A former Golden local has moved from the small town to the big city to pursue his opera career and is finding a lot of success
Kyle Lehman was born and raised in Golden. He spent his time outside riding bikes, downhill skiing and playing in the dirt. Singing opera was not in his plans.
“I wasn’t intending on it while growing up,” Lehman said.
Things started to change for Lehman while still in elementary after he came across a book in a department store. The book was a behind the scenes look at Jurassic Park. After becoming enamored with the sets, the costumes and the magic, Lehman said he decided then that he wanted to be in movies.
After graduating from Golden Secondary in 2002, Lehman moved to Red Deer to attend college to receive a theatre degree. While obtaining his degree, Lehman realized he needed to learn how to sing. Musicals were a big part of the curriculum and he said he needed to become better. He enrolled himself in his first music lessons through the music department at the college and after his teacher discovered certain qualities in his voice, he suggested Mozarts Non Più Andrai, and the seed was planted.
“It evolved into something I wanted to pursue more,” Lehman said.
Lehman moved back to Golden for a brief time after graduating from Red Deer College. He then decided to move to Vancouver. While in Vancouver an acting coach learned of his musical past and encouraged him to rehearse with his group, specializing in improvised musicals. Lehman had his passion for music reignited in Vancouver and decided to find more vocal training.
He was accepted into the Bachelor of Music program at the University of British Columbia and received his Bachelor’s degree in 2014 and eventually a Masters of Music degree in Opera Performance in May 2016.
Moving to Oshawa with his wife and two daughters one year ago, Lehman said there was a lot happening in the opera scene in the area and felt it would help his career grow.
Now in his first role with an opera company, Lehman is set to take the stage as Alifo in Pietro Mascagni’s opera Cavalleria Rusticana, an opera about love, jealousy and betrayal.
Lehman said he’s grateful for the opportunity and hopes his hard work and dedication can show others that you can always accomplish your goals.
“If you really want something, you can get it if you work hard enough,” Lehman said.
Lehman said his family has been a big help through the years and he wouldn’t be where he is without them.
“I’m really thankful for the support of my wife and family,” Lehman said. “To do something like this you need a lot of support.”
From Golden to Oshawa, it goes to show no matter where you come from, success is always available.
