I am Daevyd Pepper (they/them), a multidisciplinary artist exploring themes of Self, gender, and spirituality through storytelling and music. Rooted in T'karonto (Toronto), my artistic journey began in Bracebridge, Ontario.
Primarily known for my compelling operatic performances, I challenge the status quo as an opera singer, performing artist, writer, actor, and content creator. My process is rooted in playfulness, creativity, and imagination. I'm passionate about reducing gatekeeping and sharing knowledge, inspiring other creatives to find their own unique artistic paths.
My work is driven by a desire to inspire and heal. Through music and performance, I've built a career focused on activism, identity, religious support, education, and creative development. I firmly believe in the power of art to unlock our true spirits, and I encourage everyone to find their own form of creative expression. My duty as an artist is to entertain, heal, inspire, challenge, evoke humor, and spread love.
Artist Statement
Education
York University | BFA: Music | 2015
University of Toronto | MMUS: Opera | 2017
Humber College | Grad. Certificate: Content Strategy | 2021
Humber College | Grad. Certificate: Mental Health & Addictions Counselling | (In Progress)
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Summer Opera Lyric theatre | Artist | 2012 & 2013
Centre for Opera Studes in Italy | Studio Artist | 2015
Chautauqua Opera Conservatory 2016 & 2017
Opera Theater of Saint Louis | Gerdine Young Artist | 2017
Calgary Opera | Emerging Artist | 2017
Banff Centre for Arts & Creativity | Opera in the 21st Century | 2017 & 2020-2021
Highlands Opera Studio | Studio Artist | 2019 & 2022
Vancouver Opera | Yuland M. Faris Young Artist | 2019-2020
Sewanee Summer Music Festival | Opera | 2023
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Mental Health First Aid Certified
Suicide Crises Prevention Certified
Hometown
Bracebridge, Ontario
Artistic Practice
Singing
Opera
Writing (nonfiction, poetry, lyrics)
Songwriting
Acting
Dramaturgy
Direction
Guitar
Bio
Daevyd is a multidisciplinary artist whose creative journey explores Self, gender, and spirituality through the intersection of storytelling and music. Hailing from Bracebridge, Ontario, their artistic path has now firmly taken root in T'karonto, known colonially as Toronto.
A bold and fearless performing artist, they are primarily known as dynamic opera singers specializing in dramatic and contemporary repertoire, including English and American works.
Their powerful voice has brought to life characters like Lensky (Eugene Onegin), The Witch (Hansel and Gretel), Male Chorus (The Rape of Lucretia), and Rodolfo (La bohème). They have performed with notable Canadian companies including Good Mess Opera Theatre, Calgary Opera, Vancouver Opera, the Canadian Opera Company, and the Saskatoon Symphony. Daevyd is a dedicated champion of new Canadian opera, particularly those by equity-seeking groups.
Their artistic training includes York University, the University of Toronto, and young artist programs at Opera Theatre Saint Louis, Calgary Opera, and Vancouver Opera. They studied with renowned teachers like Frédèrique Vezian, Dr. Darryl Edwards, Norma Burrowes, and Marlena Malas. Beyond opera, Daevyd's creative expression extends to directing, dramaturgy, choral music, pop/folk, and writing poetry, nonfiction, and opera librettos.