Turning opera "inside-out, upside-down" at Summer Opera Camp

Interview

In the last of our conversations with the folks behind the Canadian Opera Company's Summer Opera Camp, I chat with drama specialist Jen Johnson and design specialist Sonja Rainey. Drama teacher Jen is Co-Artistic Director of Kick Start Arts, a not-for-profit aimed at using the arts "to empower students, youth and adults to express themselves through the creative process." Sonja is a Dora-award nominated set and costume designer, working most recently with the Bicycle Opera Project for their East coast tour this summer.

A summer surprise

News

On this beautiful Saturday morning, we've got exciting news to announce! For four weeks starting Monday, I'll be writing from the beautiful Banff Centre, where I'll be joining Against the Grain Theatre and the Canadian Opera Company at Open Space: Opera in the 21st Century. I'll be there to music direct the workshop production of James Rolfe's new opera, Crush, which is a completely cool take (homage?) on the Don Juan story and Mozart's Don Giovanni.

Summer Opera Camp at the COC

Interview

Katherine Semcesen is the Associate Director of Education & Outreach at the Canadian Opera Company. The countdown is on for this year's Summer Opera Camp, which offers training and experience designed for teenagers, grades 7-10. Participants work with voice teachers, drama coaches, set and costume designers, and fight choreographers over an intensive five-day program.

Trans opera singer to sing national anthem at Oakland A's game

News

There's a lot going on these days with 25 year-old soprano Breanna Sinclairé. On June 17th, she will sing the US national anthem at the opening of the Oakland Athletics game against the San Diego Padres. A look at her YouTube page shows an aspiring young soprano with her head in the right places. Lots of Leontyne Price and Beyoncé.

Spotlight on: Charlotte Knight

Interview

Coloratura soprano Charlotte Knight last made me laugh as Cecily Cardew in Earnest, the Importance of Being at Toronto Operetta Theatre this season. Her fierce technique is easy to hear, and like all great comediennes, Charlotte is also a smart and versatile performer. She just finished singing Rona Lisa Peretti in 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee with No Strings Theatre, and you can hear her this November with the Gallery Players of Niagara, singing Villa-Lobos' stunning Bachianas Brasilieras No. 5 for soprano and eight cellos.

Hear the TSO for free!

News

As a thank-you to its loyal audience, the Toronto Symphony Orchestra and Music Director Peter Oundjian are presenting a free concert at Roy Thomson Hall, July 7th at 12:30pm. The concert is a generous closing to a packed 2014/15 season at the TSO, which included Lang Lang's at the 2nd annual Chinese New Year Celebration, Emanuel Ax curating the RBC Piano Extravaganza, and the North American première of George Benjamin's opera, Written on Skin, starring the incomparable Barbara Hannigan.

Claire de Sévigné: how to sing fast & high

How-to

If you go to hear Claire de Sévigné in an opera, there's a good chance she's the one singing the highest. The Canadian coloratura is a graduate of the COC Ensemble Studio, a recent finalist of the Montréal International Music Competition, and soon to be a member of the International Opera Studio at the Zürich Opernhaus.

Breaking into the industry: a vicious cycle?

Op-ed

When you want something like this so badly, you will do pretty near anything to keep going. It makes you feel crazy, sure! But is it crazier to deny yourself what you love, or is it crazier to keep going when there's no end in sight? I wish I was here to bring you some hope and be all, “Here is a solution to all your problems! And here, 10 points for Griffindor!” Unfortunately, however, I am not a wizard and cannot wave a wand, say a little charm, do a little dance and have the circle stop and re-order itself into a tidy, chronological line.

Chris Thornborrow, on composing with kids

Interview

Toronto-based composer Chris Thornborrow is bringing his work and experience with young musicians to the Canadian Opera Company's Summer Opera Camp this July. Chris will help a group of young opera-philes to create their own work, as he's done before with students of the Toronto District School Board.

Spotlight on: Peter Bass

Interview

Peter Bass is one of those smart and serious singers who carries with him a wicked sense of humour to the rehearsal room. I last saw him onstage with Metro Youth Opera as the Father in their production of Hänsel und Gretel, and I've had small opportunities to work with him since. I'm always refreshed by a practical singer, and Peter is one of those. In his wise interview, he talks about Billy Budd, Michael Bublé, and telling stories.