Born and raised in Hamilton, Ontario, soprano Michelle Bawden is currently based in Montréal, after completing a Masters degree in Voice and Opera at the Schulich School of Music under the tutelage of Aline Kutan. In 2021, Michelle completed her BMus in vocal performance from the University of Ottawa studying under Christiane Riel.

 

In 2023, Michelle was a finalist in McGill’s Wirth Vocal Prize and winner of the Voice Category in the Canadian Music Competition. She performed with Opera McGill as Die Mutter in their production of Hänsel und Gretel. This past season, Michelle was a guest artist with Université de Montreal debuting the role die Königin der Nacht in their production of Die Zauberflöte. Michelle was also seen performing selected works by Mozart with the Arion Baroque Orchestra and as the soprano soloist for the Brahms Requiem with Cantabile Chorale. In June, Michelle was awarded the Prix Claire Charbonneau-Clerk for singing as a finalist in the prestigious Prix d’Europe competition. Michelle’s other roles include Una Conversa (Suor Angelica) and Miss Jessel (Turn of the Screw).

 

This season, Michelle was seen performing Handel’s Messiah as a guest soloist with Cantabile Chorale and she is excited to return again in April as their soprano soloist to bring Mozart’s requiem to life. Michelle is thrilled to be debuting the role of Fiordiligi this summer in the Vienna Opera Festival’s performance of Così fan tutte. 

 

In her spare time, Michelle loves to read, bake and go frisbee-golfing with her boyfriend.