My Canadian Icon

Teresa Stratas

one of Canada’s most dynamic operatic stars. I’ve never had the chance to meet her, but have learned so much through her example. She first inspired me when I was learning about Kurt Weill; her album is simply iconic! Her attention to detail was always evident, her clarity of intention poured through every sound she made, and her command of language was dramatically nuanced and so expressive. After digging a little deeper, I discovered her greater body of work to be wonderfully varied and exciting, from her sweet Mimì in Zeffirelli’s production of , to her gripping portrayal of Salome in Götz Friedrich’s 1975 film version, to her premiere of Berg/Cerha’s completed in 1979. This was the kind of performer I wanted to be! If her resume was not enough to endear me, her approach to life was. Twice during her career, she left the spotlight in search of a more sustainable life-work balance. She sought out humanitarian work, and cared for the terminally ill with Mother Teresa in Calcutta in the 1980s, and travelled to Romania to work with orphans in the 1990s. Reading about this work while I was in school—and singing was the absolute centre of my universe—I was shocked! I couldn’t imagine needing anything besides music and thought that balance was only important for other people. Now, with a bit more perspective, I understand the importance of rounding