Zoe Band (BM ’12, MM ’14, Voice) was chosen as a mezzo-soprano finalist for the Canadian Opera Company Ensemble Studio Competition. Seven finalists were chosen following preliminary auditions in Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver and New York City. On November 25, each finalist will give a performance showcasing their vocal technique and range before an audience and panel of judges. First, second and third prizes, worth $5,000, $3,000 and $1,500, are awarded, in addition to an Audience Choice Award, selected by audience vote, worth $1,500. Ben Heppner, one of the world’s most distinguished dramatic tenors and a graduate of the COC’s Ensemble Studio, hosts the festivities on November 25, when the seven singers perform from the main stage of Canada’s first purpose-built opera house before an anticipated audience of 1,000 people and accompanied by the internationally acclaimed COC Orchestra conducted by COC Music Director Johannes Debus.