Spring 2018 Program by Canadian Opera Company

THE NIGHTINGALE AND OTHER SHORT FABLES ANNA BOLENA PROGRAM SPRING 2018 #COCNightingale #COCBolena

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CONTENTS 5

A MESSAGE FROM ALEXANDER NEEF

WHAT’S PLAYING: THE NIGHTINGALE AND OTHER SHORT FABLES

THE NIGHTINGALE: THE MECHANICS OF MAGIC

WHAT’S PLAYING: ANNA BOLENA

ANNA BOLENA: THE SOPRANOS

GET TO KNOW ALLYSON McHARDY

BACKSTAGE AND BEYOND

DISCOVER OUR 2018/2019 SEASON

PAYING IT FORWARD: SHEILA PIERCEY

MANY THANKS TO OUR SUPPORTERS

PATRON INFORMATION AND POLICIES

Front cover: puppets from The Nightingale emerge from storage for this spring’s production.

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COC Program is published three times a year by the Canadian Opera Company. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written consent is prohibited. Contents copyright Canadian Opera Company. Program edited by Kristin McKinnon, Publicist and Content Producer, and Gianna Wichelow, Senior Manager, Creative and Publications. Layout by Gianna Wichelow. All information is correct at time of printing. Photo credits are on page 61. CANADIAN OPERA COMPANY 2017/2018

#OPERANATION

THURSDAY, MAY 17, 2018 Inspired by the upcoming world premiere of Rufus Wainwrightâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Hadrian, the Canadian Opera Company will transform its opera house into an Ancient Roman mega-bash of fashion, art, and opera for Operanation 2018.

T ICKETS O N SA L E NOW AT O P E RAN ATI ON .CA Presented By

Partnering Sponsor

Event Sponsors

A MESSAGE FROM GENERAL DIRECTOR ALEXANDER NEEF One of the most compelling things about opera is how truly vast and wide-ranging the art form is. As General Director of the COC, my hope is that every season we program illuminates another aspect of opera’s extraordinary breadth. Indeed, it’s an art form that can include Stravinsky’s The Nightingale and Other Short Fables—an assortment of intimately drawn musical vignettes by a 20th-century Russian composer. Yet it’s also an art form equally itself in Donizetti’s Anna Bolena, a high-wire act of bel canto singing set in the court of Henry VIII. Opera can mean an orchestra pit flooded with 67,000 litres of water and the simple enchantment of shadows and light, or a stunning set modelled on Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre, in which a drama of royal jealousies plays out. In our upcoming 2018/2019 season (p. 34), you’ll discover works like Tchaikovsky’s romantic Eugene Onegin (seen and heard for the first time in Toronto in Robert Carsen’s celebrated production); the world premiere of Rufus Wainwright’s Hadrian, featuring the company debuts of international stars Thomas Hampson and Karita Mattila; the return of Christine Goerke, performing the title role in Richard Strauss’ riveting family psychodrama, Elektra; Mozart’s ingenious comedy of fidelity and temptation, Così fan tutte, conducted by Bernard Labadie; one of opera’s greatest love stories, and one of the COC’s most popular productions, La Bohème; and Verdi’s late-career masterpiece, Otello, presented with an incomparable cast led by

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Russell Thomas, Gerald Finley, and Tamara Wilson. It’s a season that transports us from Ancient Rome to bohemian garrets in 19th-century Paris, from Greek mythology to Russian country estates. It includes modernist orchestration of great complexity, as well as straightforward accompaniment for singers to demonstrate the agility and athleticism of their vocal technique. Playwright and Hadrian librettist Daniel MacIvor—himself a relative newcomer to the art form—crystallized this experience of opera’s capacity to contain multitudes with a pointed remark: “saying ‘I don’t like opera’ is the same as saying ‘I don’t like books.’” The true richness and depth of opera means there is always more to encounter and more to discover about what this art form can be and how it can challenge our expectations with every performance.

WE WILL BRING THE TRANSFORMATIVE EXPERIENCE OF OPERA TO OUR LOCAL, NATIONAL AND GLOBAL AUDIENCE EVERY DAY OF THE YEAR. CANADIAN OPERA COMPANY 2017/2018

THE NIGHTINGALE AND OTHER SHORT FABLES BY IGOR STRAVINSKY

PRODUCTION SPONSOR

Ragtime (1918) Three Pieces for Solo Clarinet: No. 1 (1919) Pribaoutki (1914) Berceuses du chat (1916) Two Poems of Konstantin Balmont (1911) Three Pieces for Solo Clarinet: No. 2 (1919) Four Russian Peasant Songs (1914-1917) Three Pieces for Solo Clarinet: No. 3 (1919) The Fox (1916)

Farmyard burlesque in one scene. Libretto by the composer after the Russian Folk Tales by Aleksandr Afanasyev

PRODUCTION ORIGINALLY MADE POSSIBLE IN PART BY THE CATHERINE AND MAXWELL MEIGHEN FOUNDATION PAUL BERNARDS

The Nightingale (1914)

Conte lyrique in three acts Libretto by Stepan Mitussov, after the story The Emperor’s Nightingale by Hans Christian Andersen Ragtime, Pribaoutki, Berceuses du chat, Four Russian Peasants Songs, and The Fox: by arrangement with G. Schirmer, Inc. publisher and copyright owner. Le Rossignol (The Nightingale) and Two Poems of Konstantin Balmont by arrangement with Boosey & Hawkes, Inc., publisher and copyright owner.

COC PRODUCTION A COC co-production with Festival d’Aix-en-Provence and Opéra de Lyon in collaboration with Ex Machina (Quebec) Last performed by the COC in 2009 April 13, 14, 22, May 1, 2, 10, 12, 13, 15, 19, 2018 Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts, Toronto Sung in Russian with English SURTITLES™

Lothar Odinius as The Fisherman in the COC’s world premiere production in 2009.

THE CAST AND CREATIVE TEAM (in order of vocal appearance)

Pribaoutki Allyson McHardy^ Berceuses du chat Lindsay Ammann Two Poems of Konstantin Balmont Danika Lorèn† Four Russian Peasant Songs COC Women’s Chorus The Fox Tenor 1 Miles MykkanenD Tenor 2 Owen McCausland^ Baritone 1 Bruno Roy† Baritone 2 Oleg TsibulkoD

The Nightingale The Fisherman Owen McCausland^ The Nightingale Jane Archibald The Cook Lauren Eberwein† The Chamberlain Anatoli SivkoD The Bonze Michael Uloth^ Chorus Solo Soprano Alexandra Lennox-Pomeroy Chorus Solo Alto Susan Black Chorus Solo Tenor Stephen McClare The Emperor Oleg TsibulkoD Japanese Envoy 1 Miles MykkanenD Japanese Envoy 2 Samuel Chan† Japanese Envoy 3 Bruno Roy†

Conductor Johannes Debus Director Robert Lepage Revival Director Marilyn Gronsdal^ Set Designer Carl Fillion Puppet Designer Michael Curry Costume Designer Mara Gottler Lighting Designer Étienne Boucher Puppet Choreographer Martin Genest Revival Puppet Choreographer Caroline Tanguay Price Family Chorus Master Sandra Horst^ Stage Manager Jenifer Kowal SURTITLES™ Producer Gunta Dreifelds

Death Lindsay Ammann

Johannes Debus is generously underwritten by George & Kathy Dembroski Jane Archibald’s performance is generously sponsored by Jack Whiteside Danika Lorèn’s performance is generously sponsored by Marcia Lewis Brown Bruno Roy’s performance is generously sponsored by Catherine Fauquier Lauren Eberwein’s performance is generously sponsored by Brian Wilks, Marjorie & Roy Linden Samuel Chan’s performance is generously sponsored by June Shaw Sandra Horst and the COC Chorus are generously underwritten by Tim & Frances Price

COC mainstage debut † Current member of the COC Ensemble Studio ^ Graduate of COC Ensemble Studio Program information is correct at time of printing. All casting is subject to change. D

Performance time is approximately two hours, including one intermission. PART I: 45 minutes INTERMISSION 30 minutes PART II: 45 minutes

CANADIAN OPERA COMPANY 2017/2018

DIRECTOR’S NOTE

SYNOPSES

There are many myths and much speculation about the dawn of theatre. My personal favourite is simple: Man was sitting around a bonfire in a cave telling stories and one day he stood up and used his shadow to illustrate his tale. Theatre was born using nothing more than light and imagination.

The Fox This moralizing farmyard tale begins with the Cock boasting of his prowess with his hens. The hungry Fox initially deceives the Cock, twice enticing him down from his perch but each time the Cock is rescued by his friends the Ram and the Cat. After the Cock’s second rescue, the Cat and the Ram strangle the Fox, and the three friends celebrate in dance and song.

Today there is no shortage of ways in which to use light when creating a performance, certainly no barrier to imagination, and inspiration can come in any form at any time. I was fascinated to see puppetry used in an opera several years ago, and realized that although they are not an obvious pairing, the two disciplines are actually quite suited to each other. Puppetry pulled the poetry out of the libretto and the poetic ideas out of the music in a way I hadn’t seen before. Of course, to invite puppets into a show, one must find the right artistic context to do so. The Nightingale and Other Short Fables—a collage of Stravinsky’s pieces based on stories in which the main characters are animals— appears to me to be the perfect ground to blend the sophistication and grandiose aspects of opera with a vocabulary coming from our childhood. Exploring the way in which we “see” music has always been a fascination of mine. Fortunately, Stravinsky’s particular genius was to embed all of the subtext in the music so that it is very clear—very precise and poetic, crazy and even devilish. That, and the theatrical opportunity to give all the participants equal access to the stage, disrupts the traditional operatic hierarchy. It makes the spectator visually conscious of the different layers—the musical layers—of a performance. But I am especially interested in the fact that, amidst his musical complexity, Stravinsky was interested in telling really simple children’s fables. And, in a way, I think it’s exactly how, each time, we should go to theatre: with the open mind of a child. Robert Lepage, 2009 8

CANADIAN OPERA COMPANY 2017/2018

INTERMISSION The Nightingale At the seashore just before sunrise, a Fisherman hears the song of the Nightingale, which causes him to forget his troubles. The fame of the bird’s song has reached the Emperor who sends his Chamberlain, the Cook and courtiers to the forest to invite her to sing at court. The Nightingale accepts the invitation, but says that her sweetest song is heard in the forest. At the Emperor’s palace, the Nightingale’s singing touches the ruler deeply. However when Japanese Envoys arrive with a gift of a mechanical nightingale, the real bird flies away. Angered, the Emperor banishes the real Nightingale from his realm and names the mechanical bird First Singer of the Bedside Table on the Left. The Emperor, ill and near death, is attended by the figure of Death herself. The genuine Nightingale reappears, and in defiance of the imperial edict, begins to sing. Death is greatly moved by the Nightingale’s song, urging it to continue. The bird agrees, on the condition that Death gives back the Emperor his life. Death agrees; the Emperor slowly regains his strength and, on seeing the Nightingale, offers it the post of First Singer. The Nightingale says that the Emperor’s tears are reward enough, and promises to sing for him each night from dusk until dawn.

CANADIAN OPERA COMPANY ORCHESTRA VIOLIN I Marie Bérard, Concertmaster The Concertmaster’s chair has been endowed in perpetuity by Joey and Toby Tanenbaum Aaron Schwebel, Associate Concertmaster Jamie Kruspe, Assistant Concertmaster Anne Armstrong Sandra Baron Bethany Bergman Elizabeth Johnston Nancy Kershaw Dominique Laplante Yakov Lerner Jayne Maddison Neria Mayer VIOLIN II Paul Zevenhuizen, Principal Csaba Koczó, Assistant Principal James Aylesworth (leave of absence) Jennie Baccante* Catherine Cosbey* Hiroko Kagawa* Aya Miyagawa Lynn Kuo* Renée London* Alexey Pankratov* Louise Tardif (leave of absence) Andrea Tyniec* Marianne Urke Joanna Zabrowarna VIOLA Keith Hamm, Principal Joshua Greenlaw, Assistant Principal (leave of absence) Catherine Gray, Acting Assistant Principal Katrina Chitty* Carolyn Blackwell* Sheila Jaffé (leave of absence) Nicholaos Papadakis* Angela Rudden* Beverley Spotton Yosef Tamir CELLO Bryan Epperson, Principal Alastair Eng, Associate Principal (leave of absence) Paul Widner, Assistant Principal Rachel Desoer, Acting Assistant Principal* Maurizio Baccante Olga Laktionova Elaine Thompson BASS Tony Flynt, Acting Principal* Robert Speer, Assistant Principal Tom Hazlitt Paul Langley Robert Wolansky*

FLUTE Douglas Stewart, Principal Shelley Brown Leslie Newman*

TIMPANI Michael Perry, Principal

PICCOLO Shelley Brown

PERCUSSION Trevor Tureski, Principal Michele Colton* Ryan Scott*

OBOE Mark Rogers, Principal Jasper Hitchcock*

HARP Sarah Davidson, Principal Sanya Eng*

ENGLISH HORN Lesley Young

PIANO Stephen B. Hargreaves*

CLARINET James T. Shields, Principal (leave of absence) Dominic Desautels, Acting Principal* Colleen Cook Michele Verheul*

CELESTE Michael Spassov*

SOLO CLARINET Juan Olivares*

MUSIC LIBRARIAN Wayne Vogan

Eb CLARINET Dominic Desautels* Michele Verheul*

ASSISTANT MUSIC LIBRARIAN Ondrej Golias

BASS CLARINET Colleen Cook BASSOON Eric Hall, Principal Lisa Chisholm

CIMBALUM Alexandru Sura*

STAGE LIBRARIAN Paul Langley PERSONNEL MANAGER Ian Cowie *extra musician

CONTRA BASSOON William Cannaway* HORN Mikhailo Babiak, Principal Janet Anderson Bardhyl Gjevori Gary Pattison TRUMPET Robert Weymouth, Principal Brendan Cassin* Andrew Dubelsten* Michael Fedyshyn* PICCOLO TRUMPET Brendan Cassin*

FREE EVENTS!

OPERA INSIGHTS Nightingale: Playing with puppetry Tuesday, April 17 at 7 p.m. Education Centre, Four Seasons Centre

Opera Chorus Sing-Along Tuesday, April 24 at 7 p.m.

TROMBONE Charles Benaroya, Principal Ian Cowie

NEW LOCATION: Richard Bradshaw Amphitheatre, Four Seasons Centre

BASS TROMBONE Herbert Poole

Events are free but require a ticket for entry.

TUBA Scott Irvine, Principal (leave of absence) Jennifer Stephen, Acting Principal*

Call 416-363-8231 or visit coc.ca/OperaInsights

CANADIAN OPERA COMPANY 2017/2018

CANADIAN OPERA COMPANY CHORUS SOPRANOS Lindsay Barrett Margaret Evans Virginia Hatfield Alexandra Lennox-Pomeroy Ingrid Martin Eve Rachel McLeod Victoria Pinnington Jennifer Robinson Teresa van der Hoeven Ilana Zarankin

MEZZO-SOPRANOS Marianne Bindig Susan Black Wendy Hatala Foley Lilian Kilianski Kathryn Knapp Anne McWatt Karen Olinyk Marianne Sasso Vilma Indra Vitols Cindy Won

MUSIC STAFF Stephen B. Hargreaves (Head Coach) Michael Spassov^ Rachael Kerr† (Ensemble Studio Intern Coach) RUSSIAN DICTION COACH Ilana Zarankin ASSISTANT CONDUCTOR Derek Bate

TENORS Vanya Abrahams Tonatiuh Abrego Stephen Bell Taras Chmil Stephen Erickson John Kriter Jason Lamont James Leatch Stephen McClare Eric Olsen

ASSISTANT DIRECTOR Anna Theodosakis

ASSISTANT LIGHTING DESIGNER Siobhán Sleath

PUPPETEERS/ACROBATS Andrea Ciacci Andréanne Joubert Noam Markus Desmond Osborne Wellesley Robertson III Martin Vaillancourt

UNDERSTUDIES Pribaoutki Berceuses du chat Tenor 1 Tenor 2 Baritone 1 Baritone 2 The Fisherman The Cook The Emperor The Bonze Death Japanese Envoy 1

ASSISTANT STAGE MANAGERS Kristin McCollum Mike Lewandowski

† Current member of the COC Ensemble Studio

^ Graduate of COC Ensemble Studio

ORIGINAL PRODUCTION CREDITS – EX MACHINA ARTISTIC AND MUSICAL CONSULTANT Rebecca Blankenship WORKSHOP PERFORMERS Anne Barry Geneviève Bérubé David Bonneville Guy Lessard

Noam Markus Francis Roberge Caroline Tanguay Martin Vaillancourt

ARTISTIC COLLABORATION Moses Pendleton and Cynthia Quinn (Momix, USA), Choreography Philippe Beau (France), Shadow Theatre PRODUCTION Scène Éthique (Varennes, Québec) Michael Curry Design (Oregon, USA) Metamorphosis (Québec, Québec) Michel Gosselin Éric Gautron Bernard Gilbert Viviane Paradis Michel Bernatchez

BARITONES/BASSES Kenneth Baker Sung Chung Michael Sproule Gene Wu

CANADIAN OPERA COMPANY 2017/2018

Set construction Puppets production Costumes production Technical Director Technical Director Assistant Production Manager Production Assistant Producer

Lauren Eberwein† Megan Quick† Taras Chmil Stephen Bell Samuel Chan† Anatoli Sivko Miles Mykkanen Lindsay Barrett Christian Van Horn Jan Vaculik Megan Quick† Taras Chmil

BIOGRAPHIES: THE NIGHTINGALE AND OTHER SHORT FABLES LINDSAY AMMANN, Solo, Berceuses du Chat; Death, The Nightingale (Mezzo–soprano, Sioux Falls, SD, USA) COC CREDITS: Flosshilde/First Norn, Götterdämmerung (2017); Schwertleite, Die Walküre (2015). RECENT: Mistress Quickly, Falstaff (Opera Omaha/Opera Saratoga); Rossweisse, Die Walküre; Flosshilde, Das Rheingold (Lyric Opera of Chicago); Erda, Das Rheingold and Siegfried; First Norn, Götterdämmerung; Schwertleite, Die Walküre (Washington National Opera). UPCOMING: Orfeo, Orfeo ed Euridice (Florida Grand Opera); Olga, Eugene Onegin (Washington National Opera); La Ciesca, Gianni Schicchi; Abbess, Suor Angelica (Metropolitan Opera). JANE ARCHIBALD, The Nightingale, The Nightingale (Soprano, Truro, NS) SELECT COC CREDITS: Konstanze, The Abduction from the Seraglio (2018); Zdenka, Arabella (2017); Gineva, Ariodante (2016); Susanna, The Marriage of Figaro (2016); Donna Anna, Don Giovanni (2015). RECENT: Armida, Rinaldo (The English Concert Tour); Adele, Die Fledermaus (Santa Fe Opera); Donna Anna, Don Giovanni (Theater an der Wien); Soprano, Carmina Burana (Orquesta Nacional de España Madrid). UPCOMING: Mathilde, Guillaume Tell (Theater an der Wien); Cunégonde, Candide (London Symphony Orchestra); Daphne, Daphne (Frankfurt Opera); Soprano soloist, Les Illuminations and Peer Gynt (Oregon Symphony). DEREK BATE, Assistant Conductor (Toronto, ON) SELECT COC CREDITS: Rigoletto (2018); Götterdämmerung (2017); Norma (2016); Carmen, Siegfried, Pyramus and Thisbe (with Lamento d’Arianna and Il combattimento di Clorinda e Tancredi) (2015); (as conductor) Don Quichotte (2014); Carmen (1979). RECENT: (as conductor) Candide, The Pirates of Penzance, The Student Prince (Toronto Operetta Theatre); Rigoletto (Opéra de Québec). UPCOMING: Hadrian, Elektra, Otello (COC).

SUSAN BLACK, Chorus Solo Alto, The Nightingale (Mezzo–soprano, Victoria, BC) COC CREDITS: Ensemble Studio graduate as pianist/coach (2005/2006); COC Chorus member (2001 to present); ADDITIONAL: Teaches private piano lessons at York University; coach for UofT Opera.

ÉTIENNE BOUCHER, Lighting Designer (Montreal, QC) COC CREDITS: The Nightingale and Other Short Fables (2009). RECENT CREDITS: Les Caprices de Marianne (Opéra de Reims/Opéra Théâtre d’Avignon/Opéra National de Bordeaux); Elektra (Opéra de Montréal). UPCOMING CREDITS: Another Brick in the Wall (Cincinnati Opera Summer Festival).

SAMUEL CHAN, Japanese Envoy 2, The Nightingale (Baritone, Calgary, AB) COC CREDITS: Usher, Rigoletto (2018). RECENT: Morales, Carmen (Brott Music Festival); Don Asdrubale/Calandrino/Gomatz, Lo sposo deluso/L’oca del Cairo/Zaide (City Opera Vancouver); Jacob Grimm, The Brothers Grimm; The Donkey, The Bremen Town Musicians (Highlands Opera Studio). UPCOMING: Soloist, Opening Night Opera Gala (Elora Festival); Soloist, Cantos para Hermanar al Mundo (Teatro Isauro Martinez).

MICHAEL CURRY, Puppet Designer (Grants Pass, Oregon, USA) COC CREDITS: The Nightingale and Other Short Fables (2009). RECENT: L’amour de loin (Metropolitan Opera [Met]/Festival Opéra de Québec); The Magic Flute (Met); The Lion King (Broadway).

CANADIAN OPERA COMPANY 2017/2018

JOHANNES DEBUS, Conductor, COC Music Director (Berlin, Germany/Toronto, ON) COC CREDITS: The Abduction from the Seraglio (2018); Götterdämmerung (2017); Ariodante, Siegfried and The Marriage of Figaro (2016). RECENT: Salome, The Tales of Hoffmann (Metropolitan Opera); The Tales of Hoffmann (Bregenz Festival); The Cunning Little Vixen (Oper Frankfurt); The Marriage of Figaro (Komische Oper Berlin); Engagements with the National Arts Centre Orchestra, San Diego Symphony, Cleveland Orchestra, Houston Symphony, BBC Philharmonic, Aspen Music Festival and Baltimore Symphony Orchestra. UPCOMING: Eugene Onegin, Hadrian, Elektra, Otello (COC). LAUREN EBERWEIN, The Cook, The Nightingale (Soprano, Qualicum Beach, BC) COC CREDITS: Countess Ceprano, Rigoletto; Gianetta, The Elixir of Love (2018); Wellgunde, Götterdämmerung (2017). RECENT: Artist in Residence (Marlboro Music Festival); Soloist (Gamut Bach Ensemble, Philadelphia); Franz Liszt: Holy and Infernal Genius (Alice Tully Hall, Lincoln Center); Olivia, Cold Mountain; Clairon, Capriccio; Der Komponist, Ariadne auf Naxos (Opera Philadelphia); Handel’s Israel in Egypt (New York Choral Society/Carnegie Hall).

CARL FILLION, Set Designer (Baie-Comeau, QC) COC CREDITS: The Nightingale and Other Short Fables (2009). RECENT: The Ring Cycle (Metropolitan Opera); Simon Boccanegra (Gran Teatre del Liceu); The Rake’s Progress (Théâtre Royal de la Monnaie); (as director) Unamuno (Teatro de la Abadia, Madrid). UPCOMING: Cirque du Soleil (Touring China).

MARTIN GENEST, Puppet Choreographer (Quebec City, QC) COC CREDITS: The Nightingale and Other Short Fables (2009). RECENT: Stage Director: Joyà; Les Chemins invisibles (Cirque du Soleil); Le Bourgeois gentilhomme; L’Odyssée; L’Opéra de Quat’Sous (Théâtre du Trident); Les 40 ans du Grand (Grand Théâtre de Québec). UPCOMING: Stage Director: permanent show in Macao, other projects with Cirque du Soleil.

MARA GOTTLER, Costume Designer (Vancouver, BC) COC CREDITS: The Nightingale and Other Short Fables (2009). RECENT: Jitters and Baskerville (The Arts Club); The Last Wife and Romeo and Juliet (Regina Globe Theatre); The Two Gentlemen of Verona and Shylock (Bard on the Beach Shakespeare Festival); Pauline (City Opera Vancouver); The King of the Yees (NAC and Gateway Theatre). UPCOMING: Coriolanus (Stratford Festival Theatre); Timon of Athens (Bard on the Beach Shakespeare Festival).

MARILYN GRONSDAL, Revival Director (Toronto, ON) SELECT COC CREDITS (assistant director): Rigoletto (2018); Götterdämmerung (2017); Norma (2016); Maometto II; Pyramus and Thisbe (with Lamento d’Arianna and Il combattimento di Clorinda e Tancredi) (2015); (associate director): Siegfried (2016); (director): La Bohème (2009). RECENT (director): Don Giovanni (UofT Opera); La Cecchina (The Glenn Gould School). UPCOMING (assistant director): Eugene Onegin and Così fan tutte (COC).

SANDRA HORST, Price Family Chorus Master Chair (Toronto, ON) SELECT COC CREDITS: The Abduction from the Seraglio; Rigoletto (2018); Arabella, The Elixir of Love, The Magic Flute, Götterdämmerung (2017); Ariodante (2016); Norma (2016, 1998). RECENT: (as conductor) Vengeance, Of Thee I Sing, Prima Zombie: The Diva that just wouldn’t stay dead (UofT Opera). UPCOMING: Anna Bolena (COC). ADDITIONAL: Director of Musical Studies at UofT Opera.

JENIFER KOWAL, Stage Manager (Thornhill, ON) SELECT COC CREDITS: Rigoletto (2018); Arabella, Tosca (2017); Norma, Maometto II (2016); The Marriage of Figaro, Pyramus and Thisbe (with Lamento d’Arianna and Il combattimento di Clorinda e Tancredi) (2015). RECENT: ATG’s Messiah (Against the Grain Theatre). UPCOMING: Eugene Onegin, Otello (COC).

CANADIAN OPERA COMPANY 2017/2018

Lothar Odinius, Adam Luther, and Peter Barrett (background) in The Fox, part of the COC’s world premiere production in 2009.

ALEXANDRA LENNOX-POMEROY, Chorus Solo Soprano, The Nightingale (Soprano, Orangeville, ON) COC CREDITS: Seller, Death in Venice (2010); Cousin, Madama Butterfly (2009/2014); Third Apparition, Macbeth (2005); COC Chorus member (1997 to present). ADDITIONAL: Voice teacher and adjudicator.

ROBERT LEPAGE, Director (Quebec City, QC) COC CREDITS: Bluebeard’s Castle/Erwartung (2015, 2002, 1995, 1993); The Nightingale and Other Short Fables (2009, BAM 2011). SELECT CREDITS: The Ring Cycle and L’amour de loin (Metropolitan Opera); Ka and Totem (Cirque du Soleil); 887, Needles and Opium (Ex Machina). ADDITIONAL: Founder/Artistic Director, Ex Machina; Officer of the Order of Canada; Légion d’honneur; Governor General’s Performing Arts Award.

DANIKA LORÈN, Solo, Two Poems of Konstantin Balmont, (Soprano, Saskatoon, SK) COC CREDITS: Woglinde, Götterdämmerung (2017). RECENT: Ensemble, BOUND (Against the Grain Theatre), Coloratura, Kopernikus (The Banff Centre); Rosina, The Barber of Seville (Saskatoon Opera). UPCOMING: Musetta, La Bohème (COC).

OWEN MCCAUSLAND, Tenor 2, The Fox; The Fisherman, The Nightingale (Tenor, Saint John, NB) COC CREDITS: Pedrillo, The Abduction from the Seraglio (2018); Tamino, The Magic Flute (2017); Lurcanio, Ariodante (2016); Testo, Pyramus and Thisbe (with Lamento d’Arianna and Il combattimento di Clorinda e Tancredi) (2015); Don Juan, Don Quichotte (2014); Lord Cecil, Roberto Devereux (2014). RECENT: Tenor soloist, Musik für das Ende (Soundstreams Canada); Messiah (London Symphonia, Symphony Nova Scotia); Seven Deadly Sins (Toronto Symphony); Lord Arturo Bucklaw, Lucia di Lammermoor (Pacific Opera Victoria). UPCOMING: Roderigo, Otello (COC); Jaquino, Fidelio (Pacific Opera Victoria). STEPHEN MCCLARE, Chorus Tenor Solo, The Nightingale (Tenor, Toronto, ON) COC CREDITS: Chorus Solo Tenor, The Nightingale (2009); Big Convict, From the House of the Dead (2008); Young Servant, Elektra (2007); Andreas, Wozzeck (2006); The Doctor, The Handmaid’s Tale (2004); Harry, The Girl of the Golden West (2000); COC Chorus Member (1984 to present).

CANADIAN CANADIAN OPERA OPERA COMPANY COMPANY 2017/2018 2017/2018

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ALLYSON MCHARDY, Solo, Pribaoutki (Mezzo-soprano, Oshawa, ON) SELECT COC CREDITS: Julie Riel, Louis Riel (2017); Sara, Roberto Devereux (2014). RECENT: Julie Riel, Louis Riel (Festival l’Opéra de Québec); Afghanistan: Requiem for a Generation (Toronto Symphony Orchestra); Ligeti’s Requiem (Seattle Symphony); Marguerite, La Damnation de Faust (Grant Park); Orsini, Lucrezia Borgia (Theater St. Gallen). UPCOMING: Céphise, Pygmalion; Junon, Actéon (Opera Atelier); Dvorak’s Stabat Mater (Vancouver Symphony Orchestra). MILES MYKKANEN, Tenor 1, The Fox; Japanese Envoy 1, The Nightingale (Tenor, Bessemer, MI, USA) COC DEBUT. RECENT: Candide, Candide (Palm Beach Opera and Arizona Opera); Tamino, Die Zauberflöte (The Juilliard School); Peter Quint, The Turn of the Screw (Opera Columbus); Orchestral debuts: New York Philharmonic and Atlanta Symphony Orchestra. UPCOMING: Candide, Candide (Tanglewood); Nikolaus Sprink, Silent Night (Minnesota Opera); Flute, A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Opera Philadelphia); Orchestral debuts: National Symphony Orchestra and Cleveland Orchestra. BRUNO ROY, Baritone 2, The Fox; Japanese Envoy 3, The Nightingale (Baritone, Montreal, QC) COC CREDITS: Marullo, Rigoletto (2018); Second Priest, The Magic Flute (2017). RECENT: Mercutio, Roméo et Juliette (Canadian Vocal Arts Institute); Matt, Crush (Banff Centre); Belcore, The Elixir of Love (l’Opéra de Montréal/Opera McGill); John Brooke, Little Women; Count Almaviva, The Marriage of Figaro (Opera McGill). UPCOMING: Marcello, La Bohème (Highlands Opera Studio).

ANATOLI SIVKO, The Chamberlain, The Nightingale (Bass-baritone, Belarus) COC DEBUT. RECENT: Samuel, A Masked Ball (Bayerische Staatsoper/Royal Opera House, Covent Garden); Don Basilio, The Barber of Seville (Glyndebourne); A Mandarin, Turandot (Bayerische Staatsoper); The King, Aida (l’Opéra de Montréal); Colline, La Bohème (Gran Teatre del Liceu); Zuniga, Carmen (Opernhaus Zürich); Sparafucile, Rigoletto (Opéra de Rennes). UPCOMING: Masetto, Don Giovanni (Royal Opera House, Covent Garden); Tomsky, Pique Dame (Oper Stuttgart). CAROLINE TANGUAY, Revival Puppet Choreograher (Montreal, QC) COC CREDITS: The Nightingale and Other Short Fables (2009). RECENT: Bijoux (Festival de Casteliers); The Nightingale and Other Short Fables (The Muziektheater Amsterdam/Opéra National de Lyon/Festival International d’Art Lyrique d’Aix-en-Provence/Festival d’Opéra de Québec); Cabaret Gainsbourg (Théâtre du Nouvel-Ontario).

ANNA THEODOSAKIS, Assistant Director (Vancouver, BC) COC CREDITS: Arabella (2017). RECENT: Director: The Tender Land and Les contes d’Hoffmann (Opera Laurier); L’elisir d’amore (Centre for Opera Studies Italy); La Bohème (Muskoka Opera); The Rape of Lucretia (Toronto Summer Music Festival/MYOpera); The Medium (UofT Opera); Assistant Director: Briefs (Tapestry Opera). UPCOMING: From the Diary of Virginia Woolf (Muse 9).

OLEG TSIBULKO, Baritone 2, The Fox; The Emperor, The Nightingale (Bass, Moldova) COC DEBUT. RECENT: Gremin, Eugene Onegin (Angers Nantes Opéra/Teatr Wielki/Opéra de Nice); Zambri, Ciro in Babilonia (Rossini Festival, Pesaro); Oroe, Semiramide and Frate, Don Carlos (Maggio Musicale Fiorentino); Tutor, Comte Ory (Musikfestival Dortmund); Banquo, Macbeth (Buxton Festival); Sarastro, Die Zauberflöte; Colline, La Bohème; Angelotti, Tosca; Count Rodolfo, La Sonnambula; Don Alfonso, Cosí fan tutte; Figaro, Le nozze di Figaro (Bolshoi Theatre). UPCOMING: Verdi’s Requiem (Teatro Massimo di Palermo); General Polkan, The Golden Cockerel (Netherlands Radio Symphony Orchestra); Gremin, Eugene Onegin (COC). MICHAEL ULOTH, The Bonze, The Nightingale (Bass, Toronto, ON) COC CREDITS: Truffaldino, Ariadne auf Naxos; 2nd Armed Man, The Magic Flute (2011); The Bonze, The Nightingale and Other Short Fables; Imperial Commissioner, Madama Butterfly; Snug, A Midsummer Night’s Dream (2009). RECENT: Bass, Kopernikus (The Banff Centre for Arts); The Bonze, The Nightingale and Other Short Fables (Opéra de Lyon/Brooklyn Academy of Music); Don Pasquale, Don Pasquale (Saskatoon Opera); Sparafucile, Rigoletto (Saskatoon Opera).

CANADIAN OPERA COMPANY 2017/2018

A passion for the arts KPMG is a longstanding supporter of the Canadian Opera Company, and we are pleased to be the Production Sponsor of The Nightingale and Other Short Fables.

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THE MECHANICS OF MAGIC DIVING INTO THE TECHNICAL WIZARDRY BEHIND THE NIGHTINGALE BY KRISTIN McKINNON When The Nightingale and Other Short Fables first hit the Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts stage in 2009, audiences were awestruck. The gamechanging production from Robert Lepage, one of Canada’s most respected theatre visionaries, flips operatic convention on its head and pushes the boundaries of this 500-year-old art form. Singers perform in a pool of water while manipulating intricate puppets; the orchestra plays Stravinsky’s enchanting music in full sight of the audience; acrobats enact elaborate shadow puppet vignettes—it’s not your typical opera. Now in its ninth incarnation and having met with great acclaim after travelling to France, the Netherlands, Brooklyn, and Quebec, The Nightingale continues to surprise, delight, and enchant with its theatrical magic. Opening with a series of Stravinsky’s instrumental works and song cycles, including Pribaoutki, Berceuses du chat, and Two Poems of Konstantin Balmont, the production breaks with theatrical convention by inviting the audience to witness some of the technical wizardry involved in creating this piece. The orchestra, which

CANADIAN OPERA COMPANY 2017/2018

is normally hidden out of sight, is fully visible on stage for the entirety of the production. “I always wanted to do an opera where people are more conscious of the orchestra,” said Lepage in a 2009 interview. “You want people to see the instruments. You make people conscious of the different musical layers.” Placing the spotlight on the orchestra not only allows the exceptional musicians to shine, it also draws attention to the collective work of the performers sharing the stage. This philosophy forms the basis of Lepage’s multi-disciplinary performing arts collective, Ex Machina, and seeps into every aspect of The Nightingale. The idea of exploring the theatrical process continues with a journey through the evolution of theatre, beginning with a showcase of one of the earliest forms of theatre: shadow puppetry. “Thousands of years ago, people would gather in a quarry, build a big bonfire and tell stories to each other,” says Lepage. “Eventually someone had the idea of standing up and using the shadow to tell the story and that’s how theatre was born.”

In the first half of the opera, the acrobats are fully visible on stage as they perform basic, yet impressive, finger puppetry in front of a single light source. “It was important for this to start with the style of puppetry and theatre that is the most low-tech possible… very simple hand shadow puppetry that progresses into the world of shadows,” says Lepage. With The Fox, the shadow puppetry becomes increasingly elaborate. The acrobats move behind a screen, but there is still a focus on process awareness since the screen is elevated 18 inches above the ground, revealing parts of the acrobats’ bodies as they manipulate themselves into a menagerie of creatures. Lepage and his team pull out all of the technical stops with the final piece, The Nightingale. Drawing on traditional Japanese, Taiwanese, and Vietnamese techniques, renowned puppet designer Michael Curry (whose work has been featured in The Lion King on Broadway, the Olympics, and Cirque du Soleil, among other places) has created intricate puppets to accompany each of the singers, including the 34-member chorus. The puppets are vastly individual and the intuitive design means that even singers with no prior puppetry experience can quickly learn the art form and create a bond with their puppets. “It’s a daunting challenge for them, but once they get into it it’s quite lovely to watch a singer looking at themselves in miniature,” said Curry in 2009. Far left: Acrobats work in shadow to bring The Fox to life. Left: In The Nightingale, Ilya Bannick as the Emperor manipulates his stunning puppet. Below Lothar Odinius as the Fisherman manipulates a puppet and a fishing boat, while singing waist-high in water in the flooded orchestra pit.

If adopting a puppet companion wasn’t challenging enough, some of the artists must also perform in waist-deep water. Argurably the most striking feature of The Nightingale’s set is the magical pool that floods the orchestra pit, serving as the stage for much of the second act. Each of the 17 singers and acrobats who perform in the water, disguise a wetsuit under their costumes and are met by a dressing team with towels and flip-flops when exiting the pool. The COC’s costume department has even created duplicates of some of the costumes for use in the drier scenes. Since its premiere, few productions have stimulated the imagination quite like The Nightingale and Other Short Fables. Its exploration of magnificent puppetry, dazzling acrobats, and stunning stage imagery transcends all boundaries of opera. Lepage’s ingenuity keeps audiences enthralled by offering a glimpse behind the curtain—putting the magic on display for all to see. Kristin McKinnon is the COC’s Publicist and Content Producer.

BY THE NUMBERS 67,000 litres of water in the pool 78 tonnes: weight of pool and water 75 puppets to keep dry 32 crew members to assemble the set 21 wetsuits worn by cast and crew 8 hours to assemble the pool 5 acrobat-puppeteers 1 shipping container full of water 1 metre pool depth

CANADIAN OPERA COMPANY 2017/2018

ANNA BOLENA

Sondra Radvanovsky as Anna. 18

CANADIAN OPERA COMPANY 2017/2018

BY GAETANO DONIZETTI Lyric tragedy in two acts w Libretto by Felice Romani First performance: Teatro Carcano, Milan, December 26, 1830

NEW COC PRODUCTION April 28, May 3, 5, 8, 11, 16, 20, 24, 26, 2018 Sung in Italian with English SURTITLES™

THE CAST AND CREATIVE TEAM (in order of vocal appearance)

Giovanna Seymour, lady-in-waiting to Anna Keri Alkema Anna Bolena Sondra Radvanovsky

Lord Riccardo Percy Bruce Sledge

Costume Designer Ingeborg Bernerth

Hervey, a court official Jonathan JohnsonD

Original Lighting Designer Mark McCullough

Smeton, a musician Allyson McHardy^

Conductor Corrado Rovaris

Enrico Christian Van Horn

Director Stephen Lawless

Lord Rochefort, Anna’s brother Thomas Goerz

Set Designer Benoît Dugardyn

Lighting Designer Reinhard Traub Price Family Chorus Master Sandra Horst^ Stage Manager Stephanie Marrs SURTITLES™ Producer Gunta Dreifelds

PRODUCTION SPONSOR

Major artist support made possible by Jack Whiteside Sondra Radvanovsky’s performance is generously sponsored by The Tauba and Solomon Spiro Family Foundation Sandra Horst and the COC Chorus are generously underwritten by Tim & Frances Price

^ Graduate of the COC Ensemble Studio Program information is correct at time of printing. All casting is subject to change.

Performance time is approximately three hours and 25 minutes, including one intermission. ACT I: 90 minutes INTERMISSION 25 minutes ACT II: 90 minutes

CANADIAN OPERA COMPANY 2017/2018

DIRECTOR’S NOTE Anna Bolena (Anne Boleyn) brings us to the third (and final) of our trilogy of Donizetti’s Tudor operas (after Maria Stuarda and Roberto Devereux), although chronologically speaking it is the first of the trio, dealing with events that predate the other two. We remain within the framework of our Globe Theatre setting, now suitably altered to reflect an earlier and darker milieu than the sophistication of Elizabeth I’s reign, a world where entertainment was more about the bear-pit then the subtleties of Shakespeare’s (as yet unwritten) verse, a world as much influenced by the medieval as by the Renaissance.

suitor). Donizetti and Romani toy with history by fictionalizing what they don’t know between the facts that they do (much in the same way that the series The Crown does today).

Of course it would be wrong to think of the characters in Anna Bolena (and indeed Donizetti’s other two Tudor operas) as in any way historical. They are works of fiction. The Giovanna (Jane) Seymour of Donizetti’s opera is a long way from how Tudor propogandists sought to present the historical Jane Seymour, Henry VIII’s (Enrico’s) third wife. Jane was portrayed as almost saint-like, martyred on the altar of providing Henry with his much longed-for male heir. Her fictionalized counterpart is radically different. Giovanna is a woman attracted to the flame of power who comes to empathise with the plight of her rival (Anna) and who ultimately pays the price for her ambition. Enrico, in the opera, conforms to the stereotype of Holbein’s famous portrait, a vastly bloated and resplendent tyrant, whereas the historical Henry (at the time of his marriage to Anne Boleyn) was still slim, relatively young and handsome. Lord Riccardo (Henry) Percy reflects the prevailing early 19th-century idea of the Byronic hero rather than any 16thcentury actuality (indeed, the historical Percy was in fact a judge at Anna’s trial rather than her

But it is with Anna herself that the difference between the actual and fictional worlds is most marked. Donizetti is renowned for writing strong tragic female roles like Maria Stuarda, Elisabetta, Lucia and Anna Bolena. Anna differs from the first three characters in her refusal to be victimized. Anne Boleyn was executed (on trumped up charges) for her inability to present Henry with a male heir. In the opera, Anna is executed because her husband has fallen in love with another woman. She goes to her death raging against a patriarchy that sees her as simply dispensable, providing an example to her daughter (the future Elizabeth I), whom we have introduced into the narrative. Arguably the acrimonious break up of her parents marriage might explain Elizabeth’s refusal to marry in later life.

Donizetti and his librettist Felice Romani write from a different perspective to our own Anglocentric position and view these characters through the prism of the 19th century and Catholicism. Both Henry and Elizabeth would be viewed as both monstrous and heretical figures (because of Henry’s many divorces and marriages and because of Elizabeth’s refusal to marry), as much worthy of ridicule as of sympathy .

What we have tried to do in these productions is construct a dialogue between the historical and the fictional, dramatizing the latter and trying to relate it to the former. Stephen Lawless, director

CANADIAN OPERA COMPANY 2017/2018

SYNOPSIS ACT I, Scene i It is three years since Enrico (King Henry VIII) divorced his first wife Catherine of Aragon and married Anna (Anne Boleyn). Courtiers express concern that Enrico’s attention is now directed to someone else. Giovanna (Jane Seymour) enters, trying to suppress her remorse for her secret relationship with Enrico. Anna enters with Smeton, her page, and her attendants, to await Enrico. The queen is despondent and asks Smeton to lift her mood with a song. It upsets the Queen as it reminds her of her first love, Riccardo Percy, whom she rejected to marry the King. Realizing the King will not visit her tonight, Anna sadly advises Giovanna to never be tempted by a royal throne. Alone, Giovanna expresses her anguish and guilt. Enrico enters and Giovanna tells him she will no longer carry on an illicit relationship. Enrico vows to marry her and make her Queen but Giovanna is horrified at what this means for Anna. Scene ii A heartbroken Percy is relieved to have been summoned back to England by the King after being exiled, but he is concerned by rumours that Anna is not happy. Her brother Rochefort is not able to reassure him. Enrico, Anna, huntsmen and courtiers enter. Enrico tells Percy it is Anna who has spoken on his behalf. Percy shows such gratitude to the Queen that the courtiers become alarmed. Enrico orders continued surveillance on Anna and Percy. Scene iii Smeton has stolen a small portrait of Anna, whom he loves. Hearing footsteps, he hides himself. Anna and Rochefort enter. Anna is convinced by her brother to receive Percy, who then enters. She is shocked when Percy once again declares his love. She swears to never meet him again but when Percy draws his sword to kill himself, Smeton emerges from hiding, drawing his own sword to protect the Queen, whom he thinks Percy is attacking. Anna faints, and Enrico enters with Giovanna and courtiers. The stolen portrait falls from Smeton’s clothing. Enrico assumes the men are fighting over Anna and orders all three arrested. INTERMISSION

ACT II, Scene i Anna’s attendants declare their undying loyalty to her, as they are summoned to give testimony to charges against her of treasonous infidelity. Anna is left alone to pray. Giovanna enters to warn Anna and advise her that if she confesses to the charges, the King will divorce her but spare her life. Anna is horrified at the idea and prays for justice against her unknown rival. Distraught, Giovanna finally admits that she is Anna’s rival. Stunned, Anna forgives her and bids her leave. Scene ii Smeton has confessed to an illicit relationship with Anna after having been assured that this confession will save the Queen’s life. Enrico leaves the chamber as Anna and Percy are being brought in. Anna begs Enrico to spare her honour even if he takes her life. She swears her innocence as does Percy. Anna claims her only guilt to be her rejection of Percy’s true love for the glory of the throne. Percy is overjoyed at her words. Enrico is enraged and intent on having them both executed. Anna and Percy enter the chamber and Giovanna appears to beg Enrico to be merciful to Anna, an idea that the King scorns. The Lords emerge with Hervey to announce that Anna and Percy are guilty. Both are to be executed (as are Smeton and Rochefort) unless the King gives clemency. All plead with Enrico but he stands firm. Scene iii Percy and Rochefort are to be spared, but they refuse clemency when they learn that Anna is still to be executed. Anna’s ladies grieve for her emotional and mental state. She enters in a delusion, thinking she is celebrating her wedding to the King. She then imagines Percy before her and is crushed by guilt. She longs for the days of her youth, when her love for Percy was new and unsullied. Hervey enters and summons Rochefort, Percy and Smeton. Smeton confesses that he told the court they loved each other because that was his secret hope. Anna falls into a delirium again. She comes to at the sound of crowds outside acclaiming Giovanna as their new queen. Anna collapses with grief, vowing to forgive the new queen and the king, as all four prisoners are led to their deaths.

CANADIAN OPERA COMPANY 2017/2018

VIOLIN II Paul Zevenhuizen, Principal Csaba Koczó, Assistant Principal James Aylesworth (leave of absence) Catherine Cosbey* Elizabeth Johnston Hiroko Kagawa* Lynn Kuo* Renée London* Aya Miyagawa Andrea Tyniec* Marianne Urke (leave of absence) Joanna Zabrowarna VIOLA Keith Hamm, Principal Joshua Greenlaw, Assistant Principal (leave of absence) Sheila Jaffé, Acting Assistant Principal Catherine Gray Rory McLeod* Beverley Spotton Yosef Tamir CELLO Bryan Epperson, Principal Alastair Eng, Associate Principal (leave of absence) Paul Widner, Assistant Principal Maurizio Baccante, Acting Assistant Principal Peter Cosbey* Olga Laktionova Elaine Thompson

In March, Alexandra Kim (right), former Historic Royal Palaces Curator at Kensington Palace, met with Chloe Anderson (left) of the COC’s wardrobe department in anticipation of Kim’s presentation on April 30.

FREE EVENT!

OPERA INSIGHTS Anna Bolena: The role of clothing at the court of Henry VIII Monday, April 30 at 7 p.m.

FLUTE Douglas Stewart, Principal Leslie Newman* PICCOLO Shelley Brown OBOE Mark Rogers, Principal Lesley Young ENGLISH HORN Lesley Young

Events are free but require a ticket for entry.

CLARINET James T. Shields, Principal (leave of absence) Dominic Desautels, Acting Principal* Colleen Cook

Call 416-363-8231 or visit coc.ca/OperaInsights

BASSOON Eric Hall, Principal Lisa Chisholm

Education Centre, Four Seasons Centre

BASS Tony Flynt, Acting Principal* Robert Speer, Assistant Principal Tom Hazlitt Paul Langley Robert Wolanski*

CANADIAN OPERA COMPANY 2017/2018

HORN Mikhailo Babiak, Principal Janet Anderson Bardhyl Gjevori Gary Pattison TRUMPET Robert Weymouth, Principal Michael Fedyshyn* TROMBONE Charles Benaroya, Principal Ian Cowie BASS TROMBONE Herbert Poole TIMPANI Michael Perry, Principal PERCUSSION Trevor Tureski, Principal Ryan Scott* HARP Sarah Davidson, Principal

Banda PICCOLO Maria Pelletier* CLARINET Juan Olivares* Michele Verheul* BASSOON William Cannaway* TRUMPET Andrew Dubelsten* HORN Jesse Brooks* David Quackenbush* TROMBONE Megan Hodge* PERCUSSION Trevor Tureski

MUSIC LIBRARIAN Wayne Vogan ASSISTANT MUSIC LIBRARIAN Ondrej Golias STAGE LIBRARIAN Paul Langley PERSONNEL MANAGER Ian Cowie *extra musician

CANADIAN OPERA COMPANY CHORUS SOPRANOS Lindsay Barrett Christina Bell Margaret Evans Virginia Hatfield Alexandra Lennox-Pomeroy Ingrid Martin Eve Rachel McLeod Victoria Pinnington Elizabeth Polese Jennifer Robinson Teresa van der Hoeven Ilana Zarankin

MEZZO-SOPRANOS Marianne Bindig Susan Black Sandra Boyes Wendy Hatala Foley Lilian Kilianski Kathryn Knapp Anne McWatt Karen Olinyk Megan Quick Marianne Sasso Vilma Indra Vitols Cindy Won

TENORS Vanya Abrahams Tonatiuh Abrego Stephen Bell Taras Chmil Stephen Erickson John Kriter Jason Lamont James Leatch Stephen McClare Derrick Paul Miller Eric Olsen Joshua Wales

BARITONES/BASSES Grant Allert Kenneth Baker Peter Barnes Sung Chung Michael Downie Jason Nedecky Michael Sproule Michael Uloth Jan Vaculik Peter Wiens Gene Wu Michael York

Oren Gradus (left) as Enrico, and Sondra Radvanovsky (right) as Anna (Washington Opera, 2012)

MUSIC STAFF Giulio Laguzzi (Head Coach) Michael Shannon^ Stéphane Mayer† (Ensemble Studio Intern Coach) ASSISTANT CONDUCTOR Roberto Kalb ASSISTANT DIRECTOR Allison Grant

ASSISTANT STAGE MANAGERS Kate Sandeson Chris Porter ASSISTANT LIGHTING DESIGNERS Mikael Kangas Jennifer Lennon Davida Tkach

UNDERSTUDIES Anna Bolena Lord Rochefort Lord Percy Hervey

Tracy Cantin Michael Uloth^ Jonathan Johnson Eric Olsen

FIGHT DIRECTOR James Binkley

† Current member of the COC Ensemble Studio

^ Graduate of COC Ensemble Studio

CANADIAN OPERA COMPANY 2017/2018

BIOGRAPHIES: ANNA BOLENA KERI ALKEMA, Giovanna Seymour (Soprano, Nashville, TN, USA) SELECT COC CREDITS: Tosca, Tosca (2017); Vitellia, La clemenza di Tito (2013). RECENT: Amelia, Simon Boccanegra (Opéra de Dijon); Amelia, A Masked Ball (Gran Teatre del Liceu); Tosca, Tosca (Oper Frankfurt/English National Opera, and Palm Beach Opera); Donna Elvira, Don Giovanni (Santa Fe Opera); Elisabetta, Maria Stuarda (Seattle Opera, Edmonton Opera). UPCOMING: Vitellia, La clemenza di Tito (Théâtre du Capitole); Tosca, Tosca (Washington National Opera). INGEBORG BERNERTH, Costume Designer (Ludwigshafen am Rhein, Germany) COC CREDITS: Roberto Devereux (2014); Maria Stuarda (2010). RECENT: Das Rheingold (Oper Frankfurt); Lohengrin (Theater Krefeld und Mönchengladbach); Macbeth (Staatsoper Hamburg); Götterdämmerung, Siegfried, Die Walküre (Oper Frankfurt); The Flying Dutchman (Washington National Opera); Salome (Virginia Opera, Portland Opera); Guillaume Tell (Oper Graz); Don Carlos (Korea National Opera). UPCOMING: Lohengrin (Oper Bonn); Fidelio (Theater Chemnitz).

BENOÎT DUGARDYN (1957-2018), Set Designer (Bruges, Belgium) COC CREDITS: Il Trovatore (2005), Maria Stuarda (2010), Roberto Devereux (2014). RECENT: Yevgeny Onegin (Opéra-Théâtre de Metz Métropole); The Marriage of Figaro (Pittsburgh Opera/Washington National Opera); Aida (Chorégies d’Orange); Der Rosenkavalier (Bolshoi Theatre); Werther (Opéra-Théâtre de Metz-Métropole); Manon Lescaut (Opéra Royal de Wallonie); Carmen (Santa Fe Opera); Salome (Portland Opera). UPCOMING: Lucia di Lammermoor (Oldenburg State Theatre).

The COC was deeply saddened to learn of the death of Benoît Dugardyn this past winter. Among his work for the COC was the entire Donizetti Tudor trilogy and Il Trovatore. The international opera world has lost a great designer and colleague. Our deepest condolences to Benoît’s family, friends and loved ones. THOMAS GOERZ, Lord Rochefort (Bass-baritone, Kitchener, ON) COC CREDITS: Djura, Arabella (2017); Baron Duphol, La Traviata (2015); Quince, A Midsummer Night’s Dream; Benoit/Alcindoro, La Bohème (2009); Nikitich/Chernikovsky, Boris Godunov (2002). RECENT: Owen Hart, Dead Man Walking; Lodovico, Otello (Vancouver Opera); Titurel, Parsifal (Le Festival de Lanaudière); Mikado, The Mikado (Calgary Opera); Father Palmer, Silent Night (l’Opéra de Montréal).

ALLISON GRANT, Assistant Director (Toronto, ON) COC CREDITS: Ariodante and The Marriage of Figaro (2016); Revival Director, Semele (at Brooklyn Academy of Music, 2015); Choreographer, Dido and Aeneas (2003); Movement Director, Queen of Spades (2002). RECENT: The Magic Flute (Hawaii Opera Theatre/Sarasota Opera); The Marriage of Figaro (Sarasota Opera); Die Fledermaus (Edmonton Opera); Roméo et Juliette, Così fan tutte (Vancouver Opera); Carmen; Falstaff (Opera Hamilton); (choreographer) Eugene Onegin (Vancouver Opera/COC); Sondheim’s Company; Carmen (Western University). UPCOMING: Teaching, directing and choreographing at Randolph College for the Performing Arts. SANDRA HORST, Price Family Chorus Master Chair (Toronto, ON) SELECT COC CREDITS: Anna Bolena (2018); The Abduction from the Seraglio, Rigoletto (2018); Arabella, The Elixir of Love, The Magic Flute, Götterdämmerung (2017); Ariodante (2016); Norma (2016, 1998). RECENT: (conductor) Vengeance, Of Thee I Sing, Prima Zombie: The Diva that just wouldn’t stay dead (UofT Opera). UPCOMING: Hadrian; Eugene Onegin (COC). ADDITIONAL: Director of Musical Studies at the University of Toronto Opera.

JONATHAN JOHNSON, Hervey (Tenor, Macon, GA, USA) COC DEBUT. RECENT: Lensky, Eugene Onegin; Frederic, The Pirates of Penzance (Lyric Opera of Kansas City); Fenton, Falstaff (San Diego Opera); Rodriguez, Don Quichotte; Hylas, Les Troyens; Don Curzio, The Marriage of Figaro (Lyric Opera of Chicago); Lindoro, L’Italiana in Algeri (Portland Opera). UPCOMING: Lurcanio, Ariodante (Lyric Opera of Chicago).

CANADIAN OPERA COMPANY 2017/2018

STEPHEN LAWLESS, Director (Lewes, UK) COC CREDITS: Roberto Devereux (2014); Maria Stuarda 2010); Il Trovatore (2005). RECENT: Der Rosenkavalier (Bolshoi Theatre); Rusalka (Theater Magdeburg); Roméo et Juliette (Gran Teatre del Liceu); La clemenza di Tito (Opera Theatre of Saint Louis); The Marriage of Figaro (Opera Philadelphia/Palm Beach Opera/Minnesota Opera). UPCOMING: Roberto Devereux (San Francisco Opera); Kát’a Kabanová (Scottish Opera); Così fan tutte (Essen).

STEPHANIE MARRS, Stage Manager (Toronto, ON) SELECT COC CREDITS: The Abduction from the Seraglio (2018); The Magic Flute, Louis Riel (2017); Ariodante, Carmen (2016); La Traviata (2015); Madama Butterfly (2003, 2009, 2014); Hercules (2013); Assistant Stage Manager, Arabella (2017), Siegfried (2016); Don Giovanni, Bluebeard’s Castle/Erwartung (2015). RECENT: Louis Riel (National Arts Centre/Opéra de Québec). UPCOMING: Hadrian, Elektra (COC).

ALLYSON MCHARDY, Smeton (Mezzo-soprano, Oshawa, ON) SELECT COC CREDITS: Julie Riel, Louis Riel (2017); Sara, Roberto Devereux (2014). RECENT: Julie Riel, Louis Riel (Festival l’Opéra de Québec); Afghanistan: Requiem for a Generation (Toronto Symphony Orchestra); Ligeti’s Requiem (Seattle Symphony); Marguerite, La Damnation de Faust (Grant Park); Orsini, Lucrezia Borgia (Theater St. Gallen). UPCOMING: Céphise, Pygmalion; Junon, Actéon (Opera Atelier); Dvorák’s Stabat Mater (Vancouver Symphony Orchestra). V

SONDRA RADVANOVSKY, Anna Bolena (Soprano, Berwyn, Illinois, USA) SELECT COC CREDITS: Norma, Norma (2016); Elisabetta, Roberto Devereux (2014). RECENT: Amelia, A Masked Ball (Opéra national de Paris); Norma, Norma (Metropolitan Opera/Lyric Opera of Chicago); Tosca, Tosca (Los Angeles Opera/Royal Opera House, Covent Garden); Maddalena di Coigny, Andrea Chénier (Gran Teatre del Liceu). UPCOMING: Leonora, Il Trovatore (Opéra national de Paris); Elisabetta, Roberto Devereux (San Francisco Opera).

CORRADO ROVARIS, Conductor (Bergamo, Italy) COC CREDITS: Roberto Devereux (2014). RECENT: Written on Skin (Opera Philadelphia); Elizabeth Cree (Opera Philadelphia); Lucia di Lammermoor (Santa Fe Opera/Opéra national de Lorraine); The Barber of Seville (Opéra de Monte-Carlo); La Traviata (Opéra de Lausanne). UPCOMING: Lucia di Lammermoor (Opera Philadelphia); La clemenza di Tito (Opera Oviedo); L’Italiana in Algeri (Santa Fe Opera).

BRUCE SLEDGE, Lord Riccardo Percy (Tenor, Orange, CA, USA) COC CREDITS: Paolo Erisso, Maometto II (2016). RECENT: Jean de Leyde, Le prophète (Deutsche Oper Berlin); Lorenzo, Der Kaufmann von Venedig and Macduff, Macbeth (Welsh National Opera); The Duke of Mantua, Rigoletto (Vancouver Opera and Santa Fe Opera); Roberto, Maria Stuarda (Royal Opera House of Muscat). UPCOMING: Bacchus, Ariadne auf Naxos (Santa Fe Opera).

REINHARD TRAUB, Lighting Designer (Graz, Austria) COC DEBUT. RECENT: Lady Macbeth of Mtsensk (Teatro di San Carlo); Macbeth, Il Turco in Italia, Rusalka (Bayerische Staatsoper); Don Pasquale, Parsifal, Don Giovanni, Madama Butterfly (Oper Stuttgart); Fidelio (Theater St Gallen); Idomeneo (Royal Opera House, Covent Garden); Arabella (Oper Frankfurt); Tristan und Isolde, Parsifal (Bayreuth Festival); Aida, Don Giovanni (Salzburg Festival); Lucio Silla (La Monnaie/De Munt). UPCOMING: Lohengrin, Tannhäuser, The Ring Cycle (Bayreuth Festival); I Puritani (Oper Stuttgart); Benjamin (Oper Hamburg); Alcina, Euryanthe (Theater an der Wien); The Magic Flute (Staatsoper Berlin). CHRISTIAN VAN HORN, Enrico (Bass-baritone, Rockville Centre, NY, USA) COC CREDITS: Escamillo, Carmen (2016); Colline, La Bohème (2013); Angelotti, Tosca (2012). RECENT: Mephistopheles, Faust (Lyric Opera of Chicago); Sprecher, Die Zauberflöte and Julio, The Exterminating Angel (Metropolitan Opera [Met]); Melisso, Alcina and Raimondo, Lucia di Lammermoor (Santa Fe Opera); Oroveso, Norma (Dallas Opera); the Four Villains, The Tales of Hoffmann (LA Opera). UPCOMING: Mefistofele, Mefistofele (Met); Narbal, Les Troyens (Opéra National de Paris); Zoroastro, Orlando (San Francisco Opera)

CANADIAN OPERA COMPANY 2017/2018

Reaching their Someday is music to everyone’s ears.

The hard work, perseverance and vision of emerging artists demonstrate the power of having – and the joy of realizing – a Someday™. Together with programs like Ensemble Studio at the Canadian Opera Company, we support a diverse range of Canadian talent in communities across the country through the RBC Emerging Artists Project.

® / ™ Trademark(s) of Royal Bank of Canada.

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39782A (05/2015)

THE SOPRANOS SONDRA RADVANOVSKY and KERI ALKEMA are rivals in Anna Bolena but the best of friends in real life. Here the sopranos interview each other before sharing the stage for the first time.

Keri interviews Sondra How many roles have you sung now at the COC? With this Anna Bolena, I will have sung four operas at the COC. But, there are MANY more to come, I promise you! This is a love affair that has just begun with the COC! Are there any other dream roles on your wish list? Honestly, there aren’t that many dream roles left for me to sing. I am lucky that I have ticked off so many on my wish list. But there are still a few left and they are: Turandot, Medea, Pique Dame, Macbeth, La forza del destino and, maybe someday, Cavalleria rusticana. Is it different singing Tosca and, say, Verdi roles as opposed to singing bel canto? Another really great question! And my answer is “Yes” and also “No.” “No” because, in many ways, it is the same technique used to sing both. If you think about it, Tosca, which is verismo opera, was born from bel canto. But then “Yes” because the big difference for me isn’t the technique of singing them differently, it is the size and VOLUME of the orchestra. Puccini uses vocal doubling, which is when the orchestra plays the same line that I am singing, and there are usually more instruments in the orchestra pit than with, say, Donizetti or maybe even Verdi. 28

CANADIAN OPERA COMPANY 2017/2018

Do you have a favourite story of you and me... at least one we can share with the public? ;) Let me see... if it is a story about you and me it will either have to do with shopping or drinking too much wine! Hahaha! I can think of so many of them but I think I will go with the story of us ordering take-away Indian food in London. I think our eyes were larger than our stomachs. The food was just SO good that we had to finish it all and then afterwards I think we regretted eating so much of it that we had to undo our pants and lie on the floor for a good 30 minutes or else we were both going to be sick! Well, that and also Christmas shopping in London and going to the card store. Remember that? I think we laughed like true opera singers at some of those cards that we read and I swear that they were going to kick us out of there if we didn’t behave! Or how about the wooden plaque that arrived in the mail one day from you which read, “Alcohol... because no great story ever started with someone eating a salad!” Any advice you have for the new generation of singers out there trying to start a career? Yes, STUDY, STUDY, STUDY! Study vocal technique, study acting, study languages and watch and observe the generations before you... they were one generation closer to the composers who wrote what you are singing. But, honestly, I tell young singers that this is not an easy job and, quite frankly, the singing part of it should come naturally at

some point. The hard parts are the grueling schedules, travel, singing consistently well, being away from your home and family, and trying not to get sick. You really MUST love this profession, or else don’t do it. Also, I find it is SO important for young singers to learn about managing their

finances and taxes. As a singer, your income comes in spurts normally and there can be months between pay cheques. And they must learn how to budget for those months when the bills still keep coming in but there is no income coming in. Whoever said singing was easy never tried doing a tax return of an international opera singer!

This feature has been edited. For the full interviews, visit coc.ca/COCNews Sondra interviews Keri Keri, do you remember how we met and what show we were doing? YES!!! I was hired to go sing my first Anna and I knew that Washington National Opera was doing Anna Bolena right before my production started. So a plan was hatched for me to come and cover. That can be such a useful tool in a singer’s training to do that before you put your own production up on its feet. To have the time to try the role out in cover stagings, to have the advice of the conductor and coaches on staff, to learn that what might have worked in the voice studio needs to be tweaked or reworked in staging rehearsals. Also, it gives you a chance to talk with the one singer you are covering to see how she feels about the role. I was so lucky for all the obvious reasons that it was you I was covering, but you were so generous with your knowledge, experience and time that I will be forever grateful! The knowledge you passed on to me has been passed on to others—it’s priceless and you would think that happens all the time in our business but it really is a rare thing. What was your craziest moment on stage? I think we both have had many of those, but the one that always stands out the most to me was when I was accidentally punched in the face. The tenor forgot that I had to come

and stand just behind him to the right and when he swung his fist in the air it made contact with the side of my jaw. The pain was so intense I was afraid to move it. I missed part of my next line because I had to open it to see if it would still work. I remember the conductor looking at me wondering why I missed a line. I came off stage at the end of the scene and all I wanted was ice, but couldn’t remember the word for ice in Spanish, the language of the house. Funny how your brain works in stressful situations. Luckily I was fine, just swollen and bruised and the best part was that I think the rest of the show was my best sung performance of that run! HAHA! How many roles have you sung now at the COC? This will be my fourth sung role with the COC but I covered Amelia in A Masked Ball before I went to sing my first one in France. Is it different singing Tosca and, say, Verdi roles as opposed to singing bel canto? Yes and no. The technical foundation is the same for me. I started my training CANADIAN OPERA COMPANY 2017/2018

singing the bel canto repertoire. For me, the difference is in the body and not the voice. For the bigger Verdi and Puccini roles, I'm using more body stamina to carry over those orchestras and the volume levels the score calls for. The only exception to that in bel canto is with all the pianissimi. As you know, the support for those is as strong if not stronger than those high Cs in Tosca. Do you consider Giovanna a mezzo role or a soprano role and do you think about it different vocally than other roles? You know what's funny? I never thought it was a mezzo role! I just looked in the score now and it is listed as a mezzo. I have to laugh, because I have sung both Anna and Giovanna and Giovanna feels higher in my throat. She actually sits higher in the voice for a longer period of time than Anna. Anna has the range of the whole staff and when singing her, as you know, the stamina for the entire sing is what has to be planned. Giovanna doesn't have to worry about stamina, she has to plan how she sings the majority of her role in the top part of her voice without the break/release of coming down. What are your MUST travel essentials? And what is the hardest part of travelling for you? You will make fun of me, but I never leave home without my hair straightener and hair products. :) Hardest part of travelling is being without Chris, my main squeeze. Wanna share a funny story about us as friends? You know, I thought it was pretty funny that when we were just recently asked if we had a photo of the two of us together, we were both positive we did. Then when we looked through our own pics, we couldn't find one! We realized that when we are together, we are having so much fun hanging out doing whatever we are doing that taking a pic is the last thing on our minds! I love that!!!

CANADIAN OPERA COMPANY 2017/2018

From her days in the COC Ensemble Studio, Allyson McHardy has been a COC favourite. Learn more about this cheese-popcornloving mezzo-soprano, who appears in both our spring operas.

GET TO KNOW ALLYSON McHARDY What would people be surprised to learn about you? I love to knit socks! (Allyson knitted these beauties on the right!) Who or what are your biggest inspirations, musically or personally? What inspires me is a desire to keep learning, to stay current and keep improving. I also love a challenge! Who would play you in the movie about your life? Natalie Wood

If you could be anywhere in the world right now, where would it be? Anywhere people want to hear me sing. Coffee or tea? Tea!! Lots of it, with milk and sugar. Favourite comfort food? Favourite comfort food is always pasta, tomato sauce and cheese, cheese, cheese. The last good book you read? The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt and How not to Die by Michael Greger Donizetti or Stravinsky? Impossible to choose between the two. That would be like picking your favourite child. Favourite wife of Henry VIII? Anna Bolena of course! What always brings a smile to your face? My daughter always brings a smile to my face. She has a remarkable sense of humour and her resilience inspires me every day. What’s your biggest guilty pleasure? I’ve said this before in a COC interview: cheese popcorn. This will likely never change. Who are three people, alive or dead or fictional, that you would like to have dinner with? I’d like to have dinner with my parents when they were teenagers, and Julia Child. She can do the cooking!

Do you have any pre- or postperformance rituals? I used to have all kinds of things I would do which were frankly quite superstitious. Once I became a mother that all just fell away. A good meal and some quiet time in my dressing room and I am ready for action. What’s the best thing about being a singer? There are so many things about being a singer that are wonderful… the people you meet, the places you get to travel to, learning new roles, always having new experiences. What I’ve come to really value are the times when I can really live in the moment with the music when I’m singing. Everything else just falls away… Bliss! What is the first thing you do when you arrive in a new city? When I arrive in a new city I let my family know I’ve arrived safely and then I walk around looking for a grocery store. I know... it’s all glamour when you’re on the road! What is the first thing you do when you arrive back home? At home the first thing is to sit on the couch, catch up on all the family and neighbourhood news and have a lovely glass of Pinot Grigio.

Who is an artist you’d give anything to perform with? I’d love to perform with Alan Cumming. Maybe in a musical or even a play.

What’s your favourite thing about Toronto? I grew up in Oshawa so Toronto was this big exotic city that we drove through on the way to Grandma and Grandpa’s house in Guelph. I always thought that someday I might be lucky enough to live there and be equally exotic. My favourite thing about Toronto is that I get to live here!

If you could sing any role outside your voice type, what would it be? I would do anything to sing Elektra, probably because it was the first opera I ever saw and who doesn’t want to sing Strauss?

What the most important thing people should know about Anna Bolena and The Nightingale and Other Short Fables? The most important thing to know about any opera is that it is to be enjoyed… whatever that means to you.

CANADIAN OPERA COMPANY 2017/2018

BACKSTAGE AND BEYOND! Here is a look at some of our recent activities, many shared with our wonderful COC donors, including parties, galas, and backstage meet-and-greets with artists.

[1] Our winter production of The Abduction from

the Seraglio was a real conversation starter this year. In February, we invited members from Friends of the COC, President’s Council, and Golden Circle to join the discussion with an artist roundtable featuring the cast, creative team and orchestra.

[2] This past January, President’s Council and

Golden Circle members were invited to experience a working rehearsal dinner and chat for The Abduction from the Seraglio with special insights from director Wajdi Mouawad, COC General Director Alexander Neef and COC Music Director Johannes Debus.

[3] Soprano Claire de Sévigné melted hearts with

her Valentine’s Day performance in our Free Concert Series in the Richard Bradshaw Amphitheatre. From September to May we present over 75 concerts. 32

CANADIAN OPERA COMPANY 2017/2018

Check for up-to-date listings and sign up for e-mail updates at coc.ca/FreeConcerts.

[4] With sparkling lights overhead and a bird’s

eye view of bustling Queen Street West, the Henry N.R. Jackman Lounge was the perfect spot for the Rigoletto opening night toast.

[5] When we say opera is for everyone, we mean

everyone! Meet Bello, our new feathered friend. His owner tells us Bello loves opera so our free Opera Connect concert at First Canadian Place was a great chance to hear some live opera for the first time. Bello was enchanted by the music, and here he got up close and personal with tenor Joshua Guerrero, who sang at the concert before his run of performances as the Duke in Rigoletto.

[6] The cast, creative team, staff and donors

gathered to celebrate Rigoletto’s opening night, a great first performance and a look ahead to many more.

[7] Detail, details, details. Thanks to the expert eye of Natassia Brunato in our costume department, COC Chorus mezzo-soprano Susan Black is all set for the Nightingale stage.

[8] No filters needed for Sharon Ryman, our wig

and makeup supervisor! This March, our Opera Club members went behind the scenes for a close-up look at the props, costumes, and wigs that bring Anna Bolena and The Nightingale and Other Short Fables to life.

[9] Costume co-ordinator Chloe Anderson shows us exactly how one might “dress to impress” in the court of Henry VIII.

[10] The sky’s the limit for these students! They

took part in an opera creation program in Etobicoke, where they wrote, designed and performed an entire superhero opera.

[11] In January, members of the 2017 Orchestra

Academy took part in a roundtable discussion with our Artist-in-Residence, soprano Jane Archibald. A couple of days later they gave a concert in the Free Concert Series, along with artists from the Ensemble Studio and the COC Orchestra. CANADIAN OPERA COMPANY 2017/2018

#COC1819

EUGENE ONEGIN Tchaikovsky

SEPT 30 – NOV 3, 2018 Robert Carsen’s celebrated production will be seen and heard in Toronto for the first time.

CANADIAN OPERA COMPANY 2017/2018

HADRIAN

Rufus Wainwright OCT 13 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 27, 2018 This world premiere features the company debuts of international stars Thomas Hampson and Karita Mattila. Production generously underwritten by COLLEEN SEXSMITH PAUL BERNARDS

coc.ca

#COC1819

ELEKTRA

Richard Strauss JAN 26 – FEB 22, 2019 Christine Goerke returns to perform the title role in Richard Strauss’ riveting family psychodrama.

CANADIAN OPERA COMPANY 2017/2018

COSÌ FAN TUTTE Mozart

FEB 5 – 23, 2019 Mozart’s ingenious comedy of fidelity and temptation features two of today’s most pre-eminent young Canadian voices, Kirsten MacKinnon and Emily D’Angelo. Production originally made possible in part by PHILIP DECK & KIMBERLEY BOZAK BMO FINANCIAL GROUP

coc.ca

#COC1819

LA BOHÈME Puccini

APR 17 – MAY 22, 2019 One of opera’s greatest love stories, and one of the COC’s most popular productions returns to the mainstage. Production originally made possible by JERRY & GERALDINE HEFFERNAN

CANADIAN OPERA COMPANY 2017/2018

OTELLO Verdi

APRIL 17 – MAY 21, 2019 Verdi’s late-career masterpiece is presented in a new production with an incomparable cast led by Russell Thomas, Gerald Finley, and Tamara Wilson.

coc.ca

PAYING IT FORWARD SOPRANO SHEILA K. PIERCEY MAKES AN EXTRAORDINARY DONATION IN SUPPORT OF THE COC ENSEMBLE STUDIO BY TAYLOR LONG From one of Canada’s pre-eminent sopranos to the opera singers of tomorrow—Sheila K. Piercey is paying it forward. Soprano Sheila K. Piercey dazzled COC audiences from 1958 to 1971 with her “natural vivacity and her clear, flexible, rich voice” (The Canadian Encyclopedia). An avid supporter of the arts, Sheila is now making dreams come true for young Canadian artists with the Sheila K. Piercey Fund, a generous endowment established in support of the COC Ensemble Studio. This fund, along with an operating gift, is ensuring that there will be resources in place for years to come to train, develop and empower the next generation of Canadian opera stars— opportunities that did not exist when Sheila was an emerging artist. Born in Halifax, Sheila was introduced to music at a young age. Her mother, Lilian Piercey, an accomplished pianist, organist and vocalist, was Sheila’s first musical mentor. Sheila continued music

studies with baritone and choral conductor Leonard Mayoh and made her operatic debut in 1954 as the Mother in Amahl and the Night Visitors. Over the next two years, she performed extensively in Nova Scotia, affirming her commitment to establishing a professional career in opera. Offered a scholarship from the Royal Conservatory of Music and the University of Toronto opera program, Sheila moved to Toronto in 1956 and studied under Ernesto Vinci, a fellow east-coaster. Her voice charmed Toronto audiences in CBC Opera’s Peter Grimes (1959), Jenufa (1957), and the title role in Stravinsky’s The Nightingale (1957). O

As the Dew Fairy in Humperdinck’s Hansel and Gretel in 1958, Sheila made her role debut with the Canadian Opera Company— marking the beginning of a long-lasting relationship that spanned 22 mainstage roles and 16 COC tours over 13 years. A gifted performer, especially in comedic and

(left) Sheila as Rosina with Alexander Gray as Figaro in The Barber of Seville (COC Tour, 1958/1959); (right) Sheila as Mimì in La Bohème (COC East/West Tour, 1962)

CANADIAN OPERA COMPANY 2017/2018

soubrette parts, Sheila’s roles at the COC included Adele in Die Fledermaus, Rosina in The Barber of Seville, Norina in Don Pasquale, and Mimì in La Bohème, among others. Canadian mezzo-soprano Janet Stubbs describes the inspiring effect that Sheila had on young singers: “As a young mezzosoprano I made the decision to pursue a career in opera after attending a dress rehearsal of the COC’s The Merry Widow. One of the soloists in that cast was Sheila K. Piercey. The memory of her striking presence has remained with me ever since.” Moving back to Nova Scotia in 1971, Sheila’s philanthropic legacy began in the form of teaching. From 1977 to 1982, she taught voice at Dalhousie University—igniting a passion for helping young singers unlock their artistic potential. She has continued this work through charitable activities, supporting the construction of the Sheila K. Piercey Rehearsal Hall and two voice studios at Dalhousie University—the Ernesto Vinci Vocal Studio and the Leonard and Doris Mayoh Vocal Studio—named in honour of the mentors who helped shape her career. Sheila has been a vital supporter of the Maritime Conservatory of Performing Arts in Halifax and has developed scholarships for young artists, like the Sheila K. Piercey Collaborative Pianist Awards, which

“Aren’t they lucky to be where they are at this time in their lives...” — from a letter from Sheila K. Piercey to the COC, on seeing a photograph of this season’s COC Ensemble Studio

provides six vocal students each year with bursaries to cover the costs of hiring an accompanist for auditions and performances. Sheila’s remarkable gift to the COC Ensemble Studio ensures that the next generation of great Canadian singers and pianists will have unparalleled access to comprehensive mentorship at one of North America’s best opera houses—from mainstage performance opportunities, to master classes with some of the world’s best artists, to one-on-one coaching. Thanks to Sheila’s visionary contribution, the Ensemble Studio will continue to be a crucial launching pad for young singers with big dreams. An exemplary champion of the art form, Sheila K. Piercey is helping to build a culture of Canadian opera that will thrive today and in the future. Taylor Long is the COC’s Advancement Communications Officer.

(left) Sheila as Eurydice in Orpheus in the Underworld (COC Western Tour, 1970/1971); (right) a portrait of Sheila K. Piercey

Six seriesâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;vocal, chamber, piano, dance, jazz and world musicâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;feature a range of performers from international stars to emerging young artists. ALL FOR FREE! Spring programming includes solo recitals by Owen McCausland, tenor (April 17); Miles Mykkanen, tenor (April 19); Sondra Radvanovsky, soprano (May 1); Keri Alkema, soprano (May 22); Artists of the COC Ensemble Studio (April 18, April 26, May 3); and Artists of the COC Orchestra (May 15). For complete listings, and to sign up for e-mail updates, visit

coc.ca/FreeConcerts

ONE NATION UNDER THE ARTS

We live in a country with a rich and deep appreciation for arts and culture, and weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re committed to fund programs that enable Canadians of all means and backgrounds to enjoy the very best. Proud Presenting Sponsor of the new Share the Opera program at the Canadian Opera Company and proudly Canadian.

ADMINISTRATION AND STAFF ALEXANDER NEEF, General Director Managing Director Robert Lamb

Performance Kinetics Consultant Jennifer Swan

Head of Sound Bob Shindle

Music Director Johannes Debus

Lyric Diction Coach Steven Leigh

Assistant Sound Craig Kadoke

Executive Director, Philanthropy & Audiences Christie Darville

COC Ensemble Studio Samuel Chan Lauren Eberwein Rachael Kerr Danika Lorèn Stéphane Mayer Simone McIntosh Samantha Pickett Megan Quick Bruno Roy

Head Carpenter Paul Watkinson

Company-in-Residence

Head of Front of House Alex Maitland

EXECUTIVE OFFICE Executive Assistant to the General Director Marguerite Schabas

MUSIC AND ARTISTIC ADMINISTRATION Director of Music & Artistic Administration Roberto Mauro Contracts Manager Karen Olinyk Company Manager Olwyn Lewis Price Family Chorus Master Sandra Horst Assistant to the Music Director Derek Bate Scheduling Manager Kathryn Garnett Interim Scheduling Assistant Kaitlyn Smith Production Assistants Andréane Christiansen Taryn Dougall Orchestra Personnel Manager Ian Cowie Music Librarian, Coach Wayne Vogan Assistant Music Librarian Ondrej Golias Music Staff Stephen B. Hargreaves (Nightingale) Roberto Kalb (Anna Bolena) Giulio Laguzzi (Anna Bolena) Michael Shannon (Anna Bolena) Michael Spassov (Nightingale)

COC ACADEMY Director, COC Academy Nina Draganic

Ensemble Studio Head of the Ensemble Studio & Coach Liz Upchurch Head Vocal Consultant Wendy Nielsen

Against the Grain Theatre

Education and Outreach Associate Director, Education & Outreach Katherine Semcesen (on leave) Interim Associate Director, Education & Outreach Patty Jarvis Children, Youth and Family Programs Manager Bryna Berezowska School Programs Manager Madelyn Wilkinson Adult Programs Manager Catherine Willshire

Free Concert Series Program Manager, Free Concert Series Dorian Cox

Assistant Carpenter David Middleton Head Flyman Michael Gelfand Head of Properties Daniel Graham

Core Crew Doug Closs Gregg Feor Terry Hurley Paul Otis Scene Shop Co-ordinator Amy Cummings Head Scene Shop Carpenter David Retzleff Assistant Scene Shop Carpenter Andrew Walker Head Scenic Artist Richard Gordon Assistant Head Scenic Artist Katherine Lilley Rehearsal Head Technician Scott Kitcher Properties Supervisor Wulf Higgins Properties Buyer Tracy Taylor

PRODUCTION

Properties Builder/Co-ordinator Carolyn Choo

Director of Production Chuck Giles

Properties Co-ordinator Jazlyn Dow

Technical Director Mike Ledermueller

Properties Builders Joey Morin Sophie Moynan Eugene Paunil

Production Manager Michael Freeman Lighting Supervisor Daniele Guevara Assistant Technical Directors Autumn Coppaway Jake Gow Melynda Jurgenson Assistant Production Manager Murphy Diggon Head Electrician Joe Nalepka Assistant Electricians Douglas Claus Josh McGill

CANADIAN OPERA COMPANY 2017/2018

Costume Supervisor Sandra Corazza Costume Co-ordinators Chloe Anderson Cassandra Spence Costume Assistants Natassia Brunato Angela Cabrera Assisted by Marina Agostino Resident Cutter Tracey Glas

Proud to play our part Osler is proud to support this evening’s performance of the Canadian Opera Company’s production of The Nightingale and Other Short Fables. Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt llp Toronto Montréal Calgary Ottawa Vancouver New York osler.com Olga Peretyatko in The Nightingale and Other Short Fables, (COC, 2009). Photo: Michael Cooper

Assisted by Manon de Gagne Janelle Hince Jennifer Jakob Additional Costumes Denis Pizzicalla Industry Costumes Seamless Costumes Ltd. Additional Painting and Dyeing Marjory Fielding Head of Wardrobe Nancy Hawkins Wardrobe Assistant Leslie Brown Wig & Make-up Supervisor Sharon Ryman Head of Wig & Make-up Crew Cori Ferguson SURTITLES™ Producer Gunta Dreifelds SURTITLES™ Editor Zane Kaneps SURTITLES™ Assistants Olwyn Lewis John Sharpe Supernumeraries Co-ordinators Analee Stein Elizabeth Walker

PHILANTHROPY & AUDIENCES Executive Director, Philanthropy & Audiences Christie Darville Executive Assistant to the Executive Director, Philanthropy & Audiences Elizabeth Scott Senior Manager of Operations, Philanthropy & Audiences Andrea Salin Manager of Operations, Brand & Media Eldon Earle Associate Manager, Digital Marketing Meighan Szigeti

Advancement Associate Director, Public Affairs Amy Mushinski Advancement Associate Janet Stubbs Director of Development Stephen Gilles Manager, Special Events Erin Koth Senior Development Officer, Special Events Brianna Chase Manager, Stewardship Emma Noakes Senior Development Officer, Annual Programs & Patron Engagement Natalie Sandassie

Development Officer, Annual Programs & Patron Engagement Soojin Ahn Co-ordinator, Annual Programs & Patron Engagement Meghan Carlow Senior Development Officer, Friends of the COC Victor Widjaja Individual Giving Co-ordinator, Friends of the COC Sarah Westgarth Senior Development Officer, Partnerships Francesca Perez Senior Development Officer, Partnerships Jennifer Pugsley

Karen Rajamohan Kledia Verria

Call Centre Manager, Direct Sales and Giving Richard Paradiso Call Centre Representatives Dona Arbabzadeh Catherine Belyea Frank Bushe Keith Fernandes Margaret Terry

FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATION Director of Finance & Administration Lindy Cowan, CPA, CA

Advancement Operations Officers John Kriter Amelia Smart

Human Resources Manager Lorraine O’Connor, CHRP

Brand & Content

General Accountants Pamela Curva Florence Huang

Director, Brand & Content Nikita Gourski Senior Manager, Creative & Publications Gianna Wichelow Advancement Communications Officer Taylor Long

Public Relations Director, Public Relations Avril Sequeira Publicist and Content Producer Kristin McKinnon Public Relations Assistant Mischa Jackson

Ticket Services Ticket Services Manager Chris Mercredi Assistant Manager, Ticket Services Manda Kennedy Group Sales Co-ordinator David Nimmo Ticket Services Supervisor Lillian Fung Part-time Ticket Services Supervisors Nick Davis Alan Gawalko Ticket Services Representatives Taylor Balint Rachel Barna Joseph Black Saskia Edwards Peter Genoway Christopher Hackett Cat Haywood Christine Klein Keith Lam Dylan MacVicar Bernadka Mazgola Megan Miles Kevin Morris

CANADIAN OPERA COMPANY 2017/2018

Finance Manager Saptarsi Saha, CPA, CA

Payroll Accountants Jovana Bojovic Jeanny Won Finance Assistant Lorrie Element Accounting Clerk Vera Brjozovskaja Associate Director, IT Steven Sherwood Database Reporting Specialist Brad Staples IT Services Assistant Tony Sandy Archivist, Joan Baillie Archives Birthe Joergensen Receptionist/Switchboard Katarina Božovic Mailroom Clerk/Courier Branka Hrsum

FOUR SEASONS CENTRE FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS Director, Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts Alfred Caron Associate Director, Business Development Elizabeth Jones Business & Events Co-ordinator Melissa McDonnell Patron Services Manager, Front of House Julia Somerville (on leave) Interim Patron Services Manager, Front of House Christian Coulter

PROUD SPONSOR OF

CANADIAN OPERA COMPANY

Sentry, Sentry Investments and the Sentry Investments logo are trademarks of Sentry Investments Corp, a wholly owned subsidiary of CI Financial Corp. Charles Castronovo and Ekaterina Siurina in La Traviata (COC, 2015), photo: Michael Cooper.

Create opera! Perform opera!

SCOTIABANK

SUMMER OPERA CAMPS July 2018, Grades 1 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 12 Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts 145 Queen St. W., Toronto Learn more at

coc.ca/Camps TITLE SPONSOR:

Patron Services Manager, Food & Beverage Brigitte Lang Assistant Manager, Patron Services Kim Hutchinson-Barber Senior Patron Services Supervisors Stuart Constable Kimberly Wu Patron Services Supervisors Karol Carstensen Jamieson Eakin Lori MacDonald Susannah Mackay Steven McDermott Deena Nicklefork Sophia Wiens Patron Services Lead Diana Pfeffer

Building Services Associate Director, Facilities Management Joe Waldherr Assistant Manager, Operations Christian Coulter Maintenance Assistants (COC) Ryszard Gad Branislav Peterman Julian Peters Maintenance Assistants (FSCPA) Enrique Covarrubias Cortes James Esposito Nile White Piotr Wiench Daniel Zerihun Security Supervisor Dave Samuels Security Administrator Kathleen Minor

CANADIAN OPERA COMPANY 2017/2018

Security Guards George Balyasin Evan R. Bawtinheimer Abdi Gulleed Natalia Juzyc Usman Khalid Amir Khan Nicholas Martin Pavithra Sugumar Building Operators Dan Bisca Dan Popescu Adrian Tudoran Carillion Services Supervisor Paula Da Costa Carillion Services Team Jennifer Barros Hirut Drese Nash Lim Jimmy Pacheco Esete Tesfaye Sugey Torres Kinfe Wolde Nida

When the arts need our support, weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re there. Norton Rose Fulbright is proud to be a performance sponsor of Anna Bolena.

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Financial institutions | Energy | Infrastructure, mining and commodities Transport | Technology and innovation | Life sciences and healthcare Sondra Radvanovsky (centre) as Anna Bolena in a scene from Anna Bolena (Washington Opera, 2012), photo: Scott Suchman

COC BOARD OF DIRECTORS OFFICERS Mr. Justin Linden, Chair Mr. Jonathan Morgan, Vice-Chair Mr. John H. Macfarlane, Secretary Mr. Paul Bernards, Treasurer Mr. Alexander Neef, General Director (ex officio) Mr. Rob Lamb, Managing Director Ms. Christie Darville, Executive Director, Philanthropy & Audiences MEMBERS Mr. Anthony (Tony) Arrell

Ms. Nora Aufreiter Ms. Marcia Lewis Brown Ms. Helen Burstyn Mr. Stewart Burton Mr. Philip C. Deck (ex officio) Mr. Peter Deeb Mr. George S. Dembroski Mr. William Fearn Mr. David Ferguson (ex officio) Mr. Michael Gibbens Mr. Peter Hinman Dr. Linda Hutcheon Mr. Roy Linden Mr. Jeff Lloyd

Mr. Timothy Loftsgard Mr. Huston Loke Ms. Anne Maggisano Ms. Judith Matthews Mr. James (Jim) Nicol Mr. Johannes Pastor Ms. Frances Price Mr. Jeffrey Remedios Ms. Colleen Sexsmith Mr. Allen Smith Mr. Philip S. W. Smith Mr. Paul Spafford Mr. David Spiro Ms. Kris Vikmanis Mr. Graham Watchorn Mr. John H. (Jack) Whiteside

CANADIAN OPERA FOUNDATION DIRECTORS Mr. Tony Arrell Mr. Jonathan Bloomberg Mr. J. Rob Collins

Mr. Philip C. Deck, Chair Mr. Michael Gibbens

Mr. Christopher Hoffmann Mr. Justin Linden Mr. David Spiro, Secretary

CREDITS AND ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

COC OPERA GUILDS

The Canadian Opera Company would like to thank all those who volunteer both on a daily basis and for special events with the company.

Brantford Opera Guild David M. Cullen, President

Michael Cooper, Official Photographer

Kingston Opera Guild Grace Orzech, President London Opera Guild Ernest H. Redekop, President

Musical excerpts provided by Universal Classics The COC is a member of Opera America, Opera.ca and TAPA.

Muskoka Opera Guild Mr. Pierre Couture, President

The COC operates in agreement with Canadian Actorsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Equity Association.

Sudbury Opera Guild Dianne Moore, President

The COC operates in agreement with IATSE Local #58, Local #822, Local #828.

For more information, visit coc.ca/Guilds.

SUPERNUMERARIES ANNA BOLENA Liz Allemang Angela Bell Richard Brown Atenna Hercules 50

Fabio Hernandez Ward Jardine Gerald King

CANADIAN OPERA COMPANY 2017/2018

Todd Langis Dan Lopes Marnie Bellemont Neef

Devyn Rozon Bob Stein Stella Tonakanian

MANY THANKS TO OUR SUPPORTERS Life Trustees Council The Life Trustees Council salutes the leaders of the COC community whose efforts have been integral to the company’s artistic evolution and transformative history of accomplishment. Earlaine Collins J. Rob Collins A.J. Diamond David Ferguson, Chair

Jerry and Geraldine Heffernan Ben Heppner Henry N. R. Jackman

Michael Levine Adrianne Pieczonka Arthur R. A. Scace, C. M. David Stanley-Porter

Emeritus Council Executive Committee The COC Emeritus Council, led by the Executive Committee, salutes those Board Members who have completed their term and whose leadership efforts have been integral to the company’s artistic evolution and transformative history of accomplishment. Rosemary Dover Catherine Fauquier Michael Gough, Co-Chair

Anne Maggisano The Hon. Barbara McDougall Sue Mortimer Frances Price

Colleen Sexsmith Keith Sjögren Jack Whiteside, Co-Chair

E. Louise Morgan Society A legacy of leadership, passion, and philanthropy achieved through individual lifetime giving in support of the Canadian Opera Company. Anne & Tony Arrell ARIAS: Canadian Opera Student Development Fund Earlaine Collins in memory of Gerard H. Collins John A. Cook Philip Deck & Kimberley Bozak Peter M. Deeb Jerry and Geraldine Heffernan

The Catherine and Maxwell Meighen Foundation Roger D. Moore Frances & Tim Price Arthur & Susan Scace Colleen Sexsmith Joey & Toby Tanenbaum Anonymous (2)

Major Gifts and Special Projects The COC offers its sincere thanks to the individuals listed below for their extraordinary support.

PRODUCTION UNDERWRITERS Advancing the art form through visionary productions. $500,000 + The Catherine and Maxwell Meighen Foundation Colleen Sexsmith $100,000 – $499,999 Mr. Phil Lind

$50,000 – $99,999 Howard & Sarah D. Solomon Foundation in honour of Gerard Mortier

PERFORMANCE AND ARTIST SPONSORS Building a community of worldclass artists, both established and emerging. $100,000 + George & Kathy Dembroski Jack Whiteside

CANADIAN OPERA COMPANY 2017/2018

$50,000 – $99,999 Robert Sherrin $25,000 – $49,999 Earlaine Collins Peter & Hélène Hunt The Tauba and Solomon Spiro Family Foundation Kristine Vikmanis & Denton Creighton Anonymous (1) Up to $24,999 Marjorie & Roy Linden Riki Turofsky & Charles Petersen

COC ACADEMY SUPPORTERS Encouraging the next generation of artists and celebrating Canada’s wealth of talent. $1,000,000 Peter M. Deeb $500,000 – $999,999 Sheila K. Piercey The Slaight Family Foundation $100,000 - $499,999 Marjorie & Roy Linden $25,000 – $99,999 Keith Ambachtsheer & Virginia Atkin Ethel Harris & the late Milton E. Harris Hal Jackman Foundation Patrick and Barbara Keenan Foundation Deborah Moorthy The Stratton Trust

Up to $24,999 ARIAS: Canadian Opera Student Development Fund Alexandra Babcock & Todd Cowan Marcia Lewis Brown Margaret Harriett Cameron and the late Gary Smith Ninalee Craig Catherine Fauquier David & Kristin Ferguson Patrick Hodgson Family Foundation Jo Lander Roger D. Moore Colleen Sexsmith June Shaw Toronto Wagner Society Brian Wilks

GENERAL PROGRAM SUPPORTERS Providing general program support is critical to the COC’s artistic mission. $1,000,000 + Jerry and Geraldine Heffernan The Henry White Kinnear Foundation Frances & Tim Price The Estate of James Drewry Stewart Anonymous (1) $100,000 + Anne & Tony Arrell $25,000 – $99,999 The Estate of Shirley Anne Braithwaite James & Christine Nicol Up to $24,999 The Bennett Family Foundation Dr. & Mrs. Dean G. Dover The Estate of Mary Eleanor Miller Simon Nyilassy Margaret Taylor-Sevier Anonymous (1)

Canadian Opera Foundation

Securing the future and long-term vitality of the Canadian Opera Company through visionary, permanent investments $2,000,000 +

Earlaine Collins in memory of Gerard H. Collins Free Concert Endowment Fund Jerry & Geraldine Heffernan

$1,000,000 – $1,999,999

Dr. & Mrs. Larry M. Agranove The Estate of Horst Dantz & Don Quick The Hon. Henry N. R. Jackman The Henry White Kinnear Foundation Roger D. Moore Sheila K. Piercey Michael V. & Wanda Plachta Frances & Tim Price Frank and Emily Riddell Memorial Trust The Estate of James Drewry Stewart George J. Zebrowski

$500,000 – $999,999

Ethel B. Jackson R. Samuel McLaughlin Foundation The Catherine and Maxwell Meighen Foundation

$250,000 – $499,999

ARIAS: Canadian Opera Student Development Fund

Dr. Daphne Bell John A. Cook Evelyn Ellen Elrick Estate of N. Faye Wood

$100,000 – $249,999

Estate of Isobel May Allen Frances V. Blue Ruth Eileen Day George & Kathy Dembroski Estate of Marion Gertrude Farr Leonore Hetherington Helen Inch Ruby Mercer Edwin & Ann Mirvish Estate of Howard Frederick Rock J. M. Doc Savage David Stanley-Porter Mrs. Ruth E. Vanderslip Anonymous (5)

$50,000 – $99,999

The J.P. Bickell Foundation David Bowen Mr. Walter Carsen, O.C. Dr. Rodney C. Ellis Estate of Mildred H. M. Hamilton John G. Hunter

Michael & Linda Hutcheon John B. Lawson, C.M. Q.C. Anthony V. Mason Rob & Penny Richards David E. Spiro Lilly Offenbach Strauss Amy & Claire Stewart Janet Stubbs Sun Life Financial TransCanada Corp. Anonymous (1)

$25,000 – $49,999

Mrs. Leonard G. (Anne) Delicaet Marjorie & Roy Linden Cecilia M. Longstaffe Estate of Esther Jean Macdonald Kenneth F. Read Ann Sutton Anonymous (1) Canada Cultural Investment Fund—Endowment Incentives

Ontario Arts Foundation

CANADIAN OPERA COMPANY 2017/2018

Individual Giving Annual Support GOLDEN CIRCLE GOLD, $50,000 +

Anne & Tony Arrell**** David G. Broadhurst** In memory of Gerard H. Collins**** Jerry & Geraldine Heffernan**** The Catherine and Maxwell Meighen Foundation**** Colleen Sexsmith*** Anonymous (1)

SILVER, $25,000 – $49,999

Mark & Gail Appel**** Paul Bernards*** Barbara Black** Philip Deck & Kimberley Bozak*** Michael Gibbens & Julie Lassonde* Rennie & Bill Humphries**** Ronald Kimel & Vanessa LaPerriere**** Susan Loube & William Acton** Jim & Christine Nicol Jack Whiteside*** Anonymous (1)

BRONZE, $12,500 – $24,999

Dr. & Mrs. Hans G. Abromeit**** Keith Ambachtsheer & Virginia Atkin**** Ms Nora Aufreiter* Mr. Philip J. Boswell**** Walter M. & Lisa Balfour Bowen**** Marcia Lewis Brown* Helen Burstyn & Family Dr. John Chiu in memory of Yvonne Chiu, C.M.**** Stephen Clarke & Elizabeth Black** The Max Clarkson Family Foundation**** J. Rob Collins & Janet Cottrelle**** Marilyn Cook** Sydney & Florence Cooper** Ninalee Craig**** David & Kristin Ferguson**** George Fierheller**** Lloyd & Gladys Fogler*** Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts*** Robert Fung** Ira Gluskin & Maxine Granovsky Gluskin*** The Hon. William C. Graham & Mrs. Catherine Graham**** Ethel Harris & the late Milton Harris**** William & Nona Heaslip Foundation**** Mr. Peter Hinman & Ms Kristi Stangeland Douglas E. Hodgson**** Michael & Linda Hutcheon**** Bernhard & Hannelore Kaeser**** Justin S. Linden* Jeff Lloyd & Barbara Henders** Kiersten Taylor & Tim Loftsgard Jerry & Joan Lozinski**** Ms Anne Maggisano Judy & Wilmot Matthews** Hon. Margaret Norrie McCain*** John McVicker & B. W. Thomas**** Delia M. Moog*** Jonathan Morgan & Shurla Gittens** Sue Mortimer in memory of Clive Bennett Mortimer****

Susanne Boyce & Brendan Mullen**** Peter M. Partridge**** Frances & Tim Price**** Alan & Gwendoline Pyatt Ms R. Raso**** Annie & Ian Sale* J. Allen Smith & Katherine Megrue-Smith Philip & Maria Smith*** Stephen & Jane Smith**** Jean Davidson & Paul Spafford**** Marion & Gerald Soloway*** David E. Spiro**** Françoise Sutton*** Ryerson & Michele Symons* Riki Turofsky & Charles Petersen** Ms Kristine Vikmanis & Mr. Denton Creighton**** David Roffey & Karen Walsh**** The Youssef-Warren Foundation****

PRESIDENT’S COUNCIL TRUSTEE, $7,500 – $12,499

Margaret Atwood & Graeme Gibson*** Mr. & Mrs. Rudy Bratty Frank Ciccolini Sr. **** Bud & Leigh Eisenberg*** Andrew Fleming*** Peter & Shelagh Godsoe*** Chris Hoffmann & Joan Eakin** Dr. Joshua Josephson & Ms Elaine Lewis**** J. Hans Kluge** Dr. Elizabeth Kocmur & Mr. James C. Baillie**** Anne Lewitt** Mr. & Mrs. J. S. A. MacDonald**** Amy & John Macfarlane** Frederick J. Marker & Anne W. Dupré Jill Denham & Stephen Marshall** Kathleen McLaughlin & Tim Costigan** Mr. Robert N. McMillan John & Esther McNeil**** Dr. Judith A. Miller**** Bruce & Vladka Mitchell** Douglas L. Parker**** Rob & Penny Richards*** Barrie D. Rose, Karen Solomon, and Family*** Dr. David Shaw** John & Ellen Spears**** Carol Swallow*** Wendy J. Thompson**** Helen Ziegler***

PATRON, $3,750 – $7,499

Sue Armstrong**** Philip Arthur & Mary Wilson** Ron Atkinson & Bruce Blandford**** Mona H. Bandeen, C. M. *** Henk Bartelink in memory of Oskar & Irmgard Gaube*** Mr. & Mrs. Eric Belli-Bivar*** Dr. Catherine Bergeron*** Tom Bogart & Kathy Tamaki** Dr. Jane Brissenden & Dr. Janet Roscoe**** Mrs. Donna Brock***

CANADIAN OPERA COMPANY 2017/2018

Alice Burton*** Margaret Harriett Cameron**** Sharon & Howard Campbell** Dita Vadron & Jim Catty** Cesaroni Management Limited*** Neil Chander The Rt. Hon. Adrienne Clarkson* Tony Comper** Mary and Bill Corcoran*** Bram & Beth Costin Lindy Cowan† & Chris Hatley*** Mr. & Mrs. Leslie Dan*** Peter Deeb* Angelo & Carol DelZotto*** Carol Derk & David Giles** Mrs. Shirley Diamond & Family**** Peter & Anne Dotsikas*** Jeffrey Douglas Dr. & Mrs. Dean G. Dover** Vreni & Marc Ducommun**** Joseph Fantl & Moira Bartram** Darren Farwell Mr. & Mrs. Fraser M. Fell**** Ms Lindsay Dale-Harris & Mr. Rupert Field-Marsham**** Margaret & David Fountain**** Dr. & Mrs. Wm. O. Geisler*** Susan Gerhard** The Hon. Irving & Mrs. Gail Gerstein*** Deanna A. Gontard**** Michael & Anne Gough**** Dr. Noëlle Grace & The Shohet Family**** Ronald & Birgitte Granofsky**** Douglas & Ruth Grant* John & Judith Grant** Ms. Carol Gray John Groves & Vera Del Vecchio**** Dr. Albert J. Haddad & Mr. Rodney Rousseau George & Irene Hamilton**** Mr. Harquail & Dr. Sigfridsson** Maggie Hayes** Hon. & Mrs. Paul Hellyer**** Mr. David J. Hiebert & Dr. Paul E. Cooper Michiel Horn & Cornelia Schuh**** Ken Hugessen & Jennifer Connolly** Peter & Hélène Hunt**** Lorraine Kaake**** James & Diane King** Valarie Koziol* Kimberley Fobert & Robert Lamb†**** Paul Lee & Jill Maynard**** Mr. J. Levitt & Ms E. Mah** Mr. Peter Levitt & Ms Mai Why*** Dr. Vance Logan**** Peter H. Lunney* Peter & Jocelyn Luongo James & Connie MacDougall**** Mr. Jed MacKay**** Tom MacMillan**** Dr. Colin McGregor Mailer**** Mrs. J. L. Malcolm** Dr. & Mrs. Donald C. McGillivray**** Paul & Jean McGrath**** Ronan McGrath & Sarah Perry* June McLean**** Don McQueen & Trina McQueen, O.C. ***

Mr. Ian McWalter* Mr. Ulrich Menzefricke**** Dr. Alan C. Middleton*** Dr. M. L. Myers**** Matt & Debbie Mysak*** Dr. Shirley C. Neuman*** Eileen Patricia Newell*** Dr. Emilie Newell** Sally-Ann Noznesky**** Simon Nyilassy* Emile Oliana & Alvin Iu**** Janice Oliver*** Julia & Liza Overs*** Dr. & Mrs. William M. Park**** John & Gwen Pattison** Dr. Roger D. Pearce**** John & Carol Peterson*** M. J. Phillips**** Otto and Marie Pick Charitable Foundation June C. Pinkney**** Polk Family Charitable Fund** Julian & Anna Porter Margrit & Tony Rahilly**** Douglas L. Ludwig & Karen J. Rice*** Rob & Penny Richards*** Margaret A. Riggin** Ms Sharon Cookie Sandler**** Helen & John Scott** June Shaw & the late Dr. Ralph Shaw**** David & Hilary Short**** Hume Smith**** Mr. Philip Somerville** Rosemary Speirs Dr. John Stanley & Dr. Helmut Reichenbächer*** Wayne Stanley & Marina Pretorius** David Stanley-Porter**** Doreen L. Stanton**** James H. Stonehouse** Janet Stubbs†** Anthea Thorp**** Ronald & Lee Till**** Ian Turner*** Sandra & Guy Upjohn*** Dita Vadron & Jim Catty** Edmond & Sylvia Vanhaverbeke**** Donald & Margaret Walter**** Hugh & Colleen Washington** Ruth Watts-Gransden**** Dr. Virginia Wesson*** Mr. Brian Wilks** Ms Lilly Wong* Mrs. Richard Wookey**** Linda Young* Susan Zorzi** Anonymous (7)

MEMBER, $2,250 – $3,749

D. C. Adamson-Brdar**** Joan H. Addison Donna & Lorne Albaum** Mr. & Mrs. Roberto & Nancy Albis*** Clive & Barbara Allen**** Mr. Thomas & Mrs. Claire Allen** Dr. D. Amato & Ms J. Hodges**** Mr. Mark Andrews Stephanie, Kate, & Anne-Marie H. Applin**** Valerie Armstrong**** Philip Arthur & Mary Wilson** Gail Asper, O.C., P.M., L.L., R & Michael Paterson

K.R.I. Bailey** John Bailey** Marilyn & Charles Baillie**** Andrew & Cornelia Baines**** Janice A. Baker**** Richard J. Balfour**** Annette Balgord Dr. Frank Bartoszek & Mr. Daniel O’Brien**** Alice & Tom Bastedo*** Dr. Thomas H. Beechy**** Mr. N. Beilstein & Mr. A. Lee Ms Marie Bérard†*** James Doak & Patricia Best*** Nani & Austin Beutel**** Dody Bienenstock** John & Mandy Birch* Douglas Birkenshaw and Ginger Sorbara Anneliese & Walter Blackwell**** Ian & Janet Blue*** Howard & Caroline Booth Mr. Christopher Bozek Mrs. Carolyn Bradley-Hall & Mr. William Bradley*** Mrs. Richard Bradshaw**** Dr. David & Constance Briant**** Thomas J. Burton** Maureen Callahan & Douglas Gray** Ken & Denise Cargill** Brian & Ellen Carr**** Gail Carson**** Drs. Carol & David Cass Wendy M. Cecil**** Lee Chambers Prof. Alfred L. Chan & Mr. Michael Farewell*** Dr. & Mrs. Albert Cheskes*** Mr. Amar Choksi John D. Church* Dr. Howard M. Clarke*** Jacqueline R. Code* Edward Cole & Adrienne Hood*** Brian Collins & Amanda Demers** Fred & Anne Conlin Katherine Robb Corlett**** Dr. Lesley S. Corrin**** Gay & Derek Cowbourne** Mary & John Crocker**** Ruth & John Crow*** Greg Cumming & Bianca Marcus*** Mary Beth Currie & Jeff Rintoul Carrol Anne Curry**** Mr. Stuart Davidson* Dr. & Mrs. Michael & Ute Davis*** Brian J. Dawson*** Jayne & Ted Dawson**** Honor & Michael de Pencier**** Mr. & Mrs. A. J. Diamond** J. DiGiovanni** Dr. John H. Dirks Olwen & Frank Dixon** Sandra Z. Doblinger** Ms Petrina Dolby*** Mr. Steven D. Donohoe**** Mrs. Sharon Dowdal Dr. James & Mrs. Ellen Downey** Ms Jill Presser & Mr. John Duffy* Marko Duic and Gabriel Lau**** Dr. Alicia Dunlop* Mr. Albert D. Dunn* William & Gwenda Echard**** Jean Patterson Edwards** Wendy & Elliott Eisen****

Jordan Elliott & Lynne Griffin* Christoph Emmrich & Srilata Raman Dr. & Mrs. John Evans*** George A. Farkass** Catherine Fauquier Bill Fearn & Claudia Rogers**** Lee & Shannon Ferrier**** William & Rosemary Fillmore*** Goshka Folda* J. E. Fordyce**** Nick & Sally Forrest*** Robert & Julia Foster** Leslie Foster Mrs. Ingrid Fratzl Rev. Ivars Gaide & Rev. Dr. Anita Gaide*** Judy & David Galloway Mr. W. Bowen & Ms S. Gavinchuck**** Dr. Eudice Goldberg* Aviva & Andrew Goldenberg** Dr. Fay Goldstep & Dr. George Freedman** Ricardo Gomez-Insausti* Mr. Jeff Axelrod & Dr. John Goodhew Tina & Michael Gooding*** Wayne A. Gooding†**** David & Wendy Flores-Gordon** David Gordon & Beth Greenblatt** Bryan Grant Mr. Darryl Green Mr. Finn Greflund & Mrs. M. Ortner*** Ellen & Simon Gulden**** Joyce Gutmann**** Dan Hagler & Family*** Mrs. Pamela Hallisey Mr. Adrian J. Hamel* Beverly Hargraft** Paul & Natalie Hartman** Jacques & Elizabeth Helbronner*** Ms Dianne Henderson Thea Herman & Gregory King*** William E. Hewitt*** Ms Pamela Hoiles Sally Holton**** Mr. Roland Hoy*** Frances Humphreys in memory of Anthony C. J. Humphreys**** Mr. Sumant Inamdar** Dr. Melvyn L. Iscove*** Eva Innes & David Medhurst* Elliott Jacobson & Judy Malkin** Laurence Jewell** The Norman & Margaret Jewison Charitable Foundation**** Asma Jinnah Ms Elizabeth Johnson** Dr. Albert & Bette Johnston** Joyce Johnston*** Miriam Kagan H. L. Katarynych*** Dr. Joel Keenleyside**** Claire M. C. Kennedy David W. & Sheryl L. Kerr* Ms Kristina Kerr Inta Kierans**** Ellen & Hermann Kircher**** Michael & Sonja Koerner*** William & Eva Krangle**** Peter Lamb & Veronica Tennant Elizabeth & Goulding Lambert**** Jo Lander**** Mr. Philip Lanouette** M. J. Horsfall Large*** Duncan & Sondra Lear

CANADIAN OPERA COMPANY 2017/2018

Dr. Connie Lee*** Neal & Dominique Lee** Alexander & Anna Leggatt**** Martin & Raja Leistner Joy Levine*** Leanne & George Lewis L. Liivamagi & Dr. D. N. Cash* Marjorie & Roy Linden**** Dr. & Mrs. W. G. Lindley**** Janet & Sid Lindsay*** Anthony J. Lisanti*** Tom C. Logan* Mr. Huston Loke Jonathan & Dorothea Lovat Dickson** Dr. Jan Lusis**** Dr. & Mrs. Richard Mackenzie**** Tom MacMillan**** Macro Properties Ltd. ** R. Manke**** Dr. & Mrs. M. A. Manuel** Mr. & Mrs. R. Gordon Marantz**** Roberto Mauro† & Erin Wall† Mrs. Ettore Mazzoleni*** Don MacLean & Diane Martello* Diane McArthur Georgina McLennan**** M. E. McLeod**** Mr. Timothy McNicholas* Shawn McReynolds & Elaine Kierans** Eva Innes & David Medhurst* Dr. Don Melady & Mr. Rowley Mossop*** Pauline Menkes Eileen Mercier**** Theresa Mersky Mrs. Cornelia Mews Ms Elizabeth Paton Miller* Patricia & Frank Mills*** Dr. & Mrs. Steven Millward** Florence Minz Audrey & David Mirvish*** Varqa Mirzaagha Dr. David N. Mitchell & Dr. Susan M. Till*** Mr. Donald Mitchell* Mr. Robert Morassutti**** Alice Janet Morgan**** Ms Rosalind Morrow** Gael Mourant & Caroline Hubberstey* Mr. Noel Mowat** Professor David J. Murray*** David & Mary Neelands*** Dr. Steven Nitzkin**** James Norcop** Donald O’Born*** Annette Oelbaum* Dr. James & Mrs. Valda Oestreicher*** Emile Oliana & Alvin Iu**** Mr. Ashkan Omidi Martin & Myrna Ossip** The Ouellette Family Foundation Eileen & Ralph Overend** Clarence & Mary Pace*** Dr. & Mrs. N. Pairaudeau**** Barbara & Peter Pauly** Elizabeth Paupst Dr. A. Angus Peller** John & Penelope Pepperell** Dr. R. G. Perrin** Linda Lee & Michael Pharoah**** Otto & Marie Pick Charitable Foundation Robin B. Pitcher**** Wanda Plachta****

Domenic Porporo Mary Jean & Frank Potter*** Georgia Prassas**** Ms Jill Presser & Mr. John Duffy* Dr. Mark Quigley**** Dr, Linda Rabeneck & Dr. Catherine Campbell Stephen Ralls & Bruce Ubukata*** Carol & Morton Rapp**** Dr. Reza Rastegar Grant L. Reuber**** Mrs. Gabrielle Richards*** Carolyn Ricketts**** Janet Rieksts-Alderman Examine Consultants Canada Ms Nada Ristich* Emily & Fred Rizner** Clara Robert** J. E. Robinson In memory of John & Norma Rogers Dr. Michael & Mary Romeo**** Rainer & Sharyn Rothfuss**** The Roux Family Mallory Morris Sartz & John Sartz**** Dr. Anabel M. Scaranelo David Schauer Fred & Mary Schulz** Carol Seifert & Bruno Tesan*** Robert & Geraldine Sharpe**** Allan & Helaine Shiff**** Dr. Bernie & Mrs. Bobbie Silverman** Rod & Christina Simpson Helen Sinclair & Paul Cantor Ms Joan Sinclair*** Mr. Keith & Mrs. Dorothy Sjögren In memory of Dr. Bernard Slatt* Jay Smith & Laura Rapp** Dr. Harley Smyth & Carolyn McIntire Smyth** Dr. Joseph So**** The Sorbara Group of Companies**** Cameron Rusaw & Anne-Marie Sorrenti Martha E. Spears**** F. E. A. Specht**** Ms Gillian Stacey R. Paul Steep & Anne McNeilly* Oksana R. Stein**** John D. Stevenson**** Martin Stone Philip Street & Vanessa Grant Dr. David Surplis William Siegel & Margaret Swaine*** Anna Talenti**** Eric Tang & Dr. James Miller** Peter A. Roy & Leah Taylor Roy Tesari Charitable Foundation Dr. M. L. Thurling Elizabeth Tory**** Mr. Alex Tosheff* Dory Vanderhoof & Rosalind Bell**** Dr. Richard Lee & Mr. Gary Van Haren** Dr. Yvonne Verbeeten*** Mr. Sam Virgilio Dr. Helen Vosu & Donald Milner**** Elizabeth & Michael Walker*** Ted & Erica Warkentin Ms Eleanor Westney** Melanie Whitehead*** Frank Whittaker** Elizabeth Wilson & Ian Montagnes**** Robert Elliott & Paul Wilson** Ms Durhane Wong-Rieger John Wright & Chung-Wai Chow** Dr. Jackson Wu & Dr. Viviana Chang*

CANADIAN OPERA COMPANY 2017/2018

Ms June Yee*** Morden Yolles**** Carole & Bernie Zucker*** Anonymous (26)

FRIENDS OF THE COC SUSTAINING FRIENDS $1,750 – $2,249

Carol & Ernest Albright**** Iivi Campbell**** Geoffrey & Bilgi Chapman**** Ms Hope Elizabeth Anna Clement Mr. James Hamilton* Roy & Gail Harrison**** Dr. Paul & Mrs. Marcia Kavanagh Janina Milisiewicz**** Mrs. Sara Nixon Drs. Elizabeth & Norbert Perera**** Andy Pringle* Mr. Michael Samborsky*** David Smukler & Patricia Kern** Ms Peg Thoen** Ms Ruth Thornbury Vernon & Beryl Turner****

ASSOCIATE FRIENDS $1,150 – $1,749

Louis Amato-Gauci & David Hopley Michael & Janet Barnard** Michael Benedict & Martha Lowrie**** Don Biderman**** Ellen & Murray Blankstein* Darlene & Peter Blenich* James E. Brown** Dr. Wendy C. Chan* Patricia Clarke** Robert D. Cook** Sylvain Crozon* Mr. Darren Day*** Howard & Kathrine Eckler*** R. Dalton Fowler**** Mr. Anthony Georges Alison Girling & Paul Schabas** Les & Marion Green**** Mr. Carmen & Mrs. Vittoria Guglietti** Sylvie Hatch**** David Holdsworth & Nicole Senécal** Richard & Susan Horner**** Dr. Ivan & Mrs. Diana Hronsky**** Mr. Kazik Jedrzejczak**** Ms Suanne Kelman and Dr. Allan J. Fox** Dr. & Mrs. L. A. Kitchell**** Mr. & Mrs. I. P. & O. M. Komarnicky*** Alan & Marti Latta**** Mr. Tom Le Seelleur*** Andrew & Harriet Lyons P. Anne Mackay**** Mrs. Janet Maggiacomo** Mary McClymont**** Mr. Carl Morey**** Dr. Kevin Morse Sean O’Neill & Victoria Cowling**** Mervyn Pickering Ms Victoria Pinnington*** Dr. Peter Ray**** Dr. Shelley Rechner**** Mrs. Gertrude Rosenthal**** Robert & Dorothy Ross**** Ms Elisabeth Scarff**** Dr. & Mrs. W. K. Stavraky***

Helga & Klaus Stegemann*** Norma & George Steiner**** Paul Straatman and Shane Toland Dr. J. H. Tait** Mr. Robert P. Tomas and Dr. Allan Peterkin* Mr. & Mrs. David G. Trent**** Mr. John M. Welch**** Ms Alison Harvison Young & Mr. Herman J. Wilton-Siegel** Zorzella Family Anonymous (4)

CONTRIBUTING FRIENDS $750 – $1,149

Sean Adams Ms Joy Alexander**** Mr. Albert Alexanian Nancy and Arthur Ameis Charitable Fund** Leila Appleford*** Mr. Alfonso M. Arias Dr. I. L. Babb Fund at the Toronto Community Foundation**** In memory of M. Baptista*** Peter & Leslie Barton*** Mrs. Lynn Bayer*** Jeniva Berger**** Anthony Bird**** M. I. Bohn* Staunton St. C. M. Bowen Gabrielle Bray Mary Brock & Brian Iler**** Murray & Judy Bryant*** R + J Burkholder* Ms Judith Burrows*** Mr. & Mrs. George Butterfield** Dr. Barbara Caffery Theresa & John Caldwell**** Ms Josephine K. Caliendo* Mr. Bill Cameron** Betty Carlyle**** Mark Cestnik & Natercia Sousa**** Dr. Paul & Mrs. Joyce Chapnick** George Clark** Joe T. R. Clarke**** Alyson Barnett Cowan** William Cowan & Elodie Fourquet** Mrs. Heather Craigie Anita Day Mr. Stephen F. Dineley & Ms Penelope Rose*** Mr. Michael Disney** Wendy Drahovzal Ms Eleanor L. Ellins**** Mr. Arthur English** Joe & Helen Feldmann*** Margaret & Jim Fleck* Ms Rosario Flores* Jennifer & Frank Flower**** Marie-Lison Fougere** Angelo Furgiuele & Family* Hugh Furneaux**** Dr. Hugh Gayler & Ms Eileen Martin**** Mr. M. Gerwin & Mrs. J. Rutledge** Ms Julianna Greenspan Ms Cathryn Gregor*** Dr. & Mrs. Voldemars Gulens**** Dr. & Mrs. Brian & Cynthia Hands**** Sandra Hausman** W. L. B. Heath**** In memory of Pauline Hinch** Dr. Elizabeth Hodby* Mr. & Mrs. N. Hodges****

Richard & Donna Holbrook**** Mr. Josef Hrdina** In loving memory of Joyce Whitney Hughes* James Hughes*** Margaret and Chris Ibey*** Dr. Ingrid Jarvis** Lilian Kilianski† & Brian Pritchard* Mai Kirch**** Christopher Kowal* Dr. Milos Krajny**** Mrs. Natalie Kuzmich*** Mr. James R. Lake**** Harry Lane*** Mr. Darcy Latremouille Giles le Riche & Rosemary Polczer*** Claus & Heather Lenk** Yakov Lerner†* Dr. David Levine* John & Michele Lewis Susan Lockwood* Gil & Dorota Lorenson Dr. Francois Loubert** Mary P. MacLean*** Hana Havlicek Martinek* Jil McIntosh** Sylvia M. McPhee**** Ingrid & Daniel Mida* Randy Mills* Kamini & Lynne Milnes* Peter Naylor* Liviu Constantin Nicolescu Karen Olinyk†* Mr. Vlad Ovchinnikov & Mrs. Lesia Menchynska* Joan Pape**** Mr. Alexander C. Pathy Dr. Wadermar A. Pieczonka**** Ed & Beth Price*** Robert Radke Ms Cecille Ratney**** Guylaine Rheault-Oliver* Ms Virginia Robeson** Gordon Robison & David Grant** Joe & Diane Rosenthal in memory** Mr. Anthony Rubin**** Janice and Paul Sabourin Mr. Paul Sabourin Amye & DeeAnn Hagler Sagar Patti & Richard Schabas** Valerie Schweritzer & Chris Reed**** Giuseppe Sferrazza Marlene Pollock Sheff** Ross Shin**** Mr. Peter W. Skoggard Kevin and Sabine Smart Alison Smith & James Morrow Donald A. Smith** Mrs. Pamela Smith*** John Spears and Elisabeth Marsden**** Pavel and Vera Straka*** Piano Synergy (Dr. Ruslan Sviridov & Dr. Irina Khovanskaya) Terry S. Tator*** Dr. Claude Tousignant** Dr. Nancy F. Vogan**** Mr. Wayne Vogan†**** George Vona & Lark Popov** Dr. Peter Voore**** Dr. Leonard Waverman and Dr. Eva Klein Peter Webb & Joan York**** In Memory of Victoria Woods* Mr. Takahiro Yamanaka

Yvonne Zhang Anonymous (5)

The Encore Legacy The Encore Legacy is the planned giving program of the Canadian Opera Company.

Planned giving is making the decision today to provide a gift for the Canadian Opera Company that may not be realized until after your lifetime. Gifts planned today, that will ultimately affect your estate, allow you to make a statement of support that will become a lasting legacy to the COC. The Canadian Opera Company gratefully acknowledges and thanks the following individuals who have included the COC in their estate planning: Marie Agay Susan Agranove & Estate of Dr. Larry M. Agranove Ken R. Alexander Estate of Isobel May Allen Ms Sandra Alston Estate of John H. Anderson Ms Ann Andrusyszyn Callie Archer Renata Arens & Elizabeth Frey Mrs. Rosalen Armstrong Tony & Anne Arrell Ron Atkinson & Bruce Blandford Mr. L. H. Bartelink David K. Bernhardt J. Linden Best & James G. Kerr Mr. Philip J. Boswell Estate of David Bowen Marnie M. Bracht Estate of Shirley Anne Braithwaite Gregory Brandt Ms Cindy Breslin-Carere Marcia Lewis Brown Brian Bucknall & Mary Jane Mossman Dita Vadron & Jim Catty Estate of Edith Chapman Mrs. Ann Christie Earl Clark Stephen Clarke & Elizabeth Black The Rt. Hon. Adrienne Clarkson Brian Collins & Amanda Demers Earlaine Collins In Memory of John A. Cook David H. Cormack Ninalee Craig Estate of Jean Croggon Anita Day & Robert McDonald Ruth Eileen Day Ann De Brouwer Estate of Anne Margaret Delicaet Helen Drake Yvonne Earle Estate of Philipp Eberhardinger Estate of Evelyn Ellen Elrick Estate of Marion Gertrude Farr David & Kristin Ferguson Carol Fordyce

CANADIAN OPERA COMPANY 2017/2018

Rowland Galbraith Douglas G. Gardner Susan Gerhard Ann J. Gibson Estate of Evelyn M. Glendenning Tina & Michael Gooding Michael & Anne Gough Donald I. F. Graham Colin Gruchy Donald Gutteridge and Anne Millar David G. Hallman George & Irene Hamilton Estate of Mildred Helen Margaret Hamilton Joan L. Harris Estate of Helen Kathleen Harrop Estate of Leonore Hetherington William E. Hewitt James Hewson Mr. Kim Yim Ho & Walter Frederic Thommen Douglas E. Hodgson Estate of Egon Homburger Estate of Mrs. Lucie Homburger Michiel Horn Matt Hughes Michael & Linda Hutcheon Elaine Iannuzziello Estate of Helen Inch Dr. Ingrid Jarvis Lynne Jeffrey Estate of Mr. Gordon Cecil Johnson Ann Kadrnka Estate of Betty Kalmanasch Estate of Barbara Lynn Kelsey Ben Kizemchuk Estate of Henri Kolin Kathryn Kossow Estate of Borge John Kraglund Estate of Helen Lazier Jo Lander Peggy Lau Marjorie & Roy Linden Tom C. Logan, A.R.C.T. Estate of Esther Jean Macdonald Ms Lenore MacDonald Estate of Eluned MacMillan Dr. Colin M. Mailer Estate of Pauline Mandsohn R. Manke Estate of William Allan Henry Manula Tim & Jane Marlatt Mr. Shawn Martin Estate of Anthony V. Mason Margaret McKee Sylvia M. McPhee John McVicker & B. W. Thomas

Dr. Alan C. Middleton Eleanor Miller Sigmund & Elaine Mintz Donald Morse Sue Mortimer Roald Nasgaard & Lori Walters Mr. & Mrs. James D. Patterson Mervyn Pickering Gunther & Dorothy Piepke Wanda Plachta Ms Georgia Prassas K. F. Read Dr. John Reeve-Newson Florence Richler Estate of Howard Frederick Rock John & Norma Rogers Mrs. Margaret Russell Sharon Ryman† Cookie & Stephen Sandler Estate of Maneck Khurshed Sanjana J. M. Doc Savage Estate of Norma Yvonne Sawden Estate of Helen F. H. Schaller Fred & Mary Schulz John & Helen Scott Colleen Sexsmith Claire Shaw June Shaw, in memory of Dr. Ralph Shaw R. Bonnie Shettler Dr. Joseph So William Siegel & Margaret Swaine Paul Spafford David E. Spiro Estate of Helen Kathleen Allen Stacey Dr. D. P. Stanley-Porter Doreen L. Stanton Drs. W. & K. Stavraky Estate of James Drewry Stewart The Stratton Trust Lilly Offenbach Strauss Janet Stubbs† Ann D. Sutton Ronald Taber Susanne Tabur Wendy J. Thompson Mrs. Ann C. Timpson Riki Turofsky & Charles Petersen Tony & Mary van Straubenzee N. Suzanne Vanstone Marie-Laure Wagner Estate of Jeanie Irwin Walker Hugh & Colleen Washington William R. Waters Estate of Harris Wetstein Brian Wilks Mr. Leonard J. Willschick

Estate of Marion Caroline Wilson Estate of Mary Louise Wratten Estate of Jean Elizabeth Yack Wright Estate of Nancy Faye Wood Marion York Tricia Younger Estate of Susan Zador Estate of George Zebrowski Anonymous (43)

MEMORIAL AND HONORARY DONATIONS The COC expresses its sincere appreciation to all donors who have made memorial and honorary donations. In Memory of Frank Bertin Mary and Sydney Blinick Matina Chrones Margaret Hayes Norma Hazan Samuel E. Loliger Nancy Lymburner Dr. Kenneth F. Read R. Bredin Stapells Q.C. Joan Watson Ernie Zucker In Honour of Dr. Ken Balderson Jeremy Biro Earlaine Collins Ninalee Craig Dr. Melvyn Iscove’s birthday Justin Linden & Stephanie Orleans’ Wedding Ingrid Martin & Gary Corrin’s Wedding Frances & Tim Price Iain & Barbara Scott Ruth Watts-Gransden

Corporate Matching Partners The Canadian Opera Company gratefully acknowledges the following organizations that have matched gifts by their employees: Burgundy Asset Management Ltd. Canadian Tire Corporation Limited IBM Canada Inc.

The above Individual Support Gifts were made as of March 23, 2018. * five to nine years of support ** 10 to 14 years of support *** 15 to 19 years of support **** 20 or more years of support † COC administration, chorus or orchestra member ‡ Endowment Despite the staff’s extensive efforts to avoid errors and omissions, mistakes can occur. If your name was omitted, listed incorrectly or misspelled, we apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused. We would appreciate being notified of any errors at 416-847-4949.

CANADIAN OPERA COMPANY 2017/2018

2017/2018 CORPORATE SPONSORS AND FOUNDATION SUPPORTERS

Presenting Sponsor, Opera Under 30, Operanation, and Centre Stage

Supporter of Ensemble Studio and Centre Stage

Presenting Sponsor of Share the Opera

Official Canadian Wine of the COC at the FSCPA

Production Sponsor Donizetti’s Anna Bolena

Production Sponsor Stravinsky’s The Nightingale and Other Short Fables

Title Sponsor Children’s Education Programs

Artist Hosting Partner

Ticket Back Sponsor

Ensemble Studio Partner

GOVERNMENT SUPPORT The Canadian Opera Company gratefully acknowledges the generous support through operating grants from these government agencies and departments: OPERATING SUPPORT

ENSEMBLE STUDIO AND ENDOWMENT SUPPORT

an Ontario government agency un organisme du gouvernement de l’Ontario

SPECIAL PROJECT FUNDING For many programs and special initiatives undertaken each year by the Canadian Opera Company, we gratefully acknowledge project funding from: Employment and Social Development Canada

CANADIAN OPERA COMPANY 2017/2018

Ontario Arts Council

$100,000 +

The Slaight Family Foundation

$1,000 - $2,499

The George Cedric Metcalf Charitable Foundation Chair-man Mills Inc. The Hal Jackman Foundation at the Ontario Arts Foundation

Conam Charitable Foundation D’Avignon Freight Services Inc. Gill Ratcliffe Foundation Jarvis & Associates Judith Teller Foundation K.M. Hunter Charitable Foundation The Powis Family Foundation Anonymous

$10,000 – $49,999

HOSTING SPONSORS

$50,000 – $99,999

Audrey S. Hellyer Charitable Foundation The Azrieli Foundation Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP Burgundy Asset Management Limited Davies Ward Phillips & Vineberg LLP Goldman Sachs Great-West Life Assurance Company Guarantee Gold Jackman Foundation J.P. Bickell Foundation Linden & Associates The Lloyd Carr-Harris Foundation McCarthy Tetrault The Mclean Foundation Norton Rose Fulbright Canada LLP Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt LLP PwC Shangri-La hotel, Toronto Tesari Charitable Foundation Anonymous (1)

$5,000 – $9,999

The Hope Charitable Foundation Local 58 Charitable Benefit Fund Mill Street Brewery Shinex Window Cleaning Inc. Unit Park Holdings Inc. Vida Peene Fund at the Canada Council for the Arts

$2,500 – $4,999

Hicks Memorial Fund at the Calgary Foundation

Contributing Sponsors Altus-Wellington Private Wealth The Catalyst Capital Group Inc. Ewing Morris Investment Partners Ltd. GrowthandIncome.ca

Platinum Supporter RBC Capital Markets

Event Sponsors BT/A Chairman Mills Drake One Fifty FASHION Magazine Faulhaber Communications Mill St. Brewery Nestle Waters Canada Perrier Pink Twig Ryan Emberley Photography Shangri-La Hotel, Toronto Spirit of York Distillery Co. 10tation Event Catering Toronto Life Trius Wellington Printworks

Opera Under 30 Sponsor TD

FINE WINE AUCTION 2017

Competition Supporter Hal Jackman Foundation

Presenting Sponsors Graywood Developments Michael Gibbens & Julie Lassonde

Gold Sponsors Brookfield Asset Management Gluskin Sheff & Associates Scotiabank

Partnering Sponsors Gillam Group Inc. Donnelley Financial Solutions

OPERANATI0N 2017

Supporting Sponsor Geoffrey Pennal of CIBC Wood Gundy

Drake One Fifty Nota Bene Restaurant

PREFERRED FLORISTS

Bloom The Flower Company Quince Flowers CENTRE STAGE GALA 2017

Presenting Sponsor TD Bank Group Platinum Sponsor Hampton Securities Partnering Sponsor Burgundy Asset Management Limited

Official Storage Supplier of the COC Fine Wine Auction Iron Gate – Private Wine Management Event Sponsors 10tation Event Catering The Cheese Boutique Trius Stephen Ranger Waddingtons

PHOTO CREDITS COVER: photo: COC, 2018. PAGE 5: Alexander Neef, photo: bohuang.ca, 2016. PAGES 6, 13, 16, 17: photos: Michael Cooper. PAGE 18: promotional photo from Washington Opera (2012), photo: Cade Martin. PAGE 22: photo: COC. PAGE 23: photo: Scott Suchman. PAGE 28: photo courtesy of Sondra Radvanovsky. PAGE 29: photo courtesy of Keri Alkema. PAGE 30: photos courtesy of Allyson McHardy. PAGES 32-33: photos 1, 2, 4, 6: Gaetz Photography. 3: Kevin Lloyd. 5, 7 - 11: COC. PAGES 34 – 39 Recognizing the inter-disciplinary and collaborative nature of opera, the COC’s 18/19 creative campaign features 10 members of the company’s administrative, production, and front of house teams. These individuals—and dozens more like them—make vital contributions to the larger project of operatic theatre, but usually remain behind the scenes. Their participation in the 18/19 campaign speaks to the extraordinary and dedicated community of professionals involved in sustaining the work of the COC. PAGE 34: Dorian Cox (Program Manager, Free Concert Series). PAGE 35: Gerry Egan (former Scheduling Assistant) and Shawn Molko (Event Staff). PAGE 36: Bryna Berezowska (Children, Youth and Family Programs Manager). PAGE 37: Autumn Coppaway (Assistant Technical Director) and Francesca Perez (Senior Development Officer, Partnerships). PAGE 38: Victor Widjaja (Senior Development Officer, Friends of the COC) and Madelyn Wilkinson (School Programs Manager). PAGE 39: Dave Samuels (Security Supervisor) and Alfred Caron (Director, Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts). PAGE 40: left: photographer unknown; right: photo: Alex Gray. PAGE 41: left: photo: Eddie Duke. PAGE 42: (clockwise from top right): Canada’s Ballet Jörgen, photo: Karen E. Reeves; Megan Quick, photo: Kevin Lloyd; Rossina Grieco, photo: Karen E. Reeves; Mike Downes Trio, photo: Kevin Lloyd; Ensemble Jeng Yi, photo: Karen E. Reeves; Jennifer Murphy, photo: Karen E. Reeves. PAGE 48: photos: COC. PAGE 63: photo: Joey Lopez. BACK COVER: (top to bottom) Fine Wine Auction, 2017, photo: Gaetz Photography; Kiesza performing at Operanation, 2017, photo: Ryan Emberley; Centre Stage Gala, 2016, photo: Ryan Emberley.

CANADIAN OPERA COMPANY 2017/2018

PATRON INFORMATION AND POLICIES GO SCENT FREE In consideration of patrons with allergies, please avoid wearing perfumed beauty products and fragrances. COAT AND PARCEL CHECK To uphold the safety of the building, oversized bags and parcels may be prohibited from entering R. Fraser Elliott Hall. Patrons attending COC performances may be offered complimentary parcel check. Coat check is located in the Lower Lobby, where the following services are also available: booster seats, back supports, infrared hearing-assistive devices and rental of binoculars, on a first-come, first-served basis. NOISE ETIQUETTE Patrons are reminded that R. Fraser Elliott Hall is an extremely lively auditorium and that all audience noise will be accentuated and audible to other patrons. Turn off all electronic devices, avoid talking, coughing, humming, moving loose seats, kicking the backs of seats, rustling programs, and unwrapping candies or cough drops. Please remain in your seat until the performance has completely ended and the house lights have been turned on. ELECTRONIC DEVICES The use of mobile and smartphones and all other electronic devices is extremely disruptive and is strictly prohibited during performances. If a patron has an emergency and needs to be contacted during a performance, he or she should contact Patron Services for assistance before the performance. CAMERAS/RECORDING DEVICES The use of cameras, video cameras or soundrecording devices of any kind is prohibited in R. Fraser Elliott Hall during performances. The design and direction of the production is restricted under intellectual property law. Any person using an unauthorized recording device will be required to surrender or erase any recordings, photographic or digital images and may be asked to leave. No refunds will be

CANADIAN OPERA COMPANY 2017/2018

issued. Be sure to take a look at our Facebook page for official photos of our productions! LATECOMERS In the interest of safety and for the comfort of all patrons and performers, latecomers may not enter the auditorium or be seated unless there is a suitable break in the performance (usually intermission). Patrons leaving the auditorium during the performance or returning late after intermission may not be readmitted. FOOD AND BEVERAGE Outside food and beverages are prohibited from entering the Four Seasons Centre. Food and beverages are not allowed in the auditorium. RECORDINGS Patrons consent to appear in recorded material by attending FSC performances/events. OBJECTIONABLE BEHAVIOUR Management reserves the right to refuse admission without refund, and expel from the premises, any person whose presence or conduct is deemed objectionable. CHILDREN AND BABES-IN-ARMS All patrons, including children, must have a ticket for the performance. All children must be seated next to an accompanying adult. Young children should be able to sit quietly throughout the performance. If unable to do so, children and their accompanying adult will be asked to leave the auditorium. Babes-in-arms will not be admitted. MEDICAL EMERGENCIES AND FIRST AID A house doctor is present at all performances. Please contact an usher if medical services are required. LOST AND FOUND During performances please speak with an usher or visit Patron Services at the Coat Check in the Lower Lobby. Following performances, please e-mail lostandfound@coc.ca or call 416-342-5200 for information.

PARKING There is parking on a first-come, first-served basis for about 200 vehicles underneath the Four Seasons Centre. The entrance is located on the west side of York Street, south of Queen Street. Additional parking is conveniently located just steps away in the Green P lot underneath Nathan Phillips Square. For directions visit greenp.com. FOUR SEASONS CENTRE FACILITY TOURS Tours of the Four Seasons Centre include backstage access! For more information, visit fourseasonscentre.ca. PRE-PERFORMANCE OPERA CHATS COC Education and Outreach staff and guest speakers offer free, insightful chats about the stories, music and background of all COC productions, 45 minutes prior to each performance in the Richard Bradshaw Amphitheatre. Doors open one hour before each performance. Seating is limited and available on a first-come, first served basis. Please join the line-up early to avoid disappointment. SPECIAL EVENTS AND CATERING The Four Seasons Centre is available for rental for all of your presentation, meeting or special events needs, with spaces accommodating from 20 to 2,000 people and full catering services. For further details visit fourseasonscentre.ca or call 416-342-5233.

TICKET SERVICES Canadian Opera Company subscriptions and individual tickets are available through COC Ticket Services: ONLINE: coc.ca BY PHONE: 416-363-8231 or long distance 1-800-250-4653 Monday to Friday – 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday – 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. IN PERSON: Four Seasons Centre Box Office 145 Queen St. W. Monday to Saturday: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. or through first intermission Sunday (performance days only): 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. or through first intermission The Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts Box Office also services ticketing needs for The National Ballet of Canada and all other Four Seasons Centre events. GROUP SALES Groups of 10 or more enjoy savings on regular individual ticket prices. For more information or to reserve seats call 416-306-2356.

FOOD AND BEVERAGE SERVICE We are pleased to offer, for the convenience of all our patrons, a pre-order system for intermission purchases. Our pre-order system is designed to decrease your wait time at the bar during intermission and we invite you to make use of it at every COC performance. Bars are located throughout the Isadore and Rosalie Sharp City Room’s many levels. Food and beverages are not permitted in R. Fraser Elliott Hall.

CANADIAN OPERA COMPANY 2017/2018

FINE WINE AUCTION APRIL 12, 2018

OPERANATION MAY 17, 2018

CENTRE STAGE NOVEMBER 1, 2018

coc.ca