OPERA - CANADA

VIDEO: First Look At Rufus Wainwright's HADRIAN at the Canadian Opera Company
by Alan Henry - October 15, 2018

On October 13, 2018, the Canadian Opera Company presented the highly anticipated world premiere of Hadrian by composer Rufus Wainwright and librettist Daniel MacIvor. The opera recounts the epic love story of Roman Emperor Hadrian and his young lover, Antinous. Erased by history, their story is reclaimed for the 21st century by its creators in a star-studded production from renowned Canadian director Peter Hinton. Hadrian runs for seven performances through October 27, 2018.

Photo Flash: Rufus Wainwright's HADRIAN at the Canadian Opera Company
by Alan Henry - October 15, 2018

On October 13, 2018, the Canadian Opera Company presented the highly anticipated world premiere of Hadrian by composer Rufus Wainwright and librettist Daniel MacIvor. The opera recounts the epic love story of Roman Emperor Hadrian and his young lover, Antinous. Erased by history, their story is reclaimed for the 21st century by its creators in a star-studded production from renowned Canadian director Peter Hinton. Hadrian runs for seven performances through October 27, 2018.

VIDEO: Get A First Look At COC's EUGENE ONEGIN
by Alan Henry - October 4, 2018

The Canadian Opera Company opens its 20182019 season with a stunning new production of Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky's timeless cautionary tale, Eugene Onegin. The opera is based on the classic Russian novel-in-verse by Alexander Pushkin and tells the story of one of literature's most iconic anti-heroes. Onegin is the cynical product of an aimless dilettante life who quickly dismisses a heartfelt love letter from romantic Tatyana. However his casual cruelty comes back to haunt him years later, when karma rears its head and a fateful reunion turns the tables on proud Onegin. Eugene Onegin runs for eight performances on September 30, October 4, 10, 18, 20, 26, 30, November 3, 2018.

COC's EUGENE ONEGIN Brings One Of Carsen's Finest Home To Canada
by A.A. Cristi - August 20, 2018

The Canadian Opera Company opens its 2018/2019 season with a stunning new production of Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky's timeless cautionary tale, Eugene Onegin. The opera is based on the classic Russian novel-in-verse by Alexander Pushkin and tells the story of one of literature's most iconic anti-heroes. Onegin is the cynical product of an aimless dilettante life who quickly dismisses a heartfelt love letter from romantic Tatyana. However his casual cruelty comes back to haunt him years later, when karma rears its head and a fateful reunion turns the tables on proud Onegin. Eugene Onegin runs for eight performances on September 30, October 4, 10, 18, 20, 26, 30, November 3, 2018.

Four Extraordinary Canadians Receive Honorary Fellowships From The Royal Conservatory Of Music
by Julie Musbach - June 1, 2018

Rock legend Robbie Robertson, internationally celebrated soprano Sondra Radvanovsky, and visionary philanthropists Tim and Frances Price have been named Honorary Fellows of The Royal Conservatory. These four extraordinary Canadians received this designation - the highest conferred by The Royal Conservatory - at The Royal Occasion, the organization's signature fundraising event, presented by TELUS.

BWW Review: Sondra Radvanovsky Reigns Supreme in the COC's ANNA BOLENA
by MacKenzie Holland - May 7, 2018

The title role is one of the most challenging soprano roles in the repertoire. Lucky for the Canadian Opera Company, they have one of the world's greatest sopranos leading their cast - Ms. Sondra Radvanovsky.

BWW Review: COC's THE NIGHTINGALE AND OTHER SHORT FABLES is a Magical Night at the Opera
by MacKenzie Holland - May 3, 2018

The word most-associated with Robert Lepage's THE NIGHTINGALE AND OTHER SHORT FABLES is 'magic'. And like 'magic,' you need to see it to believe it. Words simply do not do it justice.

COC to Host the World Premiere of Rufus Wainwright's HADRIAN
by Julie Musbach - January 17, 2018

The Canadian Opera Company's 2018/2019 season presents the world premiere of Hadrian, a new opera from composer Rufus Wainwright and librettist Daniel MacIvor, which features the highly anticipated COC debuts of international opera stars Thomas Hampson and Karita Mattila.

Simona Genga Wins First Prize at Canadian Opera Company's Annual Vocal Competition
by BWW News Desk - November 2, 2017

Simona Genga of Woodbridge, Ont. took home First Prize (the Chair's Prize) at the Canadian Opera Company's annual Ensemble Studio Competition on November 1, 2017 at the Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts.

BWW Review: Top 10 Moments from the COC's Ensemble Studio Competition
by Taylor Long - November 2, 2017

Canada is a country known for its musical talent. The Canadian Opera Company's Ensemble Studio Competition, CENTRE STAGE, showcased a curated selection of that talent last night. The competition auditions singers from across the country and selects a few lucky artists to compete for an invitation to the intensive COC Ensemble Studio training program.

Singers to Compete at Canadian Opera Company's 2017 Centre Stage Gala
by BWW News Desk - October 13, 2017

The Canadian Opera Company has selected seven finalists from across the country to showcase in this year's exhilarating vocal competition at its fifth annual gala fundraiser, Centre Stage, on November 1, 2017.

BWW Review: COC's ELIXIR OF LOVE is Charming to the Core
by Taylor Long - October 12, 2017

Small town charm is the fuel for the Canadian Opera Company's ELIXIR OF LOVE. Set in any town Ontario, Donizetti's beloved characters appear even more appealing and recognizable in James Robinson's quaint production. As part of the bel canto operatic repertoire, beautiful singing is an exceptionally fitting description for this production, masterfully sung by a cast of emerging Canadian artists.

BWW Review: Canadian Opera Company's ARABELLA Sparkles in Every Way
by Taylor Long - October 6, 2017

Swanky sets, shimmering voices, sumptuous costumes - it all sparkles when met with sublime Strauss. The Canadian Opera Company presents the Canadian premiere of ARABELLA, a lyric comedy by Richard Strauss. A co-production with Santa Fe Opera and Minnesota Opera, ARABELLA is sung in German with English surtitles, the libretto by Hugo von Hofmannsthal still resonating humorously against Strauss' score. Director Tim Albery has created a fine production, where every detail brims with elegance.

Interview: Soprano Simone Osborne Talks ELIXIR OF LOVE at the COC
by Taylor Long - October 5, 2017

Opera soprano Simone Osborne sits down with BroadwayWorld's Taylor Long to chat about her career, her roots and her excitement in bringing ELIXIR OF LOVE to the stage at the COC.

BWW Review: Toronto is Head Over Heels for HIBLA GERZMAVA
by Taylor Long - June 9, 2017

Russia seems to be everywhere these days. Conductor and violinist, Vladimir Spivakov and the Moscow Virtuosi Chamber Orchestra performed to an enthusiastic crowd at the Roy Thomson Hall in Toronto, Ontario. The evening was presented by Show One Productions, the same company that recently brought us the Trio Magnifico (Anna Netrebko, Yusif Eyvazov and Dmitri Hvorostovsky) and featured the Canadian debuts of cello soloist Danielle Akta and Russian opera diva Hibla Gerzmava.

BWW Review: Rent in Toronto Meets Opera in Against the Grain Theatre's LA BOHÈME
by Taylor Long - May 20, 2017

You've never seen a more boho Boheme. Against the Grain Theatre (AtG) presents Puccini's LA BOHÈME in a real Toronto dive bar, The Tranzac Club. AtG is doing something incredible in the world of opera right now - they're growing. When opera houses around the world are reporting declines in ticket sales and reductions in seasonal production budgets - AtG is selling out their run, offering 'standing room only' tickets. Why? Their approach.

BWW Review: Canadian Opera Company's TOSCA is a Total Triumph
by Taylor Long - May 2, 2017

From the moment the orchestra plays its first note, the production is pure magic. The Canadian Opera Company (COC) ends their 2016-2017 season with a bang, with Puccini's TOSCA. Gorgeous music, grand sets and gripping performances coexist seamlessly in Paul Curran's production of one of opera's most famous tragic love stories.

BWW Review: Opera Superstar ANNA NETREBKO Dazzles in Canadian Debut
by Taylor Long - April 26, 2017

Anna Netrebko performed to an adoring sold-out audience at Toronto's Four Seasons Centre on Tuesday evening. Netrebko was joined by husband and Azerbaijani tenor, Yusif Eyvazov and renowned Russian baritone, Dmitri Hvorostovsky. Led by Maestro Jader Bignamini, the Canadian Opera Company Orchestra brilliantly accompanied the 'Trio Magnifico' through Verdi, Puccini, Tchaikovsky and more. Presented by Show One Productions, the evening was a remarkable presentation of some of opera's greatest hits, sung by three of opera's brightest stars.

BWW Review: The Canadian Opera Company's LOUIS RIEL - A Step in the Right Direction
by Taylor Long - April 24, 2017

Colonization is a controversial part of our heritage, and is central to the Canadian Opera Company's (COC) new production of Harry Somers' LOUIS RIEL. The production has sparked discourse on the use of Indigenous songs in opera, the portrayal of Indigenous men and women on stage and First Nations song protocol in general. In an effort to present a more contemporary perspective, Director Peter Hinton has collaborated with members of the Indigenous community, integrating a group of performers as a physical chorus, known as the Land Assembly. The result is a more inclusive and respectful revival of the opera, opening with a land acknowledgement by Cole Alvis, a theatre artist of Metis, Irish and English descent.

Canadian Opera Company Announces Free Events In April
by Molly Tracy - March 28, 2017

In conjunction with the Canadian Opera Company's new production of Harry Somers' Louis Riel, FREE events are taking place in Toronto throughout the month of April, allowing the general public to discover this uniquely Canadian contribution to the opera world.

Canadian Opera Company Brings Together an All-Canadian Cast for LOUIS REIL
by BWW News Desk - March 20, 2017

The Canadian Opera Company has brought together an all-Canadian cast, led by renowned Canadian baritone Russell Braun in the title role, for its highly anticipated revival of Harry Somers' Louis Riel. This new production of Louis Riel is co-produced with the National Arts Centre in anticipation of Canada's sesquicentennial and runs for seven performances by the COC on April 20, 23, 26, 29, May 2, 5, 13, 2017 at Toronto's Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts.

Canadian Opera Company Closes 2016-2017 Year With TOSCA, 4/30-5/20
by Molly Tracy - March 15, 2017

The Canadian Opera Company closes its 2016/2017 season with Puccini's beloved Tosca. A tense drama of passion and betrayal, Tosca returns in a COC production performed with two of today's great divas in the title role: internationally renowned Canadian soprano Adrianne Pieczonka and critically acclaimed American soprano Keri Alkema.




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