ILANNA STARR

The mezzo-soprano Ilanna Starr is an artist-in-residence at the Atelier lyrique of the Opéra de Montréal. She holds a Bachelor’s degree from Vanderbilt University, a Master’s from Northwestern University, and a Graduate Diploma from McGill University. Her roles include Sesto in La clemenza di Tito, Cherubino in Le nozze di Figaro, Nerone in L’incoronazione di Poppea, and Ruggiero in Alcina. Her accolades include 3rd Prize at the Nuits Lyriques de Marmande and winning the Metropolitan Opera Laffont Competition (North Carolina District). She was a finalist at the Canadian Opera Company’s Centre Stage Competition and a semifinalist at the Belvedere Competition.

This program highlights the great versatility of the mezzo-soprano, ranging from Baroque to twentieth-century repertoire. The first round unites an aria of Concepción from Ravel’s L’Heure espagnole, where the protagonist laments her stalemate with the clockmaker and her two suitors, with Ruggiero’s aria from Alcina, a piece of great virtuosity. The semi-final features Nerone’s aria from Agrippina, an expression of a desire for vengeance. This is followed by Pat Nixon’s aria from John Adams’ Doctor Atomic, a monologue in which the character reflects on her humble origins and her role, and finally, Sesto’s aria from Idomeneo, a moment of profound amorous torment.