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 {…}
(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 {…}
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 {…}
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 {…}
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 {…}
The Canadian Opera Company has announced its 2020-21 season, which will feature six operas and some special events. The season opens with François Girard’s famed production of Wagner’s “Parsifal.” Christopher Ventris and Vikor Antipenko will alternate the title role with Johan Reuter as Amfortas and Tanja Ariane Baumgartner will take on Kundry. Robert Pomakov will interpret Klingsor while Mika Kares {…}
The Canadian Opera Company announced that four new opera artists will join its Ensemble Studio training program for the 2020-21 season including soprano Midori Marsh, baritone Jonah Spungin, bass-baritone Alex Halliday, and pianist/intern coach Frances Thielmann. Marsh has won the First Prize and the Audience Choice Award at the 2019 Ensemble Studio Competition. At the same competition, Halliday claimed the {…}
With 2020 fully underway, opera companies are back in business. For this weekend’s recommendations, we feature a few repertory staples as well as some major new operas from the 21st century. Il barbiere di Siviglia – Canadian Opera Company Starting on Sunday, the Canadian Opera Company is back in business with conductor Speranza Scappucci leading Joan Font’s production of Rossini’s {…}
The Canadian Opera Company has announced that Canadian stage director Julie McIsaac will become the inaugural Director/Dramaturg-in-Residence with the company. COC announced that the year-long residency is the newest addition to the COC Academy, the company’s professional development program for young opera artists, creators, and administrators. “I’m delighted to be a part of the COC Academy, and to explore and {…}
It’s time for another weekend of opera, with a wide range of impressive offerings coming from around the continent. This week’s selections include a number of repertory staples as well as some unique modern operas by living composers. Frida – Atlanta Opera, Georgia The Atlanta Opera closes out its production of “Frida” with two performances on Friday and Sunday. The {…}
It’s a big weekend in North America with four major companies opening their doors for the first time in 2019-20. As such, we have a plethora of major works to recommend, including two new operas that are sure to fulfill the interest of those who want something a bit different from the familiar path. Here are our top five*** opera {…}