Canadian Opera Company (COC) has named Opera 5 its newest Company-in-Residence.

The two-year program allows Canadian Opera Company to offer guidances and support to other local opera companies. The program was initiated in 2016.

As part of the program, Opera 5 will be featured in COC’s Free Concert Series in the Richard Bradshaw Ampitheatre on April 16 where a preview for the upcoming chamber opera “Come Closer” will be show off. The opera will premiere in June 2026 and “explores grief, reconnection, and healing after loss brought on by drug addiction.”

Opera 5 is an independent company that has put an emphasis on chamber opera productions, new works, web series, and artist mentorship. formed in 2012 it has presented such works as “The Barber of Seville,” “Die Fledermaus,” and “The Turn of the Screw.” Among its world premieres are Cecilia Livingston’s “The Masque of the Red Death” and Darren Russo’s “Storybook.”

“The Canadian Opera Company is proud to support fellow creators,” said COC General Director David Ferguson per an official press release. “As a national performing arts organization, one of the COC’s foundational pillars is our commitment to leveraging our platform and resources to boost the profile of emerging opera artists and collectives. We are passionate about investing in the broader Canadian opera community and are looking forward to introducing more audiences to Opera 5 and their incredible work.”

“The Opera 5 team is over the moon to be the next Company-in-Residence at the COC!” added Opera 5 General Director Rachel Krehm. “We are eager to maximize this life-changing opportunity to be mentored by the COC so that we can grow, reach a larger audience, and create a greater impact with our work. We also hope this residency will allow us the opportunity to build and solidify our Toronto Opera Festival, a brand-new initiative which we want to be a platform for Canadian works and Canadian artists.”

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