Alumni Spotlight: Elisabeta Cojocaru (BMus ’20) — From Laurier to the Canadian Opera Company

May 13, 2025

Name: Elisabeta Cojocaru
Program: Bachelor of Music in Piano Performance (2020)
Current Role: Candian Opera Company's Ensemble Pianist Coach 25/26
Based in: Toronto, Canada 

For pianist and collaborative artist Elisabeta Cojocaru, the seeds of a remarkable career were planted at Wilfrid Laurier University. Now a pianist coach with the prestigious Canadian Opera Company’s Ensemble Studio, Elisabeta reflects on her time at Laurier as the foundation that shaped her musical voice and artistic values. 

“My time at Laurier built the foundation for the pianist I am today,” she says. “I was fortunate to study with generous and inspiring mentors, especially Elaine Lau, who helped shape not just my technique and artistry, but my whole understanding of what it means to be a well-rounded musician.” 

Laurier’s rich performance opportunities and strong focus on collaboration helped Elisabeta grow as an artist. From her early experiences in chamber music to playing for Cendrillon with Opera Laurier, she began discovering her passion for making music with others. Under the guidance of mentors like Leslie De’Ath, she learned to listen more deeply, follow a conductor, and think orchestrally—skills that now inform her every performance. 

“Laurier gave me the space to take risks, try new repertoire, and start building the communication skills that are so essential in collaboration,” she says. 

One of the most valuable experiences? Performing regularly in the Faculty’s student recital series. 

“Performing is like training a muscle—you have to do it often,” she says. “Being able to develop those skills in a warm and nurturing environment made a huge difference. It helped me embrace spontaneity and find joy in the moment.” 

After Laurier, Elisabeta’s journey took her across Canada and beyond, performing in opera, musical theatre, recitals, and premieres of new music. Each experience, she says, deepened her appreciation for collaboration and expanded her artistic toolkit. 

“Being a collaborative pianist goes far beyond technique. It’s about listening, being responsive in real time, and adapting to the unique energy of every collaborator.” 

Now, in her new role with the Canadian Opera Company’s Ensemble Studio, she’s excited to bring that spirit of flexibility, passion, and support to the next generation of emerging artists. 

“Opera is where text, music, and storytelling intersect. I’m especially looking forward to working with young artists at such a formative time in their careers and contributing to the storytelling from behind the piano.” 

When asked what advice she would give to current Laurier students pursuing a career in collaborative piano or opera, Elisabeta doesn’t hesitate: 

“Say yes to opportunities—even the ones that scare you. Be a sponge. Play for lessons, attend rehearsals, and learn as much repertoire as you can. And always be kind and reliable. Your skills get you in the door, but your attitude keeps you in the room.” 

Balancing performing, coaching, and academic study isn’t easy—but for Elisabeta, it’s deeply fulfilling. 

“Each role feeds the other. Performing reminds me why I love music. Coaching lets me dig deeper into the repertoire. Juggling all these responsibilities is still something I’m learning to navigate, but I’m grateful for every part of it.” 

From the recital halls of Laurier to the stages of Canada’s top opera houses, Elisabeta Cojocaru’s journey is a testament to the power of curiosity, collaboration, and lifelong learning.