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The Canadian soprano and software engineer, Grace Quinsey, obtained her Bachelor of Arts degree with highest distinctin in English & Computer Science from University of Toronto (2012-2016). She studied voice with Catherine McKeever (2007-2012), Peggy Dwyer (2006, 2007, 2016), Lindsay Isaac Lalla (2013-2016, Jennifer Tung (2018-2019), Allison Arends (2021-2023), Frédérique Vézina (2023). Her vocal training experience includes also singing in several choirs, including Victoria College Chorus, Hart House Choir (2013-2016), Ottawa Bach Choir (2023-2024), Adelphi Vocal Ensemble (since 2023), Rosedale Prebyterian Church Choir (since 2022), Hedgerow Singers (since 2024).
Grace Quinsey has quickly established herself as a force to be reckoned with on the opera stage, becoming well known for her dramatic acting and insightful musical interpretation. She also earned acclaim for her Giannetta in L’elisir d’amore with Opera York (“Grace Quinsey’s Giannetta was a vibrant stage presence whose strong voice commanded the audience’s attention… comically and vocally delightful” - Opera Canada, Dawn Martens). As part of the Year of Czech Music Opera Festival, she performed as Mařenka in Smetana’s Prodaná nevěsta (“Grace Quinsey… embodied the role wonderfully well, and she sang with rich tone” - Ludwig van Toronto, Joseph So; “the youngest (and prettiest) Mařenka I have ever seen… better in Czech than the recent COC production” – Masaryk Memorial Institute), and as Terinka in Dvořák’s Jakobín (“Grace Quinsey, who is not just a wonderful singer but a good actress, shone brightly, as usual” – Masaryk Memorial Institute).
Her 2024 season also included debuts as Pamina in W.A. Mozart's Die Zauberflöte (No Strings Theatre) and Susanna in W.A. Mozart's Le nozze di Figaro with the Toronto Concert Orchestra - her favourite role to perform. She was a featured artist at the Canadian Opera Company’s Noon Concert series and frequently engaged for sacred performances with orchestra, including as soprano soloist in Dietrich Buxtehude's Membra Jesu Nostri. Additional highlights included performances as soprano soloist for Haydn’s The Creation (October 2023), Adele in Die Fledermaus (Opera York, November 2023), and a last-minute appearance as First Lady in W.A. Mozart's Die Zauberflöte (OperOttawa, December 2023).
Most recently, Grace Quinsey performed Josephine in HMS Pinafore with Opera York. Opera Canada praised her portrayal: “As Josephine, Grace Quinsey was delightful. She was graceful and had an excellent sense of comic timing. Her operatic training shone through in ‘The hours creep on apace,’ as she comfortably tackled some gruelling high notes… her laser-sharp upper register was impressive.” Her 2025 season continues to be filled with musical successes, building on a remarkable 2024. In 2026, she takes on Rosalinde in Die Fledermaus with Abridged Opera and the Windsor Symphony Orchestra.
Her other recent operatic engagements include Fiordiligi in W.A. Mozart's Così fan tutte, First Lady & Papagena in W.A. Mozart's Die Zauberflöte, “Grace Quinsey as Papagena [stole] the show whenever she peeked out of her disguise” – Barcza Blog), and Norina in Don Pasquale. She also portrayed Helen & Robin in a workshopped version of Michael Rose’s A Northern Lights Dream. Other past roles include Zerlina in W.A. Mozart's Don Giovanni, Alice in Night Blooming Cereus Flower, and the soprano lead in nearly every Gilbert & Sullivan operetta.
Grace Quinsey has a comprehensive Cecchetti ballet background and is celebrated for her unique characterization, intelligent musicality, and commanding stage presence. When not on stage, Grace is a software developer and a video game aficionado. She currently lives in Toronto, Ontario. |
