We created the Rumbold Vocal Prize to provide meaningful opportunities and assistance to emerging Canadian classical vocalists. The prizes and the Master Class opportunity are intended to help them as they work toward professional operatic careers in leading roles. We were thrilled to see 147 applications in the first year that truly showcased the talent and passion within Canada’s vibrant musical community. Nurturing emerging operatic talent has been an important mission for our family, and we are looking forward to seeing this award continue to grow and support artists by providing a platform to showcase their abilities and gain invaluable experience.
– Grace and Arnold Rumbold, Edmonton Opera’s dedicated supporters and champions.
Announcing the Winners of the
3rd Annual Rumbold Vocal Prize
This past week, Edmonton Opera proudly hosted the Rumbold Vocal Prize, a program dedicated to nurturing the next generation of opera talent in Canada. Five exceptionally gifted performers participated in an intensive week of masterclasses, workshops, and rehearsals, culminating in a live, judged concert on November 8, 2024.
Shannon Hiebert (Judge), Paul Hopper (Judge), Alex Halliday (Finalist), Tessa Fackelmann (Finalist), Angelo Moretti (Finalist), Maria Pottle (UofA Student Participant), Wendy Nielsen (Master Clinician), Elizabeth Polese (Finalist), Simon Rivard (Judge), Arnold Rumbold, Joel Ivany (Artistic Director & Faculty).
THE FINALISTS
After an unforgettable final concert and thoughtful deliberation by our judges, we are thrilled to announce the winners:
Tessa Fackelmann - Mezzo-Soprano
1st Place Winner
$12,000 + Recital Tour in the Yukon (provided by the Yukon Arts Centre)
Angelo Moretti - Tenor
3rd Place Tie Winner
$5,000
Elizabeth Polese - Soprano
2nd Place Winner
$8,000
Maria Pottle, Soprano
University of Alberta Student Participant
$1,000
Alex Halliday - Bass-Baritone
3rd Place Tie Winner
$5,000
Remembering Grace Rumbold Honoring her lasting impact on the arts and emerging artists.
masterclass
Frances Armstrong (Pianist), Wendy Nielsen (Master Clinician), Elizabeth Polese (Finalist)
Frances Armstrong (Pianist), Alex Halliday (Finalist)
Frances Armstrong (Pianist), Maria Pottle (U of A Student Participant)
Frances Armstrong (Pianist), Angelo Moretti (
Frances Armstrong (Pianist), Tessa Fackelmann (Finalist)
Alex Halliday (Finalist), Elizabeth Polese (Finalist) Tessa Fackelmann (Finalist), Wendy Nielsen (Master Clinician), Arnold Rumbold (Founding Benefactor), Angelo Moretti (Finalist), Frances Armstrong (Pianist), Maria Pottle (U of A Student Participant), Dave Rumbold
concert
Angelo Moretti, Elizabeth Polese, Tessa Fackelmann, Alex Halliday
Alex Halliday, Tessa Fackelmann
Tessa Fackelmann
Angelo Moretti
Elizabeth Polese
Joel Ivany, Angelo Moretti, Arnold Rumbold, Alex Halliday
Frances Armstrong, Alex Halliday
Angelo Moretti, Elizabeth Polese
Arnold Rumbold, Tessa Fackelmann, Joel Ivany
Arnold Rumbold, Elizabeth Polese, Joel Ivany
Alex Halliday, Tessa Fackelmann, Arnold Rumbold, Elizabeth Polese, Angelo Moretti
JUDGES & FACULTY
Throughout the week, our finalists had the privilege of working under the guidance of an extraordinary faculty:
