McPhee Voices: Alessia Vitali
Alessia Vitali is a new alumna of the McPhee Artist Development Program, fresh off two seasons on Calgary Opera's stages. Young audiences saw her as the titular Squirrel in The Witty Squirrel and as Mother and Grandma in Little Red Riding Hood, two of our latest all-ages touring operas. And at the Jubilee Auditorium, Alessia joined the hilarious cast of Gianni Schicchi, and broke hearts as Kate Pinkerton in Madama Butterfly. As we look ahead to 2026/27, the 20th anniversary season of the Program, Alessia shares her highlights and discoveries of her time as a McPhee Artist:
What was a highlight for you during your time in the McPhee program? Why?
Alessia Vitali: "The highlight of my time as a McPhee Artist was being in the rehearsal room. Whether it was rehearsing Gianni Schicchi and having the opportunity to perform the role of La Ciesca alongside a stellar cast, stepping in as Rosina during The Barber of Seville rehearsals, singing Kate Pinkerton and covering Suzuki during the first week of rehearsals for Madama Butterfly, or working on our school tour productions, I cherished every opportunity to learn, collaborate, and grow as an artist. Each experience challenged me in different ways and reinforced just how deeply I love performing."
What was your biggest learning curve as a McPhee Artist?
AV: "One of the greatest challenges of the program was juggling multiple performances and repertoire demands at the same time. There was always a lot happening at once, we would be preparing for ProArts concerts, the Cabaret, Opera Tour, and a mainstage production simultaneously. This experience not only strengthened my time management skills but also taught me to trust myself."
What do you know now about opera that you didn't before you joined the program?
AV: "I think I already knew this, but my experience at Calgary Opera really deepened my appreciation for getting to know each new cast I worked with. I've always understood that opera is collaborative, but having the opportunity to connect with so many artists has shown me just how much of a true team effort it is. I am deeply grateful to have the chance to meet and work with such talented artists every time I am involved in a new production."
What's next for you? Tell us about an upcoming project that you're excited about.
AV: "In June, I will be going to Miami to begin rehearsals for Cendrillon with the Miami Music Festival, where I will be making my role debut in the title role. I am very much looking forward to working with new colleagues and continuing my studies with my teacher, Manny Perez."
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