Artist of the Week 17 Qs for Anna-Julia David
Canadian soprano Anna-Julia David is in Toronto, singing the role of Amour in Opera Atelier‘s production of Gluck’s Orpheus and Eurydice. The production opened Oct 26, with one show left on Nov 1. We caught up with her this week to chat all things opera, arts and life – from key sources of inspiration to the luckiest thing that has ever happened to her, including being rescued in a Galician forest by a friendly pup.
Fall 2023 Print Issue The Rubies: Gino Quilico—Baritone of a Generation
On November 6, 2023, we will gather at The Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts in Toronto to celebrate the best in Canadian opera. This year we honour baritone Gino Quilico, soprano Isabel Bayrakdarian, music librarian Wayne Vogan, and industry change makers, Jaime Martino and Michael Hidetoshi Mori.
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.
