2023 Developing Artist Grants: Seven performing arts students receive $10,000 bursaries
October 11, 2023
We are very pleased to announce the seven recipients of our annual Developing Artist Grants - seven juried grants of $10,000 each awarded to some of Canada’s most exceptional emerging performing artists.
The Developing Artist Grants are The Hnatyshyn Foundation’s first and longest-running program, devised by Ray and Gerda Hnatyshyn to provide financial support to promising young artists enrolled in postsecondary studies. Every year, the individuals selected demonstrate the vitality and diversity present in young artists’ practices, and affirm the importance of trusting and supporting emerging artists.
JULIANNA BRYSON (they/them)
Grant in Contemporary Dance
Studies at École de danse contemporaine de Montréal
Contemporary dance artist Julianna Bryson received both a formal classical training and an International Baccalaureate education in dance. Inspired by the challenge, vulnerability, and vastness of dance, Julianna pursues such qualities in their work.
Jurors: Tony Chong (choreographer, dancer, artist) and Joshua Beamish (founder of MOVETHECOMPANY, Vancouver, and choreographer)
“The devotion which art and performance require is immense. Yet, it is something which I, amongst so many other artists, take part in because we must, because there is no other way for us to be a part of this world. It is a rare and incredible honour to be recognized for one’s devotion to their passion and I am immensely grateful for this opportunity.”
ERIC GUO (he/him)
Grant in Classical Music (Piano)
Student at The Glenn Gould School of the Royal Conservatory in Toronto
With the help of this grant, this Fall, Eric will be competing in international competitions in Warsaw, Naumburg (NY), and Bonn.
Jurors: Dr. Michael Kim (concert pianist and Dean of the Don Wright Faculty of Music, Western University) and Kathleen Solose (classical pianist and professor, University of Saskatchewan)
“Li Wang, the most important teacher of my life, motivated me to audition Taylor Academy in 2014, and I entered at age 12. I began to be nurtured in a professional learning environment and surrounded by outstanding peers. I was immersed into the best music education in the world and generous support to study with the best teachers in classes, masterclasses, and play lots of concerts. I traveled to many international competitions and festivals to deepen my artistry, with eye-opening experiences to continue on this never-ending journey to ultimately to pursue the essence of music. I'm deeply grateful and honored to be the recipient of this year’s Hnatyshyn Foundation Developing Artist Grant! It provides me indispensable support to travel many international competitions and festivals, perform in worldwide venues, and gain invaluable expertise through working with more musicians who specialize in certain repertoires.”
DANIEL MARMER (he/they)
Grant in Jazz Performance
Student at The Schulich School of Music at McGill University, Montreal
Jurors: Petr Cancura (saxophonist and Programming Director, Ottawa International Jazz Festival), Min Rager (acclaimed jazz pianist and composer) and Ted Warren (private jazz instructor)
“I was two and a half when my parents put on the Beatles album Magical Mystery Tour in the car. From here started my obsession with music and guitars. I was incredibly privileged to have been put into piano lessons around this age and to have parents with hundreds of CDs and a deep passion for many genres of music. At thirteen I started taking guitar lessons at the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra School of Music with Bill Coon and David Blake. Bill gave me the tools to truly understand the guitar and provided deep insight into the jazz guitar tradition while remaining open to the modern sounds that intrigued me. David might be the only person outside of my family to fully watch me grow up, and his guidance as a musical and personal mentor has been invaluable. These two incredible musicians shaped my musical identity and continue to be some of my most cherished mentors, and I’m proud to be able to call them friends. It’s hard to fully describe the scope of their impact, but I’ll never forget them. At the same time, I enrolled in a jazz combo coached by Jodi Proznick, and she quickly became my third mentor and jazz mom. Jodi’s kindness and empathy engrained in me the core values that encourage me to also act with openness, curiosity, and inclusivity as a musician. Bill, David, and Jodi shaped my high school career and put me on the path that has led me to where I am today, and I could not be more thankful.”
ISAIAH NEMBHARD (he/him)
Grant in Acting (English Theatre)
Student at The Creative School, Toronto Metropolitan University
Jurors: Lydie Dubuisson (playwright, director and curator), Ravi Jain (Founder and co- artistic director Why Not Theatre, Toronto) and Jenna Rodgers (Dramaturg, Playwrights Lab, Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity, and Founding Artistic Director, Chromatic Theatre, Calgary)
Based in the soul of Toronto, Isaiah Nembhard is an actor, singer, and writer. Constantly surrounded by his culture, Isaiah draws upon his Jamaican heritage to give personal meaning to his art while being influenced by his family, dialect, and music to elevate his craft. His training at Toronto Metropolitan University includes writing and performing devised work, collaborative work utilizing free-form writing, and rigorous masque training, which led him to book his first job in Toronto’s 2023 Fringe Festival titled Levels: The Play, playing the role of Cyrus. As he progresses in his career, Isaiah strives to inspire future artists, viewing it as a way of giving back to the teachers and mentors who have guided him over the years.
“As I enter my third year of study, I can confidently do so without the burden of financial stress, allowing me to dedicate myself entirely to honing my craft and artistry. I've been granted the opportunity to wholeheartedly focus on implementing my practice to the best of my abilities, as I strive towards a successful acting career.”
ZOÉ NTUMBA (she/her)
Grant in Acting (French Theatre)
Student at The National Theatre School of Canada, Montreal
Jurors: Mathieu Chouinard (co-Artistic Director, Satellite Theatre, Moncton), Lorraine Pintal, OC (actor, director, author, producer, and Artistic Director of the Théâtre du Nouveau Monde, Montreal), and Gabriel Plante (playwright, director and producer)
Born in the bustling city of Kinshasa, Zoé Ntumba is a passionate young artist. At the age of 4, she came to Montreal and developed a real love of theater and acting during her school years. It was in 2021 that she decided to follow her passion by studying acting at the National Theatre School of Canada. Her academic background and insatiable curiosity for learning are testament to her unwavering commitment to her art. She has participated in theatrical creation projects, exploratory laboratories conferences and artistic workshops with young people from disadvantaged backgrounds. These experiences not only deepened her knowledge and honed her skills, they also establish valuable links with other artists. They gave her a concrete perspective on the issues and challenges facing the performing arts today.
As an artist of Congolese origin, Zoé recognizes the importance of the challenge of representation. That's why her mission is to inspire the young people who see themselves in her. She aspires to create art that reflects the beauty and diversity of our society, and thus inspire others to embrace their own artistic fiber.
“I would like to express my deep gratitude to the Hnatyshyn Foundation for this scholarship. It represents much more than financial support for me. It is a true recognition of my efforts and commitment as an artist. It testifies to your confidence in my abilities and potential in the field of theatre. This mark of support is extremely precious and encourages me to persevere. Thanks to this scholarship, I'll be able to devote myself fully to my learning and development as an actress. I pledge to use this opportunity to continue to grow, to push my limits and share my passion with the public. Theater is a powerful tool capable of impacting minds and plays a learning role on so many human issues. My heartfelt thanks go to the faculty of the National Theatre School of Canada for their trust and support. Thank you to Frédéric Dubois and Éric Cabana, my excellent trainers. Thanks to Justin Simon and Mariko Stocchero, extraordinary acting partners. I am deeply honoured to have been chosen for this scholarship.”
ISABELLA D’ÉLOÏZE PERRON (she/her)
Grant in Classical Music with an Orchestral Instrument
Student at The Glenn Gould School at the Royal Conservatory, Toronto
Jurors: Yolanda Bruno (Toronto Symphony Orchestra), Susan Hoeppner (soloist, chamber musician and performing and recording artist), and Kimball Sykes (National Arts Centre Orchestra)
Named Radio Canada’s Classical Revelation for 2020-21, classical violinist Isabella d’Éloïze Perron is a passionate advocate for the transformative power of music. She is deeply committed to sharing her love of the arts with audiences and believes in its ability to connect people and inspire change.
Isabella had her solo debut at age 7 with the I Musici String Ensemble, and has since appeared with numerous orchestras around the world. Awards and distinctions include first prize at the National Music Festival of Canada (2014), first prize at the International Radio Competition for Young Musicians Concertino Praga (2015), and second prize at the Klein International String Competition (2015). During their 2017-2018 season, The Calgary Philharmonic named her as their “Emerging Artist”. In 2020, Isabella was awarded NYO’s Michael Measures Prize through the Canada Council for the Arts, and in 2021, she received second prize at the Eckhardt-Gramatté competition. The same summer, Isabella received the Grand Prize, as well as the audience choice award in the Orford Musique competition.
Isabella has a particular interest in working with emerging young composers as she believes “they are our thread of connection from the past and into the future, directly speaking to the experience of living in the world today.” As part of her Radio Canada Classical Revelation award, she commissioned a work for piano and violin by Métis composer Gregory Borton from Hamilton, Ontario. Isabella and Meagan Milatz (piano) recorded Borton’s Sonata with Radio-Canada summer of 2021. Isabella strives to continue discovering and serving as a platform for young composers in Canada, with an emphasis on marginalized voices.
After sold-out performances across Canada in 2021 and 2022 performing Vivaldi and Piazzolla’s Four Seasons with the FILMharmonic Orchestra, Isabella returns for a North American tour spanning Montreal, Toronto, Vancouver, New York City (debut at the Perelman Stage at Carnegie Hall), Philadelphia, Boston, and more. Isabella plays on a Guadagnini 1768, generously on loan from CANIMEX.
Juror and fellow violinist Yolanda Bruno congratulated Perron: “Excellent musicality and delivery of all three pieces - each with distinct characters and personality. Also enjoyed reading about what inspires you to share music, how it helps us to connect to our humanity. Congratulations on a stunning performance!”
CHARLOTTE SIEGEL (she/her)
Grant in Classical Vocal Performance
Student at the Canadian Opera Company’s Ensemble Studio Program, Toronto
Jurors: Spencer Britten (tenor, dancer and actor), Deantha Edmunds (Inuk soprano, soloist and recording artist) and Dr. Jane Leibel (professor of voice, Memorial University of Newfoundland)
Charlotte Siegel is a soprano and singer/songwriter from Toronto. She is currently a member of the Canadian Opera Company's Ensemble Studio and made her debut as Second Lady in Mozart's Die Zauberflöte, and as Manon in Ian Cusson's Fantasma for the COC. She holds a Graduate Diploma and Masters in Opera and Voice from McGill University where she studied with Dominique Labelle and John Mac Master, and obtained her Bachelor of Classical Voice Performance from the University of Toronto studying with Frédérique Vézina.
Charlotte was a Buffalo/Toronto District winner for the 2021 Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions, made CBC’s 2021 list of “30 Hot Classical Musicians Under 30”, placed 3rd in the Canadian Opera Company's Ensemble Studio Competition 2019, and was also a finalist for the Atelier Lyrique National Auditions 2019 (Opéra de Montréal). During the pandemic she participated in Pacific Opera Victoria's online residency as part of their Civic Engagement Quartet. Upcoming Canadian Opera Company credits include: Musetta (La Bohème), Donna Elvira (Don Giovanni), Lead Hen/Innkeeper's Wife (The Cunning Little Vixen), and Handmaiden 1 (Medea). Past performance credits include: Beethoven's 9th with the MGSO in Montreal, Soprano Soloist in Bond and Beyond (National Arts Centre Orchestra in Ottawa), Soprano Soloist in Spirit Song Symphony (Chamber Orchestra without Borders Winnipeg), Tosca Cover (Tosca), 2nd Apparition/Lady-in-Waiting (Macbeth), and Nella Cover (Gianni Schicci) for the COC, Rose Maurrant (Street Scene), Nancy (Albert Herring), and Elle (Knoxville: Summer of 1915), with Opera McGill. She also performed Micaëla (Carmen) with Summer Opera Lyric Theatre.
Charlotte is a co-founder and co-director of the Toronto based non-profit the Marigold Music Program, which aims to close the accessibility gap between marginalized youth and music education.
None of our programs would be possible without the help of our donors - thank you to all who have and continue to support our grants and awards!
