100 years later, Boulanger's opera gets North American premiere
News
SFO: tickets for tweets
NewsAny time this is tried out, we get excited about following along during a production we can't catch live. Of course, the pool of sources is usually limited to a small group, so anyone hoping to piece together a full picture of what happened onstage may be out of luck. It's also a risk, since it can make these companies, not to mention the artists onstage, vulnerable to the kind of garbage that people feel brave enough to post; the level of anonymity, or at least avoiding face-to-face criticism, can bring out the worst in an audience.
Roxanna Walitzki: Exquisite Corpse
News"I only recently began down this path, but have received mostly positive feedback about my approach. What I do isn't what most people expect when picturing electronic-meets-classical (it's a far cry from things like The Fifth Element aria and other techno-driven reinterpretations), but the layering of textures can be helpful to those less accustomed to listening to art songs. It adds another emotive dimension to tune into, and I try to stay attuned to, and respectful of, what made the compositions great in the first place."
Banff-bound, 2016
NewsLike we've done in previous summers, we'll keep up our coverage of the operatic goings on across the globe, and we'll also be able to keep you in the loop with the artists of this year's Open Space programme. We also hope to get to the faculty a bit better, which this year includes baritone Russell Braun and soprano Adrianne Pieczonka, and the Canadian Opera Company's General Director, Alexander Neef.
The TFCO: a young people's opera blitz
News"For me, the most exciting thing about the Toronto Festival of Children’s Opera is that it shines a bright light on both the incredible work that is being done in Toronto and the incredible people who are doing it," says Burry. "A lot of people think that works for children aren’t as valid or important as 'adult' opera. This couldn’t be further from the truth, and great children’s opera really has something to offer everyone."
Don't miss: Against Nature
NewsNext month sees the world premiere of Against Nature (À Rebours), presented by Coleman Lemieux & Compagnie. It's the second in a series of salon pieces by James Kudelka, director and choreographer, following up on From the House of Mirth in 2012 and 2013. Against Nature features music by Canadian composer James Rolfe (Beatrice Chancy, Elijah's Kite, Crush) and a libretto by award-winning playwright Alex Poch-Goldin (Cringeworthy, From the House of Mirth, The Shadow).
"Ah! Non abbiamo il soprano!"
NewsIn interesting timing, Gheorghiu recently announced that she would be cancelling her recital at London's Royal Festival Hall, which was scheduled for April 25th. Apparently, the soprano is ill, and her doctor has prescribed her some vocal rest. The concert hasn't yet been rescheduled, but hopefully that will change.
Be in on the secret: Confidential Opera Project
NewsMy goal with applying it to opera is to help de-mystify the whole thing. I want the audience to experience the magic that you're only privy to on the first sing-through of a score - I know my fellow singers will agree that the first sing-through is probably one of the most fun rehearsals for a show. There will be mis-steps, but there are also moments of supreme beauty and magic that come from the adrenaline that pumps through these talented artists' veins.
Good ideas: Adult Summer Acting Intensive
NewsSingers, you're all pros at making the most out of your summer education, and summer programs rooted in operatic and vocal training are a big part of that. At $450 (plus HST), the Summer Acting Intensive is an economical, focused approach to honing skills that are vital for any working opera singer. As opera companies continue the move towards producing chamber-sized operas in intimate venues, acting chops have become a necessity, rather than a bonus feature on top of a killer voice.
Don't miss: She's The One
News"Women are at the centre of each story in this programme," says Bardua. "Some are tied together by classic Canadian imagery, like tempestuous weather and isolation. Others are more intimate and personal - mother-daughter relationships, or questioning sexuality."
Nathan Shubert makes the most of Official Piano Day
NewsNathan Shubert, Vancouver-based pianist, session artist, and composer, is one of these artists. He has released his debut solo album, which includes "Saga Norén, Länskrim, Malmö", named after the protagonist of the Swedish/Danish television show, Bron (The Bridge). It's mesmerizing and more than a little bit beautiful - have a listen, and be sure to check out more from Shubert on Soundcloud.