Canadian-based Essential Opera has announced that it will be present “December” digitally this holiday season.

The opera was originally set to be performed live at airports all around the Atlantic region, but had to reframed in light of continued concerns over the spread of COVID-19. The opera, which features a libretto and score by Monica Pearce, stars Erin Bardua, Maureen Batt, and Danielle Buonaiuto under the music direction of Tara Scott.  The video is directed by Halley Davies and Claire Fraser.

“December” tells the story of Julia and Natasha during the first year of their relationship as Natasha prepares to meet Julia’s parents for the first time.

“We were in the process of securing venues and dates to perform, making touring plans, when the world shut down. But Monica’s opera is so relatable and heart-warming, we knew we had to find a new way to present it,” Essential Opera co-founder Maureen Batt told Halifax Presents.

This is the company’s latest foray into the digital space following the online premiere of “Mirror, Mirror” by Anna Pidgorna back in October.