One might not think of opera as having an Indigenous component, but the Canadian Opera Company wants to change that.

Robyn Grant-Moran

The COC has launched a new podcast series called, “Key Change,” and it explores the opera-going experience from a variety of perspectives.

Episode 5 features Composer in Residence, Ian Cusson, along with Metis writer and activist Cherie Dimaline, discussing how the stories told on stage can be more reflective of all Canadians, including Canada’s Indigenous Peoples, and their lived experiences.

It’s co-hosted by classical singer and culture critic Robyn Grant-Moran, a member of the COC’s Indigenous Circle of Artists, alongside COC Director/Dramaturg-in-Residence and Lead Content Curator Julie McIsaac.

The Indigenous Circle of Artists is an advisory board sparking conversation and institutional change at the COC about how the company can be boosting Indigenous voices and opportunities for art told through their perspective.