Published on May 06, 2026
Internationally acclaimed mezzo-soprano and educator will lead the next generation of vocal artists at The Royal Conservatory’s professional training school
The Royal Conservatory of Music has appointed internationally acclaimed Hungarian-Canadian mezzo-soprano Krisztina Szabó as Chair in Voice at The Glenn Gould School (GGS).
It is a pleasure to welcome Krisztina Szabó to The Glenn Gould School as Chair in Voice. Krisztina is an artist of exceptional musical intelligence, versatility, and integrity. Her deep commitment to both performance and pedagogy, combined with her leadership in championing contemporary Canadian repertoire, will be invaluable in shaping the next generation of vocal artists.
Ms. Szabó will oversee all aspects of the GGS vocal program, and her responsibilities will include leading a voice studio, engaging distinguished visiting artists for master classes, and guiding the artistic direction of the school’s opera productions. She will also play a central role in curriculum development and performance programming.
“To step into the role of Chair of Voice at The Glenn Gould School is both an honour and a homecoming,” said Ms. Szabó. “With my family rooted in Toronto, this opportunity carries deep personal significance. I am inspired by the extraordinary level of artistry at The Royal Conservatory of Music and its commitment to nurturing the next generation of performers. To work within such a vibrant community of musicians and to mentor young singers at a pivotal moment in their artistic lives is a privilege. I look forward to supporting these exceptional young artists, nourishing their artistic growth, and contributing to a vibrant, collaborative community of musicians.”
Ms. Szabó succeeds celebrated Canadian soprano Adrianne Pieczonka, who is stepping down from the role, which she has held since 2019.
We are incredibly excited to welcome Krisztina Szabó to The Royal Conservatory’s Glenn Gould School. Krisztina is an artist of exceptional calibre and a remarkably gifted educator whose passion for developing the next generation of vocal artists has already shaped countless successful careers. Her appointment will have a profound impact on our students and artistic community here in Toronto.
Widely recognized for her compelling stage presence and refined musicianship, Ms. Szabó has appeared with many of Canada’s leading opera companies and orchestras, including the Canadian Opera Company, Vancouver Opera, Tafelmusik Baroque Orchestra, and Early Music Vancouver. Internationally, she has performed with San Francisco Opera, Opera Philadelphia, Stadttheater Klagenfurt, and Wexford Festival Opera, Royal Opera House and Netherlands Opera.
She has twice been nominated for Outstanding Performance by the Dora Awards and performed in Kopernikus with Against the Grain Theatre, which won a Dora Award for Best Ensemble.
Ms. Szabó’s recent engagements include performances with Tafelmusik Baroque Orchestra in Handel’s Messiah, Manitoba Opera as Marcellina in Mozart’s Le nozze di Figaro, and the Calgary Philharmonic in Verdi’s Requiem. She will also appear in the world premiere of Mother/Land by Canadian composer Jeffrey Ryan with the Vancouver Bach Choir on May 16 this year.
Ms. Szabó has been closely associated with new Canadian works throughout her career and is a passionate advocate for contemporary music. Her recording of George Benjamin’s Lessons in Love and Violence, in which she performed at both the Royal Opera House and Dutch National Opera, received a Grammy nomination for Best Opera Recording.
In addition to her performing career, Ms. Szabó is an accomplished educator. She currently serves as Assistant Professor of Voice and Opera at the University of British Columbia School of Music. She completed her postgraduate studies at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama in London, following undergraduate studies at Western University.
The Royal Conservatory welcomes Krisztina Szabó to this important role and extends its sincere gratitude to Adrianne Pieczonka for her visionary leadership and lasting contributions to The Glenn Gould School’s vocal program over the past seven years.