Calgary Opera is set to return to its main stage performance series at the South Alberta Jubilee Auditorium with “The Merry Widow” starting on Jan. 29, 2022. Due to health and safety regulations in Canada, the company will be able to open to 50 percent capacity with all audience members required to wear masks. The opera will star Aviva Fortunata, {…}
The Calgary Opera has announced its 2021-22 season feature two mainstage productions. Mainstage The season opens with Lehar’s “The Merry Widow” starring Aviva Fortunata in the title role. She will be joined by Colin Ainsworth, Richard Suart, James Westman, and Jacqueline Woodley. Omer Ben Seadia directs the production with Tania Miller conducting. Performance Dates: Jan. 29, Feb. 2 & 4, {…}
The Calgary Opera has announced its 2020-21 season, which will include four opera productions. Beethoven’s “Fidelio” opens the season with Tracy Cantin as Leonore, David Pomeroy as Florestan, Melody Courage as Marzelline, Gregory Dahl as Don Pizarro, and Owen McCausland as Jaquino. Michael Cavanagh directs the production and Bramwell Tovey conducts. Performance Dates: Nov. 21, 25 & 27, 2020 Omer {…}
The Pacific Opera Victoria has announced its 2020-21 season featuring three productions and rising stars. The season opens with Wagner’s “Die Walküre” starring Canadian soprano Jennifer Maines as Brünnhilde and American bass-baritone Philip Horst as Wotan. Canadian director Glynis Leyshon and former Shaw Festival designer Pam Johnson reunite for the new production. Performance Dates: Oct. 15-24, 2020 Britten’s final opera “Death {…}
(Credit: Claire McAdams / Vanessa Preziose) Most people recognize that there is a major world premiere taking place this weekend. But the reality is that there are two. The weekend is also full of appetizing offerings and this weekend’s selections come down to a mix of classics with star casts as well as a Spanish-language masterpiece that undeniably deserves greater {…}
Pacific Opera will open its season with Puccini’s “Il Trittico,” the triple-bill of one-act operas “Il Tabarro,” “Suor Angelica,” and “Gianni Schicci.” “Il Trittico” has not been produced in its entirety in Canada for over fifty years. The trio of operas requires a large cast and three sets, which can be complicated and costly. This production is the first in {…}
The Calgary Opera has announced its 2019-20 season, which will feature a number of operatic classics and a few rarities as well. The season kicks off with “La Bohème,” which will star Miriam Khalil and Antoine Bélanger as Mimì and Rodlfo, respectively. Jonathan Brandani conducts a production by Brenna Corner. Performance Dates: Nov. 9-15, 2019 Aviva Fortunata will star in {…}
Elza van den Heever will not perform the final “Norma” at the Dallas Opera. In her stead soprano Aviva Fortunata will take on the lead role for the performance on Sunday, May 7, 2017. Fortunata performed the role of the priestess this past fall at the Canadian Opera Company. The Calgary native was a finalist in the 2016 Operalia Competition {…}