Artistic Profile
Sonja Gustafson is more than a singer. Explore the many facets of Sonja Gustafson's singing styles and profiles as a music professional.
Soprano soloist
Sonja is a classically trained lyric soprano with a Masters of Music in Voice Performance from Western University's Don Wright Faculty of Music in London, Ontario. She has performed with symphonies across Canada and internationally including the Victoria Symphony, Vancouver Island Symphony, the International Symphony Orchestra, Orchestra London, and more. Sonja is a favourite guest soloist with choirs and symphonies in repertoire ranging from pops concerts and recitals, to oratorios and symphonic works. Sonja has also held the position of Soprano Soloist at the First St. Andrew's United Church Music Program since 2001, and has been featured soloist in many major oratorios and other sacred works, such as Will Todd’s Mass in Blue. Subsequently, Sonja possesses a wealth of expertise in sacred repertoire.
jazz vocalist
Sonja has become a fixture on the jazz scene in London, Ontario and the surrounding region. Her jazz training came from the stage, performing with London jazz legends John Noubarian, Charlie Rallo and Oliver Whitehead, to name a few. Sonja loves to collaborate with a myriad of talented jazz musicians and shines in an intimate duo, and equally so when fronting a full big band. Inspired by such singers as Frank Sinatra, Nancy Wilson, Ella Fitzgerald and Mel Torme, Sonja's classic, soulful sound coupled with her impeccable phrasing and vocal control captivate her audiences. She is a regular at local jazz venues, concert series, jazz and artistic music festivals, and performing arts centres.
opera singer & producer
Sonja grew up listening to and watching the great operas. This love of opera led her to launch her own chamber opera company, Diva Lounge Productions, which has enjoyed tremendous success at 5 seasons of the London Fringe Festival. Sonja's opera company has become known for staging works that require an intimate scale, which affords the audience a deep connection and feeling of being involved in the characters and their stories.