Elza van den Heever and the MET Orchestra: A stunning all-Strauss program
A preview of The Barber of Seville, from the COC Ensemble Studio
InterviewYesterday in the Richard Bradshaw Amphitheatre, the COC Ensemble Studio gave us a preview of The Barber of Seville, in anticipation of their mainstage performance on May 15th. I was so glad I brought my camera; it was a completely fun concert of highlights from Rossini's infamous opera, and it made me pretty excited to see the Ensemble Studio on the big stage.
On the recording of opera singers
HumourCanadian tenors Isaiah Bell and Christopher Mayell are thoughtful guys. Here, they chat about the tricky task of recording by opera singers; they talk about why it's difficult, why it's not the same as performing live, and why they should have to do it in the first place.
Stephen Lord: on Bel canto, singers, and theatre
Interview"He was master of the score's details and the orchestra played superbly for him." American conductor Stephen Lord comes back to Toronto early this year, and we're excited. He'll conduct Un ballo in maschera at the Canadian Opera Company, opening February 2nd; after his stunning Lucia di Lammermoor last year, that's a lot to look forward to.
In rehearsal with the COC Ensemble Studio: part 1
InterviewIn one week from today, the young artists of the Canadian Opera Company will grace the stage of the Four Seasons Centre as they present their unique performance of Mozart's Così fan tutte. The Ensemble Studio has been putting in some serious time to get this show on its feet, and I was lucky enough to get a few moments to talk with the cast.
In rehearsal with the COC Ensemble Studio: part 2
InterviewLater this week, the young artists of the Canadian Opera Company will grace the stage of the Four Seasons Centre as they present their unique performance of Mozart's Così fan tutte. Below is the second in our three-part video series, where we meet the four young singers who sing the roles of the lovers in Act II.
In rehearsal with the COC Ensemble Studio: part 3
InterviewThis Friday, the Canadian Opera Company's Ensemble Studio have their performance of Così fan tutte, directed by Atom Egoyan. This unique performance features all the young artists in the Ensemble Studio, who work additionally as covers to the mainstage cast. In the last of our three-part series, we meet soprano Claire de Sévigné (Despina) and baritone Gordon Bintner (Don Alfonso).
Talking with singers: Michael Robert-Broder
InterviewVancouver native Michael Robert-Broder is a rising baritone in the Canadian operatic scene. Between rehearsals for his quickly approaching gig as Bartolo in Opera York's production of Il barbiere di Siviglia, Michael chats about what roles he'd love to tackle, the responsibilities of young singers, opera's relevancy today, and how Canadian companies can help opera evolve.
Talking with singers: Lauren Margison
InterviewYoung Canadian soprano Lauren Margison has lived her life surrounded by opera and the people who make it. The daughter of renowned Canadian tenor Richard Margison and of violist and stage director Valerie Kuinka, Lauren has an unique perspective on the operatic industry.
Chatting with the Bicycle Opera Project
InterviewThe Bicycle Opera Project has announced its 2015 season, which will take them from Toronto to Cape Breton, and back again. I'm so thrilled for BOP, who have a packed season of new Canadian works, including a couple of premieres.
Schmopera's first panel discussion: Regietheater
EditorialToday, we're really excited to present our very first panel discussion, on the topic of Regietheater. With the help of videographer Jeff Higgins, we captured an extended conversation with some of Canada's most opera-savvy folks. The question of interpreting opera led to the unpacking of topics, like what it means to say a piece is done in its "original form."