When founding editor Ruby Mercer launched Opera Canada magazine in February 1960, it was little more than a humble 4-page, 8 ½ X 11 newsletter. 60 years later, it is Canada’s oldest, continuously published arts journal, and to celebrate, Opera Canada recently released a 60th anniversary collector’s edition to commemorate this landmark milestone. The lavish, 96-page special edition looks back at Canada’s rich opera heritage but significantly, from the point of view of today’s leading, as well as up-and-coming Canadian opera artists.

The backbone of the anniversary issue is a series of six in-depth conversations between Canada’s next generation of opera stars and legendary greats who run the gamut from singers like Judith Forst and Wallis Giunta to stage and costume designers Susan Benson and Camellia Koo. The feature “Where is Black Opera in Canada” looks at Canadian contralto Portia White, and the historic lack of visibility of Black opera singers in Canada. The magazine’s writers give insights on their greatest Canadian opera moments, young singers nominate an “opera icon” hall of fame and industry insiders offer their predictions for the art form’s future.

Opera Canada’s mandate has been to connect the vibrant world of opera in Canada since 1960 through exclusive arts and culture journalism. Print issues regularly include incisive interviews with artists and decision-makers, beautifully-illustrated features and reviews about productions featuring Canadians from far and wide. In addition to its quarterly full-colour publication, Opera Canada delivers the latest opera news online; you can also follow the magazine on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for all things in the intersection of Canadian and operatic.

Opera Canada’s anniversary edition is currently being offered as a free bonus to Opera Canada subscribers, and for a limited time, will be added to any new or renewed subscriptions.

To order your copy of this beautiful commemorative edition, visit operacanada.ca/subscribe, email [email protected] or call 416-363-0395. Single copies are $9.95 CAD + tax and shipping. Issues are also available at select newsstands across Canada.