A Canadian-American soprano has won first prize and the audience choice award at the Canadian Opera Company’s 9th annual Ensemble Studio competition. Midori Marsh beat out seven other top young Canadian opera singers to win a coveted spot in the company’s prestigious training program.

Bass-baritone Alex Halliday of Newfoundland took second prize and Toronto soprano Charlotte Siegel was awarded third prize. Selected from a pool of 109 applicants and live auditions across Canada, the seven finalists performed a final aria for the judges and the audience, accompanied by the COC Orchestra. The winners earned either a professional recording session or a live performance opportunity. COC General Director Alexander Neef said “Each of this year’s Ensemble Studio Competition finalists should be exceptionally proud of what they’ve accomplished.”