An alumnus of UBC, Aaron Durand (he/him) holds a Master’s degree in operatic performance, acquired under the tutelage of famed Canadian baritone Peter Barcza, song interpretation specialist Rena Sharon, and the directorial prowess of Nancy Hermiston. Aaron is known for his “beautiful, fluid baritone” (Globe & Mail), “sense of the comical and the ludicrous” (Calgary Herald), and a profound enjoyment of art that makes you think. He has performed across three separate continents, and in roles across the entire operatic spectrum, from Guglielmo (Così fan tutte) and Schaunard (La Bohème) to John A. MacDonald (Louis Riel) and “The Dying Man” in the avant-garde electronic opera, Pandora. Other life highlights include The Overcoat with Tapestry Opera and Vancouver Opera, premiering The Rocking Horse Winner with Tapestry Opera, sharing important Newfoundland history through Ours with Opera on the Avalon, and self-publishing a small poetry anthology, to be left on the King St platform. Aaron has also been active behind the stage, forming an irreverent classical music company in Toronto, and the local duo Opera 101 with soprano Chloé Hurst. When not singing or teaching, Aaron enjoys fulfilling studies in mythology, psychology, storytelling, and somatics.
