American soprano Marjorie Owens is in Vancouver, BC singing one of her signature roles, Senta, in Vancouver Opera‘s new production of Wagner‘s The Flying Dutchman (alongside our Artist of the Week, Scott Rumble) which opened April 29 and has one show left on May 7 (tickets here).
Upcoming highlights for Owens include reprising Senta for Pittsburgh Opera from November 11-19, and singing the title role in Washington National Opera‘s new production of Turandot (May 11-25, 2024). Owens is a former member of the Sächsische Staatsoper in Dresden and a Grand Finals Winner of the Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions. Join us as she explores her favourite spots in beautiful, cherry-blossom-filled Vancouver.
City where you’re working?
Glorious Vancouver
What are you working on?
I’m on contract with Vancouver Opera for about 6 weeks and it’s my first time here in Vancouver, BC.
What’s the opera house like?
The Queen Elizabeth Theatre is gorgeous! Spacious with excellent acoustics. It has these tiny lights studded throughout the ceiling that remind me of the starry night sky.
Where is the most peaceful place in the city above?
That would be the balcony of my AirBnB.
Best coffee or tea?
Diet Pepsi all the way. I’m across from a mall in Gastown that I dip into for precious caffeine daily 🙂
Coolest bar or restaurant you’ve been to?
Browns Socialhouse right next to the Queen Elizabeth Theater. Open late and perfect for post rehearsal drinks or a bite.
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An activity you have done that is unique to the area? Enjoying the beautiful Cherry Blossoms all over the city.
How did you find your accommodation?
My manager’s glorious assistant Catherine helped me find a couple AirBnB apartments in the city.
What’s the most important thing you think of when it comes to finding accommodation as a singer?
Location, location, location.
Is there something unexpected that happens locally that you discovered?
I’ve never quite gotten used to seeing the magnificent mountain view combined with seagulls shrieking in the sky.
Have you had a chance to explore some galleries or museums?
So far, I’ve been too busy with rehearsals but I’m hoping to explore the city a bit more!
Is there anything you recommend beyond what we’ve asked here?
Please bring an umbrella. I’ve had numerous Uber drivers gift me forgotten umbrellas throughout my stay because I didn’t take the rain seriously. I think I’m up to 4 now!
LEARN MORE ABOUT MARJORIE
VISIT HER WEBSITE
© Simon Pauly
Downtown Vancouver, BC © Destination Vancouver
Marjorie Owens (Senta) and Gregory Dahl (The Dutchman) pre-performance in Vancouver Opera’s The Flying Dutchman © Marjorie Owens
Marjorie Owens and the cast of Vancouver Opera’s The Flying Dutchman enjoying post-performance libations © Marjorie Owens
Historic Gastown in Vancouver, BC © That Adventurer UK
Wagner’s The Flying Dutchman
Vancouver Opera
April 29-May 7, 2023
DIRECTOR Brian Deedrick
CONDUCTOR Les Dala
SET DESIGNER Craig Alfredson
LIGHTING DESIGN Gerald King
PROJECTION DESIGNER Wladimiro A. Woon Rodriguez
COMPOSER Richard Wagner
THE DUTCHMAN Gregory Dahl
SENTA Marjorie Owens
ERIK Wookyung Kim
DALAND Richard Wiegold
STEUERMANN Scott Rumble
MARY Megan Latham
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