By Johann Strauss Jr.
November 19, 23 & 25, 2016 calgaryopera.com
THE CLASSICS
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board of directors Michael Brown
Jacqueline Pyke
Chair
Chair, Revenue Committee
Lachlin McKinnon
Jay MacGillivray
secretary
Director
Don Swystun
Jerilyn Wright
Treasurer, chair, finance committee
co-Chair, Special Events committee
David Dunlop
Monica Sloan
Director
Chair, Capital Campaign Committee
Donald C. Edie director
Christel Johansson
Ruth Ramsden-Wood Chair, Nomination and Governance Committee
Sharie Hunter
director
co-Chair, Special Events committee
Greta Raymond
Tina Antony
director
Director
message from the
chair | michael brown
We, here at Calgary Opera are thrilled to have you join us for our 2016-17 Season. This season you will be experiencing a feast for the ears and eyes. We will be kicking off the season with Die Fledermaus – welcoming back our former Resident Conductor and new Music Director of the Regina Symphony Orchestra Gordon Gerrard alongside an incredible cast, including audience favourites Tracy Dahl and Sally Dibblee. We celebrate Canada’s 150th birthday with a remount of Filumena – the heart wrenching story of the last woman hanged in Alberta, and the most performed opera work in the Canadian canon. We close off our season with a stunning production of Giacomo Puccini’s intense and thrilling Turandot. All three productions bring you exciting costuming, vibrant staging and the vocal artistry you have come to expect from your Calgary Opera. This spring, for one night only, we are featuring reigning prima donna Anna Netrebko and her partner Yusif Eyvazov. Anna routinely headlines major productions in leading opera houses across the globe and was the first classical musician to be chosen as one of the ‘Time 100,’ on Time magazine’s list of the most influential people. We are deeply excited to bring to our subscribers and patrons the opportunity to experience the best of the art form, including sensational talent such as that of Ms. Netrebko. Each mainstage performance is brought together by a group of talented Canadian professionals who are top rated in their art form, not just locally and nationally, but internationally and throughout the world. As you may know, one of our core mandates here at Calgary Opera is to engage our community through the power of opera. This
season, we will continue to bring opera to our community through our Opera in the Village this coming summer, and throughout the year via our school programming and rural community tours, supported by our corporate partner Cenovus Energy. We all keenly feel the economic challenges our city and province have had as of late, and during these times, your support of us as donors and subscribers has never been more needed to sustain our programmes, performances and more. We thank each of our supporters, individual, corporate and beyond, for ensuring we keep opera as a part of our city’s cultural landscape. We also extend our appreciation to our Government funders: The Canada Council for the Arts, the Alberta Foundation for the Arts, and the Calgary Arts Development Authority. We look forward to sharing this, and many seasons to come, with each of you.
message from the
general director & ceo | W.R. (Bob) McPhee
, C.M., LL.D. (Hon)
I’m delighted to welcome you to the first
performance of our 2016-17 mainstage production, Die Fledermaus. A hilarious Viennese operetta full of high-jinx, mistaken identities, a masked ball thrown by a Russian Prince and even jail! This is Johann Strauss Jr.’s most famous work and is filled with the infectious melodies that made him known as “The Waltz King.” We hope you’ll join us again in February for our second mainstage production, Filumena. We are proud to bring this Calgary Opera new work (co-commissioned with the Banff Centre) back to the place it all began. After opening to rave reviews in 2003, it has now become the most produced grand-opera in Canadian history. As part of our tribute to Canada’s 150th birthday, Filumena will transport you back to the Crowsnest Pass in 1915 during the prohibition years, and tell the story of the last woman to be hanged for the murder of a seasoned constable. Our season ends with Puccini’s classic, Turandot, a story about Princess Turandot and her defiance to marry the many suitors looking to melt her icy heart. It contains one of the most popular and well-known arias
in the world, Nessun Dorma, made famous by tenor Luciano Pavarotti, and more recently by many reality singing competition hopefuls. It’s a top 10 opera and sure to dazzle you with its elaborate sets and costumes. This season, we are also introducing a Master Class Series which consists of four classes, each with a different focus. Each class is taught by an esteemed expert of the vocal craft to students, teachers and the general public. Our first class took place on November 13th and was taught by Tracy Dahl, one of Canada’s premiere sopranos. Check our website, calgaryopera.com, for more information on the three remaining classes happening throughout the season. In 2015, we started our Step-up campaign, in which we matched donation dollars to allow people to step-up to the next level of giving. Our matching ability was made possible by a bequest left to us by the late Mario Stella. Over the last year, his generosity allowed almost 300 patrons to ‘Step-up,’ resulting in needed dollars to keep Calgary Opera’s mainstage productions, additional programming and education and outreach initiatives alive, and thriving. I want to give all of you who took part in this program a huge THANK YOU for your support. It makes the continued success of Calgary Opera possible. Now, enjoy the show!
Official Suppliers
6 CALGARY OPERA 2016-17 SEASON
Production & Program Sponsors Filumena
Turandot
Let’s Create an Opera
Allegro Group
Opera Titles Sponsor
Emerging Artist Development Program Supporters
Christmas at the Opera
Community Outreach
Pre-show Chats
Mamdani Opera Centre
Sunday Opera Brunch Series
Resident Conductor Sponsor
Infrastructure Supporter
Opera in the Village 2016 Supporters Presenting Sponsor
Site Partner
Festival Energizing Partner
Key Media Partners
die fledermaus 7
Proud sponsor of the season favourite
December 8 - 11, 2016
8 CALGARY OPERA 2016-17 SEASON
Discover vocal performance insights, as masters of the craft instruct members of the Emerging Artist Development Program and participants from Calgary’s music community.
Students at all levels, teachers, and the general public will find these classes a fascinating look at the process helping to motivate talented classical vocalists reach their full potential. Calgary Opera will be sharing the following esteemed and internationally lauded voice teachers and repertoire coaches with the general public, while in their week-long guest residencies with our Emerging Artist Development Program. Each masterclass session throughout the season will focus on a particular aspect.
MASTER CLASS 1
MASTER CLASS 3
- ACHIEVING VOCAL EXCELLENCE
- OPERA REPERTOIRE
Instructed by Tracy Dahl – University of Manitoba faculty member with a career spanning the world’s opera stages.
Instructed by John Churchwell – San Francisco Opera, Metropolitan Opera coach and conductor.
Sunday, November 13 from 2PM-5PM, at the Mamdani Opera Centre
Sunday, January 29 from 2PM-5PM, at the Mamdani Opera Centre
Complete
TICKETS ($20 including GST)
MASTER CLASS 2
MASTER CLASS 4
- CABARET, MUSIC THEATRE & LIGHT OPERA REPERTOIRE
- ORATORIO REPERTOIRE
Instructed by Peter Tiefenbach – JUNO Award winning composer, teacher and performer. Sunday, January 15 from 2PM-5PM, at Grace Presbyterian Church
Instructed by Nancy Argenta – Victoria Conservatory faculty member and acclaimed soloist as the leading Handel soprano of her time. Sunday, April 2 from 2PM-5PM, at the Mamdani Opera Centre TICKETS ($20 including GST)
TICKETS ($20 including GST) Call 403 262 7286 or visit calgaryopera.com for more information, and to book your tickets. We look forward to having YOU attend! die fledermaus 9
Setting program notes
the
Stage
By Director glynis leyshon
as anyone who loves cooking knows – bringing a light and airy soufflé to the table is, in many ways, infinitely more challenging than presenting a hale and hearty beef stew. And Johann Strauss the Second’s much loved classic Die Fledermaus presents many of the same challenges as cooking that perfect soufflé! It must be melting light, but with a satisfyingly savoury bite. Die Fledermaus pairs the brilliance of the ‘Waltz King’s’ music with a high style farce libretto by the German playwright Julius Roderich Benedix and adapted for the operetta stage by Karl Haffner and Richard Genée. Any company attempting to bring this combination of ‘ingredients’ successfully together must approach the work with both a respect for its ‘performance’ traditions but also with a healthy sense of what contemporary audiences enjoy in a classic comedy. First and foremost, the work demands a company of singers who are able to meet the technical demands of the dazzling virtuosity of the score with deceptive ease. As well, they must deliver the spoken dialogue with the dexterity and speed of seasoned ‘farceurs.’ In this production, Calgary audiences are blessed with outstanding performers who not only understand the milieu reflected in this classic, but indeed revel in its many delights and rewards. Filled with the delicious bubbly dryness of good champagne, this Strauss operetta both defines and transcends its musical traditions. No matter how often one has seen Rosalinda and Eisenstein match wits, the heady charm and good humour of the piece win us over. Just as Shakespeare so famously notes,
age cannot wither her, nor “ custom stale Her infinite variety ” Enjoy!
– Glynis Leyshon
10 CALGARY OPERA 2016-17 SEASON
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Conductor | Gordon Gerrard Stage Director | Glynis Leyshon Lighting Designer | Harry Frehner Choreographer | Glenda Stirling Repetiteur & Asst Conductor | Christopher Mokrzewski Scenery designed by | Gary Eckhart Scenery for Die Fledermaus is owned by Fort Worth Opera Costumes designed by | Ed Kotanen Costumes provided by Malabar Limited CAST In order of vocal appearance
Alfred, a singer | Thomas Glenn Adele, Eisenstein’s maid | Tracy Dahl Rosalinda, Eisenstein’s wife | Sally Dibblee Gabriel von Eisenstein | Roger Honeywell Dr. Blind, Eisenstein’s attorney | Jason Ragan* Dr. Falke, a friend of Eisenstein | Bruce Kelly Frank, governor of the prison | Doug MacNaughton Sally, Adele’s sister | Anne-Marie MacIntosh* Prince Orlofsky, a rich Prince | Norine Burgess Frosch, the jailer | Christopher Hunt Ivan, a servant | Matt Chittick* Covers Dr. Falke | Johnathon Kirby* Adele | Lauren Woods* Prince Orlofsky | Morgan Traynor* Cast subject to change
Calgary Opera Chorus Chorus Director | Sandra Atkinson Accompanied by the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra Chorus Repetiteur | Rachel Baljeu Opera Titles | Aria Nuova Presentations Titles Operator | John Bouz
(The Bat)
Composer | Johann Strauss Jr. Original German Libretto | Karl Haffner and Richard Genée English Translation & Scores, published by G. Schirmer, INC., by Ruth and Thomas Martin
Stage Manager | Nicole Bergen Assistant Stage Manager | Lisa Russell Assistant Stage Manager | Catherine Rouleau Head of Wardrobe | Heather Moore Head Make-Up Artist | Rose Gurevitch Head Wig & Hair Artist | Franca Vaccaro Head of Props | Laura Anderson Director of Production | Bonni Baynton Technical Director | Mark Leigh Associate Technical Director | Jesse Carroll Production Assistant | Chloe Mohan Calgary Opera is proud to work with the professional stage hands and artisans provided by IATSE Local 212 *Members of the 2016-2017 Emerging Artist Development Program
By Johann Strauss Jr. November 19, 23 & 25, 2016
synopsis Set in Vienna in the late 19th century
Act 1 Eisenstein’s house Rosalinda’s one-time suitor, Alfred, serenades Rosalinda from off-stage, much to her horror. Rosalinda’s maid Adele enters and reads a letter from her sister inviting her to a party at Prince Orlofsky’s. Adele pleads with Rosalinda to get the evening off by telling Rosalinda that her aunt is very ill and she needs to take care of her. But Rosalinda dismisses her request since Rosalinda’s husband, Eisenstein, is due in jail that night and Adele must stay.
Falke has sent a letter to Rosalinda stating that Eisenstein would be at the party. She arrives masked and finds Eisenstein flirting with Adele. Eisenstein next approaches Rosalinda and proceeds to charm her as best he can. Rosalinda steals his watch to prove his infidelity in the morning. With Orlofsky’s support, Rosalinda, as the Hungarian countess, resists the pleas of the guests to remove her mask. She confirms her identity by singing a brilliant and fiery Hungarian czardas (Hungarian folk dance).
Alfred bursts in and Rosalinda tells him to leave. Alfred agrees to go on the condition that he may come back when Eisenstein is in jail. Rosalinda consents. Eisenstein enters with his stammering lawyer, Blind. Eisenstein is furious with Blind. They have been at court trying to reduce Eisenstein’s sentence, but the sentence has been lengthened instead. Eisenstein must leave immediately after supper.
Orlofsky asks about the bat story he was promised. Eisenstein chimes in that it was a joke he played on Falke three years ago: they went to a masked ball; Falke wore a bat suit; Eisenstein got Falke drunk and then left him sleeping in the forest; when Falke walked home, everyone laughed at his ridiculous costume. All toast to a future revenge, then a waltz begins. Afterward, Frank and Eisenstein, realizing how late it is, hastily leave Orlofsky’s. Eisenstein heads to prison to fill his sentence.
Eisenstein’s friend Falke arrives and persuades Eisenstein to go to Prince Orlofsky’s ball. He tells Eisenstein his sentence can wait until the morning. Eisenstein is reluctant to go but the prospect of young, willing beauties wins him over. Eisenstein and Falke rejoice in anticipation of the night ahead. Rosalinda enters and finds their sudden gaiety peculiar. Her confusion continues as Eisenstein proceeds to put on his best suit. She shrugs it off and tells Adele that she can take the night off after all. All three go their separate ways after feigning great sadness for the loss of one another’s company. Alfred arrives and puts on Eisenstein’s dressing gown and nightcap and begins drinking. Frank, the prison warden, arrives to escort Eisenstein to jail. He mistakes Alfred to be Eisenstein. Rosalinda implores Alfred to play along to save her reputation, so Frank takes him to jail.
Act 2 Prince Orlofsky’s villa All are enjoying themselves except for Prince Orlofsky who is terribly bored. Falke then promises him entertainment. Falke tells him a farce called “The Bat’s Revenge” that will play out during the party. The actors are introduced one after another: first, the actress Olga (actually Adele); second, Marquis Renard (actually Eisenstein); third, Chevalier Chagrin (actually Frank); and finally, a Hungarian Countess (actually Rosalinda). All are aware of the ruse in varying degrees except Eisenstein and Frank, who are clueless. 14 CALGARY OPERA 2016-17 SEASON
Act 3 The prison The jailer Frosch talks to himself in between slugs of slivovitz (plum Brandy) and yells at the singing Alfred to be quiet. Frank enters drunk and stumbles through the memories of the evening. Frosch tells him that a marquis wants to see him and that Alfred has asked for a lawyer. Eisenstein arrives and explains that he is not the marquis but actually Eisenstein. Frank takes it as a joke and explains how he locked up Eisenstein, who was really Alfred, the night before. Blind enters. Eisenstein takes Blind’s robe, glasses, and wig for a disguise and approaches Alfred and the newly arrived Rosalinda who came to the jail to seek a divorce from her husband. They mistake him for Blind and ask him how to best handle their delicate situation. Eisenstein, disguised as the lawyer, criticizes Rosalinda and Alfred’s behavior. Rosalinda is taken aback by his lack of impartiality. To sway his sympathy, she tells him of her husband’s transgressions at Orlofsky’s. No longer able to repress his anger, Eisenstein reveals himself. Rosalinda then produces his watch. Falke enters and explains the ruse that was revenge for the bat (Fledermaus) incident. He takes credit for all the night’s events including Alfred’s visit with Rosalinda. The Revenge of the Bat is complete. And everything unaccounted for is found to be the fault of the champagne.
Prudence Heward, At the Theatre (detail), 1928. The Montreal Museum of Fine Arts, purchase, Horsley and Annie Townsend Bequest. Photo MMFA, Christine Guest
1920s Modernism in Montreal: The Beaver Hall Group OCTOBER 22, 2016 – JANUARY 29, 2017
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Another year of our Emerging Artist Development Program has begun, and we couldn’t be happier to welcome these seven participants to Calgary Opera. In their first week, Calgary Opera staff and invited guests were treated to beautiful singing from this talented group at a Staff Meet and Greet and the first Impresario Soiree. Over the course of the year, they’ll receive training in all areas of opera, vocal, and theatrical skills and take on Supporting, Bit, and Cover roles, within our mainstage productions. They’ll also be the featured performers in this year’s Christmas at the Opera and the Cenovus-sponsored tour of Northern Alberta performing Rob Herriot’s adaptation of Cinderella. The Emerging Artist Development Program has enhanced and launched the careers of many alumni, and we’re hopeful this record of success will continue with this year’s participants. We thank Enbridge and RBC for their support of the program, and Husky for their support of Christmas at the Opera.
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die fledermaus 17
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18 CALGARY OPERA 2016-17 SEASON
biographies Gordon Gerrard
Glenda Stirling
Conductor
Choreographer
Gordon Gerrard is a respected figure in the new generation of Canadian musicians. Trained first as a pianist and subsequently as a specialist in operatic repertoire, Gordon brings a fresh perspective to the podium. This year, Gordon begins his tenure as the 15th Music Director of the Regina Symphony Orchestra. Gordon was the Associate Conductor of the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra for four seasons, and before that was Resident Conductor and Repetiteur for Calgary Opera. Last season, Gordon made his debut with the National Ballet of Canada in their production of The Nutcracker. He made his European debut, conducting Tosca for Kammeroper Schloss Rheinsberg.
Glynis Leyshon Stage Director Glynis Leyshon is one of Canada’s most respected opera and theatre directors. Her recent and upcoming schedule includes productions of Albert Herring for Vancouver Opera, the world premiere of Estacio’s Ours for Opera on the Avalon, Mikado and La Traviata for Calgary Opera and Otello for Opéra de Montréal and Pacific Opera Victoria. Ms. Leyshon has been Artistic Director of Vancouver’s Playhouse Theatre, Victoria’s Belfry Theatre and she was Head of Banff’s Opera as Theatre program. Further credits include Edmonton’s Citadel Theatre, the Shaw Festival, Canadian Stage, and ATP where she directed the award winning Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike. Ms. Leyshon has a particular passion for teaching emerging artists and is the recipient of Canada’s Commonwealth Medal for her contributions to the arts.
Glenda is an Alberta based director and choreographer. She has choreographed for Alberta Theatre Projects, Ground Zero Theatre, Hit & Myth Productions, Lunchbox Theatre, and Quest Theatre. Glenda holds a Masters in Fine Arts (Theatre Studies, University of Calgary) and C.M.A. (Certified Movement Analyst, Laban/Bartenieff Institute of Movement Studies, NY), and is passionate about training emerging performers, having spent the last 15 years teaching acting and movement in professional training programs across the province. She is currently the Curriculum Director for Artstrek, and on faculty at Concordia University of Edmonton. Previously for Calgary Opera, Glenda conducted The Marriage of Figaro.
Christopher Mokrzewski Repetiteur & Asst Conductor Conductor, pianist and vocal coach Christopher “Topher” Mokrzewski is a steadily rising figure in the worlds of Canadian opera and chamber music. He is in his fourth season as Calgary Opera’s Resident Conductor, and is a founding member and Music Director of Toronto’s Against the Grain Theatre and music director of the Open Space Opera Program at The Banff Centre. A graduate of the Canadian Opera Company Ensemble Studio, the Eastman School of Music and the Music Academy of the West, Mokrzewski has been described by music critic John Terauds as “one of those bright, eager, whip-smart young artists who could give even the most hardened cynic a jolt of optimism about the future of classical music and opera.” He was also named one of CBC Music’s “Hot 30 Classical Musicians under 30” in 2013. Mokrzewski last conducted The Mikado for Calgary Opera (2015).
Harry Frehner Lighting Designer Harry Frehner has designed more than 50 productions for Calgary Opera dating back to 1992. Several of these productions have been nominated for Betty Mitchell Awards, of which two have won. He has lit productions for opera companies in Canada and internationally, such as Vancouver Opera, Edmonton Opera, Pacific Opera Victoria, Manitoba Opera, San Diego Opera, Fort Worth Opera, Opera Colorado, Arizona Opera, Utah Opera and Wide Open Opera in Dublin. As well, his work has been seen across Canada at such companies as The Banff Centre, Theatre Calgary, Alberta Theatre Projects, Decidedly Jazz Danceworks, Stratford and Shaw Festivals and Ballet BC.
die fledermaus 19
biographies Thomas Glenn
Roger Honeywell
tenor
tenor
Alfred, a singer
Gabriel von Eisenstein
Grammy Award-winning tenor Thomas Glenn has performed with international and regional North American opera companies in repertoire ranging from Mozart to contemporary operas. He created the role of physicist Robert Wilson in John Adams’ Doctor Atomic for its world premiere at San Francisco Opera and reprised the role at the Metropolitan Opera (HD broadcast now available on DVD), Lyric Opera of Chicago, Netherlands Opera (also available on DVD), and English National Opera. Mr. Glenn is an alumnus of San Francisco Opera’s prestigious Adler Fellowship, and his roles with the company include Janek Makropulos Case, Trabuco La Forza Del Destino, and the Steersman Der Fliegende Holländer.
Tracy Dahl
Canadian tenor Roger Honeywell has been described by Anthony Tommasini as a performer who brings, “burnished sound and crisp diction to the sweeping vocal lines, full of leaps and dips.” Career highlights of the 2016/17 season include a return to Boston Lyric Opera as Don Jose in Carmen, Covent Garden for Thomas Adès, The Exterminating Angel, Virginia Opera as Dick Johnson in La Fanciulla del West, and Captain Ahab in Jake Heggie’s Moby Dick and Capt. Vere in Britten’s Billy Budd with Des Moines Metro Opera. Mr. Honeywell is a graduate of the Ryerson Theatre School in Toronto and has received numerous awards, among which are a Dora Mavor Moore Award for his role of Arnaud de Tilh in The House of Martin Guerre, a Maureen Forrester Award, and a Tyrone Guthrie Award from the Stratford Festival.
soprano
Jason Ragan*
Adele, Eisenstein’s maid
tenor
Ms. Dahl has appeared with Calgary Opera many times, notably winning a Betty Mitchell Award for her portrayal of Gilda in Rigoletto and most recently singing the roles of Mabel in Pirates of Penzance and Cunegonde in Candide for Opera in the Village. Her upcoming engagements include Carmina Burana with the Quebec Symphonie, Madame Mao with Houston Grand Opera, New Year’s Eve Gala with the Philadelphia Orchestra and reprising Cunegonde with the Regina Symphony Orchestra and Windsor Symphony Orchestra.
Sally Dibblee soprano
Dr. Blind, Eisenstein’s attorney Born and raised in Magrath, Alberta, Tenor Jason Ragan recently completed a Masters of Music from the University of Western Ontario, under the tutelage of Theodore Baerg. He holds a Bachelor of Music degree from the University of Lethbridge where he studied with Blaine Hendsbee. Mr. Ragan’s recent roles include Gonzalve in L’heure espagnole, Ramiro in La Cenerentola, Male Chorus in The Rape of Lucretia with UWOpera, Don Ottavio Don Giovanni with Accademia Europea Dell’Opera, the title role in Britten’s Albert Herring with Opera NUOVA, as well as Eisenstein Die Fledermaus, and Tamino in The Magic Flute with University of Lethbridge Opera Workshop. Mr. Ragan is delighted to be returning to Calgary Opera’s Emerging Artist Development Program.
Rosalinda, Eisenstein’s wife Canadian soprano Sally Dibblee, critically acclaimed as “tour-de-force of vocal control and expressive flexibility,” has performed many of opera’s greatest lyric soprano roles with dramatic intensity and a charismatic stage presence throughout North America. Most recently Ms. Dibblee had her theatre debut in the role of Florence Foster Jenkins in the play Souvenir with St Andrews Summer Theatre. On the opera stage she made her debut in the title role of The Merry Widow with Edmonton Opera and with Calgary Opera she debuted the role of Anna Sorensen in the Canadian Premiere of Silent Night by Kevin Puts.
20 CALGARY OPERA 2016-17 SEASON
Bruce Kelly baritone
Dr. Falke, a friend of Eisenstein Baritone Bruce Kelly’s extensive career has taken him to important opera houses and concert halls of Europe, such as Nice, Strasbourg, Lieges, Avignon, Vienna, Paris, Brussels, and Moscow, as well as those of his native Canada. He has appeared in a variety of leading roles including Germont (La Traviata), Der Sprecher (Die Zauberflöte), Walton (I Puritani), Capulet (Roméo Et Juliette), Marcello (La Boheme), Sharpless (Madama Butterfly) and Dr. Engel in The Student Prince. Recent and upcoming projects include Quince in Midsummer Night’s Dream and Sharpless in Madama Butterfly for Pacific Opera Victoria, Sacristan in Tosca for Opéra de Québec and Falke in Calgary Opera’s Die Fledermaus.
Doug MacNaughton
Christopher Hunt
baritone
actor
Frank, governor of the prison
Frosch, the jailer
Doug MacNaughton began his singing career at the age of 20, when he made his operatic debut with Edmonton Opera. Since then, he has gone on to sing throughout Canada, the United States and Europe. In 2016, Doug performed the role of Antonio in The Marriage of Figaro for the Canadian Opera Company. Previous appearances with Calgary Opera include Cenerentola in 1996, and Die Fledermaus in 2000. In fact, Die Fledermaus is a very special piece for Doug – he has performed the roles of Dr. Blind and Frosch for Edmonton Opera in 1984, the role of Eisenstein for Toronto Operetta Theatre in 1994, the role of Falke for Calgary Opera in 2000 and for Opera Saskatchewan in 2002. His CD Guitarias, featuring Doug as both a singer and a guitarist, was released in February of 2014.
Anne-Marie MacIntosh* Soprano
Sally, Adele’s sister Praised by Opera Canada for her “effervescent coloratura,” “stratospheric notes” and “dramatic vivacity,” coloratura soprano AnneMarie MacIntosh is an exciting new face in Canada’s opera scene. A native of Langley, British Columbia, Ms. MacIntosh was a Rebanks Family Fellow at the prestigious Glenn Gould School. In 2015, Anne-Marie made her professional debut as Barbarina in Le nozze di Figaro at Manitoba Opera. Her other operatic credits include Mabel (The Pirates of Penzance), Gretel (Hansel and Gretel), Cleopatra (Giulio Cesare), Adina (L’elisir d’amore), and Zerbinetta (Ariadne auf Naxos). A graduate of the University of Manitoba (M.Mus 2014) and the University of British Columbia (B.Mus 2012), Anne-Marie is a student of Tracy Dahl.
Christopher is happy to be working again with director Glynis Leyshon, as well as all the great folks at Calgary Opera. Although mainly a theatre actor, Christopher appeared in three Calgary Opera productions in the 90s. Recently, he was seen in Our Town (Caravan Farm Theatre), The Light In The Piazza (Theatre Calgary), and Calamity Town (Vertigo Theatre). Upcoming: The Audience (Theatre Calgary) and “1979” (ATP). Christopher is the recipient of six Betty Mitchell acting awards, most recently for Vanya, Sonia, Masha & Spike (ATP). He lives in Calgary with his family – Elizabeth, Grady, Arden & Charlie the dog.
Matt Chittick* tenor
Ivan, a servant Born and raised in Ottawa, Canadian tenor Matt Chittick completed his studies at McGill University and the University of British Columbia. Praised as having a “clear and vibrant” tenor (Opera Canada), Matt has performed both throughout Europe and North America. Recent performances include Ramiro in Cowtown Opera’s production of Ella (La Cenerentola), Almaviva in Il Barbiere di Siviglia (Fraser Lyric Opera), and Nemorino in Portland Opera’s School Tour of The Elixir of Love. Matt is thrilled to be joining Calgary Opera’s Emerging Artist Development Program this season.
Sandra Atkinson Chorus Director
Norine Burgess mezzo-soprano
Prince Orlofsky, a rich Prince Praised for her bright, elegant and lambenttoned voice, Canadian mezzo-soprano Norine Burgess has performed in opera houses and with leading orchestras throughout North America and around the world. Norine’s refreshingly compelling, charismatic and touching interpretations bring vigour and dimension to her signature roles, including Maddalena in Verdi’s Rigoletto, Prince Orlofsky in Strauss’s Die Fledermaus, Siebel in Faust, Nicklausse in Offenbach’s Tales of Hoffmann and Miss Mary Lloyd in the Vienna Volksoper’s production of Kálmán’s Die Herzogin von Chicago (available on DVD). Other roles include Annio in La Clemenza di Tito, Neris in Cherubini’s rarely-performed opera Médée, Mother Marie in Dialogues des Carmélites, Meg Page in Falstaff, and 2nd Lady in Mozart’s Die Zauberflöte.
Sandra Atkinson holds degrees in piano from Toronto’s Royal Conservatory of Music and England’s Trinity College. She has been Coach and Repetiteur with the Canadian Opera Company where she toured with number productions. For several years she was a Coach and Repetiteur with the Banff Centre’s Opera Division, Courtney Youth Music Centre with Irving Guttman and Victoria’s Opera Piccola with Leopold Simoneau and Pierrette Alarie. Sandy was the pianist at Queens University ballet summer programme, as well as taught piano at Toronto’s Royal Conservatory and Music Director of Toronto’s Young People’s Theatre. Since Calgary Opera’s inception, Sandy was involved with the organization as Repetiteur for many decades and now remains its Chorus Director. She is currently Music Director at Woodcliff United Church.
*Members of the 2016-2017 Emerging Artist Development Program die fledermaus 21
Opera
Raffle 2016-2017
Get your tickets for your chance to win one of three spectacular prizes! With limited tickets printed, these wonderful experiences can easily be yours for the taking. All proceeds go towards our Emerging Artist Training Fund supporting Calgary Opera’s own Emerging Artists. To purchase tickets, visit calgaryopera.com/raffle.
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Discover Kensington Wine Market’s Whisky Advent Calendar Raffle Package #1 | TICKET PRICE: $20 Only 105 tickets printed - SPECIAL DRAW DATE: November 30th, 2016
Get your tickets quick! This holiday season enjoy an exclusive Whisky Advent Calendar custom built by the experts at Kensington Wine Market. This calendar features a custom logo Glencairn glass, 24 50mL whiskies and a 100mL Christmas Day bottle from the Scotch Malt Whisky Society (The Society). The KWM Whisky Advent Calendar also comes with a 10% discount card, good for any of the whiskies in the Calendar (except the Society whisky). The ultimate experience for Whisky Lovers! RETAIL VALUE: $420.00 | Courtesy of Kensington Wine Market
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Discover The Post Hotel & Spa
Raffle Package #2 | TICKET PRICE: $20 Only 375 tickets printed – Draw Date May 1st, 2017 Voted one of the top 5 Canadian resorts in Travel & Leisure – The Post Hotel & Spa offers pristine relaxation amidst the Canadian Rockies in this family-owned, chalet style lodge. Enjoy world-class accommodations with a two-night stay for two guests in a Deluxe Room. Plus, discover all that the resort has to offer with a $500.00 Resort Credit. RETAIL VALUE: $1500.00 | Courtesy of The Post Hotel & Spa
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Discover Holland America Line Cruises Raffle Package #3 | TICKET PRICE: $40 Only 250 tickets printed - Draw Date May 1st, 2017
Discover a voyage like no other – a 12 Day Cruise for 2 in a location of your choosing from Holland America Line’s extensive list of destinations! Choose from Asia, Australia, South Pacific, Caribbean, Europe, South America, and more! (visit hollandamerica.com for a complete list of destinations). Step aboard one of the five-star ships of Holland America Line and enjoy extraordinary dining, spacious staterooms, elegant surroundings and days filled with adventure and pampering. Partake in as many – or as few – activities as you wish, from the renowned Greenhouse Spa & Salon to cooking demonstrations and wine tastings in the Culinary Arts Centre, plus much more. Or simply relax and enjoy the spectacular scenery of your location. Some restrictions apply. Airfare, taxes, and on-board charges not included. RETAIL VALUE: $4399.00 | Courtesy of Holland America Line
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The Biggest Little Collector Shop in Edmonton
West Edmonton Coin & Stamp #1390 West Edmonton Mall Lower Level, Phase 4 780-444-1156
biographies Nicole Bergen Stage Manager
WE’RE MORE THAN JUST COINS AND STAMPS! Sports Memorabilia & Autographs Sports Cards Action Figures Premium Statues Plush Toys Supplies for Collectibles Gaming Cards
Nicole Bergen works as a stage manager and assistant stage manager in Alberta and Saskatchewan. Past shows include The Barber of Seville, Madama Butterfly, The Magic Flute, Carmen, and The Marriage of Figaro (SM, Saskatoon Opera), Die tote Stadt, Lakmé, Silent Night, Candide, The Flying Dutchman, The Pirates of Penzance, La Traviata, Otello, La bohème, Moby Dick, Aida, Lucia di Lammermoor, and Manon (ASM, Calgary Opera), and Ariodante and What Brought Us Here (SM, Calgary Opera, second stage). This season’s shows include Die Fledermaus (SM, Calgary Opera), Filumena, and Turandot (ASM, Calgary Opera) and Christmas at the Opera (SM, Calgary Opera, second stage).
Board Games Hot Wheels Coin Banks Canadian Souvenirs & Much More!
UNITED residents embrace the arts.
Transforming the Experience of Aging.
Lisa Russell Assistant Stage Manager Lisa Russell has worked in dance, theatre and musical theatre in theatres across Canada and is thrilled to be back with Calgary Opera. Selected theatre credits include: Romeo and Juliet, A Soldiers War, Drowning Girls, Becky’s New Car, ShangriLa, O.C.Dean, Pride and Prejudice, Shout Sister, Robin Hood and A Doll’s House (Globe Theatre), A Lovely Sunday for Creve Coeur, Grace & Glorie (Chemainus Theatre Festival), Liberation Days, Les Misérables, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee (Western Canada Theatre), Souvenirs, The December Man and Steel Kiss (Green Thumb Theatre), Doubt, A Parable (Theatre Calgary/Manitoba Theatre Centre). Lisa was the production stage manager for the Summer Arts Festival at the Banff Centre for four years and spent seven seasons at the Stratford Festival. Originally from Calgary, Lisa has recently moved back and calls Calgary home again. She is the recipient of two Tyrone Guthrie Awards from the Stratford Festival.
Catherine Rouleau Assistant Stage Manager
Aline Kutin in Calgary Opera production of Lakmé. Photo by Trudie Lee Photography
UnitedActiveLiving.com Garrison Green 403-685-7200 Fish Creek 587-481-7907
Originally from Montréal, Catherine Rouleau is always happy to return to Calgary Opera. Favourite credits include: as ASM: Carmen, Lakmé, Die tote Stadt, The Magic Flute (Calgary Opera); La Bohème, Dead Man Walking, Die Fledermaus, Faust, The Flying Dutchman, Il Trovatore, Lakmé, Manon, Porgy and Bess, Rigoletto, Roberto Devereux, Rusalka, Salome, Simon Boccanegra, Werther (Opéra de Montréal); Carmen (Vancouver Opera); Das Reingold (OSM). As Stage Manager: New Universe (DJD); Kruger Brothers (The Banff Centre); Je m’appelle Marilyn (GlobeBulle Rouge); Magic Flute, La Veuve Joyeuse (CEGEP of St-Laurent). As an Apprentice: Don Carlo (Vancouver Opera); Lillian Alling (The Banff Centre); The Italian Girl in Algiers (Calgary Opera).
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calgary opera chorus SOPRANOS
MEZZO-SOPRANOS
TENORS
BASS-baritones
Supernumeraries
Melissa Jackson** Karen Shippey-Heilman Barbara Thorson Olga Primak Abbey Curzon Catherine Brown Taylor Matheson Brittany Rae
Jennifer Hutchinson Laura Jones Eswina Ngai Valerie Hudson Rosemary Van Dyk Donna Romano* Julia Buker Carolyn Dahl Rees
Stephen DeLude Josh Paynter Carey Unger J. T. Steenkamp Troy Lewis* Réjean Campbell Ted Wall Stuart Miller
David Ng Graham Paynter Mark Hahle** David Daly Tim Vollhoffer Paul Lloyd Jeff Davis Adam Brousseau
Chris Baker Chris Gieck
Emerging Artists participating in the chorus: Simon Chalifoux, Johnathon Kirby, Morgan Traynor, Lauren Woods
The Calgary Opera Chorus is generously supported by Averil Cook.
* Section Lead ** Chorus Representative & Section Lead
calgary philharmonic orchestra Sponsored by Mary Rozsa de Coquet, in memory of Ted and Lola Rozsa Music Director Designate Rune Bergmann Music Director Laureate Roberto Minczuk FIRST VIOLINS
VIOLaS
OBOES
TROMBONES
John Lowry - Concertmaster Donovan Seidle - Associate Concertmaster David Lakirovich Alice Bartsch Olga Kotova Patrice Calixte Laura Reid Andrea Neumann Kathryn Corvino Eva Sztraind
Laurent Grillet-Kim Marcin Swoboda Daniel Stone Peter Blake Arthur Bachmann Carl Boychuk
Jean Landa David Sussman
James Scott Michael Thomson David Reid
Steve Amsel Jocelyn Colquhoun
TIMPANI
Cellos
BASSOONS
PERCUSSION
Josue Valdepenas Tom Mirhady Karen Youngquist Janet Kuschak Magdi Szebenyi Joan Kent
Christopher Sales Michael Hope
Timothy Borton TBC
HORNS
HARP
Robert McCosh Jennifer Frank William Hopson Laurie Matiation Heather Wootton
Tisha Murvihill
SECOND VIOLINS Stephanie Soltice-Johnson Steven Lubiarz Craig Hutchenreuther Theresa Lane Adriana Lebedovich Min-Kyung Kwon Jeremy Gabbert Maria van der Sloot
BASSES Sam Loeck Sheila Garrett Graeme Mudd Patrick Staples
FLUTES Gwen Klassen Sarah Gieck
24 CALGARY OPERA 2016-17 SEASON
CLARINETS
TRUMPETS Adam Zinatelli Miranda Canonico
Malcolm Lim
LIBRARIAN Rob Grewcock
PERSONNEL MANAGER Michael Thomson
Scared and loving it. We didn’t invite your best friend over for a movie night. Or beg her to watch something scary. But we did power the movie that helped you realize you can get through the scary parts with a friend by your side. When the energy you invest in life meets the wind power we fuel it with, screams and giggles happen.
reach your
Audience Suggitt PUBLISHERS
Suggitt PUBLISHERS
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During the renewal process of subscriptions back in March, the Calgary Opera team received a lot of feedback from subscribers who currently don’t have another friend to go to the opera with. Their co-subscriber had moved away, passed away, or could not attend anymore, and they still wish to attend the opera, but feel out of place that they have no one to enjoy it with. In the upcoming season, we are introducing Opera Buddies – a chance to connect pre-show and intermission with other solo opera-goers, who just want to have a conversation about the production and share their love of opera. Now, this is not a dating service by any means – just an opportunity to mingle with others who do not have a friend to go to the opera with. If you are interested in Opera Buddies, please contact us at (403) 262-7286, and we’ll tell you more about the program at upcoming performances.
CALGARY OPERA’S
VALENTINE BALL SATURDAY, FEB RUARY
11. 2017
OPERA IS
F O R E V E R
MORE INFORMATION CALGARYOPERA.COM/VBALL
403.262.7286
Join us for an elegant evening of dining, dancing and love stories at Calgary Opera’s Valentine Ball, a fundraising event in support of Calgary Opera’s Emerging Artist Development Program. The Crystal Ballroom at the Fairmont Palliser will be filled with love, laughter and luck (if you’re a winner in our silent or live auctions!). Between dinner and dancing, we’re thrilled to present, Andrew Love, direct from Broadway’s Les Misérables and rising Canadian Soprano, Lida Szkwarek, both graduates of our Emerging Artist Development Program. The young singers we nurture today grace tomorrow’s global stage for audiences to fall in love with. Be part of this love story. For tickets, visit calgaryopera.com or call 403 262 7286.
26 CALGARY OPERA 2016-17 SEASON
An Honourary Doctorate for Calgary Opera General Director & CEO General Director & CEO W.R. (Bob) McPhee, C.M., of Calgary Opera, will receive an Honourary Degree, Doctor of Laws, the highest honour conferred by the University of Calgary.
“We offer this degree in recognition of W.R. (Bob) McPhee’s contribution and accomplishments as a mentor to artists and administrators, his experience as a community leader, ability to grow organizations and to continually encourage artists to bring a high level of performance to audiences,” said Robert Thirsk, OC, OBC, BSc, LLD (Hon), Chancellor of the University of Calgary.
Mr. McPhee will receive his degree during the November 10th afternoon convocation ceremony, which will include Arts graduands. He will also deliver an address to the graduating class. “I am very humbled to be given this exceptional honour,” said McPhee. “I am extremely honoured to be one of the recipients of this degree, and look forward to standing with them at Convocation, as well as addressing the graduands.” Bob McPhee is one of the most highly regarded leaders in Canada’s arts scene. As Calgary Opera’s General Director and Chief Executive Officer, he offers more than 30 years of artistic and administrative leadership, and is admired among his peers – worldwide – as a mentor and artistic visionary. McPhee began his career as a baritone performing in theatre, opera, radio and television after graduating from the University of Manitoba. He then studied arts administration at Grant MacEwan University, The Banff Centre School of Management and Stanford University. After many increasingly senior positions at numerous renowned artistic companies across Canada, McPhee joined Calgary Opera as General Director and CEO in 1998, allowing him to return to his first love: opera. During his tenure at Calgary Opera, he has become recognized as a leader in the creation of new work, having commissioned eight works and presented numerous Canadian premieres. The company also founded a comprehensive young artist training program and started Canada’s first outdoor summer opera festival. Under his leadership, the operating budget has tripled, achieving 15 surplus seasons with more than 80% capacity. McPhee has led two previous capital projects, and is embarking on a third with the development of the future home of Calgary Opera at the Calgary Stampede Youth Campus. McPhee is the recipient of many awards, two of his most cherished being the Order of Canada (2013) and an Opera Canada Lifetime Achievement Award, also known as a Ruby (2015). He believes a flourishing arts and culture scene is critical for a community to thrive and be sustainable. He is recognized globally as a champion of emerging artists and an innovative creator who continues to achieve an exceptional standard of excellence in Canada’s arts world.
It’s Official Calgary Opera is also happy to announce, we will have a new home on 12 Avenue and 5 Street SE, as part of the Calgary Stampede Youth Campus. This has been in the works for a while, but the documents have officially been signed. Our mainstage productions will still be at the Jubilee Auditorium, but the administrative, training, small performances, production & prop shop, costume & wig shops will be in this location. Planning for the new building is under way.
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Calgary Opera
&
UNITED ACTIVE LIVING
Calgary Opera and United Active Living Retirement Communities
are working together to concoct that magical potion by engaging older adults through a personal connection with art and artists. United Active Living is just that, a community of people living together and actively engaging in life. Founded in 1997, United Active Living is a Calgary-based company whose vision it is to create an inclusive community where residents can thrive to the end of their lives.
When President, Gail Hinchliffe, and Music Director, Jill LaForty (both knowledgeable about the arts and passionate about bringing them to others), approached Calgary Opera this past year to partner in making opera a part of that engagement, it was a coproduction not to be passed up. Studies have shown that challenging, participatory programs for older adults promote better health and disease prevention, resulting in higher levels of independence and less need for longterm care. It has also been demonstrated that older adults live productive, healthy lives and contribute to their communities as a result of participation in the arts. A dynamic art form, opera engages participants through multiple artistic disciplines including vocal music, instrumental music, theatre, dance and visual art/design. Opera also offers cognitive challenges and intellectual stimulation (including exposure to foreign languages), to create a rich and dimensional experience. Finally, opera provides exposure to diverse and complicated subject matter, including various time periods/historical eras, settings that are frequently in a different culture, and plots and themes that allow for meaningful discussion such as current events, relationships, social/personal values, life choices and political/religious beliefs.
28 CALGARY OPERA 2016-17 SEASON
United Active Living communities are unique in Canada. They are designed to promote lifelong learning and creativity, while providing a variety of healthcare options including independent living, assisted living and memory care programs. Their model is a social rather than medical one; the philosophy to be less institutional and more experiential. Calgary Opera is working with United Active Living to break down barriers to participation in the arts by bringing opera to their residents, challenging their intellect and providing a vehicle for their emotional passion. “Our residents aren’t living in a community bounded by four walls. Our community extends into the greater community where residents are exposed to a wide variety of music and other creative arts,” said United Active Living’s Gail Hinchliffe. “These partnerships really give residents something you can’t find anywhere else.” Over the course of this year, Calgary Opera will bring opera to the residents of United Active Living’s two Calgary communities with three performances by members of Calgary Opera’s Emerging Artist Development Program as well as a personal one-on-one with Resident Conductor, Christopher Mokrzewski.
“ ” Billed as “A Conversation with Christopher Mokrzewski,” ‘Topher’ recently sat down with United residents at Garrison Green and spoke of his career as a pianist and conductor, his current role as Resident Conductor, the anatomy of an opera production, his favourite composers, thoughts on new works, his other professional exploits, and the pedigree of his current opera family, Calgary Opera. Mr. Mokrzewski played a bit, laughed a bit, and talked about his life in the arts. His appreciative audience was visibly moved by his story, his personality and the passion with which he lives. It was clear from the response by both the presenter and his audience that this was only the beginning of a special relationship. Passion is indeed infectious, a true life elixir.
music is what feelings sound like...
calgary.com A proud sponsor of the Calgary Opera
Resource: National Opera Center of America report on “Opera and Creative Aging”
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Investing in our communities Repsol is a proud educational sponsor of the Calgary Opera
is pleased to present
IN CONCERT International Superstar Soprano
Anna NETREBKO And Tenor
Yusif EYVAZOV Conducted by
Jader BIGNAMINI with the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra
Tickets are
SELLING FAST Post-show Reception
SOLD OUT
ONE NIGHT ONLY Sunday, April 30, 2017 7:30 pm Jack Singer Concert Hall
For tickets visit www.calgaryopera.com 30 CALGARY OPERA 2016-17 SEASON
corporate and community support Community Supporters Alberta Foundation for the Arts Alberta Lottery Fund Calgary Arts Development Canada Council for the Arts Canadian Heritage Southern Alberta Opera Development Foundation
Emerging Artist Development Program Supporters
Enbridge Inc. RBC Financial Group, through RBC Emerging Artists Project
Mainstage Media Sponsor The Calgary Herald
Production Sponsors
Newad Pattison Outdoor Playhouse Publications Swerve
Official Suppliers
Expedia Cruiseship Centres (MR) Heaven’s Elevated Fitness Group Kensington Wine Market Peaseblossoms Structured Abstraction
Consulting Professionals Dr. Phillip Van de Merwe – Company Physician Dr. S. Joseph Warshawski – Company Otolaryngologist
Individual Donors
BMO Financial Group Nexen Energy, a CNOOC Limited Company Husky Energy
Naming Benefactor Mamdani Opera Centre
Program Sponsors
Our Step Up! Matching gift program is made possible by the generous support of: Mario Stella
Canada Post Community Foundation Cenovus Energy KPMG McLeod Law Repsol Group Sun Life Financial TD Bank United Active Living
Riaz Mamdani
Matching Gift Supporter
Orchestra Sponsor
Mary Rozsa de Coquet, in memory of Ted and Lola Rozsa
Major Gift Donors
Infrastructure Supporter
Jackie Flanagan The Pyke Family
Gala Corporate Sponsors
Impresario Circle
Rozsa Foundation Deloitte Imperial Oil Strategic Group
Opera in the Village Title Sponsor Imperial Oil
Opera in the Village Energizing Partner Enmax
Opera in the Village Supporters
ATCO Structures & Logistics Calgary Municipal Land Corporation City of Calgary Cowtown Opera Company Department of Canadian Heritage – The Building Communities Through Arts & Heritage Program Tourism Calgary
Media Sponsors The Calgary Herald Global Calgary
Platinum
Averil Cook Judith & Terence Dalgleish Stewart & Eileen Ford David & Beverley Foy Christel & Ben Johansson Dawn & Verne Johnson Kathy & Richard Sendall Monica Sloan & John Evison Don Swystun & Kerrie Penney Sheila Wappel-McLean & Brent McLean Mrs. Marian Williams
Gold
Anonymous (2) Tunde Agbi Andrea Brussa Carolyn Dahl Rees Lilien Dobish The Dunlop Family Fund at the Calgary Foundation Don & Joanne Edie Susan & Dan Ezinga Cos & Eleanor Gabriele Diane Hobson David & Joyce Keith
Juri & Helle Kraav Taras Kulish David Lyons Sian Matthews & Gerry Leudy Vickie & Russell McKinnon Jacqueline Pyke & Evan Hazell C.A. Siebens
Silver
Anonymous Sharon Bartley Jo Anne Britton Susanne & Michael Brown Meredith & Pat Cashion Alan D Castle Endowment for the Arts at the Calgary Foundation Walter & Gloria Chayka Maureen & Graham Davies David & Roxanne Dunlop Paul English & Marion Woodman Eldon & Carlie-Jean Godfrey Dick & Lois Haskayne Dawn Jones & George McDonald Marilyn Kandt Kevin Konynenbelt JoAnn McCaig John & Susan McWilliams Geri & Alan Moon Patricia & J. Sherrold Moore Osten-Victor Fund at the Calgary Foundation Roger & Pam Prior Ruth & Garry Ramsden-Wood Maggie Rigaux Gordon W. Ross & Richard Cote Cynthia Sim Tamra Stretch Arlene Strom & Colin Jackson Kenneth & Faye Turnbull Henriette & Kees van Ittersum
Bronze
Anonymous (2) Marian Beer Dr. Ken Blair/Rev. James Farrell Dr. Miriam Carey The Carthy Foundation Peter Claghorn & Brenda Lang Helen & Mark Cluett Patricia Courtright Deborah Cullen David Daly Michael Fawcett Henry & Johanna Heuver Rebecca Hotchkiss Kimberley & Paul Lloyd Brian P. Mahoney Alicia Maluta The McClary Family Janis & Bruce Morrison Palmer Foundation Geoffrey Pradella Gordon Ritchie Jackie Sheppard Joanne Stalinski Keith Steeves Sveinung Svarte & Muriel Bourra Andy & Krystyna Williamson
Ken Wilson Janice Woodward
Core
Anonymous (4) Tina Antony & Tom Stepperd Jennifer Arko & Laura Castle David Baker Irene M. Bakker Micheline Barbeau Carl Calantone & Susan Bennett Gregory Berko Ian & Gwen Burgess Peggy Churchward Judge (Ret) & Mrs. Mary Jane Cioni Catrin Coe Marilyn Conley Kirsten Cook-Zaba & Dwayne Zaba Brent & Karen Cooper Marise & Mike Crichton Gizella Davis Jocelyne Daw & Bob Page Doug & Lisa Demetrick Anne-Marie & Bill Duma David & Diane Field Edette Gagne Patricia Glenn & John Holgate Patricia & Paul Godard Niki & Craig Golinowski Margaret Graw David Haigh & Dawn Riley Lynda Hay Heather Haydu Mark & Nancy Heule Rizwan Hirjee James Hughes Carrol Jaques & Bob Loov Jay MacGillvray Dr. Zelma Kiss & Christopher McAviney Leslie McCawley Dennis & Maureen McConaghy Lachlin & Julianne McKinnon Sharon McNaughton W.R. (Bob) McPhee Branca & Bruce Pachkowski John & Jean Partridge Heather Peters Lorne & Beth Price Rabinovitz Family Community Fund at the Jewish Foundation Greta Raymond Don Rea Iris Richards Robert & Cindy Rossie Cam & Helga Schneider Pamela Smith Gordon Sombrowski & Kevin Allen Alan & Amber Stewart Richard & Shannon Tanner Dale Voigt & Melanie Stapleton Dan & Molly Wares Penelope Weir Peter M. Wood Jerilyn Wright Maurice & Anne Petrie Yacowar Caleb Young
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corporate and community support FRIENDS OF CALGARY OPERA
Kathryn & Robert Worthingham Jason Wrobleski
Sustaining Friend
Contributing Friend
Anonymous (7) Lois Alger Laurie M. Anderson Teresa Anderson Bill & Carol Ann Armstrong John C. Armstrong Lisa Atkinson Alan & Isabelle Ayasse Corry Baum Rob Bede Louise Berlin Joan & Sean Booth Claude & Diane Boutin Dr. P.C. Bradley A.J. Brown & R.B. Beaty Thora Budda Anita Carey Edna M. Charchuk Bill Christensen Ted & Yanka Cochrane David Crutcher Tony & Gillean Daffern Alan Dornian C. Morag Dornian Janice Dowhaniuk Susan Duckett Dr. & Mrs. E. J. L. Fish John & Audrey Fry Dr. Gary & Mrs. Jamie Gelfand Michael Gerken & Gerlinde Metz Dr. William Ghali Brian J Hatton Lise Houle & Gary Molnar Sam & Roberta Kaketsis Roy Klassen Rick Kubik Sheilagh Langille Cynthia Maier Brenda-Ann Marks Laurent Maurel M. Ann McCaig Mr. & Mrs. Mike Messing Brian Mills & Susan Tyrrell Dr. Brian Norford Jackie Palmer Barry Paxton Trudy Payne John & Beverley Peters Sir Francis Price Kirsten & David Pugh Donna Riback Vera A. Ross Rein & Patricia Saar Sidewalk Citizen Bakery Marianne & Al Siemens Geoffrey & Joan Simmins Robert Such Greg Szuch David Tavender H. ter Keurs Dr John & Naomi Tyberg Susan Veres Anna Wawrzynowski T.W. Wilson
Anonymous (12) Deborah Alexander Ian Anderson Patricia Austin-Edy Ronke Babatunde Barbara Beaton Pieter Bessem & Heather Fraser Patricia A. Booker David & Sebina Butts Andrew Cook & Shannon Stevenson Michelle Copeland S. Corff Mr. James Cran Mr. & Mrs. John de Waal Leslie Dimion Ann Donald Tom & Dianne Ferguson Jean L. Fisher Terry Fridhandler Brian Gaas Linda Garvey Carlos Gascon The Haglund Family Jay Halls Christine Howitt Helen Isaac Jenny Jensen Hakim Kapasi Lucy & Emerson Keough Derek & Nancy Lee Robert & Linda Lesoway Gwen Loveless Derek Lylyk & Kimberly Wheelans Outi McEachern Ken McGuire Howard & Janet McLean Eswina Ngai Kirsten Olson Dina O’Meara Marla Orenstein Annemarie Pederson Carolyn S. Phillips Nona Phillips Barry & Gail Pollock Michael Robbins Karen Schweighardt Bruce Seifred & Sandra Sobko Colleen Shepstone Ronald Sigal Douglas Soeder Jeff Sparkes Twylla Starlight Kathie & Bill Stell Peg Taylor Carol Thompson Isabelle S. Wolcott Valerie Woodhead Robert E. Woodrow Daniel J. Zukiwsky
Supporting Friend Anonymous (25) Lori Adams Beth & Peter Adams
32 CALGARY OPERA 2016-17 SEASON
Daria Alavidze Barbara Aldridge Tamarah Antares Alireza Azmudeh Henok Baarez Larry Bailey Tom Banks Donald W. Beers Jeanette & Rudy Berger Helen Borm Pat Boyko Katri Bruen Lloyd & Carolyn Byers Marie Cameron Marlene Cameron Heather Campbell Frances V. Cormack Greg Coupal Eleanor Craighead Dr. Bernadette Curry Harm Deckers Melanie Degenstein Angeline Donais Earl & Judy Dreeschen Neil Drummond Denis & Patricia Duke Mr. John Dyck LaVerne Erickson Catherine Fraser Linda M. Fraser Riona Freeman Mrs Beverly Furlong L & M Gregoret Jan Grier Denise Guichon David Hobill Harold Hoffmann Carla Hos John Humphrey Sandra Hunt McDonald Lana Jackson Willem Jalink Victor & Lise Januszewski Joan Jenkins JoAnn Jones Steve Kennett & Christine Friedenreich Barbara & Kenneth King Madeleine King Gail Kingwell Bill & Elspeth Kirk Sheila Kirkland Katy Klein Edmond Ko Evelyn Ko P. Kornacki Alexander & Sharon Kozub Arthur & Janet Krolman Shirley L. Langan Al & Sandy Lucas Beverly MacLeod Patricia Maier Anitra Mamen Fiona Mattatall Evelyne Mauro Philip & Eleanor May Karen McCullough James & Donna McDonald Robert McInnis
Karen D. McKay Andrea McLellan Devon Miller Mrs. E. Milner Eugene F. Milone Dr. Darlene Montgomery Heather & Fred Morrissey Rasma Muiznieks Mr. Jon Ottewell Dianne Parkinson - McCabe A. Patterson Karen Patterson Nicola Peden Kelly Pitaoulis Erika Pochailo Arleigh S. Porte Milan Rabljenovic Marlene & Norm Raymond Fran Reid Chere Reilly Tom & Sylvia Royan Gordan Ruzdijic Milada Rysan Robert & Tamara Seiler Timothy Shantz & Katheleen Warke Mr. & Mrs. Gerard & Doris Sheilan Shortgrass / Marj & Patrick Windle Ken & Barb Smith Penny Smith Donna Spronk Anne Stang Anne Stone Johnson Laurie & Doug Strother Carmen Tellier & Les Smith Rosemarie Thiessen Mark & Wendy Thomas Monique Tobicoe Nancy Tousley Cameron Louise Vertes Mira Von Maldeghem Greg & Anna Wagland John A. Watson Louis Watson Caroline Weisgerber Alan White Tatiana Willumsen Gunella Winchester Valerie Wolfe Susan Woods Ed & Sharon Wozniak Margaret Yacyshen B & J Young Herrat Zahner Del & Marjorie Zingle Bonnie Zwack
Adopt an Artist Donors Anonymous Judith & Terence Dalgleish David & Beverley Foy Cos & Eleanor Gabriele Monica Sloan & John Evison Don Swystun & Kerrie Penney Marian Williams
Emerging Artist Training Fund
Joan & Sean Booth Carolyn Dahl Rees David & Beverley Foy Christel & Ben Johansson Dawn & Verne Johnson David & Joyce Keith Riaz Mamdani Ron Mannix Devon Miller Keith Steeves H. ter Keurs Sheila Wappel-McLean & Brent McLean
Voce Eterna Future Fund
We acknowledge the generous support of Dr. R.G. (Bud) Williams, Emerging Artist Scholarship Fund Brian Grasmuck
2016 Wine Fair Auction Donors
Alberta Ballet Alberta Theatre Projects Apex Massage
Calgary Folk Fest Calgary Opera Janet Horbacio Keys Please One Yellow Rabbit Performance Theatre Stage West Theatre Restaurant UrbanTrend Vine & Dine Yoga Mandala The Laugh Shop The Calgary Zoo Urban Venus The Costume Shoppe Peasant Cheese Shop Mary-Ann Art Wine Kitz Calgary Vero Bistro FRESH! Fitness Tom Firth blink! Restaurant Christine Hoeppner Parc Café & Brasserie John Carlson
2016 Opera Gala Auction Donors
Heather Moore Trudie Lee Photography
Bill Duma Elena Evanoff Jarvis Hall Gallery Carl White Nathalie Boisvert Miko Photography Fairmont Palliser Hotel Arts Fairmont Banff Springs The Banff Centre Purcell Mountain Lodge Wine Collective & Tannic Trialto Wine Group Jerome’s Appliance Gallery Nespresso Business Solutions Rubaiyat J’Vair Anderson Jewellers Calgary Jewellery Ltd. Jerilyn Wright & Associates Emily Forrest McLeod Law LLP Dr. Rachel Goldenberg Marc Cain Calgary Polo Club Calgary Stampede Cineplex Events Opéra De Montréal Organ Montreal Theatre Junction
Vertigo Theatre Shannon Mercer Peaseblossoms BCBGMAXAZRIA Kensington Wine Market Monica Sloan & John Evison Taras Kulish & Kevin Gallie Fogo Island Inn Big Rock Brewery
Memorial
In Memory of Linda Nielsen In Memory of Bruce Cairns
Special Thanks
Theatre Calgary ExecSuite Inc. – Accommodation Partner
ONE NATION UNDER THE ARTS We live in a country with a rich and deep appreciation for arts and culture, and we’re committed to fund programs that enable Canadians of all means and backgrounds to enjoy the very best. Proud supporter of the Calgary Opera and proudly Canadian.
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new to
Opera?
“Opera” is the Italian word for ‘work’, and is a story told through music and words. An orchestra (in Calgary Opera’s case, the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra), plays the music in a ‘pit’ under the stage. Singers onstage bring the story to life through acting and sing the words (known as ‘the libretto’ instead of ‘lyrics’.) What makes opera different from musical theatre is that the singers are ‘unplugged’, meaning there are no microphones, and their voices are carried through their superior trained vocal ability and acoustics in the Jubilee Auditorium.
Principals and Cast The main characters of each story are sung by ‘principals’, who are often guest artists that are brought in because of their talent in performing that particular character. It takes an enormous amount of dedication, practice and rehearsing to form a particular character for an artist. Opera singers also tend to know more than one language, including Italian, French, German, or Russian!
The Chorus The principals, as well as supporting artists, are often joined by the Calgary Opera Chorus. The Calgary Opera Chorus is made up of volunteers, who devote their talent and skill to performing in all the productions, and rehearse for many evenings prior to a production. In order to be a Chorus member, you must audition for the Director of Artistic Operations and Chorus Director of the Opera company.
Voice Types and Ranges Soprano – This is the highest female voice and is often associated with the heroine in opera such as Cio-Cio-San in Madam Butterfly. Famous sopranos include Maria Callas, Dame Joan Sutherland, Dame Kiri Te Kanewa, Anna Netrebko, Lesley Garrett, Rebecca Evans and Nuccia Focile. Examples of sopranos in popular music include Celine Dion, Julie Andrews, Diana Ross, Kristen Bell and Mariah Carey. Mezzo Soprano – The middle female voice. A darker voice than a soprano associated with a range of different roles often used to portray female characters of great complexity such as Carmen. Famous mezzo sopranos include Norine Burgess, Kimberly Barber, Judith Forst and Cecilia Bartoli. In popular music, examples of Mezzo-sopranos include Alanis Morrisette, Sarah McLachlan and k.d. Lang. Contralto – The lowest category of female voice. Artists such as Maureen Forrester, Marie-Nicole Lemieux are contraltos. In popular music, contraltos include Adele, Amy Winehouse, Annie Lennox, Lady Gaga and Diana Krall. Tenor – A high male voice. Most often associated with the hero in opera such as Rodolfo in La bohème and Alfredo in La Traviata. Famous tenors include Luciano Pavarotti, Placido Domingo, Jose Carerras and Andrea Bocelli. Tenors in popular music are Paul McCartney, Freddie Mercury, Bono, Elton John, Justin Timberlake and Justin Bieber. Baritone – The middle male voice. Baritones often sing the villain or comic roles, or the friend to the lead male character. Famous baritones include Sir Thomas Allen, Gerald Finley and Simon Keenlyside. In popular music, Johnny Cash, David Bowie, Elvis Presley, Blake Shelton and Eddie Vedder are examples of Baritones. Bass – The deepest male voice. Often associated with villains or comic roles. Bryn Terfel, Isaac Hayes and Barry White are bass baritones in popular music. Counter Tenor – The highest male voice which is largely used in Early Music and Baroque operas. Famous Counter Tenors include James Bowman, Andreas Scholl and David Daniels. In popular music, Adam Levine, Barry Gibb and Roger Taylor are considered countertenors for their falsetto abilities.
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