After a year of learning, connecting, and leading in a new city, Robin Whiffen shares her reflections on Edmonton’s creative spirit and the evolving role of Edmonton Opera within it.
When Robin Whiffen and her family arrived in Edmonton in January 2024, she didn’t yet know she’d soon be leading one of the city’s most storied arts organizations. Having spent nearly a decade in the opera sector—and trained as a singer herself—Robin already knew the impact Edmonton Opera had across Canada.
“I had watched this organization from afar for many years,” she reflects. “I was drawn to the company because of its long-standing legacy of serving the city of Edmonton. Service is our most important role as a community organization.”
That spirit of service and community has shaped every part of Robin’s first year as Executive Director. Stepping into the role meant not only joining a new organization but also discovering the unique rhythm of Edmonton’s arts scene—a network she describes as deeply collaborative and genuinely supportive.
“The spirit of collaboration has inspired me,” Robin says. “There’s a real sense of community here, and that when one group succeeds, the whole arts community celebrates. This was really evident at this year’s Sterling Awards, which I attended for the first time.”
Having led smaller opera companies across the country, Robin is no stranger to the nuances of regional arts ecosystems. Each, she notes, has its own strengths and challenges—but what sets Edmonton apart is its collective mindset.
“The collaboration between organizations to fulfill artistic and organizational goals has been a joy to experience,” she says. “There’s a willingness to share resources, ideas, and audiences that strengthens everyone involved.”
Within that ecosystem, Robin sees Edmonton Opera as both a cultural anchor and a creative collaborator—a company that honours its history while remaining open to new partnerships and possibilities. Over the past year, those partnerships have become a defining thread of EO’s work.
Bluebeard’s Castle 2025 | Photo by Nanc Price
One collaboration that particularly stands out for Robin is the partnership with the Alzheimer Society of Alberta and Northwest Territories during Bluebeard’s Castle.
“Through this collaboration, we were able to connect audience members with the many essential services provided by the Alzheimer Society,” she recalls. “As I spoke to people who had experienced their loved ones’ struggle with the disease—or who were just beginning to understand that journey—it was clear how critical these services are. Art, as it often imitates life, can serve as an opportunity for learning and understanding.”
This intertwining of art and empathy mirrors Robin’s own leadership philosophy. Having spent eight years in smaller companies, she developed a hands-on understanding of every department—from production to marketing to patron relations. That experience, combined with a deep belief in leading with empathy, informs her approach today.
“For the first time in my career, I’m working with a significantly sized team,” she says. “They are deeply caring about opera, the city of Edmonton, and the organization, and I feel privileged to learn from them every day.”
Robin at Opera al Fresco | Photo by Steven Hope
As she reflects on the past year, Robin returns often to the idea of balance—between past and future, legacy and innovation, tradition and evolution.
“Edmonton Opera’s community has a deep respect for the tradition of opera, and our mission states that we will honour this tradition,” she explains. “However, we are also striving to evolve the art form so that it resonates with today’s audiences. I feel a deep responsibility to steward the organization so that we can serve Edmontonians for generations to come—and that’s why balance is so important.”
Looking forward, Robin envisions EO continuing to serve as a bridge—between artists and audiences, between heritage and progress, between Edmonton and the wider national opera landscape.
“We’ll continue to be a cultural connector, creating opportunities for artists to thrive here, and for audiences to see themselves reflected on our stage,” she says. “We can model what a modern opera company looks like: innovative, inclusive, and deeply rooted in its community.”
Asked to describe her vision for EO’s next chapter in just a few words, Robin pauses before choosing two that feel both aspirational and grounded:
“Expansive in how we imagine what opera can be, and connected in how we build bridges between art and humanity.”
As Edmonton Opera looks ahead to its next season, those words set the tone for what’s to come—an organization ready to grow, collaborate, and continue building on its proud legacy of serving the city through music, storytelling, and community.