Joanna Burt facts for kids

Joanna Burt is a talented Métis opera singer from Ontario, Canada. She is also of Anishinaabe descent. Joanna can sing in two different voice ranges: soprano (high female voice) and mezzo-soprano (medium female voice).

Joanna's Big Achievements

Joanna Burt has made history in the world of opera.

First Indigenous Singer in a Main Role

In 2017, Joanna became the first Indigenous singer in Canada to get a main role with the Canadian Opera Company. This is a very important opera company in Canada. She performed in an opera called Louis Riel.

The opera was about Louis Riel, a famous Métis leader from the 1800s. Joanna played the part of Sara Riel, who was Louis Riel's sister. At that time, Joanna was studying at The Glenn Gould School at The Royal Conservatory of Music. She also took part in cultural performances with the Métis Nation of Ontario.

Telling Stories with FIRST

In 2018, Joanna performed in a special show called FIRST. This show used photos and images to tell the creation story of the Mississaugas. Joanna had both singing and speaking parts in this original production.

Joanna's Early Singing Life

Joanna Burt started singing when she was very young.

Starting Young

She began singing at just five years old. When she was nine, she joined a group called the Kawartha Treble Troup. She also sang with the St. Paul's Anglican Church Choir and the Kawartha Lakes Singers.

Singing for Canada Day

When Joanna was 13, she won a singing contest called "Anthem Idol" in 2006. Because she won, she got to sing "O Canada" before the Canada Day fireworks. This big event happened at Wilson Fields in Lindsay, Ontario. Joanna studied singing with a teacher named Arlene Gray.