Greek myths might bring to mind settings of vast chalky columns bathed in Mediterranean light, but not so in this production of Luigi Cherubini’s adaptation of the tragic tale of Medea. After an exuberant, stormy overture, the curtain rises on King Creonte’s palace,...
Canadian mezzo soprano Marta Herman takes us to Lucerne, Switzerland where she is performing the role of Anastasio in Luzerner Theater’s production of Vivaldi’s Il Guistino, running May 2 to June 20. During her downtime, Marta shared with us what it has been like to stay in Luzern, including her favourite place to grab a coffee, the best way to explore the natural beauty in the city, and which museums she has been touring. Read on to find out more.
The Little Opera Company (LOC) took a bold leap of faith as it closed its 2023/24 season with the Canadian premiere of Jonathan Dove’s The Walk from the Garden, a darkly ominous, allegorical church opera inspired by the Biblical tale of Adam and Eve’s expulsion from...
Carmen, the opera that Stephen Sondheim once called a non-stop hit parade, boasts a double cast of Carmen and Don José. Sarah Mesko starred opening night beside Alok Kumar as Don José while Ginger Costa-Jackson—stepping in for Carolyn Sproule who had to cancel at the...
If you find yourself in search of a good few hours of worry-free merriment, the return of Don Pasquale to the Canadian Opera Company (COC) after a thirty-year absence will be all the balm you need. Donizetti’s charming, satisfying comedy lands with us in a production...
The Artist of the Week is Ukrainian-Canadian soprano Natalya Gennadi. She is currently in rehearsals with Soundstreams for their upcoming production, Grandma’s Shawl. This is a piece she curated and is featured in – a musical journey inspired by the tale of Kokum Shawls, telling the story of the lasting bond between Ukrainian women and Indigenous women. Get your tickets for this one night only event on May 4. Lucky for us, Natalya was able to spare a few minutes to share with us who inspires her as a singer, how she shared a tea date with the great Ileana Cotrubas, and what she would do if she won the lottery. Read on to find out more.
![Edmonton Opera Ayre “[McKenzie Warriner’s] soaring, penetrating, unhurried, clarion invocation…left the room in attentive silence, and then exuberant ovation”](https://operacanada.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/EO-Ayre-2024-0897-400x250.jpg)
Edmonton Opera’s Artistic Director Joel Ivany continues his eclectic approach to opera company programming. After a traditional production of Carmen in the fall and a semi-staged Don Giovanni at the beginning of February, both at their mainstay 2,400-seat Jubilee...
The Artist of the Week is Canadian mezzo soprano Emma Parkinson. She is preparing the role of Flora in Verdi’s La Traviata for Opéra de Massy’s upcoming production. Emma was kind enough to sit down with us to talk about what her view of success looks like, what opera caused her to cry for the very first time, and how she is secretly an incredible salsa dancer. Read on to find out more.
Canadian soprano Andriana Chuchman takes us to Houston, Texas where she is making her role debut as Donna Anna in Houston Grand Opera’s production of Don Giovanni, running April 19 – May 3. Between rehearsals, Andriana shared with us what she has been up to while in Houston, including exploring the culinary delights that Houston has on offer, going to Astro games, and going to the Houston Zoo with her family! Read on to find out more.
The Artist of the Week is Canadian soprano Lara Ciekiewicz. Currently, she is in her hometown preparing the role of Micaëla for Manitoba Opera’s upcoming production of Carmen, running April 13-19. This week Lara spared a few minutes to share with us how she is working on her braiding designs for her Easter paska, how she experiences the ups and downs of the industry, and what it means to her to be brave with music including some amazing hashtags #humblingandmagical #dothething #artforall. Read on to find out more.
The Artist of the Week is Canadian tenor Antoine Bélanger who is currently in Montreal reprising his role as Znorko in Enigma. Originally premiered by l’Opera de Metz, it is now being produced by Opéra de Montréal, running April 7-14. We sat down to talk to Antoine about what inspired him to start singing, his love of Lord of the Rings, and how his career has taught him how to be resilient in the face of adversity. Read on to find out more.
Canadian contralto, Rose Naggar-Tremblay takes us to Erfurt, Germany where she is performing the role of Erda in Theater Erfurt’s current production of Wagner’s Das Rheingold, running March 23 to May 9. On her way to Paris, Rose had a few moments with us to share what the Opera House at Theater Erfurt is like, where to find the best coffee in town, and what she has been doing for fun while overseas. Read on to find out more.