Tonia Evans Cianciulli Premieres “Nightingale of the North,” a Love Song to Newfoundland’s First Opera Star
Toronto-based, Newfoundland-born songstress Tonia Evans Cianciulli returns to her roots this August to debut her powerful new single, “Nightingale of the North” — a soaring tribute to Georgina Stirling, Newfoundland’s first international opera singer. The single arrives July 17, 2025, just ahead of a deeply meaningful series of live events and performances across St. John’s and Twillingate from August 1–10.
Written during the stillness of the pandemic, “Nightingale of the North” is more than a song—it’s a sacred offering to Stirling’s life, legacy, and spirit.
“I dreamed of her taking my hand,” Tonia shares, referencing a vivid, spiritual encounter that guided her through writing The Heart’s Obsession—a co-authored biography of Stirling with her grandfather, Newfoundland historian Calvin D. Evans. “That dream felt like a passing of the torch. I’ve been holding it close ever since.”
The song features haunting alto flute by MusicNL Award-winner Rozalind MacPhail, whose emotive tone mirrors the voice of the Nightingale herself. Accompanying Tonia on guitar is Jesse Fegelman, adding warmth and grounding to the ballad’s ethereal quality. The track was produced, recorded, mixed, and mastered by Dima Graziani, whose textured production brings a timeless and cinematic atmosphere to this heartfelt work. Newfoundland poet Vaughn Harbin collaborated with Tonia on the lyrics, further enriching this loving homage.
In verse after verse, Tonia channels Stirling’s bittersweet story:
“Her candle flickers in the jewelled light;
As the Nightingale sings on through the night.
Though her voice is stilled, I will carry it on.”
A lifelong interpreter of Newfoundland’s musical heritage, Tonia has made it her mission to preserve and elevate voices that have long gone unheard. She’s performed with the Toronto Concert Orchestra, Cambridge Symphony, and Casa Loma Symphony, and was recently featured by CBC for her work revitalizing Newfoundland’s folk traditions. Her past releases include Bravery, Churchyard Roses, and She’s Like the Swallow—each one a testament to her deeply personal and poetic approach to songwriting.
Tonia’s journey goes beyond music. A registered psychotherapist (qualifying), children’s author, and founder of the non-profit Wish Arts, she has dedicated her life to helping others heal through creativity. Her book Flick Your Heart-Light On supports children’s emotional wellness, with illustrations by her daughter Sophia. Through every medium, Tonia embodies the message she now sings: that art and memory are bridges between generations.
This August, Tonia will bring Nightingale of the North to life in a series of heartfelt performances and ceremonies—complete with Newfoundland classics, original songs, and the public unveiling of long-lost watercolour portraits of Georgina Stirling by artist Sylvia Ficken. These events mark the 90th anniversary of Stirling’s passing and offer a rare moment to gather in celebration of a woman whose voice once rang out from Twillingate to Italy—and still echoes today.
2025 Newfoundland Tour Dates:
Twillingate, NL
• August 9 – 11:00 AM – Twillingate Museum – Book Signing
• August 9 – 4:00 PM – St. Peter’s Church – 180th Anniversary Celebration with Hymns, Opera, and Beloved Music
• August 10 – 11:00 AM – St. Peter’s Cemetery – Flower Ceremony Honouring Georgina Stirling
• August 10 – 5:00 PM – Blue Barrel Gallery – Folk Favourites and More, with special guest Adam Baxter on guitar
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