During the five years of her Bachelor of Music study, award-winning performance major Nadia Lurie was busy both on-stage and off — locally, nationally and internationally. In addition to her required classes, recitals and performances, Lurie took private voice lessons, participated in local mentorship programs, taught children’s musical theatre downtown and was accepted into a series of summer opera intensives in Salzburg, Sicily, Quebec and Edmonton.
What moment or memory stands out most from your time at UVic?
It’s hard to pick just one, but in the summer of 2025, the UVic Chamber Singers had the opportunity to perform at the Sicily International Voice Festival. It was a beautiful week of singing in gorgeous Baroque churches, delicious food and bonding over the experience of living in a working convent with no air conditioning.
Where did you spend most of your time studying, hanging out or unwinding on campus?
Most of my downtime between classes was spent in what we music majors lovingly refer to as “the basement” of the MacLaurin Building’s B-Wing. I’ve always thought the orange floors and bright yellow lockers felt like the set of a children’s TV show. I will miss all the shenanigans we got up to down there!
Which course or instructor had a positive impact on your academic or personal growth?
It has been very special to have been mentored by my voice teacher, Anne Grimm. Singing can feel so vulnerable. For all her students, Anne creates an environment that inspires confidence on and off stage. She is not only an amazing teacher but also so kind. She has supported me through all aspects of my degree.
What activity or experience outside the classroom meant the most to you?
In my second year, my “large ensemble” credit was fulfilled by participating in Pacific Opera Victoria’s Chorus during their 2022/23 season. To be able to immerse myself in the professional world of opera and apply what I was studying at school to the work I was doing on stage was so inspiring to me! I am also grateful to have been a recipient of POV’s Annamaria Bamji Award for Emerging Opera Singers.
What are your plans for after graduation and is it the path you envisioned for yourself growing up?
I’m headed to Manchester’s Royal Northern College of Music this fall to start my master’s of music in vocal performance. Having grown up in Victoria, I always dreamed of having the chance to leave the Island to pursue performance abroad.
What would you tell someone who is considering choosing UVic for their degree?
UVic is a friendly community! Your lifestyle outside of classes is as important as your studies themselves. It’s hard to beat studying on such a beautiful campus that is also within walking distance of the ocean. A beach picnic with your friends can fix a world of hurt!
Based on your experiences and training, how do you feel the arts can best benefit society?
The arts are essential! We need empathetic, curious and creative citizens, and arts education provides this. I know this from my own experience as an artist and performer, but I also see it in the children that I teach. Arts education is the way to a better future.
