Soprano Irina Medvedeva is described as being a “flexible, supple, yet powerful soprano” (The Globe and Mail) and has been praised for having “a large voice with an astonishing range” (Opera Canada).
Presently residing in Toronto Ms. Medvedeva’s upcoming engagements include performing the title role in Janáček’s Cunning Little Vixen at Opera NUOVA and Zerlina in Mozart’s Don Giovanni with Vera Causa Opera.
Ms. Medvedeva’s past operatic roles include La Fée in Viardot’s Cendrillon at the Royal Conservatory’s Glenn Gould School, conducted by Peter Tiefenbach and directed by Joel Ivany, Morgana in Handel’s Alcina in the Royal Conservatory’s production conducted by Ivars Taurins and directed by Leon Major, La Fée in Massenet’s Cendrillon with the Halifax Summer Opera Festival, Le Feu and Le Rossignol in Ravel’s L'enfant et les Sortilèges in Western University’s Opera production, Florestine in Milhaud’s La Mere Coupable at the Summer Opera Lyric Theatre. She has also performed ensemble and chamber works in Italy at La Musica Lirica and JVL Summer Music Festival in Cremona, Italy. Ms. Medvedeva was the winner of the Rose Bowl and Caddo Cup award at the Lakehead Music Festival.
Ms. Medvedeva is currently completing her Artist Diploma at the Royal Conservatory’s Glenn Gould School under the guidance of Monica Whicher and Peter Tiefenbach. An avid lover of languages, Ms. Medvedeva is fluent in Russian, Spanish and English.
Doug Fleming is a first-year bassoon student at Wilfrid Laurier University, studying with Eric Hall. In addition, Doug's musical activities have involved performances with the Kitchener-Waterloo Youth Symphony Orchestra, the Wilfrid Laurier University Wind Orchestra, the Stratford Symphony Orchestra, and of course, Vera Causa Opera.
Fun fact: In my free time, I enjoy making and selling reeds, and watching The Office.
Rachel Roe is a first year, undergraduate student at Wilfrid Laurier University. As a flautist, she has performed with the Laurier Wind Orchestra, the Kitchener-Waterloo Symphony Youth Orchestra, the Halton-Mississauga Youth Orchestra, and was a member of the pit-orchestra for her high school’s musical productions for two years. She is delighted to be making her first appearance in an opera orchestra. Rachel is in her 7th year of playing the flute, and her 5th year of playing piccolo. She loves to perform and is looking forward to the many performance opportunities that the future holds.
Fun Fact: Rachel is that she is currently learning how to speak German and plans to become fluent in the future.