San Diego Opera's 60th Anniversary La bohème sees Mimì as a ghost
News
Lynx Project: on the road with art song
NewsThe members of Lynx Project point out a thought that has lingered vaguely in my head since my university years: art song is rare to hear outside of an academic setting. Founded by three singers and one pianist, all graduates of the Eastman School of Music, Lynx Project is about bringing more art song to more people. It's a simple goal, and they plan to give "intimate and inclusive performances [which] challenge the traditional form of an art song recital."
Marshall Pynkoski on Armide: "Love is amoral."
NewsIt's a twist on a tragic love story that seems progressive for its 17th century creation. "By the end of the opera no one wants to feel hate more than Armide, but her tragedy is that she can now only feel love. There are no winners and no losers: love has annihilated everyone."
Opera Lyra's "immediate shutdown"
News"Our core problem is that revenues have not grown to cover the costs of presenting high quality opera on the stage of the National Arts Centre. There are challenges in all revenue areas, including: major shortfalls in commercial sponsorships, modest shortfalls in private philanthropy, reductions in funding from the federal and provincial governments and, recently, weaker ticket sales."
Rags to Reasonable's Personal Finance Holy Grail
NewsMy pal Chris Enns is a hardworking tenor, and creator of Rags to Reasonable, a blog about personal finance geared towards artists. He created this fantastic document, The Big Book of Back to School, which is a wicked one-stop link for all your questions about budgets, working as an entrepreneur, and managing your happy factor as well as your money.
Go see: Les paradis perdus / Remix
NewsThis week, go see something a little different. Originally created by Coleman Lemieux & Compagnie in 2005, Les paradis perdus / Remix is a melding of music and dance that's "a world within a world." The show is part of the new BRIGHT NIGHTS dance/theatre series, and Les paradis perdus features original music by Victoria-based composer Christopher Butterfield. Choreographer Laurence Lemieux leads dancers Luke Garwood and Erin Poole in this work that is "inspired by childhood memories both fond and fearsome."
Opera da Camera's Hänsel und Gretel
NewsOpera da Camera is all about accessibility. For their upcoming Hänsel, they'll hold two free pre-show talks, aimed at both young and adult audiences. "Before our matinée performance, there will be a pre-opera talk geared especially towards children with a professional story teller, and before the opening night there is a pre-opera talk given by a representative of the Goethe Institute of Montreal."
Don't miss: Joyce El-Khoury in recital
NewsOn October 19th at noon, soprano Joyce El-Khoury is giving a recital at Classical 96.3 FM's The New Zoomer Studio in Liberty Village. Send an RSVP by email; the first 50 to respond will get two passes for the recital, followed by a gourmet lunch.
Tapestry Opera's Selfie talks online bullying
NewsNext week, Tapestry Opera opens its new season with a workshop presentation of Selfie, a new opera with text by Julie Tepperman and music by Chris Thornborrow. Selfie was a part of Tapestry's Opera Briefs in past seasons, where Artistic Director Michael Mori says "it received the most support."
10 Years of the Met at the Movies
News2015/16 marks the 10th anniversary season of The Met: Live in HD, and they're celebrating with a meaty selection to show off the best of opera. Starting with Il trovatore on October 3rd, non-New Yorkers can get their Met fix in Cineplex theatres across North America (including four in Toronto!).
Learn: Opera in the City
NewsLooking to enhance your opera-going experience? The Royal Conservatory of Music offers Opera in the City, a four-week look into two of Toronto's upcoming shows, La traviata (opening at the Canadian Opera Company October 8th) and Armide, opening October 22nd with Opera Atelier.