arminè Kassabian is quickly establishing herself as one of Canada’s most sought after young artists. Of her recent role debut as Der Komponist with Pacific Opera Victoria's Ariadne auf Naxos, Ms. Kassabian was praised as a "fresh-toned mezzo-soprano" (Toronto Star), who "dominated the prologue with her amazing vocals and spot-on acting. Dazzling as the young composer, she displayed incredible power and precision – her voice could push an audience against the backs of their seats." (CVV Magazine.com) Other debuts this season included Mercedes in Carmen with Opera Lyra and the title role in Carmen with Jeunes Ambassadeurs Lyriques which toured throughout China.

Upcoming engagements include Suzuki in Madama Butterfly with Opera Lyra and Pacific Opera Victoria, La fille de joie in Evangeline with l`Opéra-Théâtre de Rimouski and a recital with Les Concerts Ponticello. Previous roles with the Opera Lyra Studio include Ruth in The Pirates of Penzance, Rosie in The Barber of Bytown and Angelina in La Cenerentola. In recent seasons she has performed with Jeunesses Musicales du Canada, Green Mountain Opera Festival, Opera Brasov, Festival Opéra Saint Eustache, Jeunes Ambassadeurs Lyriques and Opera McGill. Her past roles include Rosina in Il barbiere di Siviglia; Dorabella in Mozart’s Cosi fan Tutte; Mère-Marie in Poulenc's Dialogues des Carmélites; Carmen in La Tragédie de Carmen; Sister of Mercy in Evangeline; Hänsel in Humperdinck’s Hänsel und Gretel; Ruggiero in Handel’s Alcina and First Witch in Purcell’s Dido and Aeneas.

On the concert stage Arminè is quite active in both Oratorio and Recital. Highlights include Bach’s St. Mathew Passion, Vivaldi’s Gloria and Bach Magnificat with the Cantabile Chorale; Handel’s Messiah with the CAMMAC Gatineau-Ottawa Choir. As a recitalist, she has performed with Music and Beyond Festival, Ottawa Choral Society, Festival Expressions Artistiques d’Ici et d’Ailleurs, Les Concerts Ponticello and the Cultural Society of Armenians of Istanbul. Arminè had the privilege of performing in master classes at the Centre d’art Orford, Green Mountain Opera Festival and Opera Lyra for Edith Bers, John Fanning, Kathryn LaBouff, Christiane Riel, Chantal Lambert, Mariateresa Magisano, Sanford Sylvan, Tyrone Paterson , Michael McMahon, Patrick Hansen, Peter Strummer and many more.

Ms. Kassabian won First Place at the Brian Law Opera Competition, Second Place at the New Jersey Verismo Opera Association Competition and was a finalist at the Riccardo Zandonai International Competition. Arminè holds an Artist Diploma, M.Mus and B.Mus from the Schulich School of Music of McGill University.