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*this text was originally published in the spring 2024 print version of Opera Canada magazine
In this leadership issue, we celebrate the remarkable achievements of Canadians who are assuming new artistic leadership roles in the world of opera, both at home and abroad.
On our cover, we will feature the talented conductor Jordan de Souza, who is set to take on the esteemed position of General Music Director of the City of Dortmund, Germany; he will be responsible for the Opera and the Symphony Orchestra. Jordan’s passion for opera and his dedication to musical excellence make him a shining example of Canadian talent on the global stage. We wish him all the best in this exciting new chapter of his career.
We also spotlight several other visionary leaders who are making significant contributions to the opera community at home. Gordon Gerrard, as the new Artistic Director of City Opera Vancouver, brings fresh perspectives and innovative ideas to the company. Tania Miller‘s appointment as the Artistic Director of BrottOpera builds upon the late Boris Brott’s unwavering commitment to artistic excellence and inclusivity. And with Jacques Lacombe at the helm, Vancouver Opera is poised to reach new heights. We also applaud Brenna Corner and Giuseppe (Joey) Pietraroia for their new roles as Artistic Director and Principal Conductor of Pacific Opera Victoria, doubling down on the importance of community engagement.
Additionally, we feature one of Canada’s greatest arts leaders, Dr. Peter Simon, the outgoing President of The Royal Conservatory of Music. Simon is a visionary, someone I have long admired, and I am pleased that he shares some of his story in our Stage Business profile. The cultural landscape in Toronto has been transformed by his work building up the funding for the TELUS Centre for the Performing Arts and Koerner Hall.
As we celebrate these inspiring leaders, I’m also filled with a sense of gratitude and nostalgia as I announce that this will be my final issue as Editor-in-Chief of Opera Canada. It has been an absolute privilege to serve this vital publication and to witness firsthand the passion and dedication of everyone involved in bringing the world of opera to life on these pages.
I am proud of the work we’ve accomplished together and the impact we’ve had on promoting and preserving the art form that we all hold dear. As I pass the baton to my successor, I hope Opera Canada will continue to thrive and evolve, remaining a beacon of excellence in the opera world. I’m grateful for all of the support I have received during my tenure here. It has been an honour to share this journey with you, and I look forward to seeing all that the future holds for Opera Canada.
—Elizabeth Bowman, Editor-In-Chief Opera Canada
Editor-in-Chief of Opera Canada from May 1, 2022 – May 15, 2024. Before moving to the editorial side, she was a publicist for opera singers, classical instrumentalists and arts organizations for over a decade. She says of her work: “It’s a lifestyle, not a job”.
