Since announcing his retirement from the stage last April, (due to “unreliability” in his voice), Canadian tenor, Ben Heppner seemed content with maintaining his role as announcer for CBC II’s radio program “Backstage with Ben Heppner”. But the question remained – would he ever sing again?
Besides a role for the upcoming Mirvish production of the musical Titanic by composer, Maury Yeston this coming May 20, 2015 at Toronto’s Princess of Wales Theatre in Toronto, his future seemed uncertain.
But in a surprising announcement via McGill’s The Schulich School of Music Facebook page late yesterday afternoon, Heppner can now add the title of “Professor” to his illustrious resume.
…The Schulich School of Music is thrilled to announce the appointment of legendary Canadian tenor Ben Heppner to our voice faculty for the academic year 2015-16. One of Canada’s greatest artists, while at Schulich Mr. Heppner will teach over a dozen voice students and contribute immensely to the rich and dynamic life of the Voice Area at the School. Mr. Heppner has received acclaim on the world’s most prestigious opera stages, including the Metropolitan Opera, Covent Garden, La Scala, and the Vienna State Opera.We are extremely proud of the excellence of the voice and opera programs at McGill, and are delighted that someone as inspiring, experienced, and generous as Ben Heppner is joining our already stellar team.
Ben Heppner responded by stating, “Something new coming in my life!! Let’s go McGill.”
The academic engagement represents an opportunity for the eminent tenor to use his talents towards guiding future voices of Canadian opera.
Ben Heppner joins an already impressive list of notable opera singers at The Schulich School of Music, including tenor Stefano Algieri, baritone Sanford Sylvan, soprano Joanne Kolomyjec, and master voice coach, Patrick Hansen.
Heppner begins teaching in the 2015-2016 academic year.
- THE SCOOP | Royal Conservatory’s Dr. Peter Simon Awarded The Order Of Ontario - January 2, 2024
- THE SCOOP | Order of Canada Appointees Announced, Including Big Names From The Arts - December 29, 2023
- Ludwig Van Is Being Acquired By ZoomerMedia - June 12, 2023
