Zoitsa (Zoë) Gotziaman works primarily as a conductor and singer in Toronto. She is delighted to begin her first season as conductor of the Ruby Chorus with the Canadian Children’s Opera Company and as assistant conductor of Coro San Marco. She returns as co-music director of the St. Brigid Church Children’s Choir, co-conductor of Summer Songbirds at Timothy Eaton Memorial Church, and to the Butterfly Beginnings program at CCOC. She is thrilled to join the Canadian Chamber Choir as Conducting Fellow this season.

As a singer, Zoë has performed with ensembles across Canada, including the Nathaniel Dett Chorale, Canzona, Pro Coro Canada, and The Toronto Consort. She is an alumna of the National Youth Choir of Canada, and her love of contemporary music and improvisation has led her to sing in The Elements Choir. This season she returns to Toronto Chamber Choir as Alto Section Lead.

She holds a Bachelor of Music from the University of Manitoba, where she studied voice with Tracy Dahl. Zoë has performed in more than 30 operas, including as a chorus member with Opera Atelier and Manitoba Opera. Zoë has studied American Sign Language and Deaf Studies at George Brown College, and has a passion for communication and languages.

Learn more about Zoë in our Q&A below:

What led you to conducting?

My journey to conducting has been unconventional. I began conducting because I was asked to cover a parental leave, and to cover some rehearsals as section lead of a choir. I’m very grateful for those who saw potential in me, as I’m now finding conducting to be exciting and fulfilling.

I have a background in dance and martial arts, and studied ASL, so I guess I’ve always been into communicating with my body!

What drew you to the Canadian Chamber Choir and the Conducting Fellowship?

Two part answer!

Multiple people suggested that I audition for CCC because of my voice and vibe. The more people I meet from CCC, the more I realize that it’s a huge compliment to be told that I have a vibe that compliments people who are so generous, supportive, and lovely!

As for the fellowship, that’s all Julia! I saw her lead a masterclass a few years ago, and this year I conducted in a masterclass that she led. I knew that I wanted to learn more from her, and I’m so grateful for this opportunity.

What are you hoping to learn or experience during your time with the CCC?

I want to improve my multitasking, and I want to learn how to be more comfortable conducting professional ensembles. I’m looking forward to diving deeper into gesture and to getting real-time feedback.

I hope to feel belonging, and explore great music with great people.

I hope to see many of my favourite trees in Winnipeg, and enjoy a sufficient amount of mango ice cream from Chaeban.

Outside of conducting and music, what should our audiences know about Zoë?

I’m rather nerdy about etymology. Come talk to me about words!