Moral issues & well-loved tunes: BK Opera's La traviata

Interview

"I think the idea that Violetta is a delicate, fragile person who sacrifices herself for a man is a problematic one. She makes the decision to leave Alfredo with a heavy heart and is independent and strong - which then makes her death all the more heart-wrenching."

Ariadne comes to the Berkshire Opera Festival

Interview

"I anticipate that with the Berkshire Opera Festival staff and the talent we bring in, artists and designers, that we will have similar if not greater success than last year. In addition, producing a lesser-know piece like Ariadne doesn’t worry us because the Berkshire audience is a sophisticated one. They do not need to recognize a name in order to attend a show. Exploring the entire operatic repertoire is a part of the Berkshire Opera Festival mission."

In review: SOLT's Canadian double-bill

Review

Night Blooming Cereus and A Northern Lights Dream have little in common except the fact that they're Canadian operas, set in the worlds of small-town Shakespeare, Ontario.

Young singers in Santa Fe: Stephen Martin

Interview

"Of course there is also the house audition, where directors, agents, and other music staff from opera houses from the United States and around the world attend to hear each apprentice sing an aria. It's huge exposure for us."

In review: Dead Man Walking at Miami Music Festival

Review

The audience was left with no question of Joseph De Rocher's guilt – but Sister Helen's resolute narrative transformed the convicted murderer into a man who is conflicted, complicated, and deeply human. In the final scene, De Rocher was administered the lethal injection, strapped upright to a gurney in imagery undoubtedly evoking a crucifixion. The audience, then, was left with questions: did De Rocher's death truly achieve justice? In admitting his guilt, did he open himself to forgiveness? Or were his horrible crimes simply unforgivable?

Music degrees & expectations: 4 tips for new students

Editorial

Remember that being able to call yourself a Curtis student or a Juilliard student or say you attend the Conservatoire is a statement about status, and no indicator of your musicianship. So, be fair to your chosen school and what it can offer; more importantly, be honest with yourself about your academic goals.

Fab nights: Whose Opera is it Anyway?

Editorial

The players onstage, who in fact make up "Canada's only Opera Improv group" had fun and poked fun. They conjured up cringe-worthy audition situations, laid out solid impressions of well-known opera bosses, and basically roasted every stereotype of "Canadian contemporary opera". By design, what happened onstage was not only relevant to the audience, but hopelessly intertwined.

In review: TSMF's Night at the Opera

Review

There were some serious highlights of the evening; Lorèn earned some well-deserved "bravas" after her stunning "Caro nome" from Rigoletto, and Honeywell made an impactful entrance with his first aria, "Ah, la paterna mano" from Verdi's Macbeth. Relyea made us lean in with his "Il lacerato spirito" (Don Carlo), and Nesrallah broke the ice with her lovely starter, "Mon coeur s'ouvre à ta voix" (Samson et Dalila). Plus, honourary singer of the evening Nikki Chooi broke hearts with the Méditation from Massenet's Thaïs.

Don't miss: Beatrix Potter at Edinburgh Fringe

Interview

"Beatrix Potter's storytelling was straightforward and honest. She never talked down to her young readers whilst still making them believe that it's perfectly normal for animals to talk and interact with humans."

Cute & catchy: The Schoolyard Carmen

Review

Hardcore opera fans will also get a kick out of a show like Schoolyard Carmen. It's entertaining to hear how the music is re-purposed, and there's an added layer of humour comparing the aria contexts of Bizet's work, and Shoestring Opera's. The "Toreador Song" was basically the same - a cocky kid telling everyone how great he really is - and Carmen's sombre Card Aria retains its fateful mood as the young newcomer to school ponders her destiny while sitting expectantly in the Vice Principal's office.