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Aria guides: Va, laisse couler mes larmes

Aria guides: Va, laisse couler mes larmes

Shortly after the famous "Letter Scene" where she re-reads correspondence between her and Werther, Charlotte sings "Va! laisse couler mes larmes" to Sophie, her younger, more optimistic sister, telling her that it is sometimes a good thing to grieve, and not be consoled.

Jenna Simeonov
AtG's Opera Pubs: "It can all get a bit wild."

AtG's Opera Pubs: "It can all get a bit wild."

Opera Pubs accommodate the kind of listeners who simply enjoy the sound of operatic singing, and who aren't necessarily itching to know the details of the story. Even better, the common ground of a pub environment allows listeners to feel as though they're among the group of singers, rather than watching from afar.

Jenna Simeonov
Actual opera buzz: The Swarm, in review

Actual opera buzz: The Swarm, in review

Themes of community, even sisterhood, poured through The Swarm, and we begin to get a sense of the relationship among the individuals in the hive. They were curious together, scared together, and when they finally take flight together, there was something reminiscent of Wagner's Valkyries.

Jenna Simeonov
Aria guides: "Je suis encor tout étourdie"

Aria guides: "Je suis encor tout étourdie"

It's the first time we meet Manon, and she has just stepped out of the carriage that took her on her very first journey. Despite her being *en route* to a convent, Manon still finds excitement in all the new things surrounding her. Along with your trusted teachers and coaches, we can offer up some tips and tricks to get you started with Manon, one of Massenet's many complicated ladies.

Jenna Simeonov
Shh! Confidential Opera Project is back!

Shh! Confidential Opera Project is back!

After an incredibly successful first show in June, we are #stokedissimo to bring you another one of the opera world's most beloved works, sung by some of the best up-and-coming talent here in Toronto.

Greg Finney
Music, religion, & irony

Music, religion, & irony

Perhaps this happens because music is one of those things that can truly offer the exhilarating joy and sense of belonging that many religious seek. It's perhaps not the same thing, but in my work with music, I have experienced moments of happiness, awe, and admiration so great my whole self vibrates.

Jenna Simeonov
In review: Norma at ROH

In review: Norma at ROH

Ollé's production slowly revealed itself to be much more than a collection of provocative symbols, yet it still left us with questions. There were unnecessary distractions: he let swing a giant, swinging thurible just before Norma's infamous "Casta diva" aria; and when Norma's kids fall asleep watching television, the flat-screen TV blared (silent) cartoons throughout her entire act II scene with Adalgisa.

Jenna Simeonov
Talking with singers: Audrey Luna

Talking with singers: Audrey Luna

"I can be left depleted after something as intense as premiering Exterminating Angel," says Luna. She relishes the chance to return home to Hawaii, which grounds her between high-paced singing gigs. "In some way, it just fills my cup back up, and then I'm ready to go out again."

Jenna Simeonov
In review: Pretty Yende's debut album, A Journey

In review: Pretty Yende's debut album, A Journey

It's easy to feel as though you're standing beside Yende in the studio, watching her bright smile and thoughtful musicianship at work. Yende has clear love for communicating with her audience, and with these recordings, she's also letting listeners into something that's quite personal.

Jenna Simeonov
Teaching in the Arctic: 5 things that one singer learned

Teaching in the Arctic: 5 things that one singer learned

My work up north has made me a better singer and artist, without question. At the most basic level it's one of the ways I remind myself why art is so, so important, even though trying to be a singer is so difficult. So here are five epiphanies I've had because of my time teaching in some of the most beautiful places on earth.

Gwenna Fairchild-Taylor

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