Aida (“I eat a” – like the Verdi Opera or the Elton John musical), is the star of the critically acclaimed one-person show “Drag Me to the Opera,” which has toured to fringe festivals across Canada including a sold-out run at the Calgary Fringe 2021 and the Winnipeg Fringe in 2023.
Aida and her show have also won the distinction of the Critic’s Pick Award (Hamilton Fringe 2022), Spirit of the Fringe Award (Victoria Fringe 2022) and Jenny Award in the category of queer themed shows (Winnipeg Fringe 2023). The show was also given 5 STARS by the Winnipeg Free Press.
Despite her name, Aida loves Puccini and Mozart! She has also performed with Drag For Kids (Music with Mandy/ArtsXpedition), the Calgary Philharmonic’s Drag Storytime (Jan 2024), Dramaturgy on Demand (Aida Cupcake Drags you to Church), Storybook Theatre (Halloween MisCAST), Alberta Vocal Arts (Die Fledermaus) as well as being a Royal Reader for the Calgary Public Library.
Aida’s alter-ego is Calgary-based performer, Steven Morton. His background includes a BMus in Voice, over a dozen operatic credits, over 30 musical theatre credits, and over 15 years as a vocal coach.
Having pursued training at various opera programs in Canada and abroad, he is a sought-after instructor with a voice that has been described as “rich,” “powerful” (Calgary Herald), “beautiful, unique,” (Winnipeg Free Press) and “jawdropping” (SCG Reviews).
Steven sits on the board for the Calgary Boys Choir and Alberta Vocal Arts and is a member of the National Assoc. of Teachers of Singing.
@aidacupcake.official | @musicalsteven
In the hierarchy of fabulousness, the only thing greater than an opera diva and a little lower than true royalty is a Drag Queen. But what if you could have both? Opera and Drag? The fact of the matter is Opera and Drag have been creative allies for centuries! The British Dames and Pant roles! Come join opera-singing drag performer Aida Cupcake for a concert illustrating the intersection of opera and drag through beloved songs and arias from opera and musical theatre, each holding a significant place in her heart and history. You might just leave feeling a little more fabulous yourself.
Accompanying Artist:
Ethan Hill is a creative and inquisitive mind. Showing an interest in music at an early age, Ethan studied piano and theory throughout his childhood. He later pursued music in post secondary, studying composition at the University of Victoria, where he also trained as a liturgical musician at St. John the Divine Anglican Church. In 2019, he relocated to Montreal to study the organ at McGill University, during which time he held an organ scholarship at Christ Church Cathedral. His work in the church sparked his fascination with metaphysics, symbolism and ontology, which he continues to explore today. All of this ultimately manifests itself through his compositions, where he explores intonation theory, sound cognition as well as his curiosity for musical intuition. Currently, he is based in Calgary, Alberta, where he serves as Interim Director of Music at Knox United Church and works with the Alberta Ballet, the Savridi Singers among several others. He continues to develop his artistry through residencies with the Banff Centre for Art and Creativity, the Domaine Forget de Charlevoix and Continuum Contemporary Music. Ethan also serves as president of RCCO, Calgary Centre and as a representative for Alberta & the Northwest Territories with the Canadian League of Composers.
