He was one of our greatest actors, gifted with glossolalia, able to speak in tongues and characters but always distinctively himself. From Prospero to Lady Bracknell, Hutt had a vast range and clear focus. Why so admired? See for yourself, as in one of his most famous roles he plays James Tyrone opposite Tom McCamus […]
In 2014, as City Opera was preparing the world premiere of Margaret Atwood’s first opera, PAULINE, we were in public workshop at the DTES Carnegie Centre. Neighbour Steve Lytton observed, “You’ve given us reasons to pity Pauline Johnson. You haven’t given us a reason to love her.” Within 48 hours, Margaret and composer Tobin Stokes […]
One of the most fascinating composers and performers working today, Eliot Britton personifies crossover and fusion, integrating electronic and instrumental music in new sounds and the construction of new arenas. Proudly Métis, holder of a PhD from McGill, he also brings deep insight into cultures and traditions that now co-exist in his music. PS: if […]
There are reasons why a trombonist is the loneliest person on the planet. Today, Jeremy Berkman provides another… More seriously, please read below the video for more on Jeremy’s remarkable gifts, leadership and, we know, sense of humour. Lament is a gorgeous and evocative work, and deserves to be widely known, everywhere.
Born in Terrace, raised in Victoria, trained at Ballet BC, Banff, Toronto, and in Germany, Crystal Pite may be Canada’s greatest gift to modern choreography. Through William Forsythe, and later her own company, Kidd Pivot, she has made work that is commissioned and performed around the world. No wonder. All wonder.
One of the most ingenious and gifted young musicians in Canada, Cris Derksen flourishes in dance, film, theatre, choral music, and performance art. Born on the North Tall Cree reserve in northern Alberta, Dirksen identifies as Cree, Mennonite, Two-Spirit, and cellist, holding a BMus in performance from UBC. An extraordinary talent.
Born in Victoria, he was educated at UofT, Banff, the Britten-Pears Young Artists Programme, and the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama. Trevor is currently one of Barbara Hannigan’s Equilibrium Young Artists, and making his career in London. This is a voice of astonishing intensity, a haunting, a rare beauty.
Opening Friday, at the Festival of Contemporary… Some of the most exciting work of the 21st century. Canadian artists exceptional in every domain. Art, drama, dance, music, design — and, of course, opera. One short video a day, for a month. Care to join us? It’s free, and it’s yours. Visit the Festival Or subscribe […]
This short film is an enlightening glimpse of Brent Carver, one of Canada’s most acclaimed actors. In an exhilarating exhibition of his two great passions, acting and singing, Carver weaves powerful performances comprising Shakespeare and song. Tragically, Brent died in August 2020, at the age of 68. It was a terrible loss to the arts, […]
These are strange, wretched, and melancholy times. Everyone wants it to be over, awaits the vaccine, tries to obey the rules, finds no certain end in sight, and relies more than ever on friends and family. At City Opera – as with so many other companies – we are re-inventing and re-creating ourselves. Opera is […]
A Canadian Masterpiece is Now Available at Online Auction All Proceeds Benefit City Opera This extraordinary work was donated by arts patron Wayne Richards, in support of the musical and social agenda of City Opera. His gift of original prints by Yousuf Karsh netted over $26,000 in 2010. Now, he has given us Spring […]
IN THIS ISSUE: Mutual Aid • Chinatown • Berlin in 1934 • Kattia And Miro • Jaap Mutual Aid Performing arts organizations and artists are being swept by a tsunami. We have seen our best replies: sopranos singing opera to their neighbours. Orchestras online, playing from 60 different music rooms. Italian Air Force jets streaming […]
