“Opera al Fresco” is set to return to the University of Alberta Botanical Garden following a three year absence. The event, presented by Edmonton Opera is set for August 26, 2022. The program that will feature over 25 artists, including soprano Miriam Kahlil and mezzo-soprano Andrea Hill. Kahlil performed in the company’s 2022 production of “La Bohème,” while Hill took on {…}
Edmonton Opera has announced the inaugural Rumbold Vocal Prize. The prize will be awarded to emerging opera singers with four finalists taking part in a week of professional development. Among the activities they will participate in are a vocal master class featuring Adrianne Pieczonka. The four finalists will receive air transportation, food per diem and private hotel accommodation for the {…}
Sue Fitzsimmons has been named the new Executive Director of Edmonton Opera. Through her experience and senior leadership of over 15 years, she helped Edmonton Opera fulfill its mission of bringing the community together through arts experiences. Fitzsimmons is an experienced choral singer, with a Ph.D. from the University of Alberta. She has been a professor at the same University {…}
Edmonton Opera has announced its 2022-23 season. This season will be the first under artistic director Joel Ivany and will feature three opera productions. “Tosca” will kick off the new season in a production by Alison Moritz. Simon Rivard conducts a cast starring Karen Slack, David Pomeroy, and Peter Barrett. Performance Dates: Oct. 22 – 28, 2022 Joel Ivany directs {…}
Edmonton Opera is set to premiere a new production of “Così fan tutte” on March 19, 2022. The work, which will be conducted by Justo Valdés and directed by Kim Mattice Wanat (both in their company debuts), will aim to redirect the opera’s famed titular punchline and “re-examine the way women are portrayed in the story.” “We first meet the {…}
The Edmonton Opera has announced a cast change for its production of “La Boheme.” The company noted that on Saturday, Feb.5 the role of Rodolfo will be sung by tenor Adam Luther replacing Andrew Haji. Luther previously sang the role of Tamino in the company’s 2015 production of “The Magic Flute.” He has also performed with the Manitoba Opera, Calgary {…}
The Edmonton Opera’s Board of Directors has announced that Joel Ivany will be the company’s new artistic director. Ivany, who is the founder of Against the Grain Theatre in Toronto, made his Edmonton Opera debut in 2013 when he directed a new production of “The Tales of Hoffman. He has also directed works for such companies as The Canadian Opera {…}
(Credit: Kelly Redinger) On Nov. 26, 2021, Edmonton Opera will present the digital premiere of composer Vivian Fung’s two operatic scenes, “Grover and Friends,” and “Alarm.” The premieres come as part of the company’s Wild Rose Opera Project and will stream on their website, Facebook, and YouTube pages. The works are based on the oral history of Fung’s family, who {…}
Edmonton Opera is set to open a production of Bernstein’s “Candide” starting on March 14, 2020 at the Jubilee Auditorium. Joel Ivany will direct the company premiere of the famed work with Peter Dala conducting. In the title role, audiences will see Adam Fisher. He will be joined by Caitlin Wood as Cunegonde, John Ullyatt as Dr. Pangloss and the {…}
The Edmonton Opera has announced its 2020-21 Season featuring three productions including one West Canadian premiere. Here is a look. Puccini’s “La Bohème” opens the season with Andrew Haji, Miriam Khalil, Lara Ciekiewicz, Peter Barrett, Stephen Hegedus, and Aaron Dimoff. Peter Dala conducts the opera with a libretto by Luigi Illica and Giuseppe Giacosa in a production by Alain Gauthier. {…}
You won’t find a major repertory staple in this weekend’s previews, but all of these works are essential viewing for the opera lover. There are a few world premieres coupled with gems from famed composers that rarely take the stage. Then there’s a masterpiece embedded in this week’s top recommendations (in alphabetical order by company). Le Comte Ory – Edmonton {…}