Bridget Esler — originally from Vancouver — is completing her postgraduate studies in Music at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, with a specialism in Vocal Performance. Bridget is an accomplished classically-trained soprano with a particular interest in contemporary opera. Her studies focus on vocal technique, musical interpretation, languages common in opera, and stagecraft.
Prior to her postgraduate studies, Bridget completed her Bachelor of Music in Classical Voice Performance with a minor in History at McGill University’s Schulich School of Music. There, she partook in Michael McMahon’s prestigious Song Interpretation class, and performed in recitals and productions with Opera McGill. Her opera and musical theatre experience during her undergraduate career included roles in Plaything, Cinderella, Street Scene, and La Clemenza di Tito. She graduated from McGill with the Toni Salinger Gold Medal in Music Performance and with Distinction in Outstanding Vocal Achievement. Growing up in Vancouver, Bridget also appeared in professional and community theatre productions there – including The Wizard of Oz, My Turquoise Years, and High Society.
Since arriving in the UK, Bridget has continued to perform and develop her expressive, lyrical soprano voice, through such programmes as the Samling Institute Young Artist Programme in Berwickshire, Scotland, and various performances at the Guildhall School. Bridget approaches her singing with a deep dedication to character, emerging from her background in theatre. In her studies, she has a specific focus on making meaningful connections with her audiences through her storytelling and musical programming. She is keen to share works that are both beautiful and thought provoking.
More generally, Bridget’s aim is to build an international career as a soprano who performs on stages across Canada, and to act as a musical ambassador for Canada through performing the works of Canadian composers on stages abroad. Since arriving in the UK, she has been promoting the work of contemporary Canadian composer Matthew Emery in recital as part of her studies. Bridget is inspired and influenced by renowned Canadian singers like Ben Heppner and Barbara Hannigan.
Bridget was awarded the Belle Shenkman Award for Performing Arts 2022 – 2023
