HILLARY TUFFORD

BIOGRAPHY

Canadian mezzo soprano Hillary Tufford is a versatile and engaging performer, a Graduate of Western University (M.Mus. Voice Performance) and Alumna of the Yulanda M. Faris Young Artist Program at Vancouver Opera. Hillary was “warm and fun as Hermia” in Vancouver Opera’s production of Britten’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream and sang Flora in Brott Opera’s La Traviata. In 2024, Hillary debuted as Carmen with Toronto City Opera.

At Highlands Opera Studio’s production of Eugene Onegin, Opera Canada’s Dawn Martens wrote “Hillary Tufford was an engaging Olga, perfectly embodying the flirtatious innocence of the character, while also showcasing a rich, velvety tone”.

On the concert stage, has performed as a soloist in Messiah with the Elmer Iseler Singers and Hamilton Philharmonic, in Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony with Kingston Symphony and Rossini’s Petite Messe Solennelle with Vancouver Bach Choir.

This season, Hillary participated in Banff Centre’s Interplay program in a staged version of Bach’s St. Matthew Passion, as well as scenes from contemporary operas. In October, Hillary is Cherubino in an international cast of Le nozze di Figaro with Daegu Opera House in Korea, sings Messiah with St. James Cathedral, Toronto and joins the cast as Mrs. Demers in City Workers in Love (Cavanagh/Wiesensel) in London, Ontario.

REVIEWS

As Flora in La Traviata with Brott Festival –

"Tufford’s voice in particular has a rich, velvety tone and strength that points towards future starring roles."

Dawn Martens, Opera Canada

As Hermia in A Midsummer Night's Dream with Vancouver Opera –

"Mezzo [Hillary] Tufford is warm and fun as Hermia..."

Janet Smith, Stir Vancouver

As Olga in Eugene Onegin with Highlands Opera Studio –

"Hillary Tufford was an engaging Olga, perfectly embodying the flirtatious innocence of the character, while also showcasing a rich, velvety tone; hers will be a voice to listen for in the future."

Dawn Martens, Opera Canada

As Lola in Cavalleria Rusticana in concert with Vancouver Opera –

“Hillary Tufford sang Lola and nearly stole the show with a coy bit of staging.”

David Gordon Duke, Vancouver Sun

"I would love to have seen more of Hillary Tufford, but alas, the role of Lola, the temptress who ruins everybody’s life, gets short shrift in this format.”

John Jane, ReviewVancouver.org

VIDEO