News

_{Artist of the Week} 18 Qs for Catherine Daniel

by Máiri Demings | Nov 25, 2024 | Artist of the Week, Featured, News

The Artist of the Week is Canadian mezzo-soprano Catherine Daniel. She will be featured in City Opera Vancouver’s Voices from the African Diaspora alongside pianist Gordon Gerrard on November 28th. This recital shines a spotlight on the profound, and often overlooked, contributions of Black composers to the world of classical music. This week, Catherine shares her favourite composers, her TV guilty pleasure and how one goes from subbing for a junior high gym class to singing Carmen in the span of four hours. Read on to find out more.

_{Artist of the Week} 17 Qs for Jacques Lacombe

by Máiri Demings | Nov 18, 2024 | Artist of the Week, Featured, News

The Artist of the Week is Canadian conductor Jacques Lacombe. He will be conducting Ambroise Thomas’ operatic adaptation of Hamlet at Opéra de Montréal from November 16th to 24th. This week, Jacques shares his favourite cities, a Nutcracker mishap and his favourite instrument (after the human voice of course). Read on to find out more.

_{OPERA PLACES} Gordon Bintner takes us to Chicago

by Máiri Demings | Nov 14, 2024 | Artist of the Week, Featured, News

Canadian bass-baritone Gordon Bintner takes us to Chicago, where he is singing Count Almaviva in Lyric Opera of Chicago’s production of The Marriage of Figaro.
While in Chicago, Gordon shares the best place to grab brunch, his museum recommendations and his plans to see his first NHL game. How Canadian! Read on to find out more.

_{Artist of the Week} 15 Qs for Teiya Kasahara 笠原貞野

by Máiri Demings | Nov 11, 2024 | Artist of the Week, Featured, News

The Artist of the Week Soprano Teiya Kasahara 笠原貞野. They will be performing the role of O in re:Naissance’s Eurydice Fragments (which they co-created with Luke Hathaway) at IndieFest 2024 from November 15th-17th.
This week, Teiya chats with us about getting into character, classical music listening recommendations and their childhood dream job. Read on to find out more.

_{Artist of the Week} 15 Qs for Rebecca Cuddy

by Máiri Demings | Nov 4, 2024 | Artist of the Week, Featured, News

The Artist of the Week is Canadian and Métis mezzo-soprano Rebecca Cuddy. She will be performing Ian Cusson’s Songs From the House of Death with the Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestra as part of their concert, Feher Conducts Brahms, on November 9th.
This week, Rebecca chats with us about her very first trip to the opera, how she copes with the stress of auditions and what being brave means to her. Read on to find out more.

_{OPERA PLACES} Brenna Corner takes us to Washington, D.C.

by Máiri Demings | Oct 31, 2024 | Artist of the Week, Featured, News

Canadian stage director Brenna Corner takes us to Washington, D.C. where she is directing a brand-new production of Verdi’s MacBeth at the Washington National Opera.
While in Washington, Brenna shares the museums and parks she has visited, where to get the best post-rehearsal meal and her favourite neighbourhood to explore. Read on to find out more.

_{Artist of the Week} 22 Qs for Jorell Williams

by Máiri Demings | Oct 28, 2024 | Artist of the Week, Featured, News

The Artist of the Week is baritone Jorell Williams, who will be singing Belcore in Manitoba Opera’s production of The Elixir of Love from October 26th to November 1st.
This week, we sat down with Jorell to find out more about how he prepares for a new role, his musical family and a surprising celebrity run in.

_{Artist of the Week} 24 Qs for Meghan Lindsay

by Máiri Demings | Oct 21, 2024 | Artist of the Week, Featured, News

The Artist of the Week is Canadian soprano Meghan Lindsay, who will be singing the title role of Galatea in Handel’s Acis and Galatea with Opera Atelier from October 24th to 27th. This week, Meghan gives us a peek into her academic career, favourite repertoire and go-to mind-calming practice.

_{OPERA PLACES} Wallis Giunta takes us to London, England

by Máiri Demings | Oct 17, 2024 | Artist of the Week, Featured, News

Irish-Canadian mezzo-soprano Wallis Giunta takes us to London, England where she is making her Royal Opera House debut as Dinah in Trouble in Tahiti.
While in London, Wallis gives us insight on her favourite London attractions and how she balances rehearsals while looking after her 10-month-old daughter. Read on to find out more.

Librettist Royce Vavrek appointed as Against the Grain’s new Artistic Director

by Communications | Oct 15, 2024 | Featured, News

Against the Grain Theatre (AtG), one of Canada’s leading innovators in opera and vocal works, is excited to announce that Canadian librettist Royce Vavrek has been appointed as the company’s new Artistic Director.