Stephen Lord: on Bel canto, singers, and theatre

Interview

"He was master of the score's details and the orchestra played superbly for him." American conductor Stephen Lord comes back to Toronto early this year, and we're excited. He'll conduct Un ballo in maschera at the Canadian Opera Company, opening February 2nd; after his stunning Lucia di Lammermoor last year, that's a lot to look forward to.

In rehearsal with the COC Ensemble Studio: part 1

Interview

In one week from today, the young artists of the Canadian Opera Company will grace the stage of the Four Seasons Centre as they present their unique performance of Mozart's Così fan tutte. The Ensemble Studio has been putting in some serious time to get this show on its feet, and I was lucky enough to get a few moments to talk with the cast.

In rehearsal with the COC Ensemble Studio: part 2

Interview

Later this week, the young artists of the Canadian Opera Company will grace the stage of the Four Seasons Centre as they present their unique performance of Mozart's Così fan tutte. Below is the second in our three-part video series, where we meet the four young singers who sing the roles of the lovers in Act II.

In rehearsal with the COC Ensemble Studio: part 3

Interview

This Friday, the Canadian Opera Company's Ensemble Studio have their performance of Così fan tutte, directed by Atom Egoyan. This unique performance features all the young artists in the Ensemble Studio, who work additionally as covers to the mainstage cast. In the last of our three-part series, we meet soprano Claire de Sévigné (Despina) and baritone Gordon Bintner (Don Alfonso).

Talking with singers: Michael Robert-Broder

Interview

Vancouver native Michael Robert-Broder is a rising baritone in the Canadian operatic scene. Between rehearsals for his quickly approaching gig as Bartolo in Opera York's production of Il barbiere di Siviglia, Michael chats about what roles he'd love to tackle, the responsibilities of young singers, opera's relevancy today, and how Canadian companies can help opera evolve.

Talking with singers: Lauren Margison

Interview

Young Canadian soprano Lauren Margison has lived her life surrounded by opera and the people who make it. The daughter of renowned Canadian tenor Richard Margison and of violist and stage director Valerie Kuinka, Lauren has an unique perspective on the operatic industry.

Chatting with the Bicycle Opera Project

Interview

The Bicycle Opera Project has announced its 2015 season, which will take them from Toronto to Cape Breton, and back again. I'm so thrilled for BOP, who have a packed season of new Canadian works, including a couple of premieres.

Schmopera's first panel discussion: Regietheater

Editorial

Today, we're really excited to present our very first panel discussion, on the topic of Regietheater. With the help of videographer Jeff Higgins, we captured an extended conversation with some of Canada's most opera-savvy folks. The question of interpreting opera led to the unpacking of topics, like what it means to say a piece is done in its "original form."

In review: Béatrice & Bénédict at MYO

Review

Yesterday I went to hear Metro Youth Opera's production of Berlioz' Béatrice & Bénédict at Daniels Spectrum. I hadn't seen the opera before, and whenever I plan to see a piece for the first time, I rarely look up details like a plot synopsis. I'm one of those people that thinks that opera fans should have the option of enjoying a piece without needing to do homework, and I was pleased that MYO's B&B was clear and entertaining, language barriers (and Shakespeare) aside.

Pocket Concerts and their worthy campaign

Editorial

Toronto's Pocket Concerts has launched a new Kickstarter campaign for the next 30 days, and it's a cause that I think is important to share.