Christian Howald is a tenor who was recruited by Opera Gala… Opera for a Cause after his rendition of Verdi’s “La donna è mobile” on CBC Radio’s Morning North radio show that earned him a pair of tickets to the very first Opera Gala back in 2012.

Born in Switzerland, Christian Howald carries a proud musical heritage. From his grandfather’s musical journeys on horseback with the military band, playing for the soldiers guarding the Swiss borders in the time of the Great War, to his parents travelling and singing with the communal folk club, to the family gathering around the piano at home, to yodelling with his sons at the annual Swiss Fest or making the river valleys resonate during regular canoe trips, music has always been a part of life. Growing up the youngest in a family of 6 Germanic children, it was almost a given for Christian to develop the pipes for Opera. But his greatest musical advantages are his multilingualism and presence.

Christian has three passions: family, singing, and community development. That being said, the Howald family collectively volunteers over 1,000 hours per year. Being able to sing alongside his son Quade with Opera Gala… Opera for a Cause has made it possible for Christian to combine all of these three passions, singing for the greater good.