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The Canadian counter-tenor, Ian Sabourin, started singing with the Christ Church Cathedral Choir of Men and Boys under the direction of Matthew Larkin. He was a member of the choir from the age of 8 to 18 where as a boy treble he was Head Chorister and eventually joined the alto section as a counter-tenor. He studied Music at University of Ottawa (2013-2014), and also studied at Carleton University (Official) (2014-2015). After his time at Christ Church, he obtained his Bachelor of Music degree in Vocal Performance and Opera with Honours from the University of Toronto in the studio of renowned counter-tenor Daniel Taylor (August 2015-June 2019). He obtained his Master of Music degree in Early Music/Opera Performance from McGill University, where he studied with mezzo-soprano Annamaria Popescu (2019-2021). He also holds a Graduate Diploma in Voice Performance from McGill University, where he studied with soprano Dominique Labelle. He was named winner of the Audience Choice “Stingray Prize” in 2022.
Music plays a role in almost every aspect of Ian Sabourin's life. He is renowned for his unique sound, powerful high notes, and diverse repertoire. In Montreal, he works as a voice teacher, and ringer for professional choral gigs, as well as recently receiving management with Peter Forbes Artist Management. Since 2017, he is active as a freelance singer. On sunny days, you can catch him busking on the popular streets in the city. He was a member Ottawa Bach Choir (September 2015-2020). His association with Caelis Academy Ensemble has essentially carried over from Christ Cathedral to continue working with Matthew Larkin, whenever possible Sabourin will be singing with the group as a soloist and chorister. Ian Saborin writes: “Singing Bach is both the most rewarding and difficult kind of music to perform. My favourite thing about singing Bach is that the full picture and soundscape is only complete with the entire ensemble. You can and should prepare as much as you can on your own, but its not the same until everyone is together. In regards to singing the Bach Passions, they are mighty stories and Bach is a genius in his text setting and evocation of emotions. I would suggest following along with a score if possible, I have always enjoyed it more that way.” Since Septemberr 2017, he is professional chorister at St. Thomas Anglican Church. In August 2023, he joined Opéra de Montréal's Atelier Lyrique as their first counter-tenor. He is also a professional soloist in Montréal with various professional ensembles such as Orchestre Classique de Montréal, Ensemble Caprice, Harmonies des Saisons, and Studio de Musique Ancienne de Montréal.
Ian Sabourin was Vocal and Piano Teacher at Busters Academy of Music & Studios in Toronto, Ontario. Since September 2015, he is a freelance Vocal Coach. He currently lives in Montréal, Québec.
Upcoming performances include J.S. Bach's Matthäus-Passion BWV 244 with The Peterborough Singers, George Frideric Handel arias concert with Arion Baroque Orchestra and Montreal Baroque Festival, a recording of J.S. Bach cantatas with Ensemble Caprice and ATMA Classique, and the role of Bateau B in a new opera for kids in Le Phare by Laurence Jobidon with ODM. His 2023-2024 season has included his debut role with ODM as Ottone in Monteverdi’s L’incoronazione di Poppea, the role of David in G.F. Handel’s Saul with Caelis Academy Ensemble, Leonard Bernstein’s Chichester Psalms with Ottawa Choral Society, and touring a G.F. Handel’s concert with Ensemble Caprice. At the Lamèque Baroque Festival, Ian's voice was described as "stunning, with a powerful timbre - the kind of voice you can listen to for hours without getting tired.” |
