Our Mission

For the Girls Opera was founded to create meaningful, high-quality performance opportunities for developing and emerging female and female-identifying opera singers. Recognizing that many talented artists struggle to gain full role experience due to limited opportunities in Western Canada, and intense competition, For the Girls Opera provides a rare and vital platform to learn, rehearse, and perform complete roles.

Our company was born from the vision of a frustrated soprano who witnessed firsthand how many gifted friends and colleagues were overlooked for roles despite their skill, training, and dedication. For the Girls Opera was created to change that — to uplift and celebrate female voices by providing a platform where they can perform, grow, and prepare for the next stage in their careers.

We also recognize that opera has historically been shaped around very binary gender roles, leaving many non-binary and trans singers without the same opportunities to shine. While our focus is on uplifting female and female-identifying artists, we are equally proud to cast trans and non-binary performers who bring their unique voices, artistry, and stories to our stage.

We are not a pay-to-sing or professional theatre company. Instead, we operate as a not-for-profit organization offering hands-on experience and mentorship to singers eager to take the next step in their careers while sharing the benefits of the arts within our communities. Whether singers are completing their studies, building their résumés, or preparing to step into the professional world, our artists gain invaluable tools and full production experience. While the occasional male singer may be included to round out a cast, our focus always remains on programming operas where female voices are in the majority. In tandem with this, we are deeply committed to championing works by women composers, broadening the repertoire and bringing fresh, underrepresented perspectives to the stage.

By centring equity, access, and artistic excellence, For the Girls Opera is proud to help shape a more inclusive future for Opera in Western Canada.