The Royal Conservatory of Music has announced the appointment of mezzo-soprano and educator Krisztina Szabó to the role of Chair in Voice at The Glenn Gould School (GGS), the institution’s professional training school.
Her responsibilities include overseeing all aspects of the GGS vocal program, along with leading a voice studio, and guiding the artistic direction of the school’s opera productions. She will connect with visiting artists for master classes, and play a key role in developing curriculum and performance programming.
She takes over the position from Canadian soprano Adrianne Pieczonka, who is stepping down after serving in the role since 2019.
“It is a pleasure to welcome Krisztina Szabó to The Glenn Gould School as Chair in Voice. Krisztina is an artist of exceptional musical intelligence, versatility, and integrity. Her deep commitment to both performance and pedagogy, combined with her leadership in championing contemporary Canadian repertoire, will be invaluable in shaping the next generation of vocal artists,” says Barry Shiffman, Dean Designate of The Glenn Gould School and The Taylor Academy in a statement.
“To step into the role of Chair of Voice at The Glenn Gould School is both an honour and a homecoming,” says Krisztina Szabó.
“With my family rooted in Toronto, this opportunity carries deep personal significance. I am inspired by the extraordinary level of artistry at The Royal Conservatory of Music and its commitment to nurturing the next generation of performers. To work within such a vibrant community of musicians and to mentor young singers at a pivotal moment in their artistic lives is a privilege. I look forward to supporting these exceptional young artists, nourishing their artistic growth, and contributing to a vibrant, collaborative community of musicians.”
Hungarian-Canadian mezzo-soprano Krisztina Szabó is a graduate of the University of Western Ontario. She completed her postgraduate studies at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama in London.
In 1997, she won the Canadian Opera Company’s Mozart Competition, and became part of the COC Ensemble Studio in 1998. She went on to a career that has seen her performing on stages across North America and Europe.
She regularly performs with the Canadian Opera Company, Vancouver Opera, Tapestry Opera, Early Music Vancouver, and Tafelmusik Baroque Orchestra. Internationally, she has performed with the San Francisco Opera, Opera Philadelphia, Stadttheater Klagenfurt, and Wexford Festival Opera.
She made her debut with the Royal Opera in the world premiere of George Bejamin’s Lessons in Love and Violence in 2018. The recording of the performance garnered a GRAMMY nomination.
Recent performance highlights include appearances in Tafelmusik Baroque Orchestras production of Handel’s Messiah, with Manitoba Opera as Marcellina in Mozart’s Le nozze di Figaro, and the Calgary Philharmonic in Verdi’s Requiem. She will sing in the world premiere of Mother/Land by Canadian composer Jeffrey Ryan with the Vancouver Bach Choir on May 16.
Among other accolades, she won a Dora Award as part of the Best Ensemble with Against the Grain Theatre.
Krisztina is also a recording artist. Her performances can be heard on releases on the Analekta, Centrediscs, and Naxos labels.
Alongside her performing career, Szabó is a dedicated educator, currently serving as Assistant Professor of Voice and Opera at the University of British Columbia School of Music.
“We are incredibly excited to welcome Krisztina Szabó to The Royal Conservatory’s Glenn Gould School,” says Alexander Brose, Michael and Sonja Koerner President & CEO.
“Krisztina is an artist of exceptional calibre and a remarkably gifted educator whose passion for developing the next generation of vocal artists has already shaped countless successful careers. Her appointment will have a profound impact on our students and artistic community here in Toronto.”
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