Catherine Daniel

Catherine Anne Daniel, an Edmonton-based mezzo-soprano, has garnered acclaim for her dynamic performances across Canada, the United States, and Europe. This season, she debuts as Jezibaba in Rusalka with Theater Erfurt, reprises the role of Erda in Das Rheingold with Calgary Opera, and concludes with Fricka in Edmonton Opera’s production of the same work.

Recent highlights include her role as Katie Ellen in Omar (UNC Chapel Hill and Boston Lyric Opera), her debut with the Canadian Opera Company in Kye Marshall’s Pomegranate, and recitals in Edmonton and Winnipeg. In 2022, she performed Messiah in Annapolis, Maryland, and Regina, Saskatchewan, and collaborated with Orchestre Classique de Montréal on David Bontemps’ La Flambeau. Additionally, she joined the Bicycle Opera Project to film Juliet Palmer’s Sweat, slated for release in 2023.

Catherine began graduate studies with Canadian tenor John Tessier at the University of Alberta during the 2021–2022 season. That year included her debut at the Spoleto Festival in Rhiannon Giddens’ Omar and engagements with Opéra de Montréal.

A versatile performer, Catherine’s recent seasons have included digital productions such as Messiah Complex with Against the Grain Theatre and roles like Carmen with Opera Tampa and Erda in Montreal Opera’s Das Rheingold. Notable performances include Santuzza in Cavalleria Rusticana with Knoxville Opera and Emelda Griffith in Montreal Opera’s Champion, where Opera Canada praised her “force of nature” portrayal and her “soaring, textural, guttural” performance.

Catherine’s career milestones include stepping in as Klytemnestra for Edmonton Opera’s Elektra (2017), where critics commended her “chilling range of vocal expression” and imperious stage presence. Additional roles include Jezebel in Elijah with the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra, Mercedes in Edmonton Opera’s Carmen, and numerous international engagements, such as Carmen in Peter Brook’s adaptation with the Magogo Orkest in the Netherlands. She has also toured extensively, performing Porgy and Bess across Europe and North America, and appearing in gala and concert performances in Canada and abroad.