Fall/Winter Programs, Classes, Events

Fal l

W i nter

2012 2013

Programs Classes Events

Children, Youth and Adults

W e lcome Cele brat e c r e at i v i t y at the COC! Stimulate your creativity. Engage in thoughtful discussions. Connect with other individuals. Inspire your inner artist. These are just some of the things you can expect to experience in the COC’s 2012/2013 programs for children, youth and adults.

The season includes special family performances in December to celebrate the 500th performance of the children’s opera The Brothers Grimm, the 10th anniversary season of the Opera Exchange for adults, and concludes with a large community celebration of the 15th anniversary of the COC’s popular After School Opera Program for children.

From seasonal and after-school programs for children, to professional workshops for youth, to in-depth continuing education lectures for adults, there’s an opportunity for everyone to learn about, and engage with, opera.

Adult P ro g ra m s

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Evenings with opera stars, library chats, lectures and symposia

grim mf e st

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A week of events, concerts and operas celebrating fairy tales and folklore told through music

Chil d re n ’ s P r og ra m s

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After-school programs across the city for ages 7 to 12

Yout h P ro g ra m s An unprecedented look at opera for the under-30 crowd

coc.ca/Explore

Please note that all programming is subject to change.

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on the mainstage fal l / wi n t e r Ope ras Il Tr ovato r e VERDI

September 29 to October 31, 2012 The ultimate Italian opera, featuring the famous “Anvil Chorus,” is a rollercoaster of fiery revenge and retribution.

Die Fledermaus J. STRAUSS II

October 4 to November 3, 2012 Known for his fabulous waltzes, Strauss dazzles with this musically sparkling operetta about a man’s final night of mischief before going to prison.

Trista n und Isol d e WAGNER

January 29 to February 23, 2013 This epic love story is told with the use of stunning video-imagery by renowned artist Bill Viola and legendary director Peter Sellars.

Production Sponsor:

La clemen za di Tito MOZART

February 3 to 22, 2013 Composed by Mozart towards the end of his short life, the opera’s exquisitely beautiful music charts an emperor’s complicated search for love and his power to forgive.

To learn more about the mainstage performances of these operas and to purchase tickets: visit us online at coc.ca or call Ticket Services at 416-363-8231.

Discounted tickets from $22 are available for young adults (under 30); see page 17 for details.

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Adult P r o grams Op era Talks This free lecture series at the North York Central Public Library (5120 Yonge St.) balances opera history and guided listening with images and production insights – all of which communicate the visceral thrill of opera as a multi-media genre.

D ie Fleder mau s October 4, 2012, 7 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Th e Brothers G r i mm December 6, 2012, 7 p.m. to 8 p.m.

La clemen za di Tito

January 15, 2013, 7 p.m. to 8 p.m.

To register, call the North York Central Public Library at 416-395-5639.

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Opera Connect An exciting new series of public events that connect you with the artists who make opera happen.

Friday, September 28, 2012 Opera Connect at Culture Days! Attend a rehearsal of our new production of Die Fledermaus and get the inside scoop at an exclusive pre-performance chat with members of the creative team, including costume designer Constance Hoffman.

Up to 500 FREE tickets available – see coc.ca/OperaConnect for details. Tickets are FREE on a first-come, first-served basis on the day of the event.

Coming in January 2013‌

Connect with the creative forces behind Tristan und Isolde. Sign up for eOpera and be the first to find out more! Visit coc.ca/eOpera.

Tristan und Isolde Production Sponsor:

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Adult P ro g ra m s

The Opera Exchange Join us as we take a deeper look at three of this season’s outstanding productions through this stimulating lecture series. This series combines in-depth discussion with vibrant musical performances, as international academic specialists and singers unite.

Spend your mornings with us!

Walter Hall, Faculty of Music, University of Toronto, 80 Queen’s Park Cres.

Individual ticket prices are $10 – $20. Special discounts for faculty and students. Free for UofT Faculty of Music students and faculty with valid ID. Purchase tickets to all three Opera Exchange events in the 2012/2013 season for $25 – $45 and save 20% off the ticket price!

D ie Fleder mau s Let’s Lighten Up: Operetta in Context Saturday, October 13, 2012, 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Guests include Derek Scott (University of Leeds), Michael Albano (University of Toronto), COC Music Director Johannes Debus and COC Ensemble soprano Mireille Asselin (Adele) who will share insights about operettas and present musical selections from Die Fledermaus.

Tristan und I sol d e Wagner and Adaptation* Saturday, February 2, 2013, 9:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Symposium includes an exclusive chat with Linda Hutcheon (host), soprano Margaret Jane Wray (Isolde) and tenor Burkhard Fritz (Tristan) as well as a performance by Christopher Mokrzewski of Wagner’s Liebestod from Tristan und Isolde, transcribed for piano by Franz Liszt. *Bonus: Ticket holders for this Opera Exchange also receive free entry to the Wagner symposium held at the University of Toronto on February 1, 2013. Visit music.utoronto.ca/Events for details.

Tristan und Isolde Production Sponsor:

To purchase tickets, call Ticket Services at 416-363-8231 or visit us online at coc.ca/Explore. A limited number of tickets will be available at the door.

The Opera Exchange is presented in partnership with the UofT Faculty of Music and the Munk School of Global Affairs.

International Opera Tours n ow in its 31 st ye ar!

Join Dr. David Stanley-Porter on these thoughtfully planned tours to explore the exciting world of opera and classical music in historic and new opera houses and concert halls in North America and Europe. This year’s tour locations include Paris, New York, Zurich and BadenBaden, Wagner’s Der Ring des Nibelungen in Berlin, the Munich Opera Festival, and the Glimmerglass Festival.

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For more information call Merit Travel at 1-800-265-1141 x6209 or e-mail operatours@golden.net.

President’s Council members and Friends of the COC receive priority enrolment. Full details are available online at coc.ca/ OperaTours.

Opera Appreciation Courses with Dr. David Stanley-Porter The COC is pleased to present an invigorating and enlightening series of courses for adult learners at the Joey and Toby Tanenbaum Opera Centre.

A series of 10 classes is $225 for adults or $180 for students and seniors. Drop-in classes are also available for $20 – $25.

Up a n d Com i n g !

This course offers opera lovers an in-depth preparation of operas that the COC will be staging, as well as performances elsewhere, during the 2012/2013 season.

Fall: Tuesdays: September to November 2012, 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Winter: Tuesdays: February to March 2013, 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Histo ry o f Ope ra This series concentrates on a special period in operatic history or on one significant composer.

The French Way – A survey of French opera ranging from the Baroque to the late-Romantic eras.

Fall: Tuesdays: September to November 2012, 7 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. or Wednesdays: 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Life and Music of Benjamin Britten (1913 – 1976) – Celebrating the centenary of Benjamin Britten’s birth with an exploration of his musical genius.

Winter: Tuesdays: 7 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., or Wednesdays: 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., January to March 2013

For full information including course content, visit us online at coc.ca/OperaCourses.

To register, call Ticket Services at 416-363-8231 or download the registration form online at coc.ca/OperaCourses. Early full-season registration for President’s Council and Friends of the COC members is now available. For non-members, registration is now available for the fall sessions, and begins Tuesday, December 11, 2012 for the winter sessions.

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G r im m Fest A week of family-friendly programming in celebration of the 200th anniversary of the Brothers Grimm collected fairy tales and the 500th performance of The Brothers Grimm, a charming opera for children by Canadian composer Dean Burry, originally commissioned by the COC in 1999 for the Xstrata Ensemble Studio School Tour.

Fr ee Co n c er t S e r i e s i n the Richa rd B ra dsh aw A m p hitheatr e generously underwritten by peter a. allen

Happily Ever Op e ra December 4, 2012, 12 p.m. to 1 p.m.

Famous and lesser-known operatic arias and duets inspired by the fairy tales of the Brothers Grimm weave a spell of musical enchantment.

Fa iry Ta les of th e Wor l d December 5, 2012, 12 p.m. to 1 p.m.

Join acclaimed Egyptian-Canadian vocalist Maryem Tollar and a colourful cast of characters as they explore fairy tales, legends and myths from around the world, drawing on timeless tales from Arabic, African, Persian, Balkan and Roma Gypsy cultures.

For more details, visit coc.ca/FreeConcerts.

Op era Ta lks: Th e B r ot h e r s Gr i m m December 6, 2012, 7 p.m. to 8 p.m.

This talk is part of the Opera Talks series. See page 4 for details.

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The B r other s Gr i m m 50 0 th Per fo r ma nc e Par ty

December 7, 2012, 6:30 p.m. followed by performance at 7:30 p.m.

Come celebrate the 500th performance of Burry’s The Brothers Grimm, the most-performed Canadian opera in history, with the composer present! The celebration will include light refreshments and activities for the whole family, including an exhibition chronicling the opera’s travels throughout Canada and abroad, with posters and artifacts from the COC’s archives.

The Br oth er s Gri m m Fa mi ly P erf o rm an ce s December 7, 2012, 7:30 p.m.

December 8, 2012, 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.

Join Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm as they set out to create the most famous book of tales ever written. Their journey of discovery uncovers such colourful characters as Rapunzel, Little Red Cap and Rumpelstiltskin in this delightful one-act opera for all ages. The opera is 45 minutes in length, sung in English and concludes with a post-performance Q&A with the cast!

Performances take place at the new Regent Park Arts & Cultural Centre (585 Dundas St. E.).

Tickets: $25 – Adults $15 – Children (up to 15 years) Call Ticket Services at 416-363-8231 or visit us online at coc.ca/GrimmFest.

Xstrata Ensemble Studio School Tour

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coc.ca/GrimmFest

GrimmFest is a week of events, concerts and operas celebrating fairy tales and folklore told through music

December 4 – 8, 2012

c hil dre n’s p r ograms after School Opera Program Cele brat i n g 1 5 y e a r s !

Children ages 7 to 12 (by the first day of the program) are invited to explore and learn about the basics of opera through singing, libretto-writing, acting and design. Working with COC artist educators, children meet once a week from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., premiering an original mini-opera at end-of-term in a performance for friends and family.

Each term of the After School Opera Program runs for approximately ten weeks.

Registration costs vary by location, starting as low as $5 to a maximum of $15 per term.

Please call your preferred location for details (see page 13).

Fall – Grimm Fa b l e s Participants will create an opera that recalls the work of the Grimm Brothers who popularized stories like Hansel and Gretel, Snow White and Rumpelstiltskin!

“This magical program engages kids in all art forms and allows their confidence to build while having fun!”

Parent, After School Opera Program (St. Christopher House location)

Wint er – Everyday Op era Drawing inspiration from the world around us – the changing seasons, the daily news, life as we know it – participants will pick a theme that reflects the everyday and express it through movement, visual arts and music.

After School Opera Program Presenting Sponsor:

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afte r s c hool op e ra p r ogra m LOCATION

fall

WINTER

East Central Toronto Canadian Opera Company Joey and Toby Tanenbaum Opera Centre 227 Front St. E.

Thursdays October 4 to November 29, 2012

Thursdays January 10 to March 7, 2013

Registration for fall and winter opens September 10, 2012 To register, call Ticket Services at 416-363-8231 or online at coc.ca/Explore.

Etobicoke Ourland Community Centre 18 Ourland Ave.

Mondays October 1 to December 10, 2012

Mondays January 7 to March 4, 2013

Registration for fall and winter opens September 8, 2012 To register, call 311 or 416-394-8673 or online at toronto.ca/torontofun.

North District Toronto Barbara Frum Recreation Centre 20 Covington Rd.

Tuesdays October 2 to December 4, 2012

Tuesdays January 8 to March 5, 2013

Registration for fall and winter opens September 11, 2012 To register, call 311 or 416-395-6123 or online at toronto.ca/torontofun.

West Central Toronto St. Christopher House 248 Ossington Ave.

Wednesdays October 3 to December 5, 2012

Wednesdays January 9 to March 6, 2013

Registration for fall and winter opens September 10, 2012 To register, call Sherry Squires, Music School Co-ordinator at 416-532-4828 x127.

Scarborough (new locations!)

Boys and Girls Club of East Scarborough

Thursdays October 11 to December 13, 2012 St. Thomas More School 2300 Ellesmere Rd.

Thursdays January 17 to March 7, 2013 Boys and Girls Club 100 Galloway Rd.

Registration opens September 10, 2012. Limited space available to non-members.

To register, call Russell Scott, Manager, Children and Early Teens Services at 416-281-0262 x216.

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chi l d re n ’ s p r og ra m s

Atten tion Pa rent Co un c i l s an d Teacher s

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Get your students into opera with workshops, building tours, in-school artist residencies, special in-school performances, study guides and professional development opportunities for teachers! Visit coc.ca/Explore to learn about the COC’s programs for students and teachers!

March Break: Free Concert for the Whole Family!

Int eractive Op e ra March 13, 2013, 12 p.m. to 1 p.m.

Listen and sing along with opera singers in this interactive concert of popular arias and duets in the beautiful Richard Bradshaw Amphitheatre at the Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts. The concerts offer ample opportunities for audience participation including a singing (and playing!) of the famous “Anvil Chorus” from Verdi’s Il Trovatore.

For more details, visit coc.ca/FreeConcerts.

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yout h p r ogra ms Youth Opera Lab This free program for ages 16 to 21 (by the program date) includes a workshop with an opera professional, an exclusive glimpse of the first rehearsal with cast, crew and orchestra and a pair of free tickets to attend the BMO Financial Group Student Dress Rehearsal a week later. No previous experience with opera necessary.

Check out coc.ca/Explore for updates on confirmed guests.

D ie Fleder mau s

September 24, 2012, 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.

An inside glimpse at directing in the world of opera – what’s the difference between directing an opera and musical theatre? Take a directing workshop and participate in a Q&A with a member of the Die Fledermaus creative team. Light refreshments provided.

Apply online by September 11, 2012 at coc.ca/Explore.

Tristan und I sol d e January 16, 2013, 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Singing Wagner takes years of experience and a well-trained pair of lungs! Participate in an opera singing workshop and sit down for a chat with singers from the company who candidly discuss their careers, and what it takes to make it in the world of opera. Light refreshments provided.

Apply online by December 12, 2012 at coc.ca/Explore.

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To see current postings and to apply, visit

coc.ca/Explore.

I n te r ns h ips The COC offers internships throughout the year with various departments, including education and outreach. Internships are three to four months in duration, beginning in September, January and May.

Ticket Deals for Youth BMO FI nancia l G r ou p studen t dress r eh ea r sa l s fa l l 2012 and wi nter 2 013 date s Are you a full-time student? Students with a valid photo ID can attend BMO Financial Group Student Dress Rehearsals for just $15.

I l Trovato re – September 26, 2012, 7:30 p.m.

Die F l e d e rm aus – October 1, 2012, 7:30 p.m.

Tr ista n un d I s old e – January 25, 2013, 6:30 p.m.* La Cl e m e n z a di Tito – February 1, 2013, 7:30 p.m. *Please note the earlier start time.

BMO Financial Group Pre-Performance Opera Chats and BMO Financial Group Student Dress Rehearsals Tristan und Isolde Production Sponsor

o pera un der 3 0 Opera-goers 16 to 29 can access $22 and $35 tickets to all mainstage performances. For full information on performance dates, times and promo codes, visit operaunder30.ca.

Standing room tickets are also available on the day of Presenting Sponsor the performance for only $12. See coc.ca/TicketPolicies Opera Under 30 for details.

For more details on each opera, see page 3.

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save the date!

Summer programs and camps open for registration M arc h 4 , 201 3

PHOTO CREDITS: Front cover: Renata Pokupić as Sesto in La clemenza di Tito (Chicago Opera Theater), 2009; photo: Rich Hein.

Page 3: Video still by Bill Viola from Tristan und Isolde (Opéra national de Paris); photo: Kira Perov © 2005. Page 4: An intermission Q&A with Mark S. Doss, 2011; photo: COC. Page 5: Susan Graham and Russell Braun at Opera 101, 2011; photo: COC. Page 9: Andrew Stewart as Brentano in The Brothers Grimm, 2007; photo: Anand Maharaj. Pages 10 and 11: GrimmFest poster illustration by Lisa Vanin, 2012. Page 14: Spring After School Opera Program, 2012; photo: COC. Page 15 (clockwise from top left): Introduction to Opera workshop, 2012; photo: COC. Create-an-Opera program at Dundas Public School; photo: Anand Maharaj © 2007. After School Opera Program; photo: Anand Maharaj © 2007; After School Opera Program, 2012; photo: COC. Page 16: Preliminary costume sketch for female chorus by costume designer Constance Hoffman for the COC’s new production of Die Fledermaus, 2012. Page 18: Summer Opera Camp, 2012; photo: COC.

charitable registration number: 11883 4829 rr0001

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The Canadian Opera Company gratefully acknowledges: Operating Funding

BMO Financial Group Pre-Performance Opera Chats and BMO Financial Group Student Dress Rehearsals Tristan und Isolde Production Sponsor

Sun Life Financial Accessibility Program Encompassing SURTITLES™, Wheelchair Seating, Hearing-Assistive and Vision-Impaired Devices

Official Automotive Sponsor of the COC at the FSCPA

Xstrata Ensemble Studio School Tour

Presenting Sponsor Opera Under 30

After School Opera Program

The McLean Foundation

Opera Exchange Co-presented with

After School Opera Program Presenting Sponsor

FAC U LTY OF MU SI C

Program Partners

Official Media Sponsor

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What We Do The Canadian Opera Company stands at the forefront of opera production in Canada and is internationally recognized for its commitment to delivering opera of the highest quality. In addition to its core artistic activities on the mainstage, the COC offers an array of accessible, meaningful and enriching education and outreach programming to a diverse audience of 40,000 children, youth and adults annually.

How We Do It As a non-profit charitable organization, the COC depends on generous supporters to realize its artistic vision for opera on the stage and in the community. There are many ways to contribute and every gift makes a difference.

To find out about the benefits of supporting the COC, visit coc.ca/Support or call 416-847-4949.

Joey and Toby Tanenbaum Opera Centre 227 Front St. E. Toronto, Ontario M5A 1E8

coc.ca/Explore

Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts 145 Queen St. W. Toronto, Ontario M5H 4G1

canadianoperacompany

@CanadianOpera

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