Joanna Burt facts for kids

Joanna Burt is a talented operatic singer from Ontario, Canada. She is a Métis person of Anishinaabe descent. This means she has a rich Indigenous heritage. Joanna is known for her powerful voice, singing both high notes (called soprano) and slightly lower notes (called mezzo-soprano).

Who is Joanna Burt?

Joanna Burt is a celebrated singer who has made history in the world of opera. Opera is a type of play where the story is told mostly through singing. She has performed in many important shows. Her work helps share Indigenous stories and voices with a wider audience.

Her Amazing Voice

Joanna's voice is very special. She can sing in different ranges, from the very high notes of a soprano to the rich, warm tones of a mezzo-soprano. This flexibility allows her to take on many different roles in operas. Her performances are often described as powerful and moving.

Early Life and Training

Joanna started singing when she was very young, at just five years old. By age 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. These early experiences helped her develop her musical skills. She studied singing with a teacher named Arlene Gray.

Winning "Anthem Idol"

When Joanna was 13, she won a competition called "Anthem Idol" in 2006. This win gave her the chance to sing "O Canada" before the Canada Day fireworks. This big event took place at Wilson Fields in Lindsay, Ontario. It was an early sign of her talent and future success.

Important Performances

Joanna Burt has performed in several significant productions. Her roles have often highlighted her Indigenous background. She uses her voice to tell important stories.

Making History

In 2017, Joanna made history. She became the first Indigenous singer in Canada to get a main role with the Canadian Opera Company. This is a very big achievement in the opera world. She performed in an opera called Louis Riel. In this opera, she played the role of Sara Riel. Sara Riel was the sister of a famous 19th-century Métis leader, Louis Riel. At that time, Joanna was studying at The Glenn Gould School. This school is part of The Royal Conservatory of Music. She was also active in cultural performances for the Métis Nation of Ontario.

Telling New Stories

In 2018, Joanna performed in another important show called FIRST. This was a new play that used photos and images. It told the creation story of the Mississaugas, another Indigenous group. Joanna had both singing and speaking parts in this production. Her involvement helped bring this significant story to life for audiences.