Colin Doroschuk brings to the Victoria Conservatory of Music a wealth of experience in both the classical and the popular music domains. He has maintained an active and productive voice studio for over 35 years and enjoys teaching all styles of vocal music to students of all ages. Singers with whom he has worked have won prestigious awards and competitions. Many have pursued successful professional careers in the music industry.
Colin holds a Bachelor of Music degree from McGill University and a French Baccalauréat with distinction from the Académie de Caen. He has an Interdisciplinary Masters [Music & Theater with special focus on opera] from the University of Victoria, for which he received multiple Dean’s Scholarships. Colin trained as a classical singer studying at McGill University with Betty Doroschuk (Chair of the Voice Department at McGill University). There he apprenticed as teacher and as coach, subsequently joining the McGill Conservatory as a voice instructor.
As founding artistic director of the Northern Opera Theatre Colin directed opera productions in Montreal and in Kingston. [Dido & Aeneas; Incoronazione di Poppea; Down in the Valley; The Telephone; Hansel and Gretel] He subsequently founded the avant-garde operatic ensemble Centrifugal Force. Serving as resident composer and artistic director of the company, he created, produced, performed, and toured new contemporary operas. Colin has performed extensively, appearing as a soloist in opera, recital, galas, concerts, and videos as well as on radio and on television. Performing and singing with the Coast Salish Singers & Dancers in his opera Heaven (2008), produced by the Victoria Symphony, was a special personal highlight. A vocal specialist who composes for the stage, Colin served as resident composer and music director of both Ballet Victoria and the Festival d’Opéra de St Eustache. There he has received many important operatic, symphonic, and ballet commissions. In 2014, he conducted the world-premiere of his 4 Act opera Évangéline in Rimouski for the Opéra Théâtre de Rimouski.
In addition to his professional credentials in the classical domain, Colin has achieved world recognition in the field of popular mainstream music as a founding member of the internationally-acclaimed, chart-topping, Canadian band Men Without Hats (Safety Dance!; Pop goes the World!). Performing, recording, producing, the band has received numerous accolades, including multiple Gold & Platinum records, Grammy & Juno nominations, and Felix awards. The Freeways North American Tour, documented for posterity by the CBC in the legendary broadcast Men Without Hats Live at the Spectrum, constitutes a memorable performance highlight.
Colin is Department Head of Voice under the Ann & George Nation Conservatory School of Classical Music and Director of the Voice Program for the Chwyl Family Contemporary School of Music.