A Closer Look
Adriana Zaharijevic, known artistically as Adriana Olympia, is a passionate vocal coach, singer, and songwriter born and raised in Vancouver, BC. She holds a Bachelor of Music degree from the University of British Columbia, where she specialized in Opera. Throughout her time at UBC, she had the incredible opportunity to perform in full productions such as Sullivan’s The Gondoliers, Puccini’s Tosca, Rota’s Il cappello di paglia di Firenze, and Mascagni’s Cavalleria Rusticana. One of her most cherished roles was portraying the hilariously evil stepsister, Dorothée, in Massenet’s Cendrillon.
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Adriana’s love for music began early — at just three years old, she started Suzuki piano lessons at the Vancouver Academy of Music. She then spent 13 years with the Vancouver Children’s Bach Choir, where she performed challenging repertoire, often as a soloist, and had the privilege of singing in major works like Carmina Burana and Mahler’s Symphony No. 8 at the Orpheum Theatre.
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Her vocal journey took a pivotal turn in 2017 after a chance encounter at a musical theatre camp. Encouraged by a choir conductor, she began studying voice with Marisa Gaetanne — a mentorship that continued through her degree at UBC. Alongside voice, Adriana also completed Royal Conservatory of Music Voice exams (Levels 7 to 10) and studied piano, music theory, and voice at the Sarah McLachlan School of Music.
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In addition to performing, Adriana has found deep fulfillment in teaching. She is passionate about helping students discover their voice, build solid technique, and grow as confident, expressive singers. She has been a vocal coach for several years and absolutely loves watching her students progress — celebrating every breakthrough along the way. She currently teaches voice and piano at Ava Music & Art Centre Ltd. and works as a vocal coach with Orenda Artists, guiding aspiring singers to reach their artistic and technical goals.
Beyond the studio, Adriana has served as a rehearsal assistant for the Vancouver Bach Choir, conducted the choir at Saint Sava Serbian Church, and taught musical theatre, piano, and voice to students of all ages. She was also the lead anthem singer for UBC varsity sporting events for seven years and performed at the Whitecaps FC College Night in 2023.
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Whether you're just starting your musical journey or looking to refine your voice, Adriana offers a warm, supportive, and knowledgeable approach to help you find confidence, creativity, and joy in your singing.
