Q & A: Alexander Shelley & Joel Ivany on What Makes Opera a Vital Part of Canada’s Vibrant Culture

https://operawire.com/q-a-alexander-shelley-joel-ivany-on-what-makes-opera-a-vital-part-of-canadas-vibrant-culture/

(Photo: Alexander Shelley © Rémi Thériault / Joel Ivany © Taylor Long) OperaWire recently attended Canada’s National Arts Centre (NAC) for their National Arts Centre Orchestra (NACO) semi-staged production of Puccini’s “Tosca.” The day after their opening night performance, OperaWire was invited to sit down with the Music Director and Conductor of NACO, Alexander Shelley, and the Artistic Director of Edmonton {…}

Behind the Scenes, Interviews

Q & A: Co-Directors Joel Ivany & Reneltta Arluk on ‘Messiah Complex,’ A Revolutionary Approach to Handel’s Masterpiece

https://operawire.com/q-a-against-the-grain-theatres-joel-ivany-banff-centre-director-of-indigenous-arts-reneltta-arluk-on-messiah-complex-a-revolutionary-approach-to-handels-masterpiece/

Handel’s “Messiah” is ubiquitous with the holiday season. Everywhere you look, opera companies and major choral ensembles are revving up to showcasing this towering masterpiece. Even the pandemic has not slowed down the tradition, with companies turning to unique approaches to the work as a means of sustaining the holiday spirit. Then there’s the “Messiah Complex,” a collaboration between Against {…}

News

Alexander Shelley to Become Principal Conductor of National Symphony Orchestra Ireland

https://operawire.com/alexander-shelley-to-become-principal-conductor-of-national-symphony-orchestra-ireland/

(Credit: Curtis Perry) The National Symphony Orchestra Ireland has named Alexander Shelley as its Principal Conductor. Shelley’s initial tenure will last three seasons, commencing in September 2026. In his first season, Shelley, who is currently Principal Associate Conductor of the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and Artistic and Music Director of Artis-Naples, will lead seven projects. In the meantime, he will assume {…}

Reviews, Stage Reviews

Canada’s National Arts Centre Orchestra 2025-26 Review: Tosca

https://operawire.com/canadas-national-arts-centre-orchestra-2025-26-review-tosca/

(Photo: Curtis Perry, Canada’s National Arts Centre Orchestra) Canada’s National Arts Centre Orchestra presented a semi-staged production of Puccini’s “Tosca,” in Salle Southam Hall, on Sept. 10, 2025 in celebration of this year’s season opening, marking the tenth season for Alexander Shelley as Music Director and Conductor. The evening was full of exciting musical moments by the orchestra and leading {…}

News

Edmonton Opera’s 2025-26 Season to Feature Miriam Khalil, Marion Newman & Jaclyn Grossman

https://operawire.com/edmonton-operas-2025-26-to-feature-miriam-khalil-marion-newman-jaclyn-grossman/

The Edmonton Opera has announced its 2025-26 Season. In a statement, Edmonton Opera’s Artistic Director, Joel Ivany said, “Our 2026/26 season is really about what we inherit, what we keep, and what we redefine. From celebrating opera’s greatest moments to championing new voices and groundbreaking works, we invite audiences to be part of this living legacy that is Edmonton Opera, {…}

News

Edmonton Opera Announces Rumbold Vocal Prize Winners

https://operawire.com/edmonton-opera-announces-rumbold-vocal-prize-winners/

The Edmonton Opera⁩’s 2024 Rumbold Vocal Prize competition has announced its winners The competition saw mezzo-soprano Tessa Fackelmann take first prize, which included $12,000 plus a Recital Tour in the Yukon (provided by the Yukon Arts Centre). The second prize went to soprano Elizabeth Polese, which included $8,000, while the third prize was awarded to bass-baritone Alex Halliday and tenor Angelo {…}

News

Royce Vavrek Named New Artistic Director of Against the Grain Theatre

https://operawire.com/royce-vavrek-named-new-artistic-director-of-against-the-grain-theatre/

Against the Grain Theatre has announced the appointment of Royce Vavrek as its new Artistic Director. Vavrek, the librettist behind such works as the Pulitzer Prize-winning “Angel’s Bone” “JFK,” “Breaking the Waves,” “Silent Light,” “Proving Up,” and “The Old Man and the Sea,” takes over for Joel Ivany, the company’s founding Artistic Director. “As our new Artistic Director, Royce brings {…}

News, Streaming

Edmonton Opera Creates New Rendition of ‘La Bamba’ to Support Edmonton Oilers

https://operawire.com/edmonton-opera-creates-new-rendition-of-la-bamba-to-support-edmonton-oilers/

With the NHL playoffs underway, Edmonton Opera is doing its utmost to pump up its Edmonton Oilers as the team sets out on its quest for the Stanley Cup. In order to do so, the company released a rendition of “La Bamba,” which has become an anthem for Oilers fans everywhere. Additionally, this rendition honors Joey Moss and Ben Steler, {…}

News

Edmonton Opera Unveils 2024-25 Season

https://operawire.com/edmonton-opera-unveils-2024-25-season/

Edmonton Opera has announced its 2024-25 season. The season opens with “Die Fledermaus,” directed by Joel Ivany and conducted by Simon Rivard. The opera stars Adam Luther, Jonelle Sills, John Tessier, Danielle MacMillan, Peter Monaghan, and Karoline Podolak. Performance Date: Nov. 7 – 12, 2024 Then comes “Bluebeard’s Castle” directed by Daisy Evans who also arranged the opera in English. Russell {…}

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Q & A: Alexander Shelley & Joel Ivany on What Makes Opera a Vital Part of Canada’s Vibrant Culture

Q & A: Co-Directors Joel Ivany & Reneltta Arluk on ‘Messiah Complex,’ A Revolutionary Approach to Handel’s Masterpiece

Alexander Shelley to Become Principal Conductor of National Symphony Orchestra Ireland

Canada’s National Arts Centre Orchestra 2025-26 Review: Tosca

Edmonton Opera’s 2025-26 Season to Feature Miriam Khalil, Marion Newman & Jaclyn Grossman

Edmonton Opera Announces Rumbold Vocal Prize Winners

Royce Vavrek Named New Artistic Director of Against the Grain Theatre

Edmonton Opera Creates New Rendition of ‘La Bamba’ to Support Edmonton Oilers

Edmonton Opera Unveils 2024-25 Season