About Dustin

Hawaiian-Canadian tenor Dustin Lee Hiles (born Squamish, BC,1988) is celebrated as one of Canada’s fastest-rising young tenors. A protégé of the legendary soprano Montserrat Caballé, Dustin has earned accolades from notable figures worldwide:

• King Charles III: "An extremely talented young man."

• Montserrat Caballé: "A beautiful, wonderful tenor."

• Rt. Hon. Brian Mulroney: "A very talented young tenor, a joy to sing with!"

• Rt. Hon. Justin Trudeau: "My favorite (Liberal) opera singer."

• Hon. Peter Milliken: "A rare and remarkable talent, a joy to hear."

• Hon. Bob & Arlene Rae: "Dustin Hiles is a singer with tremendous talent. He sings with great passion and verve and is a joy to listen to. A man to watch!"

• Michael Ignatieff: "A true Canadian patriot."

• Sass Jordan: "Canada's next great opera star, the next Ben Hepner."

• Maria Pellegrini: "Canada's Pavarotti."

Dustin began vocal training, at 15, under renowned Canadian soprano Maria Pellegrini, who recognized his natural and distinct tenor voice. He later studied with leading Wagnerian sopranos Jane Eaglen and Janice Baird, and benefited from mentorships with Metropolitan Opera star Richard Margison and Royal Conservatory of Music vocal chair Jennifer Tung.

His foundational training included five years at the UBC Summer Music Institute and fellowships with the Banff Centre, Hawaii Performing Arts Festival, University of Toronto, and the Victoria Conservatory of Music. Dustin has participated in masterclasses and private coachings with operatic luminaries like Siegfried Jerusalem, Grace Bumbry, Judith Forst, Cynthia Lawrence, Carol Vaness, Shirley Verrett, Renzo Zulian, and Jessica Pratt.

At 16, Dustin made a remarkable debut with the Vancouver Bach Choir and Vancouver Symphony Orchestra as the tenor soloist in Handel’s Messiah at the Orpheum Theatre. Since then, he has performed with esteemed companies such as the Canadian Opera Company, Manitoba Opera, Opera Lyra Ottawa, and Seattle Opera.

In 2009, Dustin’s passion for Wagner was ignited when Speight Jenkins hired him on the spot to perform the First Man in Götterdämmerung with Seattle Opera.

Dustin has also performed for royalty and dignitaries, including Queen Elizabeth II at Rideau Hall, Emperor Akihito of Japan, and the Prince of Wales. In 2020, he was received by His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama while on tour in India.

Recognized for his vibrant artistry, dedication, and passion, Dustin Lee Hiles continues to captivate audiences around the world with his exceptional voice and stage presence.