The Story of Candlelight Opera

Candlelight Opera is a combination of ethereal potency. Coupled with live performances that are both enlightening and inspired, this Toronto based band is poised for success.

Their first independent offering, Ver 1.0, is a collection of well-written pop songs, showcasing a diversity of musical influences. "Quite simply put, we love to make music."

Founded in 1996 by singer-songwriter Amanda Harris and guitarist-songwriter Shawn Slater, Candlelight Opera has performed across Canada. From Vancouver to Halifax, audiences respond enthusiastically to the combination of heavenly vocals layered over a dramatic musical tapestry. All material is written by Candlelight Opera, featuring intriguing lyrical content that explores themes of experiencing and surviving life.

Musical influences include The Beatles, Crowded House, and Kate Bush, and fans have made comparisons to Sarah McLachlan, Heart, Pearl Jam and Evanescence.

Vocalist Amanda Harris has been performing for most of her life. "From a young age, I knew that I wanted to have a career in music and I did everything from choir to school musicals to talent shows. It's my first true love." Amanda received many rave reviews for her performances in such musicals as Oliver! and Grease. Local newspapers described her as having "a voice beyond her years."

Amanda attended the University of Guelph for Dramatic Arts, where she met Shawn Slater. In 1994 the two started writing and performing together. Amanda's rich, sweet vocals add a strong melodic quality and her song writing skills are a great compliment to Shawn's genre of writing. Together these two present a package that is palatable to the most discerning of musical appetites.

Guitarist Shawn Slater has been performing and writing music since childhood. Following in his father's footsteps, he joined the local Drum Corps (Kiwanis Kaveliers, Dutch Boy). "I enjoy all aspects of music-the writing, the performing, the recording-I can't imagine doing anything else that would be more rewarding."

Shawn formed many bands throughout his school years including the Young Generation and The Dead Fish Funk. In 1991 he founded The Anti Socials and recorded the 10 track independent release Subcultures. In Candlelight Opera, Shawn combines a powerful song writing style with passionate progressions.

Guitarist Darren Young joined Candlelight Opera in the summer of 2003. In this project, Darren is reunited with his former Young Generation band mate Shawn Slater.

Darren pursues the cutting edge in his guitar playing incorporating ambience and funk in his guitar progressions. Darren has worked with numerous bands including Mercurial, Ocean Wah and Sexual Chocolate. As lead guitar for Candlelight Opera, Darren adds a fresh and exciting dimension.

Drummer Julian Vardy joined the unit in 2003. Julian provides "the beat" for all that is Candlelight Opera. Julian has an extensive performance background playing in a Celtic/Pop band for ten years. As The Plaid Daddys, they released a full-length cd called Becketabingada, and a five song EP. They then changed their name to Declan Nine, fazed out the celtic influence, and released a full length self-titled album, before deciding to pursue other projects.

Julian has enjoyed much success with performances on Breakfast Television, Open Mike with Mike Bullard and having a song, Decapo, played on the hit TV series Dawson's Creek. Julian is a welcome touch to Candlelight Opera.

Bassist Rees Pepperell joined Candlelight Opera in 2004. Rees's musical career began as a singer at the age of seven. His musical appetite lead him to study classical double bass, jazz bass and the flute.

His rock experience began with the band Universal Blackout resulting in headlining performances at venues such as The Horseshoe and opening slots for Nickelback between 1998 and 1999.

From 2000 to 2003, Rees performed with The Beggarz-a stint resulting in extensive touring throughout southern and central Ontario. Highlights of this project include several opening spots for The Headstones. During this time Rees appeared on the 2002 release Days Come Easy, which was featured in articles in NOW and Pulse Magazine.