A unique vocal colour and commanding stage presence are the hallmarks of performances by mezzo-soprano Allyson McHardy. In recent seasons, Ms. McHardy made her debut at the Drottningholm Opera in the title role of Lully’s Armide, alongside engagements with Vancouver Symphony, Pacific Opera Victoria (Wagner’s Die Walküre), Indianapolis Symphony, and Early Music Vancouver (Messiah). The 24/25 season saw returns to Music of the Baroque for Handel’s Theodora, Orchestre Philharmonique et Choeur des Mélomanes for Mozart’s Requiem, and Victoria Symphony for Lieberson’s Neruda Songs.

In 22/23, Ms. McHardy appeared as the lead role of Rose Valland in the world premiere of Le beauté du monde at Opéra de Montréal, joined the Orchestre symphonique de Montréal for a program of Bach cantatas lead by Rafael Payare, and saw re-engagements with the Grand Philharmonic Choir in Mendelssohn’s Elijah and Handel’s The Resurrection with Opera Atelier. Other notable engagements include Beethoven’s Ninth with Orchestre Symphonique de Québec and the Calgary Philharmonic, a double bill of Riders to the Sea and La Flambeau de la nuit with Opera de Montréal, Mahler’s Rückert Lieder with the Victoria Symphony, and holding multiple engagements as a soloist in Handel’s Messiah, including with Music of the Baroque, Les Violons du Roy, and the National Arts Centre Orchestra.

Allyson’s discography includes the JUNO nominated Orlando by Handel with the Pacific Baroque and Alexander Weimann. Other CDs include recordings of Clodoveo – Re di Francia, Norma, Serinette and Ukrainian art songs by Mykola Lysenko for Musica Leopolis. Allyson has won two Prix Opus awards for performances with l’Opéra de Montréal and l’Opéra de Québec.