Calgary Opera has announced that Jonathan Brandani will become the company’s new Artistic Director. Brandani conducted Calgary Opera’s box office record-shattering 2019 production of Puccini’s “La Bohème” and is passionate about youth education and expanding the inclusiveness of opera. Brandani will work on Calgary Opera’s community initiatives, programming the upcoming 2022-2023 50th Anniversary season, and leading the company’s return to live {…}
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, {…}
Calgary Opera has announced the first installment of its new documentary film series, meant to give audiences a behind-the-scenes view into the creation of new operas being produced through their inaugural Opera Labs project. The first, on March 24, will be “The Seeds of Namwayut,” which follows the creation process of the upcoming, Indigenous-themed work “Namwayut.” Led by mezzo-soprano Marion {…}
Arts administrator Bob McPhee passed away on March 13, 2021, following a long battle with cancer. Born in 1956, McPhee graduated from the University of Manitoba and began his career as a baritone, perfoming in theatre, opera, radio, and television. After studying arts administration at Stanford University, McPhee served as artistic director and conductor for choral groups, and taught private {…}
Calgary Opera is set to present a virtual concert and brunch experience entitled “Valentine’s Day Brunch.” The showcase, scheduled for Feb. 14, 2021, will pair opera classics from such works as “Le Nozze di Figaro” and “Don Giovanni” with jazz numbers. The showcase will be headlined by soprano Sharleen Joynt and mezzo-soprano Marion Newman. Other artists in the showcase include {…}
Calgary Opera has announced its first digital production, which will be streamed starting on Dec. 18, 2020. The concert event, entitled “The Yuletide Sessions: a holiday concert from home” will feature members of the company’s 2020-21 Emerging Artist Development Program as they present some holiday favorites. The production is a co-creation between stage director Vanessa Porteous and music director Mark {…}
Calgary Opera has announced that Artistic Director Bramwell Tovey, O.C. has decided to resign from his position with the company. Tovey has held the position since January 2019 and decided to step down to address an ongoing battle with cancer, for which he was diagnosed in June of 2019. In his stead, Managing Director and CEO Heather Kitchen will lead {…}
Calgary Opera has postponed its 2020-21 season. The productions that will be affected by the decision include “Fidelio,” “The Merry Widow,” “La Traviata,” “Christmas at the Opera,” Opera Brunches, Master Classes, and Student Dress Rehearsals. In a press release, Bramwell Tovey, O.C. – Artistic Director, and Heather Kitchen, Managing Director and CEO of Opera Calgary said, “It’s been 106 days {…}
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 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 {…}
As February, gets underway, more and more opera companies are opening their doors. This week’s offerings feature numerous modern works, but also have their fair share of classic repertoire. Here is the list (in alphabetical order by company). Dead Man Walking – Atlanta Opera Jake Heggie and Terrence McNally’s famed opera will get a major showcase in Atlanta in a {…}