As a multidisciplinary artist, I, Daevyd Pepper (they/them), strive to explore the intersections of identity and social change through music, performance, and storytelling. Rooted in T'karonto (Toronto), I leverage my background in opera to push artistic boundaries and challenge traditional notions of artistic identity.

My mandate is to create and facilitate art that inspires, educates, and heals. Through my performances, collaborations, and educational initiatives, I aim to:

  1. Break down barriers in the arts world, making opera and performance more accessible and relevant to diverse communities.

  2. Mentor and empower peers to discover their unique voices and expand their impact beyond traditional performance roles.

  3. Address contemporary social issues, particularly those affecting millennials, through innovative projects and new works.

  4. Foster community engagement and civic impact through my work with Opera InReach and other collaborative ventures.

  5. Integrate activism, education, and creative development into my artistic practice, using my platform to catalyze positive change.

By weaving together my roles as an artist, performer, educator, producer, and advocate, I seek to create art that resonates deeply with audiences while contributing to broader social and cultural dialogues. My goal is to inspire a new generation of artists and audiences to see the transformative power of art in our lives and communities.

Artist Statement

Education

  • York University | BFA: Music | 2015

  • University of Toronto | MMUS: Opera | 2017

  • Humber College | Grad. Certificate: Content Strategy | 2021

    • 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

    • 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 Pepper (they/them) is a multifaceted artist based in T'karonto (Toronto), whose journey began in Bracebridge, Ontario. Their work explores themes of identity and social change through music, storytelling, and performance.

While Daevyd is primarily recognized for their operatic performances, they transcend traditional artistic boundaries. They embody multiple roles: opera singer, performing artist, writer, actor, and digital creative. This versatility fuels their passion for breaking down barriers in the arts, sharing knowledge, and mentoring fellow creatives to discover their unique artistic paths.

At the core of Daevyd's work is a profound desire to inspire, catalyze change, and promote healing. Their career in music and performance is intrinsically linked to activism, identity exploration, education, and creative development.

As co-founder of Opera InReach, a collective dedicated to expanding the civic impact of opera through education, Daevyd has developed innovative programming for various institutions. Their work with the University of Toronto Opera School, among others, helps artists identify and cultivate their skills, values, and ideas, encouraging them to engage with their communities beyond traditional performance roles. Opera InReach has also designed bespoke programming for opera companies such as Loose Tea Music Theater and Against the Grain Theatre, fostering deeper community engagement both at the company level and within individual productions.
Daevyd's recent foray into dramaturgy includes collaborating with Opera5 to integrate British folk magic practices into their production of Turn of the Screw.

In addition to their work with Opera InReach, Daevyd has been instrumental in developing "Bus Opera," an artist-driven project that explores the social issues millennials face in navigating today's complex social, economic, and political landscape in the age of digital technology. In this innovative production, Daevyd serves as producer, performer, and director.

Through their multifaceted approach to art and activism, Daevyd Pepper continues to push the boundaries of artistic expression, inspiring and empowering others to find their unique voice in the world of performing arts.