Biography
With an engaging stage presence and a rich, exciting soprano voice, Erica Warder is a young artist with the knowledge, talent and passion to sing.
After four years at Queen’s University in Kingston, Ontario, Erica earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Music in 2008. She received a number of scholarships and awards, including first prize in the Concerto/Aria Competition held annually at Queen’s.
In 2008 Erica made her professional debut with the Kingston Symphony Orchestra at their Candle Light Christmas Service at St. George’s Cathedral in Kingston. Under the baton of Glen Fast, she sang Mozart’s “Exsultate, jubilate.” 2008 was also the beginning of Erica’s studies at the Glenn Gould School of Music in Toronto in the Artist Diploma program.
In June of 2009 Erica travelled to Fidenza, Italy to participate in Northern Arizona University’s summer opera program, “Flagstaff in Fidenza.” She performed the role of Susanna in Mozart’s Le Nozze di Figaro with full professional orchestra.
In March of 2010, Erica performed the role of La Fée in Massenet’s Le Cendrillon with The Glenn Gould School of Music. In a review from Classical 96.3 FM, Paula Citron wrote “Erica Warder’s coloratura fairy was controlled and pretty”. Then in June, she participated in Tafelmusik’s Baroque Summer Institute.
In October of 2010 Erica joined baroque ensemble Arcady as their Young Artist for their 2010/2011 season, under the direction of Ron Beckett.
In March of 2011, Erica performed with the International Symphony Orchestra in Sarnia and in Port Huron, whom she was also invited to back to sing with just recently in December. Then, in May, Erica travelled to Edmonton to participate in Opera Nuova’s One-Week Opera Intensive program and studied with some wonderful faculty, including Nico and Carol Castel, John Fanning and Elizabeth Turnbull.
Then, in June, Erica was lucky enough to travel to Ottawa to participate in the National Arts Centre’s Master Class with Benita Valente. In November, Erica was awarded First Prize in the NYCO Mozart Vocal Competition and will perform with the NYCO Symphony Orchestra in March and April. In May, Erica will perform the role of Oberto in Handel’s Alcina with Opera Nuova in Edmonton, Alberta.
Originally from Petrolia, Ontario, Erica works and resides in Toronto and studies privately with her teacher Stephanie Bogle and coach Brahm Goldhamer. She is the soprano soloist with the Humbercrest United Church Choir, and is working towards a rewarding career performing the art she loves so much.
