‘The Rubies’: 17th Edition of the Opera Canada Awards, Oct. 30, 2017

by | Nov 1, 2017 | Featured, News, Rubies Awards

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 Yves Abel

Janet Stubbs, ‘Rubies’ sponsor for conductor and honouree, Yves Abel Photo: Gaetz Photography

Karina Gauvin Roy Marjorie Linden

Soprano Karina Gauvin (centre) with ‘Rubies’ sponsors Marjorie and Roy Linden Photo: Gaetz Photography

Michael Patrick Albano Earlaine Collins

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.

Angie Bell

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.

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