This article is part of a series focusing on the grads of the Dalhousie Class of 2025. Spring Convocation takes place May 30 and from June 9-19 in Halifax and Truro. Read all our profiles听here in one place听as they are published.
Like many people, Sophia Maskine found herself at a crossroads during the pandemic. Although she had a criminology degree in hand and expected to head to law school next, she began to question her path.
That鈥檚 when Sophia came face-to-face with a big, life-changing decision: stick with the plan or pivot and study music.
鈥淭he pandemic made me realize I need to do what I'm really passionate about and what makes me happy,鈥� says Sophia, graduating this week from Dal鈥檚 Bachelor of Music program with a concentration in vocal performance. 鈥淢aking that decision was a big risk.鈥�
鈥淢aking that decision was a big risk.鈥�
While she鈥檇 been taking voice lessons, singing pop songs, and doing musical theatre from a very young age, Sophia didn't have any classical voice training. Working closely with her voice instructor, Cindy Townsend, inspired Sophia to pursue a career in opera.
鈥淚鈥檝e worked hard at it to get good and was very lucky to have Cindy and Tom King, my collaborative pianist, for the past four years,鈥� she says.
Finding the right octave
Sophia tested out a range of different performance styles during her final year.
She played the fairy godmother in DalOpera鈥檚 Cinderella & The Box Office, was a featured soloist in Concerto Night, and finished her concert season singing a Nat King Cole standard at DalJazz Ensemble鈥檚 big band concert.
Sophia performing with the DalJazz Ensemble. (Kate Hayter photo)
As she says, it was a year that required a lot of 鈥渟mart singing.鈥�
鈥淭hat鈥檚 part of what鈥檚 unique to Dalhousie鈥檚 music program,鈥� says Sophia. 鈥淵ou don't have to just sing one thing.鈥�
She says singing with the jazz ensemble was 鈥榮o exciting,鈥� yet also 鈥榤ore chill鈥� than singing opera.
鈥淚鈥檝e heard so many opera singers trying other styles, but they still sound like they're singing opera鈥� she says. 鈥淯nderstanding the physiology of it, and knowing how that works in your body, helps you make those different sounds.鈥�
A dream come true
Few experiences are more exciting for a vocal student than the chance to work with the Dalhousie Symphony Orchestra as part of Concerto Night. From the audition process to performing onstage in the Rebecca Cohn Auditorium, the stakes are high enough to give students a taste of what it feels like to be part of a major performance.
Image left: Sophia in DalSymphony's听Concerto Night 2025听(Kate Hayter photo)
Sophia says performing as a soloist backed by fellow students in the orchestra was a dream-come-true moment in her time at Dal.
鈥淚 cried after my first rehearsal with the orchestra,鈥� she says. 鈥淭hat鈥檚 when you know this is what you're meant to do, when something moves you so deeply.鈥�
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Cross-program collaboration
Undergraduate vocal students at Dal also benefit from the rare opportunity to perform in a fully produced opera. It鈥檚 a collaborative process that involves working with students and faculty members in other Fountain School departments.
鈥淥ur costumes for Cinderella were stunning,鈥� says Sophia. 鈥淚 have so much respect for the work our guest costume designer, Diego Cavedon Dias, and our Costume Studies students put into them. To work so hard to make sure things fit us correctly and watch how they brought their vision to life was inspirational.鈥�
Shown right:听Sophia Maskine as the Fairy Godmother in DalOpera's Cinderella and the Box Office | Set Designer: Katrin Whitehead, Costume Designer: Diego Cavedon Dias, Lighting Designer: Bruce MacLennan (Kate Hayter photo)
Sophia says she loved her fairy godmother costume so much she didn鈥檛 want to take it off.听听
鈥淚 wanted to go get sushi in it on breaks.鈥�
Next stop, Berlin
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Sophia dreams of becoming a professional opera singer and currently thrives in comedic roles, where she enjoys the freedom to be playful and over the top. This summer she鈥檒l take on the role of step-sister N贸emie in Jules Massenet鈥檚 Cendrillon at the Berlin Opera Academy. With Berlin鈥檚 rich operatic culture and four major opera houses, she鈥檚 eager to immerse herself in the city鈥檚 vibrant scene, collaborate with international students, and audition for agents.
As a graduating voice student from the Fountain School, Sophia recently performed an hour-long classical concert that included a tribute to her Lebanese heritage. Reflecting on her time at Dal, she encourages new students to embrace challenges and stay open to growth.
鈥淒on鈥檛 be intimidated by the opportunities you鈥檒l receive,鈥� she says. 鈥淪inging in new Joseph Strug Concert Hall is a gift, and I鈥檓 really going to miss it.鈥�