When they’re not too far from their university years, many young Canadian opera singers start thinking about an audition tour in Europe. Germany, in particular, is appealing to Canadians for its many, many opera houses, and the coveted fest contract in German houses. Canadian soprano Lydia Skourides Péquegnat is one of those singers, having spent three seasons at Theater Dortmund before returning to Germany for a four-month audition tour. She auditioned for agents and houses, and returned with some honest advice for young opera singers. Young artists, listen up!

For more with Lydia, visit her brand new cooking blog, Tout Est Bon Chez Elle. Yum.