Get to know our 2022 NYCC Altos: Part 2

Altos: Part 2

Avery Opalka - Nova Scotia
Carrie Schulz - Manitoba
Kiley Venables - Ontario​
Emma Yee - New Brunswick
Allison Zaragoza - Alberta

When did you first start singing/singing in choirs?

CS - I started singing in choirs around the age of 5 and fell in love with it right away! I went on to sing in choirs at my school and in my community and am grateful to still be singing in multiple choirs today.

AZ - I've loved to sing for as long as I can remember, but didn't find my love for choir until high school. I sang in choir all throughout high school and then began to sing with the Alberta Youth Choir as well. I have now been a member of the University of Alberta Madrigal Singers for four years! 


What are your other passions/hobbies/interests? What inspires you? 

AO - I love going on spontaneous adventures around Nova Scotia, thrift shopping, and drinking too much tea.

EY - I enjoy drawing, crocheting, embroidery, baking, and hanging out with my dog in my free time. I am passionate about expanding classical canon and studying diverse repertoire. I want to highlight BIPOC, LGBTQ, and women composers in my studies, and look at the ways in which gender and otherness plays a part in musical portrayal. I enjoy connecting with an audience through performance and enjoy creating and developing performances.


How did you learn about NYCC and/or what made you decide to audition?

KV -  I sang with NYCC in 2016 and it was the most rewarding musical experience of my life so far—I knew that if I could qualify again, it would be just as enriching and inspiring. Amid some difficult years for the world and for the performing arts, I am ecstatic to be singing once again with such a talented and passionate group of musicians.

CS - My dad sang in NYCC in the 80's and ever since he shared his experience with me I have always wanted to be a part of the choir. Choir is such an important part of my life so I knew I couldn't pass up the opportunity to audition.


What are you most excited about for NYCC 2022?

AO - I've been waiting for this moment since 2020, and the excitement has only built since then. Some of my life's happiest memories have been with choir and I can't wait to make more.

KV - The music itself will be incredible, but what stuck with me from my experience with NYCC 2016 was the sense of community and connection that the intense rehearsal period forges within the choir. I was humbled and inspired to make gorgeous music with peers whom I knew would go on to join the next cohort of choral conductors, composers, and performers. I cannot wait to bond over our shared passion for music once again!

Stay tuned to meet the TENORS!