Branden Olsen is a rising Atlantic Canadian bass-baritone who has recently finished the McPhee Artist Development Program with Calgary Opera and is a pedagogical clinician and conductor of exceptional promise. In 2021 Branden won first place (voice) at the Federation of Canadian Music Festivals National Competition. He has a master’s in both choral conducting and voice performance and is currently studying under renowned Canadian tenor David Pomeroy. Branden was honoured to workshop the newly commissioned February with Opera on the Avalon, and also to conduct the Atlantic Boychoir in Cornwall, UK. He was recently seen on the Calgary Opera stage as Dulcamara (L’elisire d’amore), and with the Little Opera Company in Winnipeg as Papageno (The Magic Flute).
Branden is an avid teacher and sought-after clinician of both the voice and piano. He has had multiple students successfully audition into undergraduate programs, win competitions/festivals, and receive high marks at exams. He is comfortable teaching in all styles of music, specializing in the male voice and the transitioning voice. One of Branden’s more niche specialties is teaching proper technique of the heavy-rock “scream.” Branden is also a proficient organist and harpsichordist and is the proud owner of a recently purchased and restored harpsichord.
Branden Olsen can teach lessons in English, French, and German.