On Mon. Oct. 31, Opera Canada Publications held its 17th annual Opera Canada Awards, a.k.a. the ‘Rubies’. Each year, this event honours three outstanding contributors to opera in Canada, or those who further the cause of Canadians working in opera abroad. The 2017 honourees were conductor Yves Abel, soprano Karina Gauvin and educator/director Michael Patrick Albano. A glittering assembly of opera industry heavy-hitters and fans from across the country gathered on the stunning 68th floor of First Canadian Place in downtown Toronto as a testament to the strength of our nation’s thriving opera scene. The gala is generously sponsored and hosted by BMO Financial Group in their very own ‘West Wing’-inspired event space with its spectacular views of the city skyline and Lake Ontario. Attendees were serenaded by top Canadian singing talent: the Canadian Children’s Opera Company; mezzo-soprano Marjorie Maltais; tenor Asitha Tennekoon; soprano Lucia Cesaroni and their collaborative pianist, Michael Shannon.
Janet Stubbs, ‘Rubies’ sponsor for conductor and honouree, Yves Abel Photo: Gaetz Photography
Soprano Karina Gauvin (centre) with ‘Rubies’ sponsors Marjorie and Roy Linden Photo: Gaetz Photography
Educator/Director Michael Patrick Albano with ‘Rubies’ sponsor Earlaine Collins Photo: Gaetz Photography
Besides its role as Canada’s premiere opera awards ceremony, the Opera Canada Awards gala also functions as Opera Canada‘s primary fundraising event of the year. Thank you to all of our sponsors, especially BMO Financial Group, Earlaine Collins, Roy and Marjorie Linden, Janet Stubbs, The John Stratton Trust, Stephen Clarke and Suzanne and Tony Cesaroni.
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- Nada Ristich, Director, Corporate Donations, BMO Financial Group Photo: Gaetz Photography
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- Rick Phillips, Master of Ceremonies Photo: Gaetz Photography
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- ‘Rubies’ honouree, conductor Yves Abel Photo: Gaetz Photography
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- Conductor Noel Edison, presenter for Yves Abel Photo: Gaetz Photography
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- ‘Rubies’ honouree, soprano Karina Gauvin Photo: Gaetz Photography
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- Pianist Michael McMahon, presenter for Karina Gauvin Photo: Gaetz Photography
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- ‘Rubies’ honouree, educator/director Michael Patrick Albano Photo: Gaetz Photography
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- COC Foundation Development officer Janet Stubbs, presenter for Michael Patrick Albano Photo: Gaetz Photography
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- Honouree Karina Gauvin with Opera Canada Editorial Director Gianmarco Segato Photo: Gaetz Photography
Angela Bell is Opera Canada’s Digital Media Specialist. She has held digital and PR roles with various businesses including the Walt Disney Company, Sullivan Entertainment and Toronto International Film Festival.
