OPERA PLACES Adam Luther takes us to Edmonton, AB
Canadian tenor Adam Luther has just closed a run as Don José in Edmonton Opera‘s production of Bizet’s Carmen, which ran from October 19 to 24, and opened the company’s Diamond Anniversary Season (60!). This week, he takes us with him to explore the city, sharing some unique spots that he and the cast enjoyed while on contract, activities that are unique to the area and more.
Artist of the Week 20 Qs for Jodie Devos
Belgian operatic coloratura soprano Jodie Devos is in Quebec City, singing Lucie in the Opéra de Québec‘s production of Donizetti’s Lucie de Lammermoor. This week, we sit down with her to talk about opera, important lessons learned from childhood, and everything in between. As Devos says: “If you want something, give yourself the means to achieve it.”
OPERA PLACES Joni Henson takes us to Victoria, BC
Canadian soprano Joni Henson is in Victoria, BC singing Seigrune in Pacific Opera Victoria‘s production of Wagner’s Die Walküre, which opened Oct 12 and has one more show tomorrow night, Oct 21. She takes us to nature-rich Victoria BC this week, where she shows us the majestic Royal Theatre, her favourite spots to take in stunning ocean views and grab cozy homemade soups, and more.
Artist of the Week 30 Qs for Sava Vemić
Serbian bass Sava Vemić is in Toronto, ON singing Don Fernando in the Canadian Opera Company‘s production of Beethoven’s Fidelio, running Sept 29 to Oct 20. This week, we discussed all things opera with him – what inspired him to sing, the roles he’d like to be singing in ten years, and how he defines happiness. In Vemić’s words, “Being with the people that you love, having good health and a clear head, and being present in the moment.”
Artist of the Week 19 Qs for Jennifer Maines
Canadian soprano Jennifer Maines is in Victoria, BC preparing to add a seventh role to her impressive list of Wagner roles, making her debut as Brünnhilde in Pacific Opera Victoria‘s production of Die Walküre opening this week. We caught up with her this week to reflect on her career in opera, what inspired her to begin singing, the best part of being an opera singer, whether she believes in fate, and more.
OPERA PLACES Miina-Liisa Värelä takes us to Toronto, ON
Finnish soprano Miina-Liisa Värelä is in Toronto making her debut as Leonore in Beethoven’s Fidelio at the Canadian Opera Company with COC Music Director Johannes Debus conducting. She takes us with her to explore the Toronto area this week, marvelling at the majestic beauty of Niagara Falls, the fine acoustics of the Four Seasons Centre, tasty coffee from The Rooster and more.
Artist of the Week 15 Qs for Amina Edris
Egyptian soprano Amina Edris is in Toronto, preparing for the first of five role debuts in her 2023/24 season, singing Mimi in the Canadian Opera Company’s production of Puccini’s La Bohème, running Oct 6 to 28. This week, she shares seminal moments in her career journey with us and reflects on the importance of investing in yourself as an artist.
OPERA PLACES Kirsten MacKinnon takes us to Montreal, QC
Canadian soprano Kirsten MacKinnon is in her hometown of Montreal making her company debut with Opéra de Montréal kicking off their 2023/24 season with Mozart’s The Marriage of Figaro, which runs until Oct 1. She takes us to beautiful, colourful Montreal this week to explore mural-filled city streets, cafes with snuggly rescue kittens, and so much more.
Artist of the Week 25 Qs for Anna-Sophie Neher
Canadian-German soprano Anna-Sophie Neher is in Toronto, preparing to return to the Canadian Opera Company’s stage as Marzelline in Beethoven’s Fidelio which opens this Friday, running Sept 29 to Oct 20. This week, we sat down with her to discuss her life and career, singers that keep her inspired, roles she’d like to be singing, and what it’s like to juggle family with a career in opera.
Artist of the Week 16 Qs for Hugo Laporte
French-Canadian baritone Hugo Laporte is in Montreal, preparing to reprise the role of Conte d’Almaviva in Opéra de Montréal‘s production of Mozart’s The Marriage of Figaro, opening Sept 23. We caught up with him to reflect on early career beginnings, favourite composers, how he defines success and all things opera life. To Laporte, success is about “cultivating inner peace… and even better, sharing happiness with others!”
