Board of Directors
Victoria Novak, President
Victoria Novak is an entertainment and media lawyer, practicing in all aspects of the film, television and music industries. She has developed extensive experience in the arts and culture sector through roles in private practice, large media corporations and the provincial government. Victoria is an avid flute and piccolo player and is currently President of the Board of Directors for Opera 5.
Catherine Gordon
Catherine is President and Founder of SimpleLogic Inc., a Toronto-based firm that has been bringing clarity to business communication since 1997. Catherine has been a pioneer in simplifying information for retail and institutional investors in areas of corporate governance, sustainability, strategy and risk, and has been a frequent speaker on the value of clear information and what investors look for in company disclosure. Catherine is also an avid lover of music of all kinds, has been a lifelong amateur singer, and has been attending Opera 5 performances since it was formed in 2012.
George Hoff, Secretary
George Hoff is a television producer with years of experience in both news and documentaries at CBC and CTV. On the culture beat he has produced many programs including from Gordon Lightfoot's career to the success of Michael Jackson in Japan. George is a supporter of Toronto's many vibrant culture offerings. He's been a board member of Opera 5 since 2013.
Amelia Lyon
Amelia is a musician and small business owner. She is the principal Flute of the Kingston Symphony Orchestra and the owner of Yarns Untangled, which is a knitting store located in Kensington Market in Toronto. A prolific and accomplished knitter, one of Amelia’s creations - The Gay Sweater - can be seen at the Canadian Museum of History. Amelia has played in the orchestra of many Opera 5 productions and is proud to be able to bring her skills as a musician and small business owner to the Opera 5 Board.
Aidan Johnston
Aidan Johnston (nee Ferguson) spent over a decade as an international professional opera singer before pursuing a career in the non-profit sector. She is thrilled to be a part of the Opera 5 board bringing her unique perspective of the industry having worked both on and off stage (Arts Administrator, Fundraiser, Facilitator, Mentor). Currently Aidan has returned to school to pursue a career in Counselling.
David Matthews
David is a psychiatrist working at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health. He is very passionate about the arts and culture, and loves working with Opera 5 because of the creativity and sense of fun they bring to all their projects.