Vancouver Opera returns to live performances for its 2021-22 season, with two days of outdoor performances at the šxʷƛ̓exən Xwtl’a7shn (formerly QET Plaza), followed by three operas at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre starting in December. The upcoming season offers a range of works, including an intriguing integration of contemporary dance in it’s opening production.
“The entire team at Vancouver Opera is thrilled to be staging these productions this coming season,” said Vancouver Opera General Director Tom Wright, in a press release. “Two company premieres and a classic that highlights our amazing orchestra, chorus and celebrated Canadian vocal talent.”
L-R: Mezzo Soprano Krisztina Szabó. Photo: Bo Huang. Mezzo-soprano Mireille Lebel. Photo: Pierre-Etienne Bergeron. Soprano Mireille Asselin. Photo: Bo Huang
The 2021-22 season will open on Dec. 4 with a Vancouver Opera premiere and first collaboration with Ne. Sans Opera and The Dance Theatre, Orfeo ed Euridice by Christoph Willibald Gluck. Canadian mezzo-soprano Mireille Lebel, who had a big success with VO in their late 2020 digital production of Poulenc’s La voix humaine, stars in the title role as history’s most famous musician. Canadian-Hungarian mezzo soprano Krisztina Szabó sings Euridice (usually cast with a soprano), alongside Canadian soprano Mireille Asselin as Amor. Leslie Dala conducts VO’s Orchestra and Chorus. Vancouver’s Ne. Sans opera dance company reimagines opera through contemporary dance. Their Artistic Director, Idan Cohen, will direct and choreograph Orfeo.
Two concert performances of Cavalleria rusticana by Pietro Mascagni will follow in February, which will also welcome back VO’s Music Director Emeritus Jonathan Darlington to conduct the Vancouver Opera Orchestra and Chorus. Featured performers include Canadian-American dramatic soprano Othalie Graham as Santuzza, Canadian tenor David Pomeroy as Turridu, and Canadian baritone Gregory Dahl as Alfio.
L-R: Tenor David Pomeroy. Photo: Alexandra Lennox. Dramatic soprano Othalie Graham. Photo: Devon Cass. Baritone Gregory Dahl. Photo: Courtesy of Dean Artists Management
Gilbert and Sullivan’s HMS Pinafore, a long-standing audience favourite, will close out the season from April 30-May 8. Casting is still to be announced. Directed by Canadian stage director Brenna Corner, the show will feature the VO’s Orchestra and Chorus conducted by Canadian conductor Rosemary Thomson.
More information on Vancouver Opera’s upcoming 2021-22 season here.
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Angela Bell is Opera Canada’s Digital Media Specialist. She has held digital and PR roles with various businesses including the Walt Disney Company, Sullivan Entertainment and Toronto International Film Festival.
