Stewardess: Flight - Vancouver Opera
From “the Mozart of the 21st century” comes a work of stunning emotional breadth. Though it draws inspiration from the heart-wrenching true story of an Iranian refugee bureaucratically marooned in Paris’ Charles de Gaulle Airport for 18 years, Jonathan Dove’s Flight pulls off an improbable feat: it’s a wildly-engaging, melodically-accessible comedic romp, a triumph of pathos, and an absolute must-see!
All around The Refugee, the airport swirls with colourful characters: Bill and Tina, who hope to stoke the embers of a dull marriage; The Steward and The Stewardess, whose embers require no additional stoking; a diplomat and his very pregnant wife; a woman awaiting a lover 30 years her junior; the Immigration Officer – all while The Controller oversees operations high above the concourse, hitting decidedly high notes (like the rare airspace occupied by an incredible F-sharp above high C!).
Called the greatest new work of the past 30 years, this compassionate contemporary classic is led by the beloved Vancouver creative team of director Morris Panych and set designer Ken MacDonald, while Dove’s propulsive music is steered by the baton of Leslie Dala, Vancouver Opera’s Head of Music and Associate Conductor, whose recent VO projects include 2022–2023’s The Flying Dutchman and the blockbuster 2023–2024 presentation of Carmen.
Conductor: Leslie Dala
Director: Morris Panych
Controller: Caitlin Wood
Tina: Andriana Chuchman (Company Debut)
Older Woman: Catherine Daniel (Company Debut)
Stewardess: Alex Hetherington (Company Debut)
Minskwoman: Allyson McHardy
Refugee: Cameron Shahbazi
Bill: Asitha Tennekoon
Steward: Clarence Frazer
Minskman: Neil Craighead
Stewardess: Flight - Vancouver Opera
From “the Mozart of the 21st century” comes a work of stunning emotional breadth. Though it draws inspiration from the heart-wrenching true story of an Iranian refugee bureaucratically marooned in Paris’ Charles de Gaulle Airport for 18 years, Jonathan Dove’s Flight pulls off an improbable feat: it’s a wildly-engaging, melodically-accessible comedic romp, a triumph of pathos, and an absolute must-see!
All around The Refugee, the airport swirls with colourful characters: Bill and Tina, who hope to stoke the embers of a dull marriage; The Steward and The Stewardess, whose embers require no additional stoking; a diplomat and his very pregnant wife; a woman awaiting a lover 30 years her junior; the Immigration Officer – all while The Controller oversees operations high above the concourse, hitting decidedly high notes (like the rare airspace occupied by an incredible F-sharp above high C!).
Called the greatest new work of the past 30 years, this compassionate contemporary classic is led by the beloved Vancouver creative team of director Morris Panych and set designer Ken MacDonald, while Dove’s propulsive music is steered by the baton of Leslie Dala, Vancouver Opera’s Head of Music and Associate Conductor, whose recent VO projects include 2022–2023’s The Flying Dutchman and the blockbuster 2023–2024 presentation of Carmen.
Conductor: Leslie Dala
Director: Morris Panych
Controller: Caitlin Wood
Tina: Andriana Chuchman (Company Debut)
Older Woman: Catherine Daniel (Company Debut)
Stewardess: Alex Hetherington (Company Debut)
Minskwoman: Allyson McHardy
Refugee: Cameron Shahbazi
Bill: Asitha Tennekoon
Steward: Clarence Frazer
Minskman: Neil Craighead
Stewardess: Flight - Vancouver Opera
From “the Mozart of the 21st century” comes a work of stunning emotional breadth. Though it draws inspiration from the heart-wrenching true story of an Iranian refugee bureaucratically marooned in Paris’ Charles de Gaulle Airport for 18 years, Jonathan Dove’s Flight pulls off an improbable feat: it’s a wildly-engaging, melodically-accessible comedic romp, a triumph of pathos, and an absolute must-see!
All around The Refugee, the airport swirls with colourful characters: Bill and Tina, who hope to stoke the embers of a dull marriage; The Steward and The Stewardess, whose embers require no additional stoking; a diplomat and his very pregnant wife; a woman awaiting a lover 30 years her junior; the Immigration Officer – all while The Controller oversees operations high above the concourse, hitting decidedly high notes (like the rare airspace occupied by an incredible F-sharp above high C!).
Called the greatest new work of the past 30 years, this compassionate contemporary classic is led by the beloved Vancouver creative team of director Morris Panych and set designer Ken MacDonald, while Dove’s propulsive music is steered by the baton of Leslie Dala, Vancouver Opera’s Head of Music and Associate Conductor, whose recent VO projects include 2022–2023’s The Flying Dutchman and the blockbuster 2023–2024 presentation of Carmen.
Conductor: Leslie Dala
Director: Morris Panych
Controller: Caitlin Wood
Tina: Andriana Chuchman (Company Debut)
Older Woman: Catherine Daniel (Company Debut)
Stewardess: Alex Hetherington (Company Debut)
Minskwoman: Allyson McHardy
Refugee: Cameron Shahbazi
Bill: Asitha Tennekoon
Steward: Clarence Frazer
Minskman: Neil Craighead
Handel's Messiah: Chorus Niagara
Gather family and friends for TWO special presentations of Handel’s festive Messiah. For Messiah in ALL its glorious splendour, attend our evening complete performance of Handel’s supreme masterpiece and ‘rejoice greatly’ in what makes this one of the most enduring choral works of all time.
Be part of the afternoon magic with our Children's Messiah, a one-of-a-kind relaxed and interactive 75-minute concert, designed to ignite the love for music in young audiences, with stunning solo arias, glorious orchestral sounds and powerful choruses – over 100 singers and players!
Children’s Messiah: Chorus Niagara
Be part of the afternoon magic with our Children's Messiah, a one-of-a-kind relaxed and interactive 75-minute concert, designed to ignite the love for music in young audiences, with stunning solo arias, glorious orchestral sounds and powerful choruses – over 100 singers and players!
Beethoven 9 at 200
Chamberfest presents Beethoven’s Ninth like we’ve never heard it before! To celebrate the work’s 200th anniversary, Hinrich Alpers returns to perform the entire symphony in a special transcription for solo piano by Franz Liszt. He will be joined by the Ottawa Bach Choir and stellar soloists Meghan Lindsay, Alex Hetherington, Lawrence Wiliford, and Philippe Sly.
Hinrich Alpers, piano
Meghan Lindsey, soprano
Alex Hetherington, mezzo soprano
Lawrence Wiliford, tenor
Philippe Sly, bass-baritone
Dr. Lisette Canton, conductor
Ottawa Bach Choir, choir
Liederabend
An evening of art song!
Hinrich Alpers, piano
Meghan Lindsey, soprano
Alex Hetherington, mezzo soprano
Lawrence Wiliford, tenor
Philippe Sly, bass-baritone
Siebel: Faust- Canadian Opera Company
Disenchanted by his lifelong quest for knowledge, the ageing philosopher Faust makes a pact with the devil and trades his soul for eternal youth—to disastrous consequences.
Conductor: Johannes Debus
Director: Amy Lane
Set and Costume Designer: Emma Ryott
Lighting Designer: Charlie Morgan Jones
Choreographer: Tim Claydon
Price Family Chorus Master: Sandra Horst
Faust: Long Long
Méphistophélès: Kyle Ketelsen
Valentin: Szymon Mechlinski
Siebel: Alex Hetherington
Marthe: Megan Latham
Siebel: Faust- Canadian Opera Company
Disenchanted by his lifelong quest for knowledge, the ageing philosopher Faust makes a pact with the devil and trades his soul for eternal youth—to disastrous consequences.
Conductor: Johannes Debus
Director: Amy Lane
Set and Costume Designer: Emma Ryott
Lighting Designer: Charlie Morgan Jones
Choreographer: Tim Claydon
Price Family Chorus Master: Sandra Horst
Faust: Long Long
Méphistophélès: Kyle Ketelsen
Valentin: Szymon Mechlinski
Siebel: Alex Hetherington
Marthe: Megan Latham
Siebel: Faust- Canadian Opera Company
Disenchanted by his lifelong quest for knowledge, the ageing philosopher Faust makes a pact with the devil and trades his soul for eternal youth—to disastrous consequences.
Conductor: Johannes Debus
Director: Amy Lane
Set and Costume Designer: Emma Ryott
Lighting Designer: Charlie Morgan Jones
Choreographer: Tim Claydon
Price Family Chorus Master: Sandra Horst
Faust: Long Long
Méphistophélès: Kyle Ketelsen
Valentin: Szymon Mechlinski
Siebel: Alex Hetherington
Marthe: Megan Latham
Siebel: Faust- Canadian Opera Company
Disenchanted by his lifelong quest for knowledge, the ageing philosopher Faust makes a pact with the devil and trades his soul for eternal youth—to disastrous consequences.
Conductor: Johannes Debus
Director: Amy Lane
Set and Costume Designer: Emma Ryott
Lighting Designer: Charlie Morgan Jones
Choreographer: Tim Claydon
Price Family Chorus Master: Sandra Horst
Faust: Long Long
Méphistophélès: Kyle Ketelsen
Valentin: Szymon Mechlinski
Siebel: Alex Hetherington
Marthe: Megan Latham
Siebel: Faust- Canadian Opera Company
Disenchanted by his lifelong quest for knowledge, the ageing philosopher Faust makes a pact with the devil and trades his soul for eternal youth—to disastrous consequences.
Conductor: Johannes Debus
Director: Amy Lane
Set and Costume Designer: Emma Ryott
Lighting Designer: Charlie Morgan Jones
Choreographer: Tim Claydon
Price Family Chorus Master: Sandra Horst
Faust: Long Long
Méphistophélès: Kyle Ketelsen
Valentin: Szymon Mechlinski
Siebel: Alex Hetherington
Marthe: Megan Latham
Siebel: Faust- Canadian Opera Company
Disenchanted by his lifelong quest for knowledge, the ageing philosopher Faust makes a pact with the devil and trades his soul for eternal youth—to disastrous consequences.
Conductor: Johannes Debus
Director: Amy Lane
Set and Costume Designer: Emma Ryott
Lighting Designer: Charlie Morgan Jones
Choreographer: Tim Claydon
Price Family Chorus Master: Sandra Horst
Faust: Long Long
Méphistophélès: Kyle Ketelsen
Valentin: Szymon Mechlinski
Siebel: Alex Hetherington
Marthe: Megan Latham
Siebel: Faust- Canadian Opera Company
Disenchanted by his lifelong quest for knowledge, the ageing philosopher Faust makes a pact with the devil and trades his soul for eternal youth—to disastrous consequences.
Conductor: Johannes Debus
Director: Amy Lane
Set and Costume Designer: Emma Ryott
Lighting Designer: Charlie Morgan Jones
Choreographer: Tim Claydon
Price Family Chorus Master: Sandra Horst
Faust: Long Long
Méphistophélès: Kyle Ketelsen
Valentin: Szymon Mechlinski
Siebel: Alex Hetherington
Marthe: Megan Latham
Box Concerts: Tapestry Opera
Box Concerts is a curbside performance from a travelling box that unfolds to reveal a one-person concert stage on a trailer! Each 30-minute performance features a different singer. Box Concerts are suitable for the whole family and are available for private residences, community hubs, and senior homes in the City of Toronto.
Tortured Poets Department: Toronto Summer Music
An evening of song and arias, centred around Schumann’s cycle Dichterliebe, presented by mezzo-soprano Alex Hetherington and pianist Vlad Soloviev.
Shuffle Concerts are on a first-come, first-served basis. Online pre-booking will only be available for those aged 65 and over, and those with accessibility needs. Online pre-booking will be available as of 12 pm on July 15. Tickets are limited.
Chamber Music Concert: Poetry
Join us for an evening of poetic resonance as these chamber music masterpieces unfold, revealing the profound language of emotion. From the whispered nuances to the bold declarations, each note and phrase contributes to a poetic narrative, inviting you to immerse yourself in the lyrical beauty of the compositions.
PROGRAM
Louise Farrenc: Sextet in C Minor, Op. 40, No. 1 Allegro (9’)
Aidan Chan (piano), Kai Chen Cheng (flute), Emily Luo (oboe), Nikki Pet (clarinet), Ellie Shifflett (bassoon), Madeleine Davis (horn)
Alban Berg: Vier Stücke, Op.5 (9’)
Jose Franch-Ballester (clarinet), Ellen Jansson (piano)
Alexander Scriabin: Four Preludes for clarinet and piano Op. 16 (15’)
Jose Franch-Ballester (clarinet), Ellen Jansson (piano)
Missy Mazzoli: The Sound of Light (5’)
Kai Chen Cheng (flute), Ehren Moser (violin), Joel Brennan (trumpet), David Johnston (trombone), Ellen Jansson (piano)
Robert Starer: The Mystic Trumpeter (after Whitman) (7')
Alex Hetherington (mezzo), David Johnston (trombone), Joel Brennan (trumpet), Kai Chen Cheng (flute), Francis Sadleir (clarinet)
Sophie-Carmen Eckhardt-Gramatté: Sonata Ruck Ruck for clarinet and piano, E. 113, I. (5’)
Simon Proulx (clarinet), Madeleine Black (piano)
Rebecca Clark: Prelude, Allegro and Pastorale (13’)
Emma Dunbar (viola), Francis Sadleir (clarinet)
Joseph Turrin: Fandango for trumpet, trombone and piano (7')
Joel Brennan (trumpet), David Johnston (trombone), Madeline Black (piano)
Yihan Chen: 清涼—still—CANADIAN PREMIÈRE/Joel Brennan commission [6']
Joel Brennan (trumpet), David Johnston (trombone), Annette Saunders (piano)
Emily Doolittle: Gardenscape (7’)
Kai Chen Cheng (flute), Ehren Moser (violin), Joel Brennan (trumpet), and Musicians from Interplay
Offred: The Handmaid's Tale - Banff Centre
In the far future, the year 2195, a box containing a number of audio cassettes from the beginning of the 21st Century suddenly appear, and the tapes are subsequently played at an International Historical Convention in Cambridge, England.
The tapes contain the secret diary of an anonymous woman who allegedly escaped from her position as involuntary, so-called Handmaid, at a private home in the theocratic dictatorship of the republic Gilead, the former USA, around A.D. 2006.
We don’t know the Handmaid’s real name - only her given name of service: Offred.
Creative Team
New Arrangement by Daniel Schlosberg
Conductor - Kamna Gupta
Stage Director - Amanda Testini
Faculty Répétiteur - Frances Armstrong
Cast
Offred ALEX HETHERINTON
Serena Joy RACHAEL McAULEY
Aunt Lydia MAEVE PALMER
The Commander LUKE NOFTALL
Offred in the Time Before AMANDA WEATHERALL
Luke JEREMY SCINOCCA
Nick GRAEME LINTON
Rita ALEX SORENSEN
Ofglen NICOLE LEUNG
Moira McKENZIE WARRINER
Janine/Ofwarren ELENA HOWARD-SCOTT
Offred’s Mother ALEX SORENSEN
Doctor LYDON LADEUR
New Ofglen EVA STONE-BARNEY
Commander X LYNDON LADEUR
Warren’s Wife CASSIANA ST-CYR
Winter Celebrations
Artists of the COC Ensemble Studio celebrate the winter season with beloved songs, both sacred and secular, that evoke both the cold of the natural world and the warmth of the winter holidays.
Liebeslieder Waltzes
Artists of the COC Ensemble Studio explore life, love, humour, and whimsy in an Ensemble performance of Brahms’ Liebeslieder Waltzes, Op. 52 counterpointed with John Greer’s Liebesleid-Lieder, Op. 20 with text by Dorothy Parker.
Rocking Horse Winner-House: Tapestry Opera
Wed Nov 01, 2023 – 7:30pm (preview)
Thu Nov 02, 2023 – 7:30pm
Sat Nov 04, 2023 – 1:30pm
Sun Nov 05, 2023 – 1:30pm
Wed Nov 08, 2023 – 7:30pm
Thu Nov 09, 2023 – 7:30pm
Sat Nov 11, 2023 – 7:30pm
Sun Nov 12, 2023 – 1:30pm
FOCUS: Clara, Robert, Johannes
Our season-opening festival curated by Alexander Shelley celebrates the abiding friendship between Clara Schumann, Robert Schumann and Johannes Brahms, who encouraged and inspired each other through lives of prolific creativity, troubling uncertainty, and perhaps even unrequited love. The lives of these three composers is the focus of a JUNO-nominated recording project by Alexander Shelley and the NAC Orchestra, which culminates live onstage at FOCUS: Clara, Robert, Johannes in Ottawa from September 13-21, 2023.
FOCUS: Clara, Robert, Johannes
Our season-opening festival curated by Alexander Shelley celebrates the abiding friendship between Clara Schumann, Robert Schumann and Johannes Brahms, who encouraged and inspired each other through lives of prolific creativity, troubling uncertainty, and perhaps even unrequited love. The lives of these three composers is the focus of a JUNO-nominated recording project by Alexander Shelley and the NAC Orchestra, which culminates live onstage at FOCUS: Clara, Robert, Johannes in Ottawa from September 13-21, 2023.