With the conclusion of the summer program on the weekend of July 26th/27th, Joel Ivany marked the end of an era, concluding his 12-year tenure as artistic director of opera at the Banff Centre.
“Joel really challenged and shaped what opera could be during his time at Banff Centre,” said Chris Lorway, Banff Centre’s president and CEO. “So many of his projects have broken down the fourth wall, taking opera away from the stage and, in doing so, finding new ways to connect with audiences. A great example of this is the opera pub series held each summer at Banff’s Royal Canadian Legion – one of the most anticipated annual events on the arts calendar for Banff residents.”
This 2025 program included a showing of music/opera from Canadian-American composer Karim Al-Zand as well as a full production of Poul Ruders’s The Handmaid’s Tale, in a new arrangement for chamber orchestra.
Photo Credit: Rita Taylor, courtesy of Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity
Maeve Palmer as Aunt Lydia and cast of handmaids in Banff’s 2025 production of The Handmaid’s Tale
“Every new beginning comes from another beginning’s end,” said Joel. “My time at Banff ranks among my most cherished artistic memories. We began with just nine participants in our first year, and by 2025, we had grown to over 70. Today, Banff Centre opera alumni are singing, playing and creating art in major cities and houses around the world. It’s been an honour to celebrate music by Al-Zand, Britten, Cusson, Gluck, Kouyoumdjian, Lizée, Mozart, Prestini, Ruders, Vivier and many others.
“I’m most proud of how we helped define what opera can be – here in Alberta, across Canada and internationally. With the mountains as a daily backdrop, the environment was as inspiring as it was nourishing. And truly, there’s nothing quite like an opera pub at the Legion!”
Opera Canada congratulates Joel on his amazing 12 years and looks forward to seeing the new developments at Banff in years to come.
