Canadian opera fans, we’re looking at a lovely long weekend ahead! It’s a good time to take stock of the latest offerings in online streaming – like these three little Canadian operatic Easter eggs:
Dialogues des Carmélites, Opera Laurier
Starting March 31, 7:30pm ET, Opera Laurier presents a filmed production of Poulenc’s stunning opera, Dialogues de Carmélites. It’s a rare pick for pandemic-times opera, since this opera calls for a full stage of singers; but with the magic of film, even socially-distanced staging can look like a delightfully crowded scene. The production drops on Opera Laurier’s YouTube channel on March 31 at 7:30pm ET, and is available for future streaming. For a glimpse, check out their trailer:
Perruqueries, City Opera Vancouver
Following on the heels of their intriguing take on La voix humaine, the latest out of City Opera Vancouver is a comic cantata about the life and times of wigs, and the people who wear them. With text by Bill Richardson and music by Jocelyn Morlock, this 20-minute moment of fun features soprano Robyn Driedger-Klassen, bass-baritone Peter Monaghan, and pianist Tina Chang. Perruqueries is available on YouTube now:
Where Do I Go?, Tapestry Opera
It’s not opera in the way we normally expect it, but the most recent of Tapestry Opera’s livestream concerts is a gripping fusion of music and storytelling. Director Michael Hidetoshi Mori and videographer Taylor Long create a short film out of the work of pianist Morgan-Paige Melbourne and dancer/choreographer Alyssa Martin. Where Do I Go? is singular and a must-watch:
The Gondoliers, Toronto Operetta Theatre
In case you haven’t caught it yet, TOT’s production of the G&S classic, The Gondoliers, is available to stream through April 5. Under the direction of Guillermo Silva-Marin, The Gondoliers features a fab crew of Canadians: Elizabeth Beeler, Tonatiuh Abrego, Bradley Christensen, Gregory Finney, Daniela Agostino, and more. Grab your ticket for only $20!
Messiah/Complex, Against the Grain Theatre
For those of you who tuned in in December, you’ll know that Against the Grain’s sweeping, award-nominated film-oratorio project isn’t entirely new – but it’s coming back for a limited time this Easter. From April 1-13, Messiah/Complex is available to stream in all its cross-Canadian glory. And Messiah-savvy folks will appreciate the last day of this encore stream; April 13, 1742 marked the premiere of Handel’s masterwork in Dublin, Ireland. Register via AtG’s website to watch, and get a taste with this trailer:
Readers, what are you watching out of Canada’s digital opera output? Let us know in the comments, or get in touch at outreach@operacanada.ca.
Jenna is the editor and co-creator of Schmopera. She also writes for The Globe and Mail and Opera Canada. She’s a pianist and vocal coach, and working with singers is how she fell in love with opera.
