SkyBridge Artists
SkyBridge Artist Management division is committed to providing tailored representation to a small roster of exceptional artists from all over the world, with a spotlight on Canadian talent.
Antonina Ermolenko
Ukrainian-Canadian dramatic soprano Antonina Ermolenko is fast gaining international acclaim for her “diva’s vocal technique and dramatic flair” (Promin), along with her sense of “lyricism and emotional depth” (New Pathway). A disciple of Martina Arroyo, Antonina’s musical approach hearkens back to the Golden Age of opera, while infusing her own unique, character-driven approach to the art form.
Antonina has performed performed around the world, in venues such as the Glenn Gould Studio in Toronto, the Danny Kaye Playhouse in New York, and the historical Ekhof Theater Gotha in Germany.
This season, Antonina will be portraying Elizabeth I in Donizetti’s Roberto Devereux as part of Queen Elizabeth II’s commemoration in Toronto. Antonina is looking forward to her Canadian national debut in the New Opera Lyra's 2022/23 season, singing Mussorgsky's Songs and Dances of Death with members of the National Arts Centre Orchestra, as well as her first full length Wagner role as Isolde in his Tristan und Isolde.
Alexander Hajek
Canadian baritone Alexander Hajek has spent the last several seasons in Germany singing with the renowned Semperoper in Dresden, as well as making guest appearances in Stuttgart, Atlanta, Muscat, and Montreal.
An alumnus of the Canadian Opera Company Ensemble and a graduate of The Juilliard School of Music, Mr. Hajek has appeared at international venues and command performances for Presidents, Prime Ministers, Pontiffs John Paul II and Benedict (World Youth Day celebrations, Germany and the Vatican).
Concert highlights include Brahms’ Requiem with Stiftsmusik Stuttgart, Messiah (Brott Music Festival), Mozart’s Mass in C minor, the requiems of Fauré and Duruflé, Ziesl’s Ebraico and Stravinsky’s Mass, the last at Carnegie Hall. Awards include first prizes from the Oratorio Society of New York, the Liederkranz Competition and the George London Foundation.
Brian Salesky
American conductor Brian Salesky has conducted a vast repertoire of traditional and contemporary works during a versatile, 50-year international career with symphonic/chamber orchestras and festivals, opera/operetta/ballet/modern dance companies, and musicals on Broadway. During his career, he has conducted performances for legendary artists Catherine Malfitano, Renata Scotto, and Alfredo Kraus and has accompanied hundreds of distinguished artists including Joan Sutherland, Richard Tucker, Sherrill Milnes, Robert Merrill, and Carlo Bergonzi. Salesky has also engaged in a wide variety of work as a producer/manager of concerts, opera, television, radio, and videos, and has distinguished himself as an accompanist, music arranger, fund-
raiser, educator, lecturer, author, and consultant.
2022 marked BRIAN SALESKY’s 17th and final season as Knoxville Opera’s Artistic Director having served as its Executive Director from 2005 to 2020. His administration was marked by great artistic growth, a tremendous expansion of the company’s 100 annual Education-Community Engagement programs, the creation of a continuous $1+ million Operating Reserve, and 17 consecutive years of debt-free operations. For KO M°.
He's looking forward to sharing his deep knowledge of music as well as extensive experience in this next chapter of his career.