This month in beautiful British Columbia, Opera Kelowna kicks off its summer line-up. Two concerts featuring the company’s Summer Intensive Program on July 27 and July 30, and on July 31, Opera Kelowna’s young talent is joined onstage by Canadian favourites Steeve Michaud, Aaron Durand, Marie-Josée Lord, and Stephanie Tritchew, for Opera Under the Stars. (The above events are free admission, and registration may be required. Click here for details.)

For a full listing of Opera Kelowna’s 2019 line-up, visit their website.

On the opposite coast, Boston-based Odyssey Opera is set to offer its latest in opera’s under-performed masterpieces. Saint-Saëns’ 1883 opera, Henry VIII, centres on the famed love triangle between the Tudor king, his first wife Catherine of Aragon, and his soon-to-be second wife, Anne Boleyn.

“Henry VIII has all the ingredients of a spectacular grand opera,” says Odyssey Opera Artistic and General Director Gil Rose. “It has a sensational historical subject and sweeping vocal melodies and rich orchestral writing.” The original score saw several cuts after its premiere, but Odyssey Opera is working with Saint-Saëns scholar Hugh MacDonald to put together a recreation that, “for all intents and purposes, represents the world premiere!”

Henry VIII, starring baritone Michael Chioldi in the title role, happens September 21 at NEC’s Jordan Hall.