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

Edmonton Opera Throws Support Behind Oilers in New Video

https://operawire.com/edmonton-opera-throws-support-behind-oilers-in-new-video/

Edmonton Opera has released a new video featuring members of its chorus performing a reimagined version of “Maybe This Time with lyrics rewritten in honor of the Edmonton Oilers. The release of the song made famous by Liza Minnelli in “Cabaret” follows the company’s previous viral effort, a hockey-themed video inspired by “La Bamba” that drew over 75,000 views and {…}

News, Season Announcement

John Tessier, Andrew Haji & Tessa Fackelmann Lead Edmonton Opera’s 2026-27 Season

https://operawire.com/john-tessier-andrew-haji-tessa-fackelmann-lead-edmonton-operas-2026-27-season/

The Edmonton Opera has announced its 2026-27 season. Mainstage Anna Theodosakis directs a new production of Rossini’s “Il Barbiere di Sivigilia” with Gordon Gerrard conducting. The production will star John Tessier, Tessa Fackelmann, Korin Thomas-Smith, Joel Balzun, and Vartan Gabriellian. Performance Dates: Nov. 5 & 7, 2026 The Rumbold Vocal Prize will take place. Performance Date: Nov. 20, 2026 Joel Ivany will {…}

News

Wolf Trap Announces 2026 Season, Featuring Renée Fleming, Magdalena Kuźma, & Demetrious Sampson Jr

https://operawire.com/wolf-trap-announces-2026-season-featuring-renee-fleming-magdalena-kuzma-demetrious-sampson-jr/

Wolf Trap has announced its 2026 season which will include an Opera and Classical music program. Opera Rossini’s “La Cenerentola“ will be conducted by Louis Lohraseb and Joel Ivany. Angela Yam, Sophia Maekawa, Cumhur Görgün, Ziniu Zhao, Angel Gomez, and Korin Thomas-Smith star. Performance Dates: June 18, 21, 25, and 27, 2026; The Barns at Wolf Trap Tchaikovsky’s “Eugene Onegin“ will {…}

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 {…}

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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

Edmonton Opera Throws Support Behind Oilers in New Video

John Tessier, Andrew Haji & Tessa Fackelmann Lead Edmonton Opera’s 2026-27 Season

Wolf Trap Announces 2026 Season, Featuring Renée Fleming, Magdalena Kuźma, & Demetrious Sampson Jr

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