Arminé Kassabian, a native of Ottawa and a young and rising star in opera singing, seems to realize the importance of not only excelling in singing classic opera, but also in introducing and encouraging singing and playing music in general, not necessarily as a profession but as a quality of life.
Around age 13 she started to audition and take part in competitions in piano and voice, while she attended De La Salle High School of Art in Ottawa. Kassabian says, “I soon felt that my choice had to be the voice, not the piano. In Grade 10 I realized I was destined to become an opera singer. ” At age 18 Arminé came to Montreal and attended McGill University’s Schulich School of Music for 8 years. Besides an Artist Diploma, she earned Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Voice Performance (Opera). She then accomplished her voice training at the Opera Lyra Studio in Ottawa, Opera Brasov in Romania, Orford Arts Centre, Jeunesses usicales Canada and Jeunes Ambassadeurs Lyriques.
In her career as an opera singer, Kassabian has performed in numerous operas with leading roles in Norma, Madama Butterfly, Carmen, Cosi fan Tutte, Hänsel und Gretel, and other operas with Opéra Rimouski, Pacific Victoria Opera, Opera Lyra Ottawa, Jeunesses Musicales Canada, Opera Brazov in Romania, touring in China and in Italy.
Arminé Kassabian has also sang many oratorios and offered concerts in McGill’s Pollack Hall, the National Arts Centre in Ottawa, Music and Beyond Festival, Ottawa Choral Society and others. She explains, “Oratorios are mostly religious in nature, narratives, without scenery or actions; the singer stands still while singing, whereas an opera has a lot of acting and motion on stage.
Arminé has been the recipient of several scholarships and awards during her relatively brief carrier. The Toronto Star describes Arminé as “Fresh toned mezzo soprano with incredible power and precision”. Another critic describes her voice as “voluminous with luscious vocal tone” (International Opera).
Arminé has actively participated in community cultural programs. To mention a few of the most recent events, on September 27, 2015 the concert that celebrated the vocal art of Armenian composers who survived the Armenian Genocide; on March 6, 2016, a concert in the series of classical music organized by the Bolsahay Cultural Association; the upcoming theatrical performance in April-May 2016 “Ces fameux fantômes” by the “Hai Pem” theatrical group of the Tekeyan Cultural Association, and other activities organized by Sourp Kevork Armenian Church and the Armenian Evangelical Church of Montreal.
Since 2011 Arminé has devoted a good part of her life to teaching music and voice. Her first studio was established in Ottawa in 2011. Recently she opened a second studio and established herself in Montreal. Students’ ages vary between 6 to 60 years. “It gives me a great pleasure to share my knowledge and experience in voice and piano with the students” says Arminé. The teaching is individualized and varies from 30 minutes to one hour duration. It is interesting to note that in the adult students there are many professionals such as doctors, dentists, pharmacists, etc. who take these courses as a hobby, as a relaxation or to build self-confidence and as a spiritual replenishment. “Music and voice are like athleticism” says Arminé, “you have to train constantly to maintain your level”. Age is an important factor, especially in the growing child, where muscles develop and the sound is affected accordingly.
Arminé Kassabian is a multitalented artist who possesses all the attributes of an accomplished musician, opera singer, voice trainer and music teacher. With a youthful vitality and charming personality she will certainly attain the highest echelons of her career.
H.A.
