From royalty to vineyards, Eve Daniell has used her voice to take her around the world.
The Duncan-born soprano singer who recently performed at 40 Knots Vineyard and Estate Winery in the Comox Valley as part of its Wine Wednesday event, is touring across the Island and Canada.
But her most exclusive audience so far happened just last month.
Daniell not only sang O Canada for the Trafalgar Square celebration of Canada Day in London, but sang three songs - God Save The Queen, O Canada and Canoe by Canadian composer Tobin Stokes - for Queen Elizabeth II, Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh and Governor General David Johnston in an event celebrating the 150th anniversary of the confederation of Canada at Canada House.
The performance came about thanks to a connection through her school.
“I did a two-year masters program at the Royal Academy of Music (in London) and got a chance for a full scholarship. I did another two years for my opera diploma - it’s the equivalent of a PhD. I had two connections to Canada House through school and they were looking for a young artist and I was the one who came to mind.”
After receiving an informal invitation to perform in front of the Royal Family, Daniell received a formal invitation in the mail.
“I gave it to my grandma who showed it to her friends,” she added with a laugh.
The Queen and The Duke took to their seats to watch a performance by singer @ eve_daniell #Canada150 pic.twitter.com/rJHWXWmEaU
— The Royal Family (@RoyalFamily) July 19, 2017
While she considers the performance a highlight of her young career, Daniell explained the most memorable part came after the performance.
A young Kwakwaka’wakw woman named Sierra approached her after recognizing the sun pendant Daniell was wearing - a graduation present from her father.
“She recognized the pendant - it represented her family - and her heritage was being vouched for. It was almost more special (then the royal performance) because it spoke across nations.”
While she has bases in both London and on Vancouver Island, Daniell still considers Vancouver Island to be home.
“It’s where my family is.”
While she “follows wherever the work is” for her performances, her goal one day would be to perform for Pacific Opera Victoria.
“I would love to perform with them. I saw my very first opera there - it’s my home company.”
To learn more about Daniell, visit evedaniell.com.