Anna Pompeeva came to Calgary in January 2023 from Ukraine with her son and mother. She is a professional opera singer with more than 10 years. In 2013, she was the soloist of the Kharkiv National Theatre of Opera and Ballet. Anna has toured extensively throughout Europe. She is the prizewinner of 3 international European competitions. Since relocating to Calgary, Anna has collaborated with local major music institutions (Calgary Opera and the Calgary Civic Symphony). Anna has sung in many different performances on private and public stages within and around Calgary. She is an active volunteer participant in events that support Ukrainian efforts and to popularize Ukrainian culture within our communities.

Carmela has been captivated by music since she memorized and recited the entire recording of “Beethoven Lives Upstairs” when she was 5 years old. After many years of piano lessons, her love of singing began as a teenager when she joined her church choir. This experience inspired her to to take voice lessons, first with Marlene Skeet in Olds, Alberta and then with Winston Noren at Mount Royal Conservatory. Carmela has been the recipient of many awards at Alberta music festivals in piano, solo voice, musical theatre and choir. She has appeared as a vocal soloist and ensemble member with VoiceScapes and Rosa Barroca. Carmela currently directs the main choir and mixed voice chamber ensemble at St. Dennis Church, Calgary. She is thrilled to be teaching at Calgary Music Academy!

Canadian soprano Maria Drost is an award-winning singer, conductor, and arts leader based in Calgary, Alberta. She holds a Master of Music in Voice Performance from the University of Western Ontario and a Bachelor of Music from Rocky Mountain College, and has over 15 years of experience in vocal performance, music education, and community choral leadership. Maria has performed extensively in opera, concert, and recital settings in Canada and Europe, including appearances at the Concertgebouw in Amsterdam on national television and roles with the Centre for Operatic Studies in Italy. She is also the founder and Artistic Director of the Brooks Choral Society and the owner of Maria’s Vocal Academy, where she works with singers of all ages, focusing on healthy vocal technique, trauma informed pedagogy/andragogy and extensive performance practice. An accomplished recitalist and versatile performer, Maria continues to perform while exploring new repertoire and contributing actively to the musical life of her community.