Past Events
THE BOOK OF MY SHAMES / Isaiah Bell
Date: May 20, 2023 7:30 pm
Join tenor Isaiah Bell in the Vancouver premiere of his solo show, THE BOOK OF MY SHAMES, at The Firehall Arts Centre on 18, 19 and 20 May at 7:30pm.
In this extraordinary and personal, difficult and charming show, Bell reminds us that desire, rejection, shame, and the longing to be loved are themes common to us all. He does it with operatic passion and a wink.
THE BOOK OF MY SHAMES / Isaiah Bell
Date: May 19, 2023 7:30 pm
Join tenor Isaiah Bell in the Vancouver premiere of his solo show, THE BOOK OF MY SHAMES, at The Firehall Arts Centre on 18, 19 and 20 May at 7:30pm.
In this extraordinary and personal, difficult and charming show, Bell reminds us that desire, rejection, shame, and the longing to be loved are themes common to us all. He does it with operatic passion and a wink.
THE BOOK OF MY SHAMES / Isaiah Bell
Date: May 18, 2023 7:30 pm
Join tenor Isaiah Bell in the Vancouver premiere of his solo show, THE BOOK OF MY SHAMES, at The Firehall Arts Centre on 18, 19 and 20 May at 7:30pm.
In this extraordinary and personal, difficult and charming show, Bell reminds us that desire, rejection, shame, and the longing to be loved are themes common to us all. He does it with operatic passion and a wink.
City Opera at the Jewish Book Festival / 16 Feb 2023
Date: February 16, 2023
Join City Opera artists Catherine Thornsley, and Roger Parton, as we participate in this year's Jewish Book Festival. 8 - 10pm, Thursday 16 February, in the Wosk Auditorium of the Jewish Community Centre.
City Opera at Slack/SalesForce 2 Feb 2023
Date: February 2, 2023 2:00 pm
We make our first appearance, celebrating the Lunar New Year, at the corporate headquarters of Slack/Sales Force in Downtown Vancouver. Thursday 2 February 2023
With tenor Spencer Britten, and pianist Roger Parton.
Year of the Rabbit / Jan 21 & 22 at Sun Yat-Sen Gardens
Date: January 22, 2023 2:00 pm
City Opera appears in Year of the Rabbit celebrations on 21 and 22 2023, 2pm at Dr Sun Yat-Sen Gardens.
Saturday (January 21) 2pm to 2:45pm: Sodam Milavić, Leila Kirves, Martin Renner-Wallace, Yuhui Wang, and Roger Parton, piano
Sunday (January 22) 2pm to 2:45pm: Sodam Milavić, Emma Parkinson, Martin Renner-Wallace, Yuhui Wang, and Kathy Bjorseth, piano
Our thanks to BC Gaming for ongoing support.
City Opera stands with Chinatown.
Year of the Rabbit / Jan 21 & 22 at Sun Yat-Sen Gardens
Date: January 21, 2023 2:00 pm
City Opera appears in Year of the Rabbit celebrations on 21 and 22 2023, 2pm at Dr Sun Yat-Sen Gardens.
Saturday (January 21) 2pm to 2:45pm: Sodam Milavić, Leila Kirves, Martin Renner-Wallace, Yuhui Wang, and Roger Parton, piano
Sunday (January 22) 2pm to 2:45pm: Sodam Milavić, Emma Parkinson, Martin Renner-Wallace, Yuhui Wang, and Kathy Bjorseth, piano
Our thanks to BC Gaming for ongoing support.
City Opera stands with Chinatown.
City Opera & Chutzpah / Thurs 3 November 2022
Date: November 3, 2022 8:00 pm
CITY OPERA | CHUTZPAH | SONDHEIM
Coming on 3 November, we open the 2022 Chutzpah Festival with eight singers, a pianist, and the great Stephen Sondheim in concert. Not to be missed
https://chutzpahfestival.online.red61.ca/event/480:20/480:33/
75th Anniversary of Community Arts Council 14 Oct 2022
Date: October 14, 2022 8:00 pm
Join Emma Parkinson and Roger Parton, in concert, as we help celebrate the 75th Anniversary of the founding of the Community Arts Council of Vancouver. Free, courtesy BC Gaming. From 8pm, Friday 14 October. The Roundhouse, at foot of Davie x Pacific Boulevard.
CHINATOWN: a new opera by Madeleine Thien & Alice Ping Yee Ho
Date: September 17, 2022 7:30 pm
CHINATOWN runs 13 - 17 September 2022, at the Vancouver Playhouse. Tickets: https://www.vtixonline.com/Chinatown/
Extraordinary support has been granted by The Vancouver Foundation, Canada Council for the Arts, British Columbia Arts Council, The City of Vancouver, Edwina and Paul Heller Memorial Fund, Doretta Lee Memorial Fund, Quan Family Fund, The Illahie Fund, Leon Judah Blackmore Foundation, Wuchien Michael Than Foundation, Vancity Credit Union, and our many individual donors.
CHINATOWN: a new opera by Madeleine Thien & Alice Ping Yee Ho
Date: September 16, 2022 7:30 pm
CHINATOWN runs 13 - 17 September 2022, at the Vancouver Playhouse. Tickets: https://www.vtixonline.com/Chinatown/
Extraordinary support has been granted by The Vancouver Foundation, Canada Council for the Arts, British Columbia Arts Council, The City of Vancouver, Edwina and Paul Heller Memorial Fund, Doretta Lee Memorial Fund, Quan Family Fund, The Illahie Fund, Leon Judah Blackmore Foundation, Wuchien Michael Than Foundation, Vancity Credit Union, and our many individual donors.
CHINATOWN: a new opera by Madeleine Thien & Alice Ping Yee Ho
Date: September 15, 2022 7:30 pm
CHINATOWN runs 13 - 17 September 2022, at the Vancouver Playhouse. Tickets: https://www.vtixonline.com/Chinatown/
Extraordinary support has been granted by The Vancouver Foundation, Canada Council for the Arts, British Columbia Arts Council, The City of Vancouver, Edwina and Paul Heller Memorial Fund, Doretta Lee Memorial Fund, Quan Family Fund, The Illahie Fund, Leon Judah Blackmore Foundation, Wuchien Michael Than Foundation, Vancity Credit Union, and our many individual donors.
CHINATOWN: a new opera by Madeleine Thien & Alice Ping Yee Ho
Date: September 14, 2022 7:30 pm
CHINATOWN runs 13 - 17 September 2022, at the Vancouver Playhouse. Tickets: https://www.vtixonline.com/Chinatown/
Extraordinary support has been granted by The Vancouver Foundation, Canada Council for the Arts, British Columbia Arts Council, The City of Vancouver, Edwina and Paul Heller Memorial Fund, Doretta Lee Memorial Fund, Quan Family Fund, The Illahie Fund, Leon Judah Blackmore Foundation, Wuchien Michael Than Foundation, Vancity Credit Union, and our many individual donors.
CHINATOWN: a new opera by Madeleine Thien & Alice Ping Yee Ho
Date: September 13, 2022 7:30 pm
CHINATOWN runs 13 - 17 September 2022, at the Vancouver Playhouse. Tickets: https://www.vtixonline.com/Chinatown/
Extraordinary support has been granted by The Vancouver Foundation, Canada Council for the Arts, British Columbia Arts Council, The City of Vancouver, Edwina and Paul Heller Memorial Fund, Doretta Lee Memorial Fund, Quan Family Fund, The Illahie Fund, Leon Judah Blackmore Foundation, Wuchien Michael Than Foundation, Vancity Credit Union, and our many individual donors.
FINDING CHINATOWN 1 – 3pm Tues 13 September
Date: September 13, 2022 1:00 pm
FINDING CHINATOWN will run from 1 – 3pm, Tuesday 13 September, at the CNL Auditorium, 537 Main Street, between Pender x Keefer
It is a factual and emotionally charged look at Chinatown, its history and its people, led by people who were there:
• Shirley Chan, talking about SPOTA and the freeway
• Sid Chow Tan on the Head Tax
• Hayne Wai, on lives in the neighbourhood
• Paul Yee, on the significance of Hoisan
and more... free tickets at:
https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/finding-chinatown-tickets-413733938347
All COVID protocols observed, and masking required
Generously sponsored by the Vancouver Foundation.
www.cityoperavancouver.com
City Opera at Chinatown Storytelling Centre 27 August
Date: August 27, 2022 5:00 pm
We make our first appearance at the Chinatown Storytelling Centre from 5 - 6pm, Saturday 27 August, from 5 - 6pm. Located at 168 East Pender. Details to come...
City Opera at VanDusen Gardens 29 July at noon
Date: July 29, 2022 1:00 pm
We make our debut appearance at the wonderful VanDusen Gardens, Friday 29 July, from 1 to 1:45pm. Located at 5400-block Oak Street, at 37th Avenue, on the 55-acre site of a former golf course. It's one of the great urban gardens in North America -- and now, with music. Details to come...
City Opera at MacLean Park, Strathcona, 24 July
Date: July 24, 2022 2:45 pm
Please join us in our latest appearance at MacLean Park in DTES/Strathcona. We're part of a Grand Ol' Opry Day, appearing twice: 2:45 - 3:05pm, and 3:55 - 4:10pm. Sunday 24 July 2022.
With Leila Kirves and Jason Cook. Free, of course, thanks to BC Gaming
Details to come...
Low Entropy Inter-Cultural Festival 16 July
Date: July 16, 2022 10:30 am
Join City Opera for our first appearance at LaFarge Lake Stadium, Coquitlam on Saturday 16 July. 10:30 - 11am. This is part of a major Inter-Cultural Festival. With Catherine Thornsley, Luka Kawabata, & Roger Parton. Please join us. Free, of course, thanks to BC Gaming.
DTES Oppenheimer Park 15 June 7pm
Date: June 15, 2022 7:00 pm
Do you live in the DTES? We have a concert for you on Wednesday 15 June, 7pm at Oppenheimer Park. Tenor Matej Kockovsky, baritone Jason Cook, and pianist Roger Parton. You may count on great music, and no rain. Free, of course, thanks to BC Gaming.
CHINATOWN TIX ON SALE 23 JULY
Date: May 20, 2022 7:30 pm
“Chinatown may be the most important new opera premiered in Canada this year.” -- Margaret Atwood
Tickets go on sale Wednesday 20 July.
Please stand by for more information.
13, 14, 15 and 16 September 2022, at 7:30pm
17 September 2022, at 2pm
The Vancouver Playhouse
Concert 11 May 2022 at DTES Oppenheimer Park
Date: May 11, 2022 7:00 pm
Please join us for a concert with tenor Matej Kockovsky, baritone Luka Kawabata, and pianist Roger Parton. Wednesday 11 May, 7 - 8pm, DTES Oppenheimer Park, at Jackson x Powell.
Free to all, thanks to BC Gaming.
City Opera at Dr Sun Yat-Sen Garden 24 April
Date: April 24, 2022 2:00 pm
WE STAND WITH CHINATOWN
City Opera returns to the enchanting Dr Sun Yat-Sen Chinese Classical Garden this Sunday 24 April, at 2pm.
And we present a wonderful concert starring singers Alyssa Samson and Young-Ho Shin, and pianist Roger Parton. It's all in support of the Garden's 36th Anniversary celebrations.
Please join us.
City Opera at Sun Yat-Sen Gardens 5 February
Date: February 5, 2022 4:30 pm
We stand with Chinatown.
We next perform at Sun Yat-Sen Gardens from 4:30 - 5pm on Saturday 5 February. With Catherine Thornsley and Youngho Shin. Please dress warmly, and bring a smile.
Chinatown Public Workshop
Date: November 28, 2021 2:00 pm
We present the piano-vocal version of our new opera Chinatown. Hear the work ten months before it opens, and give us your thoughts. Free, of course, thanks to the Vancouver Foundation – and COVID compliant. Masks and passports, please.
Chinatown Public Workshop
Date: November 27, 2021 2:00 pm
We present the piano-vocal version of our new opera Chinatown. Hear the work ten months before it opens, and give us your thoughts. Free, of course, thanks to the Vancouver Foundation – and COVID compliant. Masks and passports, please.
City Opera concert at Holy Family Hospital
Date: August 31, 2021 2:00 pm
We perform for the elderly residents of Holy Family Hospital on Tuesday 31 August, from 2 - 3pm. We present soprano Sodam Lee, baritone Luka Kawabata, and pianist Roger Parton in a performance of great operatic and traditional Asian repertoire. Free, of course, thanks to our friends at Providence Health Care and BC Gaming...
SIX PoPUps on Wed 25 August 2021
Date: August 25, 2021 11:00 am
Thanks to Van Parks Board and BC Gaming, all are free.
DTES Andy Livingstone Park / 11 – 11:30am
DTES Victory Square / 12 – 12:30am
DTES Thornton Park / 1 – 1:30pm
Bobolink Park / 3 – 3:30pm
Trout Lake Park / 4 – 4:30pm
Grandview Park / 5 – 5:30pm
We PoPUp on 4th Avenue x Maple
Date: August 20, 2021 7:30 pm
You're invited to come to Kits on Friday 20 August when soprano Catherine Thornsley pops up at 4th Avenue x Maple. 7:30 - 8pm.
Free of course, thanks to our friends at ShopWest4th, the Kits BIA, and BC Gaming. Please join us...
Popping Up at DTES Oppenheimer
Date: August 20, 2021 2:00 pm
Join soprano Jordana Goddard for a free PoPUp mini-concert at DTES Oppenheimer Park. Friday 20 August, 2pm.
Cottage Hospice Concerts 12 August
Date: August 12, 2021 1:30 pm
On Thursday 12 August, at 1:30pm, we present the first in a series of concerts at the Cottage Hospice in Burrard Park, 650 N Penticton Street, in the Hastings-Sunrise District. Free, of course, thanks to BC Gaming
City Opera at the Jewish Community Centre
Date: August 10, 2021 3:30 pm
Join us for the first of three PopUpOpera mini-concerts at the Jewish Community Centre this summer. Wednesday 10 August, 3:30 - 4pm, east end of the complex. 950 West 41st, near Oak.
With soprano Madison Craig, and tenor Luka Kawabata. Free to all, courtesy of the JCC and BC Gaming.
City Opera PopsUp at Museum of Vancouver 8 August 2021
Date: August 8, 2021 2:00 pm
Please join us for another PoPUpOpera mini-concert at the Museum of Vancouver in Vanier Park. 2 - 2:30pm, Sunday 8 July 2021, in front of the silent claw. Stage 3 COVID regulations in force.
With soprano Mariya Krywaniuk. Free to all, courtesy the Museum of Vancouver, and BC Gaming.
Vaccination Clinic Concerts 4 August 2021
Date: August 4, 2021 10:00 am
Held in support of Vancouver Coastal Health, and its Walk-in Wednesday Vaccination Clinics, we present three PoPUpOpera concerts on Wednesday 4 August. Vancouver Convention Centre, East. 10am, 11am, and noon. Starring soprano Shadan Saul.
Free, of course, thanks to BC Gaming.
City Opera at ACT Maple Ridge 24 July at noon
Date: July 24, 2021 12:00 pm
City Opera makes it first appearance at ACT Maple Ridge, in a free outdoor concert -- with singers Chloé Hurst, Emma Parkinson, Martin Renner Wallace, Jason Cook, and pianist Roger Parton. Saturday 24 July, at noon for one hour. Free, of course, courtesy ACT and BC Gaming.
ACT Maple Ridge is located at 11944 Haney Place, in downtown Maple Ridge.
City Opera at Sun-Yat Sen Classical Chinese Gardens
Date: July 18, 2021 5:00 pm
Please join us at 5pm, and 6:30pm, Sunday 18 July. More details coming...
City Opera at Sun-Yat Sen Gardens
Date: July 18, 2021 5:00 pm
Join soprano Szu-Wen Wang and baritone Yuhui Wang for concerts at 5 and 6:30pm, Sunday 18 July. These are the first of 35 PoPUpOpera concerts we are giving this season. Sun-Yat Sen Classical Chinese Gardens, in Chinatown.
At the Statue of Venus, online
Date: July 12, 2021 2:00 pm
Rose is set up on a blind date AT THE STATUE OF VENUS. What could possibly go wrong? Almost everything, it seems. With music by Jake Heggie, libretto by Terrence McNally, starring soprano Robyn Driedger-Klassen and pianist Terence Dawson. A romance for our times. And then some.
Produced by Trudy Chalmers, filmed by Chris Randle, sound by Andrew Smith, and lighting by Sophie Tang.
Available w/out charge at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oeCzSdVBnLM
At the Statue of Venus Online
Date: July 12, 2021 9:30 am
AT THE STATUE OF VENUS
Rose is set up on a blind date AT THE STATUE OF VENUS. What could possibly go wrong? Almost everything, it seems. With music by Jake Heggie, libretto by Terrence McNally, starring soprano Robyn Driedger-Klassen and pianist Terence Dawson. A romance for our times. And then some.
Songs for Better Days, online
Date: May 15, 2021 9:30 am
Nine singers, nine cultures. Songs of hope and recovery, memory and gratitude. Starring Kat Norris / Watswema • Anastasia Pyshna • Turgut Akmete • Michelle Koebke • Sergio Augusto • Yuhui Wang • Bahareh Poureslami • Melody Courage • Chloé Hurst • Roger Parton, arranger and pianist. In association with the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra, Day of Music, May 2021. Available at no charge: https://youtu.be/qgCYOB48Xdw
PERRUQUERIES, online
Date: March 26, 2021 12:00 pm
Join us for a brilliant comic cantata about wigs, and the people who wear them. Written by Bill Richardson & Jocelyn Morlock, this wry and witty work was filmed before a live audience in 2019. Celebrating the 100th anniversary of the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra, PERRU-QUERIES answers your questions about wigs in 25 minutes or less.
Join soprano Robyn Driedger-Klassen, bass-baritone Peter Monaghan, and pianist Tina Chang for an hilarious tale about Galina Vishnevskaya and the candles in Tosca. Bobby Hull and an unfortunate de-furring on the ice. Andy Warhol and a thievish fan. And more.
Produced by Alan Corbishley, filmed by Chris Randle, and free to you at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XG7QX9Mzhu8
THE HUMAN VOICE, online
Date: January 18, 2021
This bold new adaptation of Poulenc's 1958 masterpiece, La Voix Humaine, becomes a story for our times. Starring tenor Isaiah Bell, with pianist Roger Parton, it sings of the agony of failed love, and the anaesthetic of the machine. It has been earning rave reviews. You'll soon see why. It runs 47:00 at www.cityoperavancouver.com Free, of course, and the first in a new series at City Opera Online.
THE HUMAN VOICE: a story for our times
Date: January 11, 2021 12:00 pm
The agony of failed love. The coldness of the machine. The voice of humanity.
The Human Voice is a contemporary adaptation of the 1928 stage play by Jean Cocteau, and the 1958 chamber opera by Francis Poulenc.
It is a radically new production of La Voix Humaine. In the original, a lone soprano sings into a telephone, frustrated by a technology that fails and distances and impairs any prospect of intimacy. Her lover advises that he has found another woman.
The Human Voice presents a flip of gender, and a metaphor of global pandemic. Now in English, Isaiah Bell sings to his male lover, and into the abyss of COVID. In a Zoom call impaired by lag and freeze and dropped signals, technology is once again enemy to intimacy. The agony of failed love is heightened by the necessity of distance, by the anaesthetic of the machine.
Starring Canadian tenor Isaiah Bell, with pianist Roger Parton, it will initially appear as a series of seven webisodes, each going up at noon for a week.
On 18 January 2021, it will appear entire, and stay online for one year. The complete chamber opera runs 49:00. It is presented without charge, and was filmed at The Historic Cultch Theatre.
Thanks to the Griffin, Hamber and McLean foundations, and our many private donors, we present this chamber opera without charge.
Only available at City Opera Online /
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1OgkO6rRAUX4CYV-iEpJ1A
CHINATOWN panel online 4pm Oct 31
Date: October 31, 2020 4:00 pm
As part of the DTES Heart of the City Festival, we are offering a fascinating look backstage into our upcoming opera, CHINATOWN.
At 4pm on Saturday 31 October, online, join librettist Madeleine Thien, Hoisan/Toisan translator and co-writer Paul Yee, composer Alice Ping Yee Ho, stage director Debi Wong, coach/repetiteur Roger Parton, and City Opera president Ethel Whitty. Their presentation will be followed by Q&A from our online audience. Free, of course, and on Zoom.
ACCESS: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/chinatown-city-opera-tickets-124594444337
City Opera at Il Centro / Wed 7 Sept 5:30pm
Date: October 7, 2020 5:30 pm
Join us for a late-popping PoPUpOpera mini-concert at 5:30pm, Wednesday 7 October. In the piazza, at Il Centro. With soprano Eve-Lyn de la Haye. Free and COVID-compliant, of course. Please wear a mask and a smile.
FESTIVAL of CONTEMPORARY starts 2 October
Date: October 2, 2020 9:00 am
and lasts for one month, online, and free.
Diverse voices. Daring visions. A curated look at dance, drama, design, music, poetry, cinema, song, photography, opera and more. All 21st C. All dazzling. All Canadian.
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1OgkO6rRAUX4CYV-iEpJ1A
13th AGM Monday 21 September
Date: September 21, 2020 7:00 pm
NOTICE:
members in good standing of the City Opera of Vancouver Society are invited to participate by ZOOM in our 13th AGM. 7 - 8pm, Monday 21 September.
To receive your secure invitation, please contact manager###cityoperavancouver.com no later than Friday 18 September 2020. An Agenda will be provided at that time.
PoPUp at Il Centro Wed 9 Sept 5:30pm
Date: September 9, 2020 5:30 pm
Please join us for a repeat engagement on the piazza at Il Centro. Wednesday 9 September, 5:30pm. With soprano Michelle Koebke. Free, of course, outdoors, and COVID compliant. Please wear a mask & a smile.
PoppingUp at Grandview Park
Date: September 4, 2020 4:00 pm
PopUpOpera is offering a free mini-concert at Grandview Park, Commercial Drive x Charles, on Friday 4 September. 4pm. With soprano Taryn Plater. Please wear a mask and a smile.
PoPUpOpera at Broadway Station
Date: September 4, 2020 3:00 pm
PopUpOpera is offering a free mini-concert at Broadway Station, Commercial x Broadway, on Friday 4 September. 3pm. With soprano Taryn Plater. Please wear a mask and a smile.
PopUpOpera at DTES CRAB Park
Date: September 4, 2020 2:00 pm
PopUpOpera is offering a free mini-concert at Crab Park in the DTES, foot of Main Street, on Friday 4 September. 2pm. With soprano Taryn Plater, and thanks to BC Gaming. Please wear a mask and a smile.
PoPUpOpera No. 12 / 3 Sept at 4pm
Date: September 3, 2020 4:00 pm
On Thursday 3 September, join us for another free PoPUpOpera mini-concert. 4pm, Langara / Oakridge Canada Line Plaza. We are COVID-compliant. Please wear a mask, and a smile. With soprano Anastasia Pyshna.
PoPUpOpera No. 11 / 3 Sept at 3pm
Date: September 3, 2020 3:00 pm
On Thursday 3 September, join us for another free PoPUpOpera mini-concert. 3pm, Oakridge / 41st Canada Line Plaza. We are COVID-compliant. Please wear a mask, and a smile. With soprano Anastasia Pyshna.
PoPUpOpera No. 10 / 3 Sept at 2pm
Date: September 3, 2020 2:00 pm
On Thursday 3 September, join us for another free PoPUpOpera mini-concert. 2pm, King Edward Canada Line Plaza. We are COVID-compliant. Please wear a mask, and a smile. With soprano Anastasia Pyshna.
PopUpOpera at Sun-Yat Sen Gardens
Date: August 28, 2020 5:30 pm
Join us for PopUpOpera at the Sun-Yat Sen Classical Chinese Gardens, Friday 28 August. 5:30pm, and 6:30pm. Keefer Street entrance. With coloratura soprano Szu-Wen Wang. Please wear a mask and a smile.
PoPUpOpera at MacLean Park
Date: August 28, 2020 4:30 pm
We offer another free PopUpOpera mini-concert: 4:30pm, Friday 28 August. MacLean Park, Strathcona. With soprano Anastasia Pyshna. Our thanks to BC Gaming for its support. Please wear a mask and a smile.
PoPUpOpera at International Village
Date: August 28, 2020 3:00 pm
We offer another free PopUpOpera mini-concert: 3pm, Friday 28 August. International Village Plaza, at Keefer. With soprano Anastasia Pyshna. Our thanks to BC Gaming for its support. Please wear a mask and a smile.
PoPUpOpera at Chinatown SkyTrain Station
Date: August 28, 2020 2:00 pm
We offer another free PopUpOpera mini-concert: 2pm, Friday 28 August. Chinatown SkyTrain Station Plaza, on Beatty at the viaduct. With soprano Anastasia Pyshna. Our thanks to BC Gaming for its support. Please wear a mask and a smile.
PoPUpOPERA / Il Centro / Wed Aug 19
Date: August 19, 2020 5:30 pm
PoPUpOPERA mini-concert on Wednesday August 19. 5:30pm. At Il Centro, on the piazza. Slocan x Grandview Highway
With soprano Chloé Hurst. Free. Please wear a mask and a smile.
PoPUpOPERA / Beaconsfield Park / Wed 19 August
Date: August 19, 2020 4:30 pm
PoPUpOPERA mini-concert on Wednesday August 19. 4:30pm. Beaconsfield Park. Slocan x E 17th
With soprano Chloé Hurst. Free. Please wear a mask and a smile.
PoPUpOPERA Trout Lake Community Centre / 19 August
Date: August 19, 2020 3:30 pm
PoPUpOPERA mini-concert on Wednesday August 19. 4:30pm. John Hendry Park / Trout Lake Community Centre. Victoria Drive x E 19th
With soprano Chloé Hurst. Free. Please wear a mask and a smile.
PopUpOpera at The Museum of Vancouver
Date: August 16, 2020 2:00 pm
Sunday 16 August 2020
2pm
The Museum of Vancouver in Vanier Park, with soprano Chloé Hurst
COVID rules apply, and free to all
CHINATOWN composer concert 25 April / to be held online
Date: April 25, 2020 2:00 pm
At City Opera, we choose our composers via Jury, and an anonymized competition. Akin to screen auditions at a Symphony, we invite well-qualified Canadian composers to set an identical text from our new libretto. We avoid hypothesis and mere hopefulness. In this way, we hear how the composer would set the actual libretto -- two years before opening night. Our system reduces risk.
We also use this system to reduce bias. The Jury does not know the name, age, gender, or ethnicity of the composer. Only the sound.
On Saturday 25 April, from 2 - 3pm at the Canadian Music Centre, 837 Davie Street, four different settings will be sung of an excerpt from the CHINATOWN libretto of Madeleine Thien. NB: because of COVID, this event will now be held online. Free, of course. Details to come
Please RSVP at info[at]cityoperavancouver[dot]com
BERLIN: The Last Cabaret / 26 January 2020
Date: January 26, 2020 2:00 pm
Members of a cabaret troupe gather one last time to perform for their friends, some of whom have already gone missing. It is 1934 in Berlin. The Weimar Republic has collapsed, and the world is turning upside down.
This is the premise of City Opera's next MainStage. It is unlike anything we have done before, and it speaks directly to our own times. Using music authentic to the period, it will be presented in a cabaret setting at Performance Works on Granville Island. BERLIN runs at 8pm 23, 24, 25 January 2020, and at 2pm Sunday January 26.
Our objective is to present music from the Weimar era, cross-connected in a new narrative. Weimar was a period of tremendous experiment and daring, risk and transgression, gender liberation, discovery and allure – especially in Berlin. We bring it to life again.
Cabaret seating. All tickets $44.50. Only through PuSh.
BERLIN: The Last Cabaret / 25 January 2020
Date: January 25, 2020 8:00 pm
Members of a cabaret troupe gather one last time to perform for their friends, some of whom have already gone missing. It is 1934 in Berlin. The Weimar Republic has collapsed, and the world is turning upside down.
This is the premise of City Opera's next MainStage. It is unlike anything we have done before, and it speaks directly to our own times. Using music authentic to the period, it will be presented in a cabaret setting at Performance Works on Granville Island. BERLIN runs at 8pm 23, 24, 25 January 2020, and at 2pm Sunday January 26.
Our objective is to present music from the Weimar era, cross-connected in a new narrative. Weimar was a period of tremendous experiment and daring, risk and transgression, gender liberation, discovery and allure – especially in Berlin. We bring it to life again.
Cabaret seating. All tickets $44.50. Only through PuSh.
BERLIN: The Last Cabaret / 24 January 2020
Date: January 24, 2020 8:00 pm
Members of a cabaret troupe gather one last time to perform for their friends, some of whom have already gone missing. It is 1934 in Berlin. The Weimar Republic has collapsed, and the world is turning upside down.
This is the premise of City Opera's next MainStage. It is unlike anything we have done before, and it speaks directly to our own times. Using music authentic to the period, it will be presented in a cabaret setting at Performance Works on Granville Island. BERLIN runs at 8pm 23, 24, 25 January 2020, and at 2pm Sunday January 26.
Our objective is to present music from the Weimar era, cross-connected in a new narrative. Weimar was a period of tremendous experiment and daring, risk and transgression, gender liberation, discovery and allure – especially in Berlin. We bring it to life again.
Cabaret seating. All tickets $44.50. Only through PuSh.
BERLIN: The Last Cabaret / 23 January 2020
Date: January 23, 2020 8:00 pm
Members of a cabaret troupe gather one last time to perform for their friends, some of whom have already gone missing. It is 1934 in Berlin. The Weimar Republic has collapsed, and the world is turning upside down.
This is the premise of City Opera's next MainStage. It is unlike anything we have done before, and it speaks directly to our own times. Using music authentic to the period, it will be presented in a cabaret setting at Performance Works on Granville Island. BERLIN runs at 8pm 23, 24, 25 January 2020, and at 2pm Sunday January 26.
Our objective is to present music from the Weimar era, cross-connected in a new narrative. Weimar was a period of tremendous experiment and daring, risk and transgression, gender liberation, discovery and allure – especially in Berlin. We bring it to life again.
Cabaret seating. All tickets $44.50. Only through PuSh.
CHINATOWN opera 3rd public workshop / 2 December at 2pm
Date: December 2, 2019 2:00 pm
CHINATOWN is a new opera by the renowned Madeleine Thien. Set in 1961, it looks at the people and cultures and stories of a great neighbourhood. We are now testing its text in front of live audiences.
Please join us on Monday 2 December, from 2 - 4:30pm at the Chinese Nationalist League Auditorium, second floor (with elevator), 537 Main Street, for a public workshop and talkback. Text-only. No music for another year. Join Maddie herself, and six professional actors, as we explore and beta-test the libretto in progress. Your comments are invaluable to us. Free, of course.
This event is particularly directed toward elders. Translation will be provided.
The complete opera will premiere in September 2021 at The Playhouse. Our thanks to The Vancouver Foundation, and the City of Vancouver, for generous support. We are very grateful.
CHINATOWN opera 2nd public workshop / 1 December at 6:30pm
Date: December 1, 2019 6:30 pm
CHINATOWN is a new opera by the renowned Madeleine Thien. Set in 1961, it looks at the people and cultures and stories of a great neighbourhood. We are now testing its text in front of live audiences.
Please join us on Sunday 1 December, from 6:30 - 9pm at the Floata Restaurant, 180 Keefer Street, for a public workshop and talkback. Text-only. No music for another year. Join Maddie herself, and six professional actors, as we explore and beta-test the libretto in progress. Your comments are invaluable to us. Free, of course.
The complete opera will premiere in September 2021 at The Playhouse. Our thanks to The Vancouver Foundation, and the City of Vancouver, for generous support. We are very grateful.
CHINATOWN opera 1st public workshop / 30 November at 7pm
Date: November 30, 2019 7:00 pm
CHINATOWN is a new opera by the renowned Madeleine Thien. Set in 1961, it looks at the people and cultures and stories of a great neighbourhood. We are now testing its text in front of live audiences.
Please join us on Saturday 30 November, from 7 - 9pm at the DTES Carnegie Centre for a public workshop and talkback. Text-only. No music for another year. Join Maddie herself, and six professional actors, as we explore and beta-test the libretto in progress. Your comments are invaluable to us. Free, of course.
The complete opera will premiere in September 2021 at The Playhouse. Our thanks to The Vancouver Foundation, and the City of Vancouver, for generous support. We are very grateful.
Benefit Concert for the DTES Carnegie Newsletter
Date: November 14, 2019 7:00 pm
The DTES Carnegie Newsletter, now in its 33rd year, is produced entirely by volunteer labour. Many performing arts groups, including City Opera, band together to help them cover the costs of paper, ink and staples.
The Carnegie Newsletter has long been a strong voice for the views, problems, and solutions put forward by the good folks of the DTES. We are honoured to help.
This important benefit concert will be held at St James Community Square, 3214 West Tenth this year. 7 - 9:30pm, Thursday 14 November. Please join us. Not free, and pay what you can at the door. Thanks!
BERLIN: The Last Cabaret / a sneak preview / 26 October
Date: October 26, 2019 7:00 pm
BERLIN: The Last Cabaret. A unique collage of cabaret, opera and jazz from the Weimar Republic.
It's Berlin. Underground. 1934. The last night of the last cabaret in Germany. Singers and players gather to perform, one final time.
BERLIN: The Last Cabaret, in a sneak, music-only preview given as part of the DTES Heart of the City Festival. Carnegie Centre, Hastings x Main. Saturday 26 October. 7pm. Free, of course -- thanks to the generous support of BC Gaming.
The MainStage production runs at Performance Works, on Granville Island, in January 2020. Details to come.
Il Centro Gala Fundraiser / Friday 4 October 2019
Date: October 4, 2019 8:00 pm
City Opera is delighted to participate in the annual fundraising gala for our friends at Il Centro: the Italian Cultural Centre. Please join us in the Grand Ballroom the evening of Friday 4 October 2019, 8 - 10pm.
Slocan x Grandview. Ample free parking, and SkyTrain Renfrew two blocks away. More details to come.
On The Table 3 October
Date: October 3, 2019 7:00 pm
City Opera is participating in the Vancouver Foundation's "On The Table" event on Thursday 3 October.
It will be hosted at the private home of one of our Directors. For more information, please contact our General Manager, Trudy Chalmers, at managerXXXcityoperavancouver.com
The evening's dinner and conversation will feature music from past and upcoming City Opera productions. Free, of course.
BC Culture Days… Sat Sept 28 at 1pm
Date: September 28, 2019 1:00 pm
Join us for a Great Opera Choruses Singalong on Saturday 28 September, from 1 - 2pm, at CBC Studio 700.
Join us for a chance to sing all the great choruses you love, with dozens of your closest friends, four professional singers -- Tamara Simon, Martina Govednik, Thomas Lamont, William Liu -- and one formidable pianist. We supply the music, online and at the door. You bring yourself.
It's like singing in the shower -- without the water. Free, of course.
Opera Goes to Hell… on 10 September
Date: September 10, 2019 7:30 pm
With devilish delight, this concert will explore the underworld and its influence on opera plots and characters. From Orfeo's quest to retrieve his wife from Hades, to Faust selling his soul for love, this concert will explore all the great music and conflicts created by that pesky hotspot.
With Elaina Moreau, Peter Monaghan, Roger Parton, and Alan Corbishley.
This will be our fourth concert of the season at Il Centro: The Italian Cultural Centre, Slocan x Grandview.
Tuesday 10 September, 7:30 - 9pm. Please join us. Pay-what-you-can. Wear red.
Bridezillas of Opera / Il Centro 8 August
Date: August 8, 2019 7:30 pm
A fun and frightening look at the unhinged female characters of opera, afflicted by love. Whether they are betrothed to be married, fiancées in love, jilted lovers, or simply mad and bad, this concert will showcase the power of the female voice, soul, and fierce-a-tude.
Featuring Michelle Koebke, Melanie Krueger, and Heather Molloy, with non-singing pianist Roger Parton.
Our third concert of the season at Il Centro: The Italian Cultural Centre. Thursday 8 August, 7:30 - 9pm. Slocan x Grandview. More details to come.
THE BERLIN PROJECT: audition callbacks, 7 August 2019
Date: August 7, 2019 7:00 pm
For all who moved past the initial round of auditions, call-backs will be held
Wednesday 7 August 2019
7 - 9:30pm
The Post, at 750 Hamilton Street
To all who were not invited, our thanks.
THE BERLIN PROJECT: Auditions 6 August 2019
Date: August 6, 2019 7:00 pm
City Opera Vancouver, a professional chamber company now in its 13thyear, is casting its next mainstage production: THE BERLIN PROJECT. It is an examination and collage of the music, art, culture and people of the Weimar Republic.
City Opera operates under the jurisdiction of Canadian Actors’ Equity, and the Canadian Federation of Musicians.
SHOW DATES: 23, 24, 25 January 2020, with a hold for 22 Jan 2020
WORKSHOP DATES: 26, 27 October 2019
REHEARSALS: app 3 – 22 January 2020 / TBC
VENUE: Performance Works, Granville Island. 200 seats in a cabaret setting
RT: app 95:00
LANGUAGE: The performance is principally in English, translated from original music of the cabaret era during the Weimar Republic.
Berlin. 1938. The last night. The last cabaret.
CASTING
There will be five singers. Strong acting and movement skills are essential, as is the ability to embody two or more different characters throughout the evening. They will be…
comfortable with gender ambiguity/fluidity (both male and female actor-singers)
familiar with cabaret genre, style, and the ability to sing un-amplified
captivating story tellers within song
exhibitionist in spirit
a flavour of political activism
show-girl / show-boy
can move their bodies with purpose and clear objectives
bold/empowered
highly articulate
MUSIC REQUIRED
This production will use music authentic to the era, including that of Mischa Spoliansky, Friedrich Hollaender, Hanns Eisler, Claire Waldoff, Kurt Weill and others.
We invite you to prepare one 4:00 selection from any of these composers; one 4:00 selection from music theatre that demonstrates your range, power, and incisiveness as performer; and, one 3:00 spoken monologue in English which illustrates the character traits outlined above.
Please bring two copies of your resumé, and headshot, or forward as PDF.
NB: please do NOT prepare music from Kander & Ebb’s famous ‘Cabaret’. Ours is a very different production.
NB: you are welcome to bring your own pianist, at your own expense. If you prefer to use ours, there will be no charge.
AUDITIONS
Date: Tuesday 6 August 2019
Times: 7 – 10:30pm
Locale: The Post, 750 Hamilton Street, Vancouver. In the CBC building
RSVP and APPOINTMENTS
info-attt-cityoperavancouver.com
MORE INFO?
www.cityoperavancouver.com
Italy vs France: a duelling concert
Date: July 11, 2019 7:30 pm
Hosted by both the Italian and French consulates of Vancouver, this concert will be a fun, friendly ‘duel’ over which country has the best opera villain, the best opera hero, the best opera death, the best opera romantic, the best opera vixen -- and more!
Eve-Lyn de la Haye (Soprano), Martin Renner Wallace (Tenor), Meghan Latham (Mezzo), and Jason Cook (Baritone). With the non-singing Roger Parton on piano.
With audience participation, this will certainly prove a fun, nail-biting concert! The bell for the first round sounds at 7:30 pm.
Our second concert of the season at Il Centro: The Italian Cultural Centre, Slocan vs Grandview. Thursday 11 July, 7:30 - 9pm. Bring a scorecard.
Car Free Day on Denman / Sat 15 June at 2:15pm
Date: June 15, 2019 2:15 pm
Join City Opera at Car Free Day on Denman Street this summer. It is our first appearance at this important community event, and we are delighted to bring opera to the West End. With soprano Chloé Hurst, baritone Jason Cook, and pianist Roger Parton.
Saturday 15 June 2019, 2:15pm, Robson Stage x Denman. Free, of course.
Italian Day on The Drive 9 June 2019 at 5pm
Date: June 9, 2019 5:15 pm
Please join us for another glorious concert of great music from great Italian Opera. Sunday 9 June, 5:15 - 6pm. Commercial Drive at Second Avenue. With soprano Chloé Hurst, baritone Jason Cook, non-singing pianist Roger Parton, and narrator Alan Corbishley. Free, of course.
City Opera at City Council / 7 June
Date: June 7, 2019 12:00 pm
Join us in Council chambers on Friday 7 June, from noon, as we join others in launching this year's Italian Day on The Drive. With tenor Turgut Akmete and soprano Michelle Koebke.
City Council chambers, 3rd Floor, Vancouver City Hall, Cambie x 12th. Free, of course.
A Three Tenor Tribute to Pavarotti
Date: June 5, 2019 7:30 pm
Luciano Pavarotti may be the greatest tenor to have ever lived. He dominated operatic stages around the globe in the 1970s and 1980s through the great Puccini and Verdi operas, and became a household name through his crossover collaborations with the biggest popular music artists of the day. In the 1990s, he joined Plácido Domingo and José Carreras to form The Three Tenors, filling stadiums around the world. He remained the King of Opera until his death in 2007.
This concert will feature three tremendous tenors (Sunny Shams, Scott Rumble, and Turgut Akmete), with pianist Roger Parton, for a night celebrating some of the greatest tenor repertoire from the opera and concert stages. An evening you just cannot miss.
This is the first concert in our summer series at Il Centro: The Italian Cultural Centre, and is generously supported by the Consul-General of Italy. Wednesday 5 June 2019, 7:30 - 9pm. Slocan x Grandview. Ample free parking, and SkyTrain nearby. Bring a white handkerchief.
Donor Appreciation Night 24 April at Fluevog
Date: April 24, 2019 6:30 pm
Join your friends at City Opera, in an evening devoted to saying thanks to all our supporters over 13 years. 6:30 - 9pm, Wednesday 24 April, at Fluevog Shoes, 65 Water Street, in Gastown at Abbott. Details to come.
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/city-opera-vancouver-donor-appreciation-night-and-fundraiser-tickets-58353997377
Opera And Beyond / DTES Carnegie / 30 March at 7pm
Date: March 30, 2019 7:00 pm
Please join us for 'Opera and Beyond', a fabulous concert of exciting and beloved hits from opera and Broadway. Saturday 30 March 2019, 7 - 8pm.
VENUE: DTES Carnegie Centre, in 'Carnegie Hall'. Main x Hastings. With soprano Chloé Hurst, tenor Haô Ting, and pianist Roger Parton. Free, of course. Our thanks to BC Gaming for its support. This will be City Opera's 41st event in the DTES, and we're proud to be back.
Downtown Eastside Centre for the Arts / Friday 1 March
Date: March 1, 2019 6:00 pm
Please join us on Friday 1 March in a special concert for The Downtown Eastside Centre for the Arts. 6 - 7pm. InterUrban Gallery, Carrall x East Hastings. With soprano Michelle Koebke, and pianist Roger Parton.
On Jan 26, we help celebrate the 100th Anniversary of the VSO
Date: January 26, 2019 2:00 pm
PERRUQUERIES is an hilarious and deeply-informed look at wigs, and the divos and divas who love and need them. With text by Bill Richardson, and music by the VSO's own Jocelyn Morlock, this 30:00 entertainment will amuse and amaze.
2pm, Saturday 26 January 2019, in The Annex at 823 Seymour Street. With soprano Robyn Driedger-Klassen, baritone Peter Monaghan, and pianist Tina Chang, all presented by City Opera's Alan Corbishley. Free, of course.
Together with many others in the classical community, we perform in celebration of the 100th anniversary of the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra. Events occur all day. Please join all of us as we say thanks -- and bravo -- for the VSO's first century.
You may bring your own wig. If it's orange, expect certain cultural references.
City Opera at Britannia Centre Sunday 16 December
Date: December 16, 2018 7:30 pm
We make our first appearance at the Britannia Centre on Sunday 16 December, from 7:30pm on. In a casual setting at this fabled East Vancouver complex, we will present classics of opera, Broadway, and more. As is everything at Britannia, it is for the whole family -- and a wonderful way to be introduced to the world of great singing. Please join us.
Xmas at Il Mercato Friday November 23
Date: November 23, 2018 5:00 pm
Join City Opera artists Lyndon Ladeur, tenor, and Roger Parton, piano, in a joyful concert of traditional Italian Christmas carols. It's in the lobby of the Grand Ballroom at Il Centro: the Italian Community Centre, on Grandview at Slocan. Friday 23 November, from 5pm. Free, of course
If you feel like singing along? Please do. In Italian, of course.
City Opera at Famee Furlane 50th Anniversary on 14 October 2018
Date: October 14, 2018 2:30 pm
Join City Opera artists as we help celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the founding of Famee Furlane in our city. Sunday 14 October, from 2:30pm onward, we join our friends in a festival of Friuli music, food, dance, and culture. 2605 East Pender Street, near Nanaimo Street.
Culture Days: So You Want To Be An Opera Singer!
Date: September 28, 2018 4:00 pm
SO YOU WANT TO BE AN OPERA SINGER!
Bring your voice, your music, your talent -- and your joy in the making of song. We will provide a pianist, coaching, and an opportunity to sing on-site an aria you have always dreamed of doing.
If you want to know how the voice works, we'll tell you. And if you'd just like to learn more about the world of opera, we'll welcome you. We will even have a stack of music available for you.
Think of it as singing in the shower -- without the water.
Friday September 28 2018
4 - 5pm, Queen Elizabeth Plaza. Free, of course
NIGREDO HOTEL at The Cultch
Date: September 22, 2018 8:00 pm
In September 2018 we give the Vancouver premiere of the legendary Nigredo Hotel, a bizarre, macabre and astonishing operatic thriller -- starring Tyler Duncan and Sarah Vardy.
It is the story of an encounter between a beautiful but crazed woman who runs a shoddy hotel, and a brain surgeon who takes refuge there after he crashes his car. You can't imagine what happens next.
Raymond and Sophie are two of the most unusual characters in 20th C opera: brilliant, dazed, lonely, each possessing great insight into the other but little into themselves, sarcastic and corrosive, funny and combative, dazzling and daring, lunatic and often lovely. These are two remarkable roles, telling three remarkable stories: hers, his, and theirs.
Music by Nic Gotham, libretto by Ann-Marie MacDonald. Directed by Alan Corbishley.
NIGREDO HOTEL at The Cultch
Date: September 21, 2018 8:00 pm
In September 2018 we give the Vancouver premiere of the legendary Nigredo Hotel, a bizarre, macabre and astonishing operatic thriller -- starring Tyler Duncan and Sarah Vardy.
It is the story of an encounter between a beautiful but crazed woman who runs a shoddy hotel, and a brain surgeon who takes refuge there after he crashes his car. You can't imagine what happens next.
Raymond and Sophie are two of the most unusual characters in 20th C opera: brilliant, dazed, lonely, each possessing great insight into the other but little into themselves, sarcastic and corrosive, funny and combative, dazzling and daring, lunatic and often lovely. These are two remarkable roles, telling three remarkable stories: hers, his, and theirs.
Music by Nic Gotham, libretto by Ann-Marie MacDonald. Directed by Alan Corbishley.
NIGREDO HOTEL at The Cultch
Date: September 20, 2018 8:00 pm
In September 2018 we give the Vancouver premiere of the legendary Nigredo Hotel, a bizarre, macabre and astonishing operatic thriller -- starring Tyler Duncan and Sarah Vardy.
It is the story of an encounter between a beautiful but crazed woman who runs a shoddy hotel, and a brain surgeon who takes refuge there after he crashes his car. You can't imagine what happens next.
Raymond and Sophie are two of the most unusual characters in 20th C opera: brilliant, dazed, lonely, each possessing great insight into the other but little into themselves, sarcastic and corrosive, funny and combative, dazzling and daring, lunatic and often lovely. These are two remarkable roles, telling three remarkable stories: hers, his, and theirs.
Music by Nic Gotham, libretto by Ann-Marie MacDonald. Directed by Alan Corbishley.
One More Free Concert at Il Centro: 30 August
Date: August 30, 2018 7:00 pm
THE ART OF BEL CANTO
Join us on Thursday 30 August, at 7pm, for a free concert on the piazza at Il Centro. Built for the whole family, but best for those who enjoy the great repertoire and tradition of bel canto, we will explore Donizetti, Rossini, Bellini, and more. Join soprano Emma Wilkinson, pianist Roger Parton, and host-narrator Alan Corbishley in a wonderful exploration.
This is the third of three public concerts that City Opera is giving with Il Centro: the Italian Cultural Centre this summer. Free, of course.
City Opera at Benefit Concert for Carnegie Newsletter Saturday 28 July, 7:30pm
Date: July 28, 2018 7:30 pm
The DTES Carnegie Centre is the living room of that neighbourhood. The Carnegie Newsletter is its voice. At 7:30pm, Saturday 28 July, at St James Anglican Church, we are part of a larger benefit concert for the Newsletter. Please join us, and many others, for an evening of wonderful entertainment. No admission, but a Silent Auction, and a silent collection plate. This will be our 39th event in the DTES.
Another Free Concert at Il Centro: 26 July
Date: July 26, 2018 7:00 pm
A TRIBUTE TO MARIO LANZA
Join us on Thursday 26 July, at 7pm, for a free concert on the piazza at Il Centro. Built for the whole family, but especially for those who remember him, it will explore the life and times and music of the great tenor Mario Lanza. One of the first cross-over artists in opera, Lanza enjoyed tremendous success at The Met, and in Hollywood. We will trace the man and his music. More details coming soon.
This is the second of three public concerts that City Opera is giving with Il Centro: the Italian Cultural Centre this summer.
City Opera at Surrey Phoenix Recovery House July 24
Date: July 24, 2018 4:30 pm
This free concert, sponsored by METRO VANCOUVER, the Government of British Columbia, and CREATIVE BC, will be given to the residents of the Phoenix Society in Surrey. It is not open to the general public.
Featuring tenor Sunny Shams, pianist Roger Parton, and curator Alan Corbishley, it is a look at the life and music of the great crossover tenor Mario Lanza. Our very great thanks to the people at Phoenix for welcoming us into their home.
Tuesday 24 July 2018. Reception at 4:30pm, concert starts at 5:30pm.
Westminster Recovery House, 23 July
Date: July 23, 2018 10:00 am
This free concert, sponsored by METRO VANCOUVER, the Government of British Columbia, and CREATIVE BC, will be given to the residents of the Westminster Recovery House in New Westminster. It is not open to the general public.
Featuring tenor Sunny Shams, pianist Roger Parton, and curator Alan Corbishley, it is a look at the life and music of the great crossover tenor Mario Lanza. Our very great thanks to the people at Phoenix for welcoming us into their home.
Wednesday 25 July 2018, starting at 7pm.
Free Concert at Il Centro 13 June at 7pm
Date: June 13, 2018 7:00 pm
VANCOUVER IN VERONA
Join us on Wednesday 13 June, at 7pm, for a free concert on the piazza at Il Centro. Built for the whole family, it will explore the great history of the colossal amphitheatre at Verona, and recreate a bit of its magic here. More details coming soon.
This is the first of three public concerts that City Opera is giving with Il Centro: the Italian Cultural Centre this summer.
5pm Italian Day on the Drive Sunday June 10
Date: June 10, 2018 5:00 pm
Please join City Opera artists soprano Chloé Hurst, baritone Jason Cook, and pianist Roger Parton in an hour of delights from Italian opera. 5pm, Sunday 10 June 2018, Second Avenue Stage at Commercial Drive. Free, of course. It will be City Opera's ninth consecutive appearance at this wonderful event.
City Opera at Strathcona Community Centre 20 April 2018
Date: April 20, 2018 7:00 pm
Please join us for our first concert in Strathcona, made possible by the generous support of CREATIVE BC and the Province of British Columbia.
On Friday 20 April 2018, from 7 - 8pm, hear soprano Michelle Koebke and pianist Roger Parton in a concert of opera and Broadway standards -- with excursions into Chinese folk song. Free, of course
Festa del Patrie on Sunday 8 April at 4pm
Date: April 8, 2018 4:00 pm
City Opera returns to Famee Furlane for Festa del Patrie on Sunday 8 April 2018. This is an annual celebration of Furlanese art, music, culture, food and family. These events are a joy to witness, and for families of every generation. Please join us. 2605 East Pender, near Nanaimo Street.
With soprano Chloé Hurst, and pianist Roger Parton.
MISSING: DTES public consultation Sat 10 March 2-4pm
Date: March 10, 2018 2:00 pm
YOU ARE INVITED: one final round of community consultation. Saturday 10 March, 2-4pm, DTES Carnegie Centre. We welcome your comments and critique about the work, the themes, the shortcomings, the achievement.
In the four years from inception to final curtain that we worked on MISSING, we spent hundreds of hours consulting artists, elders, storytellers, families, and the community overall. We did so at meetings, at homes, in private and public, and in workshops at DTES Carnegie Centre, the Native Education College, and in Victoria with our partners at Pacific Opera.
Now, as we plan toward a possible tour, we want to hear what our audience thinks and feels to this day. Care to join us? Refreshments served, and careful listening follows. Thanks!
DTES Homeground Festival Friday 9 Feb at 3pm
Date: February 9, 2018 3:00 pm
Do you love great music from the stages of opera and Broadway? If so... please join us for our 36th concert in the DTES, and our 113th altogether, at the DTES Oppenheimer Park.
Friday 9 February 2018, from 3 - 4pm. Free of course. Details to come.
City Opera Christmas at Minoru Chapel Richmond 6 December
Date: December 6, 2017 7:00 pm
Please join City Opera artists Martina Govednik, Jason Cook, and Roger Parton for a delightful exploration of Christmas Music. Its earliest source lies in the 12th C, and its latest in the 21st C.
Our audience will be enthralled by the discovery of this music, and by the opportunity to help bring it to life. We have never done a concert like this before.
7pm, Minoru Chapel, Wednesday 6 December. All seats $20 at the door, and music is provided for free.
City Opera Christmas at Minoru Chapel 6 December 2017
Date: December 6, 2017 2:00 pm
Please join City Opera artists Martina Govednik, Jason Cook, and Roger Parton for a delightful exploration of Christmas Music. Its earliest source lies in the 12th C, and its latest in the 21st C.
Our audience will be enthralled by the discovery of this music, and by the opportunity to help bring it to life. We have never done a concert like this before.
MISSING: premiere performances November 2017
Date: November 11, 2017 8:00 pm
Missing tells a story everybody knows, about a woman no one remembers.
Set in Vancouver and along the Highway of Tears, this music drama is being created to give voice to the story of Canada’s missing and murdered aboriginal women and girls, and to show that each and every one of these missing people is honored.
Our libretto is by the distinguished First Nations playwright Marie Clements. Our composer is Juno-award winner Brian Current. Missing is co-produced by City Opera and Pacific Opera Victoria.
MISSING Saturday 11 November 2017
Date: November 11, 2017 8:00 pm
Missing tells a story everybody knows, about a woman no one remembers.
Set in Vancouver and along the Highway of Tears, this music drama is being created to give voice to the story of Canada’s missing and murdered aboriginal women and girls, and to show that each and every one of these missing people is honored.
Our libretto is by the distinguished First Nations playwright Marie Clements. Our composer is Juno-award winner Brian Current. Missing is co-produced by City Opera and Pacific Opera Victoria.
MISSING: premiere performances November 2017
Date: November 9, 2017 8:00 pm
Missing tells a story everybody knows, about a woman no one remembers.
Set in Vancouver and along the Highway of Tears, this music drama is being created to give voice to the story of Canada’s missing and murdered aboriginal women and girls, and to show that each and every one of these missing people is honored.
Our libretto is by the distinguished First Nations playwright Marie Clements. Our composer is Juno-award winner Brian Current. Missing is co-produced by City Opera and Pacific Opera Victoria.
MISSING Thursday 9 November 2017
Date: November 9, 2017 8:00 pm
Missing tells a story everybody knows, about a woman no one remembers.
Set in Vancouver and along the Highway of Tears, this music drama is being created to give voice to the story of Canada’s missing and murdered aboriginal women and girls, and to show that each and every one of these missing people is honored.
Our libretto is by the distinguished First Nations playwright Marie Clements. Our composer is Juno-award winner Brian Current. Missing is co-produced by City Opera and Pacific Opera Victoria.
MISSING: premiere performances November 2017
Date: November 7, 2017 8:00 pm
Missing tells a story everybody knows, about a woman no one remembers.
Set in Vancouver and along the Highway of Tears, this music drama is being created to give voice to the story of Canada’s missing and murdered aboriginal women and girls, and to show that each and every one of these missing people is honored.
Our libretto is by the distinguished First Nations playwright Marie Clements. Our composer is Juno-award winner Brian Current. Missing is co-produced by City Opera and Pacific Opera Victoria.
MISSING: premiere performances November 2017
Date: November 5, 2017 8:00 pm
Missing tells a story everybody knows, about a woman no one remembers.
Set in Vancouver and along the Highway of Tears, this music drama is being created to give voice to the story of Canada’s missing and murdered aboriginal women and girls, and to show that each and every one of these missing people is honored.
Our libretto is by the distinguished First Nations playwright Marie Clements. Our composer is Juno-award winner Brian Current. Missing is co-produced by City Opera and Pacific Opera Victoria.
MISSING: families-only performance
Date: November 1, 2017 7:00 pm
Missing will premiere on 1 November 2017 during the Downtown Eastside Heart of the City Festival, before an invited audience of families, friends and the DTES community of the missing.
MISSING: premiere performances November 2017
Date: October 11, 2017 8:00 pm
Missing tells a story everybody knows, about a woman no one remembers.
Set in Vancouver and along the Highway of Tears, this music drama is being created to give voice to the story of Canada’s missing and murdered aboriginal women and girls, and to show that each and every one of these missing people is honored.
Our libretto is by the distinguished First Nations playwright Marie Clements. Our composer is Juno-award winner Brian Current. Missing is co-produced by City Opera and Pacific Opera Victoria.
MISSING: premiere performances November 2017
Date: October 9, 2017 8:00 pm
Missing tells a story everybody knows, about a woman no one remembers.
Set in Vancouver and along the Highway of Tears, this music drama is being created to give voice to the story of Canada’s missing and murdered aboriginal women and girls, and to show that each and every one of these missing people is honored.
Our libretto is by the distinguished First Nations playwright Marie Clements. Our composer is Juno-award winner Brian Current. Missing is co-produced by City Opera and Pacific Opera Victoria.
MISSING: premiere performances November 2017
Date: October 7, 2017 8:00 pm
Missing tells a story everybody knows, about a woman no one remembers.
Set in Vancouver and along the Highway of Tears, this music drama is being created to give voice to the story of Canada’s missing and murdered aboriginal women and girls, and to show that each and every one of these missing people is honored.
Our libretto is by the distinguished First Nations playwright Marie Clements. Our composer is Juno-award winner Brian Current. Missing is co-produced by City Opera and Pacific Opera Victoria.
MISSING: premiere performances November 2017
Date: October 5, 2017 8:00 pm
Missing tells a story everybody knows, about a woman no one remembers.
Set in Vancouver and along the Highway of Tears, this music drama is being created to give voice to the story of Canada’s missing and murdered aboriginal women and girls, and to show that each and every one of these missing people is honored.
Our libretto is by the distinguished First Nations playwright Marie Clements. Our composer is Juno-award winner Brian Current. Missing is co-produced by City Opera and Pacific Opera Victoria.
MISSING: premiere performances November 2017
Date: October 3, 2017 8:00 pm
Missing tells a story everybody knows, about a woman no one remembers.
Set in Vancouver and along the Highway of Tears, this music drama is being created to give voice to the story of Canada’s missing and murdered aboriginal women and girls, and to show that each and every one of these missing people is honored.
Our libretto is by the distinguished First Nations playwright Marie Clements. Our composer is Juno-award winner Brian Current. Missing is co-produced by City Opera and Pacific Opera Victoria.
Annual General Meeting No. 10
Date: September 12, 2017 7:00 pm
Please join us for our tenth AGM, and highlights from our upcoming new opera MISSING. 7 - 8pm, Tuesday 12 September. Canadian Music Centre, 837 Davie Street.
City Opera at Il Centro on the piazza 17 August 2017
Date: August 17, 2017 7:00 pm
This is the third of three public concerts we give this summer season on the piazza at Il Centro. Each will have a theme, with food and wine, plus spumoni -- all for a small fee. The concert itself is free. Thursday 17 August 2017, 7 - 8pm
City Opera at Il Centro on the piazza 26 July 2017
Date: July 26, 2017 7:00 pm
This is the second of three public concerts we give this summer season on the piazza at Il Centro. Each will have a theme, with food and wine, plus spumoni -- all for a small fee. The concert itself is free. Wednesday 26 July, 7 - 8pm
City Opera at Il Centro on the Piazza / 15 June 2017
Date: June 15, 2017 7:00 pm
This is the first of three public concerts we give this summer season on the piazza at Il Centro. Each will have a theme, with food and wine, plus spumoni -- all for a small fee. The concert itself is free. Thursday 25 June, 7 - 8pm. With Michelle Koebke, Sunny Shams, Roger Parton, and Tom Durrie.
City Opera at Italian Day on The Drive / 11 June 2017 / 6:30pm
Date: June 11, 2017 6:30 pm
City Opera returns to Italian Day on The Drive: Sunday 11 June, 2pm, at Grandview Park on Commercial Drive. It's free, of course. Please join us there.
City Opera at Vancouver Opera Festival / 3 May 2017
Date: May 3, 2017 4:30 pm
Join librettist Marie Clements and Artistic Director Charles Barber as they join a Vancouver Opera Festival panel on 'Creating New Opera'. Wednesday 3 May 2017, 4:30pm, Queen Elizabeth Theatre Plaza. Free
City Opera at Il Centro Ballroom 25 April 2017
Date: April 25, 2017 7:00 pm
Please join us as we return to the Grand Ballroom of Il Centro: The Italian Cultural Centre. This year, a feast of food, wine, and music. Tuesday 25 April, 7 - 9pm. $20
City Opera at Famee Furlane
Date: April 2, 2017 4:00 pm
We are happy to appear for the third year in a row at this special event, celebrating the music of the Friuli area of Italy. 2605 East Pender, near Nanaimo. Sunday 2 April 2017, at 4pm.
‘MISSING’ piano-vocal workshop at DTES Carnegie Centre
Date: March 1, 2017 2:00 pm
On Tuesday 28 February 2017, we invite the public to a piano-vocal workshop of our new opera MISSING. With a libretto by Marie Clements, set to music by Brian Current, MISSING tells a story everybody knows -- about a woman no one remembers.
This workshop is a beta-test and road-test of our latest commission, and we welcome public comment. Wednesday 1 March, 2 - 5pm, DTES Carnegie Centre, Hastings x Main. Free
‘MISSING’ piano-vocal workshop at NEC
Date: February 28, 2017 2:00 pm
On Tuesday 28 February 2017, we invite the public to a piano-vocal workshop of our new opera MISSING. With a libretto by Marie Clements, set to music by Brian Current, MISSING tells a story everybody knows -- about a woman no one remembers.
This workshop is a beta-test and road-test of our latest commission, and we welcome public comment. Tuesday 28 February 2017, 2pm - 5pm, Native Education College. 285 East Fifth, at Main Street. Free
City Opera at DTES Homeground Festival 2017
Date: February 10, 2017 3:00 pm
Join City Opera at DTES Homeground Festival in Oppenheimer Park, 3 - 4pm, Friday 10 February 2017. Michelle Koebke, soprano. Roger Parton, pianist. Music in a warm tent. Free
City Opera Christmas at Minoru II
Date: December 7, 2016 7:00 pm
Join City Opera artists Elaina Moreau and Spencer Britten, with pianist Roger Parton and host Tom Durrie, in a new welcome to Christmas at Richmond's lovely and intimate Minoru Chapel. Wednesday 7 December 2016, at 2pm and 7pm. All tickets $20, and available at the door.
City Opera Christmas at Minoru I
Date: December 7, 2016 2:00 pm
Join City Opera artists Elaina Moreau and Spencer Britten, with pianist Roger Parton and host Tom Durrie, in a new welcome to Christmas at Richmond's lovely and intimate Minoru Chapel. Wednesday 7 December 2016, at 2pm and 7pm. All tickets $20, and available at the door.
The Lost Operas of Mozart
Date: October 29, 2016 8:00 pm
Join us in the discovery of three remarkable operas that Mozart never finished, containing some of the wittiest and most enchanting music he ever wrote.
The Lost Operas of Mozart
Date: October 28, 2016 8:00 pm
Please join us for a world premiere re-construction of three Mozart comedies, inspired by some of the finest Mozart you have never heard.
The Lost Operas of Mozart
Date: October 27, 2016 8:00 pm
Come discover three LOST OPERAS OF MOZART, and the great what-might-have-been...
LOST OPERAS: a sneak preview on 22 October
Date: October 22, 2016 4:00 pm
Please join us for a free public concert, presenting a sneak preview of THE LOST OPERAS OF MOZART. Saturday 22 October, Carnegie Centre. 4pm to 6pm.
City Opera at Il Centro / 5 October 2016
Date: October 5, 2016 7:30 pm
We make our fifth appearance of the season at Il Centro: The Italian Cultural Centre, on Wednesday 5 October 2016. 7:30pm. Four singers, piano, and narrator. In the ballroom. $20
Opera and Beer: a fundraiser for Lost Operas of Mozart
Date: September 27, 2016 6:00 pm
An evening of Opera & Beer at Big Rock Brewery, 310 West Fourth, as a benefit for THE LOST OPERAS OF MOZART.
City Opera Ninth Annual General Meeting
Date: September 15, 2016 7:00 pm
All members of the City Opera of Vancouver Society are invited to our Ninth AGM, Thursday 15 September 2016, starting at 7pm. Hodson Manor, 1254 West Seventh, between Birch and Alder, below Broadway and east of Granville.
MISSING WOMEN Public Workshop
Date: August 5, 2016 3:00 pm
Please join us at our first public reading of the libretto for MISSING WOMEN. Friday 5 August 2016, 3 - 5:30pm, DTES Carnegie Centre. Free.
City Opera at Il Centro / 4 August 2016
Date: August 4, 2016 7:00 pm
We make our fourth appearance of the season at Il Centro: The Italian Cultural Centre, on Thursday 4 August. 7:00pm. Famous Italian Comedies, with soprano Michelle Koebke, bass Michael MacKinnon, pianist Roger Parton, and narrator Tom Durrie. On the plaza, and free.
City Opera at Il Centro / 14 July 2016
Date: July 14, 2016 7:00 pm
We make our third appearance of the season at Il Centro: The Italian Cultural Centre, on Wednesday 22 June. 7:30pm. Neapolitan songs. Shadan Saul, soprano. Sunny Shams, tenor. Roger Parton, pianist. Tom Durrie, narrator. On the piazza, and free.
City Opera at Il Centro / 22 June 2016 / 7:30pm
Date: June 22, 2016 7:30 pm
We make our first concert appearance of the season at Il Centro on Wednesday 22 June 2016, at 7:30pm. In the ballroom. $20
Italian Day on The Drive / 12 June 2016 / 1pm
Date: June 12, 2016 1:00 pm
City Opera is honored to appear -- for the seventh year in a row -- at this wonderful cultural event. Spanning Commercial Drive from Broadway to Venables, the festival offers everything wonderful about Italian culture. And music reigns supreme.
City Opera at Minoru Chapel, Richmond / 4 May 2016 at 7pm
Date: May 4, 2016 7:00 pm
At the beautiful and historic Minoru Chapel in Richmond, on Wednesday 4 May 2016, at 7pm, City Opera will give a concert of wonderful music from our arena.
City Opera at Minoru Chapel, Richmond / 4 May 2016 at 2pm
Date: May 4, 2016 2:00 pm
At the beautiful and historic Minoru Chapel in Richmond, on Wednesday 4 May 2016, at 2pm and 7pm, City Opera will give a concert of wonderful music from our arena.
City Opera at Fieste dal Popul / 3 April
Date: April 3, 2016 4:00 pm
City Opera returns to the Famee Furlane Hall, and joins in the wonderful Fieste dal Popul on Sunday 3 April, at 2pm. 2605 East Pender, near Nanaimo.
City Opera at DTES HomeGround Festival 2016
Date: February 5, 2016 4:00 pm
Please join City Opera for another free concert at the DTES HomeGround Festival, Oppenheimer Park, on Friday 5 February 2016, from 4 - 5pm
Lost Operas of Mozart / second concert
Date: November 15, 2015 7:00 pm
Please join us for the 'world premiere' of three lost operas by Mozart, newly re-constructed by City Opera. Free at the Carnegie Centre, Sunday 15 November, starting at 7pm.
Lost Operas of Mozart / first concert
Date: November 14, 2015 1:00 pm
First public event, introducing THE LOST OPERAS OF MOZART. Carnegie Centre. Saturday 14 November, 11am to 5pm. Free
City Opera at Il Centro 28 October 2015
Date: October 28, 2015 7:30 pm
Join us for the greatest music in all Italian opera, presented by City Opera Vancouver at Il Centro: The Italian Cultural Centre. 7:30pm, Wednesday 28 October 2015. All seats $20.
Callbacks for Lost Operas of Mozart
Date: September 21, 2015 7:00 pm
Callbacks for The Lost Operas of Mozart will be held on Monday 21 September 2015, from 7pm to 10pm. These callbacks will be held at Tom Lee Music Hall, Third Floor, 929 Granville Street, Vancouver.
Auditions for Lost Operas of Mozart
Date: September 20, 2015 10:00 am
'Lost Operas of Mozart' auditions run from 10am to 5pm on 19 and 20 September 2015. Callbacks run from 7pm to 10pm on 21 September.
These auditions will be held at Tom Lee Music Hall, Third Floor, 929 Granville Street, Vancouver.
Auditions for Lost Operas of Mozart
Date: September 19, 2015 10:00 am
'Lost Operas of Mozart' auditions run from 10am to 5pm on 19 and 20 September 2015. Callbacks run from 7pm to 10pm on 21 September.
These auditions will be held at Tom Lee Music Hall, Third Floor, 929 Granville Street, Vancouver.
City Opera at Italian Day on The Drive 2015
Date: June 14, 2015 1:00 pm
Please join City Opera at Italian Day on The Drive, Sunday 14 June 2015. 1pm at the mainstage, Commercial x Grant. Great music, free to all.
City Opera at Festa del Popolo Furlan
Date: April 12, 2015 2:30 pm
We are proud to perform at this year's Festival of the Friuli Region. Please join soprano Francesca Furtiva and baritone Willy Miles-Grenzberg in a concert of operatic and art music.
Sunday 12 April at 2:30pm. Famee Furlane Hall, 2605 East Pender, west of Nanaimo. $30.00 at the door. Includes a buffet dinner after the concert.
City Opera at Minoru Chapel in Richmond
Date: April 1, 2015 2:00 pm
Please join us on Wednesday 1 April 2015, from 2-3:30pm and again from 7-8:30pm, for a return visit to the charming Minoru Chapel in Richmond. We will feature soprano Chloé Hurst, baritone Ed Moran, pianist Sean Bayntun, and narrator Tom Durrie in Classics of the Musical Stage / Porgy & Bess & Beyond, offering the great […]
Homeground Festival 2015
Date: February 5, 2015 4:00 pm
Please join us for another free public concert at the DTES Oppenheimer Park, Thursday 5 February 2015, from 4pm - 5pm.
City Opera plays benefit for Carnegie Centre Newsletter
Date: January 24, 2015 8:00 pm
Join City Opera at a benefit concert for the Carnegie Newsletter, Saturday evening, 24 January 2015.
City Opera at Holt Renfrew Xmas
Date: December 20, 2014 3:00 pm
Join a four-voice chorus à capella at Holt Renfrew on Saturday 20 December, from 3-5pm throughout the store. Free to all. With soprano Leah Alfred, mezzo Leah Field, tenor Andrew Lennox, and baritone Alan Macdonald.
City Opera Christmas at Shadbolt Centre
Date: December 13, 2014 6:40 pm
Please join us for two public concerts at Burnaby's renowned Shadbolt Centre for the Arts. Saturday 13 December, from 6:40 - 7pm, and again from 7:35 - 7:55pm. Christmas Music from opera, with soprano Chloé Hurst, tenor Brian Kwangmin Lee, pianist Eva Hodgson, and narrator Tom Durrie. The Shadbolt Centre is off Canada Way at […]
Puccini a Piacere: as you like it
Date: November 20, 2014 7:00 pm
Join us at Il Centro: the Italian Cultural Centre for an evening in celebration of the life of Puccini, who died ninety years ago this month. We offer wonderful music graced by wonderful singers, and surprises throughout the night -- plus prosecco. $22.50 per person. Thursday 20 November 2014. With soprano Chloé Hurst, soprano Sarah […]
The Mozart Miracle
Date: November 7, 2014 7:00 pm
An exciting and joyful encounter with The Mozart Miracle. Join soprano Bahareh Poureslami, pianist David Boothroyd, and narrator Charles Barber for this intimate and exciting look at one of the most important composers who ever lived. You will hear music you never believed possible.
Free. 7pm Friday 7 November. The Carnegie Centre, Hastings x Main
In partnership with The Heart of the City Festival.
CITY OPERA at HOLT RENFREW
Date: October 1, 2014 8:00 pm
Join us for a City Opera concert of Puccini at Holt Renfrew, with all proceeds going to breast cancer research. 8pm, Wednesday 1 October Holt Renfrew, at Granville x Dunsmuir Please join soprano Chloé Hurst, tenor Martin Sadd, pianist Michael Onwood, and host Tom Durrie for the Opening Night festivities in the 19-day Italian Immersion […]
Italian Day on The Drive
Date: June 8, 2014 1:00 pm
Join us for another public concert at this year's Italian Day on The Drive. We are on the mainstage at Commercial Drive x Second, beginning at 1pm. This year, we feature soprano Chloé Hurst, tenor Sunny Shams, pianist David Boothroyd, and narrator Tom Durrie. Free, of course.
PAULINE: World Premiere
Date: May 23, 2014
A new opera by Margaret Atwood & Tobin Stokes, directed by Norman Armour. Click title for full details.
West Meets East: A Free Concert of Chinese and Western Classical Music
Date: March 2, 2014 2:00 pm
Join baritone William Liu, and pianist David Boothroyd, for a delightful and illuminating free concert at the Chinese Cultural Centre Museum. It will trace the beauty and connections between great music of two great cultures. Sunday 2 March, 2pm - 3:30pm. 555 Columbia Street, just south of Pender.
Homeground Festival at Oppenheimer Park
Date: February 6, 2014 4:00 pm
Once again, City Opera Vancouver is proud to appear in the DTES Homeground Festival at Oppenheimer Park. With soprano Michelle Koebke, and pianist David Boothroyd. Please join us. Free.
PAULINE: Special Community Preview
Date: November 29, 2013 7:00 pm
Friday 29 November 2013 7pm – 9pm at the Carnegie Centre / free This event will be a complete run of PAULINE in concert, followed by Q&A and general discussion. The composer will be in attendance.
City Opera at Minoru Chapel
Date: November 6, 2013 7:00 pm
All-Puccini Wednesday 6 November, 2013, at 2pm and 7pm with soprano Michelle Koebke, tenor Sunny Shams, pianist David Boothroyd, and narrator Tom Durrie $18 and $20 6540 Gilbert Road, Richmond in the park behind the Gateway Theatre and Richmond General Hospital
City Opera Singalong at St James Music Academy
Date: November 2, 2013 12:30 am
Please join us for a singalong with the congregation of St James Anglican, and the St James Music Academy chorus. The Anvil Chorus, from Verdi's 'Trovatore'. Free, of course, and part of the 2013 DTES Heart of the City Festival. 12:30 noon, Gore x Cordova, on Saturday 2 November 2013
Creating Pauline — A New Canadian Opera
Date: October 29, 2013 8:00 pm
In partnership with the DTES Heart of the City Festival, we present a look into the creation of Pauline, and the life of the extraordinary woman who inspired it. Public discussion follows. Free. With mezzo Rose-Ellen Nichols, pianist David Boothroyd, composer Tobin Stokes, and director Norman Armour.
PAULINE: Workshop No. 2
Date: October 28, 2013 10:00 am
Monday, Tuesday, 28 and 29 October 10am to 6pm / free New Beginnings Baptist Church 1537 Frances, at Woodland
VIVA VERDI !
Date: October 10, 2013 7:00 pm
Celebrating the 200th anniversary of his birth Thursday 10 October Prosecco and Concert at 7pm / all seats $20 With Sarah Vardy, Rose-Ellen Nichols, Sunny Shams, Andrew Greenwood, and pianist David Boothroyd. Tom Durrie narrates. Italian Cultural Centre, Grandview x Slocan
Kay Meek Opera Series: Concert No. 1
Date: October 6, 2013 4:00 pm
Sunday 6 October 4pm – 6pm / tickets at various prices. Buy tickets at the Kay Meek website. Kay Meek Theatre, 1700 Mathers x 15th, West Vancouver with soprano Michelle Koebke, tenor Ken Lavigne, and pianist David Boothroyd in an enchanting afternoon of opera and Broadway.
PAULINE: Workshop No. 1
Date: September 21, 2013 10:00 am
10-6 Friday and Saturday. Free admission. Tom Lee Music Hall, 939 Granville Street
Stanley Park 125th Anniversary
Date: August 24, 2013
free event Pauline sings at Lost Lagoon, on a stage specially built at Chilco Street x Alberni. Rose-Ellen Nichols, mezzo-soprano. David Boothroyd, keyboard. Charles Barber, narrator. Saturday & Sunday, August 24 and 25. 1:30pm and 4:30pm, both days.
Chinatown Night Market
Date: August 9, 2013 7:30 pm
Keefer at Columbia Featuring baritone William Liu in a concert of classical western and Chinese song. David Boothroyd, keyboard. Sponsored by the Vancouver Chinatown Merchant’s Association
Italian Day on The Drive
Date: June 9, 2013 1:00 pm
1pm – 2pm / free Commercial Drive at 2nd Avenue With soprano Diane Speirs, baritone Andrew Greenwood, and pianist Richard Epp. Narrator: Tom Durrie. Hundreds attended a very successful event. Please see our FB page for photos. Sponsored by the Italian Day Festival Society
Sing-Along Great Opera Choruses
Date: May 31, 2013 7:00 pm
Friday 31 May
120 people attended and sang, and saw very special guest Christopher Gaze reprising his role as Major-General Stanley — plus conductor, piano, and real anvils!
Our guest singers, who stood SATB in the audience, were Chloé Hurst, Rose-Ellen Nichols, Mark Donnelly, and Andrew Greenwood. Principal Anvillain: Duncan Watts-Grant. Keyboard: David Boothroyd.
7pm – 9pm / free
Carnegie Centre, Hastings at Main
Words and music at the door / free
Sponsored by the Vancity SFU Office of Community Engagement
Sixth Annual AGM
Date: May 9, 2013 7:00 pm
Thursday 9 May 2013 40 people joined us at the Canadian Music Centre, and heard guest artists Rose-Ellen Nichols, Will George, pianist David Boothroyd, and composer Tobin Stokes in a first-ever duet from Pauline.