Our Artist of the Week is Chinese mezzo-soprano Hongni Wu. This week, she’s in Victoria, BC preparing to make her Canadian debut as Dorabella in Pacific Opera Victoria‘s Così fan tutte. She sits down with us to reflect on her career as an opera singer — favourite opera houses, how she prepares to get into character and more.
Communications
OPERA PLACES Baritone Iain MacNeil takes us to Frankfurt
Canadian baritone Iain MacNeil gives us a tour of scenic Frankfurt, sharing his favourite go-to spots and activities, from a “crispy honky tonk” bar in the heart of Alt-Sachsenhausen to harvesting wild Bärlauch.
Artist of the Week 20 Qs for Colin Ainsworth
Our Artist of the Week is internationally acclaimed Canadian tenor Colin Ainsworth. He is in Toronto this week, opening Opera Atelier‘s long-awaited production of Handel’s The Resurrection singing the role of Saint John. We caught up with him to reflect on his career in opera, roles that had the greatest impact on him, dad jokes and more.
Artist of the Week 34 Qs for Rihab Chaieb
Rising star Tunisian-Canadian mezzo-soprano Rihab Chaieb is our Artist of the Week. Her 2022/23 season is a busy one, filled with anticipated returns and debuts. This week, she is in Geneva opening the world premiere of Christian Jost’s Journey of Hope/ Voyage vers l’espoir at Grand Théâtre de Genève singing La mère Meryem (running until April 4).
OPERA PLACES Soprano Emily Dorn takes us to Montreal
This week, Canadian soprano Emily Dorn is in Montreal singing the role of Margarita Xirgu in Opéra de Montréal’s Ainadamar. Join us as she gives us a tour of beautiful and scenic Montreal, from vibrant street art to the most peaceful place in the city. Ainadamar runs until March 26.
Artist of the Week 17 Qs for Karina Gauvin
Canadian soprano Karina Gauvin is our Artist of the Week. This week, Gauvin sings The Human Requiem (Brahms’s Requiem) alongside Canadian baritone Joshua Hopkins with the Colorado Symphony conducted by Canadian-American Peter Oundjian (performances run from March 24 to 26).
Artist of the Week 24 Qs for Elizabeth Polese
Our Artist of the Week is Toronto-born soprano Elizabeth Polese. This weekend, she makes her role debut with Opéra de Montréal singing Nuria in Osvaldo Golijov’s Ainadamar running March 18 to 26. She sits down with us to reflect on life as an opera singer—the ups and downs, lessons learned, favourite places she’s worked, and more.
OPERA PLACES Mezzo Soprano Marion Newman takes us to Anchorage
Kwagiulth and Stó:lō First Nations mezzo soprano Marion Newman is currently in Anchorage, Alaska rehearsing for Anchorage Opera’s production of Missing, opening March 10. In this OPERA PLACES, Newman takes us to some of her favourite spots!
Artist of the Week 26 Qs for Aviva Fortunata
Our artist of the week is Calgary-born soprano Aviva Fortunata. This week she makes her role and company debut with Sarasota Opera singing Elvira in Verdi’s Ernani. She sat down with us to reflect on her career in opera, stage mishaps and the best advice she’s ever received.
Artist of the Week 31 Qs for Kyle Albertson
Our Artist of the Week is Kyle Albertson, who also stars as Prometheus in Pacific Opera Victoria’s The Birds. A frequent performer on many of the world’s leading stages, Albertson is celebrated for his luxurious voice and versatility at bringing characters to life on stage.