Biography
Bass-baritone Alexander Halliday, lauded for his “powerful and expressive” voice, recently concluded his tenure with the Canadian Opera Company’s Ensemble. Notable performances included roles in Puccini’s “Tosca,” Verdi’s “Macbeth,” Bizet’s “Carmen,” and Strauss’ “Salome.” His contributions also encompassed cover assignments for the upcoming 2022/2023 season. Halliday’s past engagements at the COC featured Guccio in Gianni Schicchi (2021) and Noah in the world premiere of Ian Cusson and Colleen Murphy’s “Fantasma” (2022).
Returning to the COC for the 2023/2024 season, Halliday is slated for roles in Beethoven’s “Fidelio,” Cherubini’s “Medea,” Donizetti’s “Don Pasquale,” and Janacek’s “Cunning Little Vixen.” He’s establishing himself on Canada’s opera and concert stages, recently serving as the bass soloist in Handel’s “Messiah” with the Durham Youth Orchestra and the Peterborough Singers. Upcoming engagements include performing Colline in Puccini’s “La bohème” with Orchestre Philharmonique et Choeur des Mélomanes in Montréal.
Originally from St. John’s, Newfoundland, Halliday commenced his operatic journey there, earning a BMus in Vocal Performance from Memorial University in 2017. He furthered his studies with an MMus in Opera at the University of Toronto in 2019. Halliday’s repertoire spans diverse roles, showcasing his versatility in operatic and concert settings.