This week, Canadian soprano Emily Dorn is in Montreal singing the role of Margarita Xirgu in Opéra de Montréal‘s Ainadamar (alongside last week’s Artist of the Week, soprano Elizabeth Polese). She currently performs with Landestheater Detmold and highlights include role debuts as Frau Luna, Tatjana and Donna Elvira. Since graduating from McGill University, Dorn has been in much demand performing at leading opera houses and symphonies across Europe, including Landestheater Detmold, Semperoper Dresden, Teatro Massimo, and the BBC Philharmornic.
Join us as Dorn gives us a tour of beautiful Montreal, from vibrant street art to the most peaceful place in the city. Ainadamar runs until March 26, tickets here.
I’m currently in Montréal, Quebec, singing the role of Margarita Xirgu in the opera Ainadamar with Opéra de Montréal.
What are you working on?
My contract with Opéra de Montréal lasts approximately 5 weeks! Four weeks of rehearsals and one week of performances. It’s my second time working with this wonderful company (first time was in Don Giovanni in 2016), but I’ve spent lots of time in this city, as I did my undergraduate degree at McGill University. It’s a joy to return to a city that encompasses such sweet nostalgia and also such a thrilling anticipation when it comes to the focus of this trip.
What’s the opera house like?
We are performing Ainadamar at the Theatre Maisonneve in Place des Arts. It’s luxurious, spacious and grand while still maintaining intimacy with its 1500 seats.
© Théâtre Maisonneuve
What’s the most peaceful place in the city?
For me the most peaceful place in any city is on my yoga mat. Here in Montreal I look out at Mont-Royal through my window while I practice. It centers me, regulates my nervous system and brings me calm when things feel scary and unsure.
Best coffee or tea?
Café Parvis! Really close to the opera with a stunning decor, the menu is beautiful and the cappuccino delicious.
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Coolest bar or restaurant you’ve been to? Else’s! A cute little neighborhood pub in the Plateau. It just has a cool vibe, friendly staff, great local draft beers and tasty comfort food.
An activity you have done that is unique to the area?
Going to see an independent movie at the Cinéma du Parc.
Is there something unexpected that happens locally that you discovered?
Something that amazed me is that downtown Montreal is really just one giant art exhibit! The massive murals are truly jaw dropping… so creative, beautiful and impressive! I didn’t know that street art has become one of Montreal’s core visual identities and I have adored exploring the city in awe at the incredible artistic talent!
How do you find your accommodation?
Thankfully the Opéra de Montréal secures housing for their out-of-town performers. It’s a huge relief to not have to be responsible for that! The company is so caring and thoughtful, they make it as convenient as possible – which is particularly helpful when you’re arriving jet lagged!
What’s the most important thing you think of when it comes to finding accommodation as a singer?
For me location is everything. Close proximity to the rehearsal space or the performance venue is what I value most… ideally with grocery and laundry facilities nearby!
LEARN MORE ABOUT EMILY
VISIT HER WEBSITE
Emily Dorn © Carley Jayne Photography
Views of Mont-Royal from downtown Montreal © Go!Montreal
Gigantic, vibrant murals and street art decorate the buildings in Montreal, QC © Emily Dorn
Osvaldo Golijov’s Ainadamar
Théâtre Maisonneuve
March 18-26, 2023
LIBRETTIST David Henry Hwang
COMPOSER Osvaldo Golijov
STAGE DIRECTOR Brian Staufenbiel
CONDUCTOR Nicole Paiement
NATIVE GIRL Melody Courage
MARGARITA XIRGU Emily Dorn
FEDERICO GARCIA LORCA Luigi Schifano
NURIA Elizabeth Polese
RAMON RUIZ ALONSO Alfredo Tejada
JOSÉ TRIPALDI Alain Coulombe
MAESTRO Geoffrey Schellenberg
TORERO Jaime Sandoval
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