Marking the most broad-strokes announcement yet among Canadian opera companies, Calgary Opera has announced the postponement of their entire 2020-2021 season. The decision was no doubt difficult, and it’s worth watching the video message put out by Artistic Director Bramwell Tovey:
The postponement includes Calgary Opera’s mainstage productions – Fidelio, The Merry Widow, La traviata, and Amahl and the Night Visitors – as well as the company’s Opera Brunches, public masterclasses, and student dress rehearsals.
Calgary is working on feasible programming to replace the rescheduled events in the coming season. This content will be a mix of online offerings, and live events that can be performed safely for artists and audiences. Details are still forthcoming.
It’s a stunning announcement, sadly the right move for public safety. Calgary Opera is honouring its contracted artists as it moves its productions into 2021-22, but the 12-month lag will no doubt be costly to the company and its staff.
“Imagine how different life in isolation would be without books, poetry, music, movies, television, comedy or theatre,” write Tovey and Managing Director/CEO Heather Kitchen. “The arts unite us and bring us much needed beauty and hope. The best way to show you believe that the arts matter is to buy tickets, invite your friends, and help spread the word about the incredible live performances taking place right here in Calgary.”
Jenna is the editor and co-creator of Schmopera. She also writes for The Globe and Mail and Opera Canada. She’s a pianist and vocal coach, and working with singers is how she fell in love with opera.
