Royal Opera | The Sicilian Vespers | Opera Canada
Lev Bratishenko
Opéra de Montréal
La Reine-Garçon “More of this, please.”
Finally, a new opera that doesn’t get in its own way! The premiere of La Reine-Garçon on February 3 was the affirmation (that some of us badly needed) of contemporary opera’s ability to tell a compelling story. Not a story from our times, apparently that’s still an...
Winter 2023 Print Issue Cover Feature: A Conversation with Elliot Madore
Lev Bratishenko talks to Elliot Madore, while the Canadian baritone is singing in Zurich, Switzerland – a city of great significance to him
Fall 2023 Print Issue The Rubies: Michael Hidetoshi Mori & Jaime Martino—Change Makers
On November 6, 2023, we will gather at The Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts in Toronto to celebrate the best in Canadian opera. This year we honour baritone Gino Quilico, soprano Isabel Bayrakdarian, music librarian Wayne Vogan, and industry change makers, Jaime Martino and Michael Hidetoshi Mori.
Spring 2023 Print Issue Stage Scenes: Keri Lynn-Wilson — Defending Ukraine Through Music
Canadian-Ukrainian maestro Keri-Lynn Wilson is creating an experience that strengthens a nation and touches the world. This text was originally published in the Spring 2023 print version of Opera Canada magazine.
Winter 2022/23 Print Issue Stage Scenes Modern-Day Diva: Sharleen Joynt
The paradox of a talented operatic voice with a reality television presence is tough for certain purists to swallow.
Concours Musical International de Montreal Part 7 Aria finals, dessert
Eleven days of absurd artistic competition came to an end in a two hour squeeze on Thursday night. At the end of the marathon even our famously grateful Canadian audiences could not find the strength for standing ovations. I can’t imagine how the singers felt. I’ve...
Concours Musical International de Montreal Part 6 Aria semifinals, pasta course
The second semifinal started with a warning that we would first hear an overture; the previous night's unannounced one must have really freaked people out. The question going into last night’s concert was whether mezzo-soprano Deepa Johnny and baritone Brian Murray,...
Concours Musical International de Montreal Part 5 Aria semifinals, first course
The competition moved to the big garish canoe, the Maison Symphonique, for the rest of the aria rounds; it’s hard on the eyes but cozier for big voices than Bourgie Hall. Most singers sounded much better than in the little room where their power can be alarming, with...
Concours Musical International de Montreal Part 4 Art Song finals, let’s call it a tie
The absurdity of comparing performers becomes the most acute in the finals. Typically, by now, token local competitors and other political choices are eliminated and your ears are left with more than they could possibly eat. This was certainly true in the Art Song...
Concours Musical International de Montreal Part 3 Art Song Semifinals
It was harder to enjoy the singers in the Art Song semifinals, the rep orbiting late 19th century romantic poetry like a donkey tied to a grindstone. Angst is universal: don’t we all go through a phase of uncontrollable sighing and obsessions with flowers, moonlight,...
Concours Musical International de Montreal Part 2 Art Song takes the lead
(and we taste disappointment for the first time) The second eight-hour concert hits differently. Repertoire begins to repeat, Bourgie Hall’s “discount sepulchre” vibe closes in; you glare with outrage and longing at the judges’ complimentary cushions. It becomes...