Canadian Opera Company Partners with Sistema Toronto To Expand Digital Children’s Series

The Canadian Opera Company’s digital platform for kids, Opera Makers, is set to bring interactive and educational programming to even more children in the region of Toronto. The program introduces the art form to children through activities that explore aspects such as storytelling, composition, performance, and design. The programming is created by COC teaching artists working with local partners. Among {…}

Aug 27, 2020

Alexander Neef Begins Tenure at Opéra National de Paris Earlier than Expected

The Canadian Opera Company has announced that General Director Alexander Neef will be made the new head of the Opéra national de Paris, effective September 2020. Neef will continue in his role with COC until a new General Director is found. The move comes after Stephane Lissner, the current head at the Opéra national de Paris, announced his departure from {…}

Jul 20, 2020

Canadian Opera Company to Stream Rufus Wainwright’s ‘Hadrian,’ Starring Thomas Hampson & Karita Mattila

The Canadian Opera Company will stream “Hadrian” for one night only on August 10, 2020. Starting at 6:30 p.m. ET, the company will join forces with the Montréal Pride Festival to host a free stream of the opera, accompanied by a watch party event that will feature a live Q & A with composer Rufus Wainwright and librettist Daniel MacIvor. {…}

Jul 17, 2020

Canadian Opera Company Premieres 215-Member ‘Anvil Chorus’ Video

The Canadian Opera Company has released a new video on its YouTube page featuring its first ever virtual choir singing the “Anvil Chorus” from Verdi’s “Il Trovatore.” After putting out an open invitation in May, the choir features over 215 singers from 22 countries across six continents. The project was led by COC’s Chorus Master Sandra Horst, with help from {…}

Jun 22, 2020

Canadian Opera Company Cancels Fall Season

The Canadian Opera Company has announced the cancellation of its in-person performances and programming through the fall of its 2020-21 season. In a press statement, Alexander Neef said, “Since the cancellation of our spring season back in March, we have been actively exploring every option regarding what our return to the stage might look like in our current reality. There {…}

Jun 12, 2020

Alexander Neef Responds to French Media Reports Regarding Early Start to Opéra de Paris Tenure

Alexander Neef has released a statement in response to recent media speculation out of France that the Canadian Opera Company’s OC General Director plans on exiting his role with the company ahead of July 2021. In a statement, Neef confirmed that no decision has been made on accelerating a departure date. He said, “I certainly did not anticipate Lissner’s early {…}

Jun 10, 2020

Canadian Opera Company Ensemble Studio to Stream ‘Songs of Hope’ Concert

On July 9, 2020, the Canadian Opera Company Ensemble Studio will stream its concert “Songs of Hope: From Our Homes to Yours.” The program will feature favorite works from such composers as Britten, Schubert, Rodgers and Hammerstein, and more. On this virtual concert, COC general director Alexander Neef stated, “Over the past few months, we’ve helped these talented young artists {…}

Jun 8, 2020

Sondra Radvanovsky, Tapestry Opera, Tamara Wilson Headline 2020 Dora Mavor Moore Award Nominees

(Image Source: Canadian Opera Company) The Toronto Alliance for Performing Arts has unveiled the nominees for the 2020 Dora Mavor Moore Awards. For this article, our sole focus will be on nominations related to the opera world. Tapestry Opera led the way with 13 nominations spread over two different projects, including three nominations apiece in the Outstanding Achievement in Design {…}

May 21, 2020

Canadian Opera Company to Launch Eight-Week Children’s Workshop

Starting on May 20, 2020, the Canadian Opera Company will be launching an eight-week video series titled “Opera Makers: Activities for Young Creatives.” The series is designed for children ages 7 to 12, and explores the different art forms that go into making an opera, such as singing, composing, movement, set design, and more. Parents can register at the company’s {…}

May 7, 2020

Canadian Opera Company Launches Virtual Choir Project

The Canadian Opera company is set to launch the Virtual Choir. The group, which will be led by Price Family Chorus Master Sandra Horst will feature singers of all ages and abilities in a performance of the Anvil Chorus from Verdi’s “Il Trovatore.” “We’re very excited about this project,” COC General Director Alexander Neef stated in a press release. “We {…}

May 1, 2020

Canadian Opera Company Launches Digital Content Hub

The Canadian Opera Company has announced the launch of its Digital Content Hub. The new online portal will host all of the COC’s upcoming webinars, online tutorials, and interactive programs for adults and young people, as well as registration details. The platform will also house the company’s entire #OperaAtHome series, which includes performance clips, published daily. The series has already {…}

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