Justine Owen is a soprano who was born in Toronto, Ontario. She holds a BFA Honors in Music from York University and an MMus from Western University. During Justine’s studies she travelled to Lucca, Italy with Accademia Europea Dell Opera to sing the role of Miss Jessel in The Turn of the Screw. She loved Italy so much that she returned the following summer and performed the role of Clorinda in Rossini’s La Cenerentola. Justine is currently singing and performing in Toronto as a soloist and chorister. She sings with the Afro Spiritual Chorale called The Nathaniel Dett Chorale. Through the chorale, Justine has had the opportunity to sing solos in both Koerner Hall and Roy Thompson Hall with the renowned soprano Kathleen Battle. Recently, Justine sang the role of Carmen Jones with Culchahworks Arts Collective. This is Justine’s first time working with The Bicycle Opera Project and is beyond excited to get her ‘ride’ on this summer. Justine will be playing the role of Worker 2 in Sweat with Bicycle Opera.
Justine Owen
Worker
Q&A with Justine:
When you’re not singing (or cycling), where will we find you?
Teaching! I have my own music studio where I teach piano, voice and music theory. I’m also a teacher with the Toronto district school board. I’ve had the pleasure of teaching grade 6 and kindergarten! I also enjoy going to yoga on my down time :).
Which opera character is most like you?
Susanna from Mozarts “Le nozzle di Figaro.” She’s witty, in love and always there for her friends. 😉
What’s the most embarrassing song on your phone?
The most embarrassing song on my phone is “Almost there” from Disney’s “The Princess and the Frog” lol. I love that movie!
