Valeria Kondrashov is a Russian-born mezzo-soprano who studied voice performance at the State Music College in Russia, where she obtained a degree in teaching voice and choral conducting. She has over 20 years of teaching experience and choral performance both in Canada and Russia. Since 2007 Valeria has performed as soloist and choral singer with the Toronto Mendelssohn Choir, Mendelssohn Singers, and Elora Festival Singers. She has also participated in several competitions, such as the McGill Conservatory of Music “Festival de chant” in Montreal, Quebec, where she received a first prize and the award for “the most accomplished candidate.” In February 2009 she sang the title role in Rossini’s La Cenerentola with the Toronto Opera Repertoire. She also performed the role of Third Spirit in Mozart’s The Magic Flute with the Brampton Lyric Opera & Opera Kitchener. Valeria is also presently an alto soloist at Metropolitan United Church. She joined the Tafelmusik Chamber Choir in 2010.

Photo credit: Sian Richards