(Photo: © Vivien Gaumand) Puccini’s “Turandot” was his final and arguably greatest achievement: a work in which the composer who had perfected the sentimental lyricism of “La bohème,” “Tosca” and “Madama Butterfly” looked decisively toward the 20th century. Its harmonic sophistication, orchestral color and atmosphere were unprecedented in his theater, while its stylized orientalism was not merely decorative but fundamental {…}
The Opéra de Montréal has announced its 2026-27 season. Puccini’s “Turandot” opens the season in Francesca Zambello’s production. Paolo Arrivabeni conducts a cast that includes Maida Hundeling, Andrea Shin, Joyce El-Khoury, Raymend Aceto, Nathan Keoughan, and Rocco Rupolo. Performance Dates: Sept. 26-Oct, 4, 2026 Julien Dran leads Massenet’s “Werther” with Julie Boulianne, Sophie Naubert, Hugo Laporte. Jacques Lacombe conducts Alain {…}
Vancouver Opera is set to close its 2023-2024 season with Georges Bizet’s “Carmen.” The opera has not been performed at the company in 10 years and will be performed five times this season. In a statement, Tom Wright, General Director of Vancouver Opera said, “Bizet’s masterful score, multi-level sets that straddle the spectacular and the seedy, and the promise of captivating {…}
Montreal’s Productions Opéra Concept MP will soon present the Toronto premiere of Julien Bilodeau’s “Another Brick in the Wall: The Opera.” Performances will be held at Meridian Hall (formerly Sony Centre) from Nov. 13 – 23, 2019. The opera, described in the press release as a “lyrical exploration of alienation, abandonment, and isolation — as symbolized by a wall,” will {…}