This concert features singers and pianists who stood out during the 2026 edition of the Lachine International Vocal Academy. Each summer, 20 young singers and 4 collaborative pianists work intensively with seven world-renowned teachers.

Individual and group lessons, as well as workshops, allow these young artists to further develop their skills and gain a deeper understanding of the careers of opera singers and collaborative pianists.

Arrival: 10:30 a.m. | Recital: 11 a.m.
No ticket required

Please note: Limited quantities of cake will be available, on a first-come, first-served basis.

Programme

Biographies

Patricia Wrigglesworth, soprano

Hailed by Opera Canada as “a delight to watch”, the soprano Patricia Wrigglesworth is originally from Markham, Ontario. Her recent roles include Dido in *Dido and Aeneas* (Horizons Project), Rosmene in *Imeneo* (McGill Opera), Countess Liza in *La Comtesse Maritza* (Toronto Operetta Theatre), Romilda in *Xerse* (Summer Opera Lyric Theatre), Miss Wordsworth in *Albert Herring* (Western University Opera), and as a guest soloist with the London Symphonia. Her upcoming engagements include the roles of Alcina in *Alcina* and Lucia in *The Rape of Lucretia* (McGill Opera). Patricia is currently a student at the Schulich School of Music at McGill University, where she is studying for a Master’s degree in opera and singing under the supervision of Dr Tracy Smith Bessette.

Brenden Lengsfeld, counter-tenor

Brenden Lengsfeld is a countertenor from Calgary, Alberta, with a passion for exploring repertoire that breaks expectations of gender and vocal Fach, challenging what people expect from the countertenor voice. Brenden recently graduated with a Master of Music in Voice and Opera from McGill University’s Schulich School of Music, from which he received a Graduate Excellence Fellowship to pursue his studies. There, he studied under the direction of Tracy Smith-Bessette and Martin Dubé. He recently performed the role of Ruggiero in Handel’s Alcina, appeared as a circus performer and gymnast in Menotti’s The Medium, and performed scenes from Rossini’s Tancredi alongside Opera McGill. Previous opera credits include Tirinto in Handel’s Imeneo and Spirit in Purcell’s Dido and Aeneas (Opera McGill), the title role in Handel’s Giulio Cesare (Chicago Summer Opera), and Cupid in Blow’s Venus and Adonis (University of Calgary). He also spent two seasons with the Calgary Opera chorus, appearing in productions including Bizet’s Carmen, Verdi’s Macbeth and Donizetti’s L’elisir d’amore. Brenden received grants from Calgary Arts Development to attend the Orfeo Vocal Arts Academy in Dresden, Germany in 2023 and 2025, appearing in summer concert series and working alongside countertenor Alan Dornak. He has appeared in concert with Early Music Voices Calgary, performing works by Handel and Schütz, and has a love for the French art song. An avid gymnast, Brenden loves combining elements of dance, flag work, and acrobatics on stage.

Maja Zbogar, piano

Maja Zbogar is an avid performer, teacher and collaborator. She holds a degree in Piano Performance at Western University, where she studied with Stéphan Sylvestre, and is now completing her Master’s degree at McGill University in Collaborative Piano under the guidance of Michael McMahon. During her time in Montreal,  Maja has been exploring the world of collaborative piano world through opera and art song, and is looking forward to participating in Opera McGill’s production of Cosi fan tutte later this year. Having sung in choirs throughout her  life, she especially loves working with singers! Maja is delighted to return to Lachine, where she received so much inspiration and wonderful coaching  at the vocal academy this past summer.

Thank you to all our sponsors

Grants

Major sponsors – Platinum

Major sponsors- Gold

Sponsors – Silver

Sponsors – Bronze

Concert sponsors