Calgary Opera program - Opera in the Village 2015

Welcome to the Big Top on the Bow

AU G U S T 1 3 – 2 2 , 2 0 1 5

2015-16 SEASON Box Office, Administration & Rehearsal Hall MamDani OPERA CENTRE 1315 - 7 Street SW, Calgary AB T2R 1A5 Phone: 403-262-7286 | Fax: 403-263-5428 www.calgaryopera.com | info@calgaryopera.com Calgary Opera gratefully acknowledges the support of:

Calgary Opera is a member of Opera.ca (The Professional Opera Companies of Canada), OPERA America, Alberta Major Performing Arts Consortium, and operates under the jurisdiction of the Canadian Actors’ Equity Association.

@CalgaryOpera

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opera in the village 3

board of directors

Evan J. Hazell

Jay MacGillivray

Chair Chair, Nominating

Director Structured Abstraction

Donald C. Edie, QC

Lachlin McKinnon

Secretary

Director

Carscallen LLP

Prospector Executive Search

Janice Woodward

Bob Sartor

Treasurer

Director

C.A. Consultant

Big Rock Brewery

Michael Brown Director Calgary Municipal Land Corporation

Brent Cooper Director McLeod Law LLP

David Dunlop, CA Director Veresen

Christel Johansson Chair, Corporate Campaign

Verne Johnson Chair, Major Gifts KrisErin Resources

4 CALGARY OPERA 2015-16 SEASON

Monica Sloan Chair, Endowment JKS Holdings

Don Swystun Director

Ruth Ramsden-Wood Director

Jerilyn Wright Chair, Special Events Jerilyn Wright & Associates

message from the

chair |

Summer in calgary! Time to experience the magnificent sounds of opera along the Bow River at the third annual Opera in the Village, Canada’s only outdoor summer opera festival. It takes a committed, supportive community to produce a festival of this nature.

Corporate and community visionaries, Imperial and Calgary Municipal Land Corporation (CMLC) continue to illustrate their commitment to Calgary and Calgary Opera through their investment in Opera in the Village. We extend our sincerest appreciation to Imperial who truly understand that ongoing support as Presenting Sponsor is instrumental for the continued growth of the festival.

CMLC, festival site partner, is a true partner in every sense supporting the festival infrastructure, extending our relationships with their East Village partners and aiding in the expansion of our corporate community footprint.

This year, we welcome new corporate partners to the Opera in the Village experience. Enmax, our Festival Energizing Partner, join CMLC and Calgary Opera energizing Calgary’s newest urban neighbourhood, the East Village. Investing in the community is well understood by our newest corporate supporter, ATB Financial who have

Evan J. Hazell joined our partnership to build an exciting community destination for all.

And, Stuart Olson, our Site Animation Partner and CMLC’s construction partner in the East Village, who illustrate their understanding that festivals such as Opera in the Village animate neighbourhoods and build vibrant communities.

Through CMLC, our association with the East Village builders – Embassy BOSA, FRAM & Slokker and Knightsbridge – continues to develop as we welcome new residents in the East Village to Opera in the Village for the first time.

Community support from a variety of sources such as ATCO Structures & Logistics for our backstage trailers; and our media partners Calgary Herald, Global Calgary and Pattison Outdoor shows just how all facets of our city join together in expanding our lives through cultural experiences.

And, of course, we extend our thanks to our community partners whose leadership role supporting Opera in the Village since its inception truly illustrate that it takes a great community to build a brilliant, vivid city – Alberta Government, Canadian Heritage, Calgary Arts Development Authority, Calgary Hotel Association, City of Calgary and Tourism Calgary.

Opera in the Village is the vision of our General Director W.R. (Bob) McPhee who recently was awarded a Ruby Award from Opera Canada recognizing his outstanding individual achievement to opera in Canada.

Congratulations, Bob! Opera in the Village illustrates Calgary Opera is so much more!

message from the

general director and ceo | it is time once again to enjoy the sounds of summer with a unique opera experience at Calgary Opera’s Opera in the Village along the East Village RiverWalk™. This year we welcome East Village’s first residents to the fun and frolic of the festival along with the ever-increasing number of Calgarians and visitors who continue to discover the vibrancy of the RiverWalk™.

At this, the third annual Opera in the Village festival, we present the satirical humour of Gilbert & Sullivan with the production of their comedic opera The Mikado in the Big Top Tent every evening.

Under the baton of Calgary Opera Resident Conductor and Repetiteur Christopher “Topher” Mokrzewski, The Mikado is directed by one of Canada’s most respected opera and theatre stage directors, Glynis Leyshon. I’m so pleased to have many of our Emerging Artist alumni return to the Calgary Opera stage, including Martin Sadd as Nanki-Poo, Laura Brandt as Peep-Bo, Eve-Lyn de la Haye as Yum-Yum, Jennifer Sproule as Pitti-Sing, and David Diston (returning for a second year in the program this fall) as Pish-Tush. A participant in the pilot year of the Emerging Artist program, Lauren Segal has gone on to have a distinguished career and returns as Katisha.

We’re also fortunate to have our past Opera in the Village performers return, including Brett Polegato as Pooh-Bah, who played the Pirate King, and Thomas Goerz as The Mikado of Japan, who played the Sergeant of Police in 2013’s Pirates of Penzance, along with David LeReaney as Ko-Ko, who has the distinction of appearing in all three Opera in the Village productions.

W.R. (Bob) McPhee

We look forward to hearing you laugh and cheer the antics of The Mikado, Yum-Yum, and the Grand Poo-Bah. Remember – no flirting allowed!

The matinee performances of our family production, The Scorpions’ Sting give audiences of all ages an opportunity to experience the magic of opera outdoors. The Scorpions’ Sting is directed by Aaron Coates, with music direction by Emerging Artist Coordinator Mel Kirby. Performing on-stage are Emerging Artist alumni Matthew Bruce, Vanessa OudeReimerink, Aaron Dimoff, and Courtney V. Murias.

The Scorpions’ Sting toured communities across the province this past spring, thrilling over 11,000 students and with its captivating story and comical characters, including mummies, puppets and scorpions. Families are in for a treat!

As we open our 3rd annual Opera in the Village, we want to take a moment and recognize the great contribution Evan Hazell, our out-going Chair of the Board has made to the organization over his decade+ tenure.

Evan’s leadership and guidance has been critical to Calgary Opera’s success and will be missed. Thank you, Evan!

And, of course, we thank YOU – our patrons and our supporters – for endorsing Canada’s only outdoor summer opera festival, Opera in the Village. Now, sit back and enjoy – Opera in the Village, a festival for all!

opera in the village 5

The

Rome wasn’t built in a day, and that’s because it didn’t have the same support we do at Calgary Opera. We have to give many thanks to our partners and sponsors who stepped in, rolled up their sleeves and helped us build this year’s Opera in the Village.

First we’d like to thank, Imperial, our Presenting Sponsor. This great organization has been with us from the start. They believed in our vision for the festival and have continued to support us in achieving it. Their corporate culture of giving has translated to significant volunteer participation from their employees.

The only way we’d be able to have Opera in the “Village” is through the generosity, and continued support of our Site Partner, Calgary Municipal Land Corporation (C.M.L.C.). They’ve been with us since the festival was a seed in our imagination, and have helped the festival (and the East Village) grow into a thriving, multifaceted, community of people and partners.

Our newest partner, ENMAX, re-energized our festival, so it seemed fitting to name them our Festival Energizing Partner. They act as our community conduit, bringing the East Village together as the host of our ENMAX Dress Rehearsal of The Mikado. Their employees have also given us much needed volunteer support.

We wouldn’t be able to laugh at “Buddy” the Comedy Cowboy, listen to Midnight Taiko Drummers, or learn Ikebana without our Site Animation Partner, Stuart Olson. They allow us to put the festivities in our festival. Our ability to run such a diverse line-up, allows us to connect with a diverse group of people – a core value of Calgary Opera and Opera in the Village.

6 CALGARY OPERA 2015-16 SEASON

Community ATB Financial is one of our newest Corporate Partners. Their support came at a very important time for Opera in the Village, so for that we thank them. Knightsbridge Architecture & Construction is also a new Corporate Partner this year too. They, along with Embassy Bossa and FRAM + Slokker (past and present Corporate Partners) are working with C.M.L.C. to build Calgary’s Newest, Oldest, Coolest, Warmest neighbourhood – East Village. Their support has been an integral part of determining the logistics of running a festival in a neighbourhood under construction.

Our Community Partners – Calgary Arts Development, Calgary Hotel Association, Canadian Heritage, The City of Calgary, The Province of Alberta, and Tourism Calgary – have been paramount in helping us grow our festival into an attraction worth traveling to.

They’ve helped us build Opera in the Village as a destination event, and as the only outdoor opera festival in Canada, it could be!

And how would we let people know about our festival, without the support of our Media Sponsors – Calgary Herald, Global Calgary and Pattison Outdoor. They talk about us behind our back, and that’s a good thing!

So like we said, we’re pretty sure we could have built Rome in a day if we had this amazing team of partners and sponsors – having C.M.L.C. and Imperial on board would sure help anyway! Thank you to each and every one – we truly couldn’t have done it without you.

opera in the village supporters Presenting Sponsor

Site Partner Festival Energizing Partner

Corporate Partners

Site Animation Partner

media partners

Official Suppliers

opera in the village 7

Schedule of Events outdoor arias – second stage An opera-to-go experience on the Second Stage on RiverWalk™ Plaza. Join us for your favourite opera classics performed by talented alumni of Calgary Opera’s Emerging Artist Program. FREE

ACTIVITIES AND PERFORMANCES Taiko Drummers, Kaede Japanese Dancers, origami & lantern making workshops, Malcolm the Magician, “Buddy” the Comedy Cowboy, kids martial arts demonstrations*. FREE

OUTDOOR MOVIE NIGHTS Bring a lawn chair and blanket to cozy up for three cult classic movies under the stars. From 10:15 - midnight on August 14 (Moulin Rouge), August 15 (Beetlejuice), August 21 (Rocky Horror Picture Show)**. FREE

BIG TOP TENT – main stage The centrepiece of Opera in the Village - matinee and evening performances of Gilbert & Sullivan’s madcap operetta The Mikado and family matinees of The Scorpions’ Sting in a 900-seat open-air tent. Tickets for The Mikado are $35 - $125. Tickets for The Scorpions’ Sting are $15. Available online, by phone, in-person at the Calgary Opera Box Office (1315 7 Street SW), or on-site during festival hours.

*Schedule changes daily. **Movie schedule subject to change.

eats and drinks

THURSDAY

13

FRIDAY

14

SATURDAY

15

SUNDAY

16

MONDAY

17

TUESDAY

18

WEDNESDAY THURSDAY

19

FRIDAY

20

21

SATURDAY

22

12 PM

1 PM

FREE

FREE

ACTIVITIES & PERFORMANCES

ACTIVITIES & THE PERFORMANCES

SCORPIONS’ STING

2 PM

3 PM

THE

SCORPIONS’ STING

THE

SCORPIONS’ STING

4 PM

5 PM

6 PM

7 PM

FREE

ACTIVITIES & PERFORMANCES

FREE

ACTIVITIES & PERFORMANCES OUTDOOR

ARIAS

OUTDOOR

ARIAS

8 PM

9 PM

10 PM

MOVIE NIGHT

MOVIE NIGHT

11 PM

calgaryopera.com/festival opera in the village 9

Calgary Opera’s Emerging Artist Program Alumni Shine on the Second Stage with

Outdoor Arias Opera in the Village would not be complete without Outdoor Arias, an opportunity to listen to beautiful music under the sun, beside the Bow River. Alumni of our Emerging Artist Development Program perform excerpts from famous operas including Verdi’s Rigoletto, Puccini’s La Bohème and Mozart’s The Magic Flute each festival evening or afternoon prior to The Mikado performances. Come early and take in the summer party atmosphere as you embark on a musical travelogue, hearing the plot of these three operas and the arias, duets and ensembles that have made them famous.

Every year, Calgary Opera’s Emerging Artist Development Program brings together eight of the finest young singers from across Canada for a year-long young artist apprenticeship of further training designed to equip them for a professional career. Since its inception in 2005, numerous graduates of the Emerging Artist Program have gone on to make their mark in the opera and musical worlds. Among them are Vasil Garvanliev who was a recent finalist in the Montreal International Voice Competition; Jessica Strong who made her solo stage debut with Oper Frankfurt; Beste Kalender who just sang the titular role of Rossini’s Cinderella at Music Academy of the West in Santa Barbara, and Andrew Love, who is currently on Broadway as Javert in Les Miserables.

Emerging Artist alumni Dionne Sellinger, Derek Johnson, and Natalie Fagnan, Outdoor Arias 2013.

This summer’s Emerging Artist Outdoor Aria performers are Soprano, Vanessa Oude-Reimerink, Mezzo-Soprano, Courtney V. Murias, Tenor, Matthew Bruce, and Bass-Baritone, Aaron Dimoff. They perform with piano accompaniment by Evan Mounce.

(Artist biographies are located on page 28)

Outdoor Arias is written by Mel Kirby, Coordinator of the Emerging Artist Program and directed by Aaron Coates, who is also the director of our family matinee production of The Scorpions’ Sting: An Egyptian Myth. Mr. Coates also directed last year’s family matinee production of Hansel and Gretel, and our last three Opera in School tours. We couldn’t be happier to have his talents back with us again as a true friend of Calgary Opera.

Emerging Artist Program Sponsored by

Apple Fitness Store

ACCREDITED BUSINESS

7140 Fisher Street SE, Calgary, AB T2H 0W5 | 403 255 2299 | 1 888 255 2298 | applefitness.com opera in the village 11

program notes The Mikado has always had a special place in my heart. It was the first piece of grown-up theatre

A Director’s

View

By Glynis Leyshon

my Mother took me to see as a child in North Vancouver. She adored the wit of Gilbert’s lyrics and the easy charm of Sullivan’s score... and of course I was quickly captivated by the goings on in the town of Titipu! In fact, I was so captivated that I decided to recreate the splendour of the production with members of my Grade Two class. Of course, I ‘starred’ as Yum-Yum and with hand folded paper fans I drilled my long suffering girlfriends in the delights of THREE LITTLE MAIDS FROM SCHOOL. The applause we received after our classroom ‘presentation’ was intoxicating and when our teacher invited us to ‘tour’ the show to the class next door, my future as a stage director was assured!

For this production at Calgary Opera’s wonderful summer festival, we are presenting The Mikado in a traditional style with a ‘twist’ of contemporary fun. In a long standing performance tradition, lyrics have been adjusted to include ironic barbs at local and national figures. While set in Japan, the satire of Gilbert is firmly aimed at Victorian England... and by extension, this Mikado will take aim at a ‘little list’ of some popular contemporary celebrities.

The setting of this ‘Mikado’ offers audiences of all ages a lively musical experience. The tent is arranged in a long ‘thrust style’ configuration, with audiences almost surrounding the central stage platform. This allows the cast to enter from many different points, and even interact directly with the audience at various moments in the production. The formal arrangement of most opera productions will give way in our MIKADO to a highly physical and audience friendly approach... Perfect for a summer’s entertainment.

Calgary Opera has gathered a group of truly gifted performers – opera singers as well as theatre performers – who are ready to embrace the challenges of such a demanding performance style. At the same time, the beloved music of Sir Arthur Sullivan will be given careful attention under the dynamic baton of Christopher Mokrzewski. All of the silliness of the comedy is carefully balanced with the effortless beauty of songs like “Willow, Tit Willow.” So, it is our sincere hope that Calgary’s many opera aficionados will delight in both the music and the deft satire of this beloved work. It remains a true classic, capable of thrilling audiences of all ages and levels of theatre going experience... and, as a classic, it continues to give enduring pleasures to audiences around the world.

Congratulations to

ruby award Winner Bob McPhee!

We’d like to give huge congratulations to our fearless leader, (W.R.) Bob McPhee C.M., on winning The Ruby, a Lifetime Achievement Award from Opera Canada, the longest publishing journal covering the arts in Canada. These awards were established in 1999 to recognize and honour outstanding individual achievements on stage and behind the scenes.

With over 30 years in artistic and administrative leadership, Bob has become recognized as a leading force in the Canadian arts scene. He’s spearheaded arts organizations across Canada, from Orchestra London, to the Royal Winnipeg Ballet to Edmonton Symphony.

He’s been with Calgary Opera as our General Director and CEO since 1998. Since then, Calgary Opera has become a leader in the development of new Canadian opera works, is home to western Canada’s most comprehensive professional training program for Emerging Artists, and hosts Opera in the Village – Canada’s only outdoor opera festival.

Bob was the first Canadian invited to speak at an Opera Europa Conference in Paris. He’s a founding board member of the Calgary Arts Development Authority, past Chair of Opera.ca, is a former member of the OPERA America Board of Directors, sits on the Lieutenant Governor of Alberta Arts Award, as well as the Premier’s Council for Culture.

Who supports all artists from comprimario to prima donna?

In 2013, Bob was appointed to the Order of Canada for his artistic and administrative leadership of Alberta’s arts scene, and for his role in the development of Canadian talent.

After all these accolades, it’s no wonder he’s being recognized for his life’s achievements.

Bob reflects, “I’ve been extremely fortunate in my career to have received various awards and accolades, but this Ruby means a great deal to me. It comes from my opera peers. I love all the arts, but my true passion is opera, so to be recognized by those who share the same passion gives me overwhelming joy.”

Our heartfelt congratulations to our General Director and CEO, Bob McPhee. We are proud to celebrate his accomplishments, his leadership of Calgary Opera, and as a champion for opera and the arts in our community.

Bravo!

– The Board of Directors and Staff of Calgary Opera

We do.

We know our artists help shape and grow our community, now and in the future.

That’s why ATB Financial celebrates local art, history and culture, fostering creativity in Alberta and beyond. atb.com

®ATB Financial is a trade name/registered trademark of Alberta Treasury Branches.

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We believe in building vibrant communities We are proud to again support Opera in the Village, a lively event that brings classics to new audiences, all celebrated in one of Calgary’s most unique neighbourhoods, East Village. imperialoil.ca

Conductor | Christopher Mokrzewski Stage Director | Glynis Leyshon Set & Props Designer | Narda McCarroll Lighting Designer | Harry Frehner Costumes supplied by Malabar Limited, Toronto Costumes designed by | Howard Tsvi Kaplan Orchestral arrangement supplied by Martin Paterson of Pattersong Music.

For more information about this and other similar G&S arrangements please visit www.pattersong.co.uk The Mikado scenery was constructed and painted with the assistance of The Banff Centre

CAST Cast listed in alphabetical order

Featuring

Peep-Bo | Laura Brandt Yum-Yum | Eve-Lyn de la Haye Pish-Tush | David Diston The Mikado of Japan | Thomas Goerz Ko-Ko | David LeReaney Pooh-Bah | Brett Polegato Nanki-Poo | Martin Sadd Katisha | Lauren Segal Pitti-Sing | Jennifer Sproule Cast subject to change

Calgary Opera Chorus Chorus Director | Sandra Atkinson Repetiteur | Jennifer Szeto Chorus Repetiteur | Rachel Baljeu Stage Manager | Donna Sharpe Assistant Stage Manager | Nicole Bergen Assistant Stage Manager | Johanne Deleeuw Apprentice Stage Manager | Meredith Johnson Head of Wardrobe | Katie Klingvall Head Make-Up Artist | Debbie Vandelaar Head Wig & Hair Artist | Brenda Boutet Head of Props | Laura Anderson Head Scenic Carpenter | Steven Pilon Director of Production | Bonni Baynton Technical Director | Mark Leigh Associate Technical Director | Jesse Carroll Production Assistant | Kimberly Creller

By Gilbert and Sullivan

Calgary Opera is proud to work with the professional stage hands and artisans provided by IATSE Local 212 opera in the village 15

By Gilbert and Sullivan

August 13-16, 19-22

synopsis Before the opera story begins, Nanki-Poo, the Mikado’s son, fled from his father’s palace to escape being compelled to marry Katisha, an elderly lady of the court; Nanki-Poo has fled to become an itinerant minstrel who falls in love with YumYum, however, he cannot marry her because Ko-Ko, her guardian, has decided to marry her himself.

Nanki-Poo learns that Ko-Ko has been sentenced to death for violating the Mikado’s law against flirting. As Act I opens, Nanki-Poo has arrived in Titipu to determine if Ko-Ko has been executed, and, therefore, if Yum-Yum is free to marry him.

He encounters Pooh-Bah, a corrupt public official, and Pish-Tush, a noble, who inform him that Ko-Ko was reprieved at the last moment by a set of curious chances, and then raised to the exalted rank of Lord High Executioner. Nanki-Poo turns to despair when he learns that Ko-Ko plans to marry Yum-Yum immediately.

There have been no executions in Titipu since Ko-Ko became Lord High Executioner. Ko-Ko receives a letter from the Mikado ordering him to execute someone or else lose his post as Lord High Executioner. As Ko-Ko ponders his dilemma of trying to find someone to execute, Nanki-Poo appears, vowing suicide because he cannot marry Yum-Yum, the woman he loves.

Ko-Ko offers to allow Nanki-Poo to marry Yum-Yum for one month, afterwhich, he will become his execution victim. Suddenly, Katisha appears and discovers Nanki-Poo, the vanished object of her love.

After she is driven away, she rushes to inform the Mikado that his son has been found.

As Act II opens, Yum-Yum prepares for her one-month marriage to Nanki-Poo. Ko-Ko arrives with the shocking revelation that he has discovered a law decreeing that when a married man is executed, his widow must be buried alive: under those horrible conditions, the marriage between Yum-Yum and Nanki-Poo is canceled.

Nevertheless, Ko-Ko must find a “substitute” for execution or he will be decapitated by the Mikado. Nanki-Poo contrives a solution to save Ko-Ko’s life: a false affidavit confirming his own execution, but in exchange, he must be allowed to marry Yum-Yum and leave the country forever. Ko-Ko agrees.

The Mikado arrives in Titipu. Ko-Ko believes that the purpose of his visit is to confirm that an execution has taken place so he produces the affidavit and proceeds to describe the execution with gusto.

However, the Mikado has actually come to Titipu in search of his lost son and learns from the affidavit that Ko-Ko and his ministers executed his son; he declares them guilty of “composing the death of the Heir Apparent”; their only hope to avoid execution is to produce Nanki-Poo alive.

Nanki-Poo hesitates to reveal himself, fearing that if Katisha learns that he has married Yum-Yum she will have him executed. The dilemma is resolved by Ko-Ko, who, at Nanki-Poo’s suggestion, woos, wins, and weds Katisha.

All are reconciled as they celebrate Nanki-Poo’s marriage to YumYum and Ko-Ko’s marriage to Katisha. *Synopsis courtesy of Virginia Opera

biographies Christopher Mokrzewski

Harry Frehner

Conductor

Lighting Designer

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 second 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.

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 Otello for Opéra de Montréal and Pacific Opera Victoria, Albert Herring for Vancouver Opera, and Lucia di Lammermoor for Pacific Opera Victoria. Ms. Leyshon has been Artistic Director of Playhouse Theatre Company in Vancouver, the Belfry Theatre in Victoria and she was Head of ‘Opera as Theatre’ at The Banff Centre. Further credits: Edmonton’s Citadel Theatre, Shaw Festival, Canadian Stage, Tarragon Theatre and Theatre Calgary. 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. Ms. Leyshon last directed Calgary Opera’s 2014 production of The Rape of Lucretia, and is looking forward to directing Vanya, Sonia, Masha and Spike for ATP directly following this Mikado.

Harry Frehner has designed more than 50 productions for Calgary Opera dating back to 1992. In the past seven years, six 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 the US such as Vancouver Opera, Edmonton Opera, Pacific Opera Victoria, Opera Lyra Ottawa, Manitoba Opera, San Diego Opera, Opera Colorado, Arizona Opera and Utah Opera. 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. Recently, Harry designed a very successful production of Nixon in China with Wide Open Opera in Dublin.

Laura Brandt Soprano

Peep-Bo Soprano Laura Brandt recently completed her second season as an Emerging Artist with Calgary Opera. Credits there include Aurore (Le Portrait de Manon), Gretel (Hansel and Gretel), and Female Chorus (The Rape of Lucretia). Other highlights for Ms. Brandt include Governess (The Turn of the Screw) with Opera on the Avalon, Contessa (Le nozze di Figaro) with the Centre for Opera Studies in Italy, Sprechstimme in Pierrot Lunaire with the New England Conservatory Contemporary Ensemble, and Donna Anna (Don Giovanni) with NEC Opera. Ms. Brandt has a Master of Music in vocal performance from the New England Conservatory. She last appeared with Calgary Opera as Frasquita in Carmen (2015).

Eve-Lyn de la Haye Soprano

Narda McCarroll Set & props Designer Narda McCarroll is very happy to be working with Calgary Opera for the first time. She is a set, costume and lighting designer who recently relocated to this fine city. Recent favourite design credits include: set/costumes for The Haunting, set/lights for Gaslight, Sweeney Todd (Vertigo Theatre); set for Around the World in 80 Days, production design for Red, Mary’s Wedding (Alberta Theatre Projects); set/lights for Othello (The Shakespeare Company); and costumes for Vigilante (Catalyst Theatre). Ms. McCarroll designed the costumes for The Freewill Shakespeare Festival in Edmonton for 16 seasons. She also designed the costumes for the feature film Cut Bank. She is the recipient of 4 Sterling Awards and 2 Betty Mitchell Awards.

Yum-Yum From Victoria, British Columbia, Soprano Eve-Lyn de la Haye’s career highlights include Tytania in A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Lucia in The Rape of Lucretia at the Britten-Pears Festival, Echo in Ariadne auf Naxos, and Julie Jordan in Carousel with the Boston Pops. Recent concert work includes Messiah, the Brahms’ Requiem, Carmina Burana, Elijah with the Vancouver Bach Choir and her debut as a guest artist with the Vancouver Symphony.

This fall she makes her Vancouver Opera debut as Zina in the Canadian Premiere of Dark Sisters. A Desmarais Foundation grantee, she is a graduate of the Victoria Conservatory of Music and the University of Toronto’s Opera Division. A Calgary Opera Emerging Artist alumna, Ms. de la Haye last appeared with Calgary Opera as Nannetta in 2013’s Falstaff where she was hailed as “thrilling, a high point of the opera.”

opera in the village 17

biographies David Diston

Brett Polegato

Baritone

Baritone

Pish-Tush

Pooh-Bah

David Diston is excited to return to Opera in the Village after last season’s Candide. His performance credits include Mr. Gedge (Albert Herring), Dr. Dulcamara (L’Elisir d’amore) and Dr. Malatesta (Don Pasquale) with the U of T, Don Giovanni with Opera NUOVA, Falke (Die Fledermaus) and Count Almaviva (Le Nozze di Figaro) with Western University, and Don Alfonso (Così fan tutte) and Leporello (Don Giovanni) with the Accademia Europea Dell’Opera in Milan. Mr. Diston recently made his Toronto Symphony Orchestra debut, and his debut with the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra as part of their Orchestra Moves concert series. Credits with Calgary Opera include William Dale in the Canadian Premiere of Silent Night, Moralès in Carmen, and Des Grieux in Christmas at the Opera.

David is excited to return to Calgary Opera for a second year as a member of the Emerging Artist Program for the 15/16 season.

Thomas Goerz Bass-Baritone

The Mikado of Japan Dramatic integrity and vocal clarity are the hallmarks of performances by Bass-Baritone Thomas Goerz, whose roles range from Pooh-Bah in The Mikado for Arizona Opera to Owen Hart in the Canadian premiere of Dead Man Walking with Calgary Opera. Recent career highlights include Father Palmer in Silent Night (Opéra de Montréal), Zuniga in Carmen (Vancouver Opera), and Basilio in Il Barbiere di Siviglia (Edmonton Opera). He looks forward to Baron Douphol in La Traviata for the Canadian Opera Company, Prophet/King in Dark Sisters for Vancouver Opera and Rocco in Fidelio for Opera Lyra Ottawa. Internationally, he has been engaged by the Metropolitan Opera, Bard Festival, Cincinnati Opera, Central City Opera, Wexford Festival and Glimmerglass Opera.

Mr. Goerz last performed with Calgary Opera as Sergeant of Police in 2013’s The Pirates of Penzance.

One of today’s most sought-after lyric baritones on the international stage, Brett Polegato’s artistic sensibility has earned him the highest praise from audiences and critics. Since finishing first among the men at the 1995 Cardiff Singer of the World competition, his career has encompassed over 50 roles in the world’s most prestigious venues. He has made a name for himself in a number of dramatic roles, most notably the title roles of Eugene Onegin and Don Giovanni. He has also sung the title role in Wozzeck for Moscow’s Bolshoi Theatre. Recent engagements include Eugene Onegin (Grange Park Opera), Ford Falstaff (Pacific Opera Victoria), Don Giovanni and the Marquis de Posa Don Carlos (both for Vancouver Opera) and Gowan Stevens Requiem (Teatro Colòn). Mr. Polegato last performed with Calgary Opera as Lieutenant Audebert in the Canadian Premiere of Silent Night (2014).

Martin Sadd Tenor

Nanki-Poo Martin Sadd did his undergraduate degree at the University of Victoria where he studied under the tutelage of Alexandra Browning Moore. Martin then attended the University of British Columbia and Graduated in 2010 with his Masters of Music in Opera. He was accepted into the 2010 Calgary Opera Emerging Artist Program. In 2010 he was a district finalist for the Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions. Mr. Sadd has performed as a soloist with groups such as the Victoria Gilbert and Sullivan Society, The Victoria Conservatory of Music Opera Studio, Pacific Opera Victoria, The Vancouver Academy of Music, Burnaby Lyric Opera, Calgary Opera, Calgary Civic Orchestra, the Victoria Symphony, Vancouver Symphony Orchestra, and Jeunesses Musical Canada. Mr. Sadd last performed with Calgary Opera in Aida.

Lauren Segal Mezzo-Soprano

David LeReaney Baritone

Ko-Ko David LeReaney’s career as a professional actor spans 36 years. He is a recipient of the 1993 Best Actor and 2007 Best Narrator Ampias, the 2000 MARTHA COHEN AWARD (for sustained and significant contribution to Calgary theatre) and the 2010 Supporting Actor BETTY for Shakespeare’s Dog at ATP. He is also a dialect and acting coach, (Fargo season 2). Film and TV roles: Fargo (TV), the Sy Fy movie Fallout Asylum, Hell on Wheels, Hallmark’s Away and Back, APTN’s Blackstone. For more visit – www.davidlereaney.com. Mr. LeReaney appeared in Opera in the Village as the Modern Major General in The Pirates of Penzance (2013) as Voltaire/Pangloss in Candide (2014).

18 CALGARY OPERA 2015-16 SEASON

Katisha Praised for her “gleaming, luscious timbre” (La Scena Musicale), Mezzo-Soprano Lauren Segal’s 2014-2015 season included Falstaff (Meg Page) for the Canadian Opera Company, Madama Bufferfly (Suzuki) and Rigoletto (Maddalena) for Opera Tampa, Messiah for the Edmonton Symphony and the World Premiere of M’dea Undone for Tapestry New Opera. Future plans: Messiah for the San Francisco Symphony, Emilia in Otello for Opéra de Montréal, and Hermia in Midsummer Night’s Dream for Pacific Opera Victoria. Further credits: L’Orchestre Metropolitain du Grand Montréal, Toronto Symphony, Calgary Opera and l’Opéra de Québec. Born in South Africa, she holds a Master’s of Science degree from the Physics Department of the University of Toronto. Ms. Segal last performed with Calgary Opera as Suzuki in Madame Butterfly (2014).

Jennifer Sproule

Johanne Deleeuw

Mezzo-Soprano

Assistant Stage Manager

Pitti-Sing With a passion for opera, classical and new works, Mezzo-Soprano Jennifer Sproule thrives on being involved in unique music experiences. Proud to be an Alberta-based Calgary Opera Emerging Artist alumna, she was last seen in the company’s productions of Pirates of Penzance, La Traviata, Lucia di Lammermoor and The Inventor.

Last summer Ms. Sproule was thrilled to be representing Canada and Calgary Opera in Anamchara, a new work composed for the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow Scotland. Other unique performances include: an opera cruise traveling the Mediterranean, four Opera School-Tours and workshopping nine new operas.

Donna Sharpe Stage Manager Donna Sharpe is in her 13th season with Calgary Opera. Select Calgary Opera credits include her third season of Opera in the Village, the Canadian premieres of Silent Night and Moby-Dick, Aida, The Flying Dutchman, The Marriage of Figaro, Madame Butterfly, The Italian Girl in Algiers, La Traviata, Falstaff, Otello, Pagliacci, Gianni Schicchi, Carmen. Selected assistant stage managing credits include Dead Man Walking (Canadian Premiere), Frobisher (World Premiere), The Inventor (World Premiere), Don Giovanni, Barber of Seville, Faust, Tosca, Sweeney Todd, Little Women, Lucia, Manon, Rigoletto. Ms. Sharpe enjoys working with Calgary Opera’s Emerging Artists (The Rape of Lucretia, Così fan tutte and Christmas at the Opera), and has stage-managed with Green Mountain Opera Festival (Vermont), Opera on the Avalon (Newfoundland).

Johanne Deleeuw is a Calgary based Stage Manager, Director and Arts Administrator.

Most recently, she has been a frequent Stage Manager at Alberta Theatre Projects.

She has also stage managed for Vertigo Theatre, One Yellow Rabbit, Ground Zero Theatre, Sage Theatre and Stage West Dinner Theatre in recent years. Ms. Deleeuw’s work as a director has also been seen on many stages in Calgary. Ms. Deleeuw is delighted to be returning for her third season with Opera in the Village.

Meredith Johnson Apprentice Stage Manager Meredith Johnson is thrilled to be a part of Opera in the Village’s production of The Mikado. What a great experience! Previous stage management credits include: As You Like It, Equivocation, Othello, Twelfth Night, Hamlet (The Shakespeare Company), William Shakespeare’s Land of the Dead, Titus Andronicus (The Shakespeare Company, Ground Zero Theatre, Hit & Myth Productions), The Winter’s Tale (The Shakespeare Company, Mount Royal University), Girls Gone Wilde 2014 and 2015, Legoland (Urban Curvz Theatre), West Side Story, The Music Man, Children of Eden, Guys and Dolls, Titanic:The Musical (U of C Music Theatre). She would like to thank all those that participate in making Thursday the best day of the week.

Nicole Bergen Assistant Stage Manager Nicole Bergen works as a stage manager and assistant stage manager in Alberta and Saskatchewan. Past shows include The Magic Flute, Carmen, The Marriage of Figaro, and Don Pasquale (SM, Saskatoon Opera), The Flying Dutchman, Madame Butterfly, The Pirates of Penzance, La Traviata, Otello, La Bohème, Moby-Dick, Aida, Lucia di Lammermoor, and Manon (ASM, Calgary Opera), Ariodante and What Brought Us Here (SM, Calgary Opera, second stage), and Little Women, Turn of the Screw and A Midsummer Night’s Dream (ASM, The Banff Centre). Recent shows include Silent Night, The Marriage of Figaro, and Carmen (ASM, Calgary Opera), and Madama Butterfly (SM, Saskatoon Opera).

opera in the village 19

calgary opera chorus SOPRANOS

MEZZO-SOPRANOS

TENORS

BARITONES/BASSES

Barbara Thorson Taylor Matheson Joni Unger

Valerie Hudson Aisha Rae Gayle Morton

Ned Leavitt Thomas McDonald JT Steenkamp Al Weller

Mark Hahle David Ng Tayte Mitchell Timothy Vollhoffer

orchestra Horn: Jennifer Frank Bassoon: Chris Sales Double Bass: Charles Garrett Piano: Jennifer Szeto Percussion: Alex Cohen

Contractor: Tim Rawlings Music Concertmaster: Laura Reid Flute and Piccolo: Sara Hahn Oboe: Jean Landa Clarinet: Stan Climie/Jocelyn Colquhoun

Carrier

Calgary Opera goes for it with fun, buoyant Candide in the East Village

3:45 PM

Eclectic Aussie rockers The Cat Empire all about bringing energy alive

supernumeraries Sean Fetaz Pedro Gerra-Zuniga

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20 CALGARY OPERA 2015-16 SEASON

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opera in the village 21

East Village. Wide open for all.

calgary municipal land corporation (CMLC) came into being in the spring of 2007, created

by Calgary City Council to pursue the ambitious mandate of breathing life into the Rivers District Community Revitalization Plan – a public infrastructure program approved by the City of Calgary and the Province of Alberta to kick-start Calgary’s urban renewal – with a focus on East Village.

Spanning 49 acres between Fort Calgary and the downtown business core, East Village resides at the heart of downtown Calgary. Back in 1875, East Village was downtown in its entirety. In fact, it’s where Calgary was founded. Over the years, however, the area fell on hard times. The neighbourhood became known for its abandoned future and vacant lots.

Fast forward to today. East Village has transformed. Since 2007, CMLC has invested more than $357 million into East Village infrastructure and attracted more than $2.4 billion of planned investment by some of the continent’s most proficient and experienced developers. This year, two condominium projects by Embassy BOSA and FRAM +Slokker will be completed and open their doors to EV’s first new residents into the community in over a decade, the Simmons Building has reopened as a culinary destination along the banks of the Bow River and St. Patrick’s Island has been revitalized into 31-acre urban breathing space for everyone to enjoy. The construction of the National Music Centre is well underway and more development announcements are forthcoming.

22 CALGARY OPERA 2015-16 SEASON

CMLC has been thrilled to support Calgary Opera’s vision for a vibrant festival of music in the heart of East Village for the past three years.

Welcome to Calgary’s Newest, Oldest, Coolest, Warmest Neighbourhood!

www.evexperience.com

East Village.

Wide open for all.

A new world is opening up in the neighbourhood where Calgary was born, and you’re invited over to eat, drink and play. The Simmons Building is Calgary’s favourite new breakfast-lunch-dinner rendezvous, and Phil & Sebastian Coffee Roasters, charbar and Sidewalk Citizen Bakery are serving up contemporary deliciousness in a historic landmark. In August, a rejuvenated St. Patrick’s Island regional park will offer all Calgarians a 31-acre urban breathing space that’s equal parts activity and serenity. And new EV residents will soon open the doors of their new riverfront condominiums.

Join us! The newest, oldest, coolest, warmest neighbourhood in town is for everyone.

Experience life in East Village. evexperience.com

east village® is a trademark owned by Calgary Municipal Land Corporation.

volunteers Volunteers are vital to Opera in the Village! From every beer that’s poured to every ticket that’s ripped, volunteers are there to make it all happen.

Calgary Opera relies on volunteers throughout the year to assist with shows and events, but the volunteer commitment for Opera in the Village is immense. Since the festival’s inception in 2013, over 300 community minded individuals have dedicated nearly 3000 hours to make Opera in the Village come to life each summer.

We’d like to say a huge THANK YOU to all our volunteers! Your work ethic, enthusiasm and community spirit continue to make Opera in the Village an incredible experience for all. We are truly grateful for your support!

And some words from our volunteers…

“I felt very appreciated as a volunteer. All of the staff and management at Calgary Opera made the volunteers feel like an important part of the festival and went out of their way to show appreciation. That makes a huge difference as a volunteer and certainly helps insure my future participation as a volunteer.”

“My volunteer experience with Opera in the Village was very good. I look forward to volunteering next year!!!”

“It was a great experience and a great opportunity!”

Located on the gateway to Calgary’s East Village, the ENMAX District Energy Centre provides environmentally responsible and reliable thermal heating to nearly 10 million square feet of commercial and residential space. This includes space heating, domestic hot water for pools, showers, recreation facilities and commercial kitchens. District Energy heating contributes to a cleaner Downtown Calgary.

For more information visit enmax.com/dec Follow us on Twitter:

BECAUSE TOGETHER WE’RE BUILDING A BRIGHTER FUTURE 24 CALGARY OPERA 2015-16 SEASON

™ ENMAX Corporation

@ENMAX

Welcome to the

Neighbourhood The confluence of the Bow and Elbow Rivers is traditional Blackfoot land and has now, over 100 years later been re-vitalized into Calgary’s Newest, Oldest, Coolest, Warmest community. To see the vision of East Village finally come to fruition has been a long time coming for many Calgarians. While there has been many stops and starts along the path to development, the history of the area has remained paramount to its style, led by the refurbishment of the old Simmons mattress factory and seen in the design of the residential and commercial spaces. East Village is fast becoming one of the “must see” areas of Calgary.

Patrick’s Island and the new bridge now open, East Village is now connected to Bridgeland, Sunnyside and other neighbourhoods north of the Bow River and is easily accessible from the north river pathway and Bridgeland LRT station.

The St. Patrick’s bridge itself is an architectural wonder from the great minds at RFR, a Paris based design firm. Dubbed “the skipping stone bridge,” it is reminiscent of a stone skipping across the Bow. It surely will become one of the most photographed pieces of Calgary infrastructure, following the in path of the Peace Bridge.

This summer sees tenants moving into Embassy BOSA’s Evolution and FRAM+Slokker’s FIRST residential towers; marking the first East Village residents in over a decade. With the opening of the Simmons Building; Phil & Sebastian Coffee Roasters, Sidewalk Citizen Bakery and charbar restaurant provide various options to suit all appetites from morning coffee to evening dinner. Having this major anchor complete provides a meeting place for those along the Riverwalk pathway and area residents; a true Calgary destination. Welcome to the neighbourhood everyone!

Opera in the Village has always been more than a “show;” it’s an experience. It was created as an outlet to increase the reach of opera to new audiences and we hope that all those in attendance leave feeling a little more in love with their city. The festival is a reflection of Calgary Opera’s dedication to developing deep relationships with community partners to enhance civic pride.

The Calgary Municipal Land Corporation (C.M.L.C.) has been a key stakeholder since the festival’s inception as the location provides a sense of intimacy, heritage and community with a festival atmosphere.

East Village was always a bit of an island in the downtown area, as it was separated from the north side of the river. With St.

We are proud to call East Village our summer home.

opera in the village 25

Stage Director | Aaron Coates Music Director | Mel Kirby Repetiteur & Pianist | Evan Mounce Original Set Design | Brent Krysa Sets & Props Designer for Calgary Opera | Laura Anderson Costumes designed by | Heather Moore CAST

The Scorpions’ Sting An Egyptian Myth

Professor Hornsby/Set | Matthew Bruce Sally Smith/Iset | Vanessa Oude-Reimerink David Sands/Osiris/The Scorpions | Aaron Dimoff Molly Brown/Nephthys/Tahemet | Courtney V. Murias Stage Manager | Catherine Rouleau

SUPERNUMERARIES Killeen Delorme Amber Rowden Chris Smart

Words and Music by Dean Burry

August 15-16, 21-22

synopsis A blinding sandstorm in the Egyptian desert.

A group of weary archaeology students, led by their professor, search for the mythical Lost Temple of Iset. Against the advice of his students, the old professor sits down for a brief rest and is stung by a scorpion. Unsure what to do next, the students carry their teacher into a cave. Upon entering the darkness they realize that this is no common cave – they have stumbled upon the Lost Temple itself. In a desperate attempt to help the professor, Sally remembers Iset was known as the Goddess of Healing and that her knowledge might provide the answer. Perhaps the clues lie in the ancient hieroglyphics on the temple walls, telling the story of Iset, Osiris (her husband), Nephthys (her sister), and Set (Osiris’s brother). Molly and David don’t believe in the spell and leave Sally alone. After examining the hieroglyphics, Sally decodes a portion of the legend of Iset... something about a cure for scorpion stings.

The story tells of a great rivalry between the king of all Egypt, Osiris, and his jealous brother Set. Set wishes more than anything to become the one ruler and tricks his wife, Nephthys, into laying a trap for the king. At a royal banquet in honour of Osiris, Set unveils a beautiful gold chest. Whoever fits perfectly into the box will become its owner. Guest after guest lines up to win the prize, but only Osiris is the correct size. This was Set’s scheme all along, as the box had been crafted for this purpose. The lid is slammed shut on Osiris and the box is thrown in the river Nile. Set is now king. Good Osiris is dead and his wife Iset is banished to the unforgiving desert.

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Iset spends her days in despair. Her beloved husband is gone and she is alone. Nephthys appears and Iset at first rebukes her for her involvement in the scheme, but she soon realizes that Nephthys 1208537_AD_CalgaryOperaProgram_3.5x4.625.indd 1 2015-07-24 3:09 PM CREATIVE DESIGN ART ACCOUNT STUDIO STUDIO SPELL CMYK DIRECTOR MANAGER CLIENT MANAGER ARTIST CHECK BLACK PANTONE PANTONE PANTON was tricked as well. The two sisters reconcile and sing DIRECTOR to invokeDIRECTOR the memory of Osiris. Nephthys gives Iset Osiris’s magical sistrum that AS/TS AS/TS YES will summon the scorpions to lead her out of exile in the desert. Upon FILE NAME: EXECUTION: CLIENT: PUBLICATION: SIZE: LIVE SIZ shaking the sistrum, the seven scorpions appear and, led by Tefen, 1208537_AD_CalgaryOperaProgram_3.5x4.625 Honens 3.5" x 4.625" escort Iset out of the desert to a town, where PROJECT: they eventually come NOTE: CONTACT: BHC Concert N/A LINDA WALDNER director, operations D403 781 3364 linda@WAX.ca WA to the door of Tahemet, a rich woman. The woman is horrified at Iset’s bedraggled appearance and the seven frightening scorpions, and turns them away. The scorpions are enraged by the actions of Tahemet. “How dare she turn away the Queen of Egypt!” they cry out, and hatch a revenge plan. The scorpions give all of their poison to Tefen who will sting the rich woman’s baby. Moments later, the woman runs into the street crying that her baby has been poisoned.

She cries for help, but no one will come to her aid.

WITH CHANGES

OPENING FESTIVAL SEPT. 19 TO OCT. 3, 2015

The baby is saved.

Back in the Temple of Iset, the students, by working together, realize that they have not only uncovered the cure for a scorpion sting, but a new sense of understanding and respect for one another. The professor is saved and they begin the triumphant journey home.

BELLA VOCE

LUMINOUS YUJA NIGHT WANG

© SIAN RICHARDS

© PETER ADAMIK

“Poison of Tefen and Befen appear on the earth. I take away your sting. Poison of Mesetet and Mesetetef release. I take away your sting. Poison of Petet and Tjetet and Matet retreat. Come forth! I take away your sting! I take away your sting!”

E XPERIENCE E XCELLENCE IN THE S T UNNING BEL L A CONCER T H A L L © TRUDIE LEE

“Scorpions, did you do this?” Iset scolds them. “The child is not to be blamed for the actions of a thoughtless mother.” Taking the child in her arms, she begins to cast a spell, naming each of the scorpions in turn:

YUJA & FRIENDS

SAT. SEPT. 19, 2015 SUN. SEPT. 27, 2015 WED. SEPT. 30, 2015 SAT. OCT. 3, 2015 7:30 p.m.

8 p.m.

8 p.m.

3 p.m.

Concert sponsor: TD Bank Group.

Co-presented with Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra & Calgary Opera, and support from Canada Council for the Arts

mtroyal.ca/bella2015

Co-presented with Honens

Co-presented with Calgary Pro Musica

FESTIVAL SPONSOR

tickets.mru.ca | 403.440.7770 opera in the village 27

biographies Matthew Bruce

Courtney V. Murias

Tenor

mezzo-soprano

Professor Hornsby/Set

Molly Brown/Nephthys/Tahemet

Matthew Bruce’s passion for performing inspired him to study voice, acting, and dance at the Canadian College of Performing Arts in Victoria, BC. Upon graduating, Mr. Bruce continued his vocal training at the Victoria Conservatory of Music where he performed and trained in the Opera Studio program and studied privately with Ms. Nancy Argenta. Upcoming engagements include Roderigo (Otello, Pacific Opera Victoria, Oct 2015). Mr. Bruce is a graduate of the Calgary Opera Emerging Artist Development Program and has recently performed the roles of Candide (Opera in the Village), Jonathan Dale (Silent Night), and Le Dancaire (Carmen).

Vanessa Oude-Reimerink Soprano

Sally Smith/Iset Born in Ontario, Soprano Vanessa OudeReimerink completed a Master’s Degree at the Schulich School of Music at McGill University under the direction of Professor Sanford Sylvan.

Her roles include Tytania in A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Susanna and Barbarina in Le Nozze di Figaro, Pamina and Papagena in Die Zauberflöte, Miss Wordsworth in Albert Herring, Clara in The Light in the Piazza, Rapunzel in Into the Woods, and the Canadian premiere of Volpone by John Must. She sang the role of Aurore in The Portrait of Manon (2014), and appeared on Calgary Opera’s mainstage as Barbarina in The Marriage of Figaro (2015). Ms. Oude-Reimerink recently debuted with the Toronto Summer Music Festival as Cathy in The Last Five Years. Debuts for the upcoming season include the title role in Viardot’s Cendrillon with FestivalOpéra St. Eustache and Frasquita in Carmen with Edmonton Opera.

Aaron Dimoff Bass-Baritone

David Sands/Osiris/The Scorpions Bass-Baritone Aaron Dimoff was recently seen performing with Calgary Opera as a member of the Emerging Artist program in both Carmen and Le Nozze di Figaro. As a graduate EA, Aaron is thrilled to be coming back to the Summer Festival to repeat The Scorpions’ Sting. A Calgary resident, Aaron is beginning to work abroad, starting with another production of Carmen with Edmonton Opera next season, and quickly returning to Calgary Opera for their production of Die Zauberflöte at the end of their spring season.

28 CALGARY OPERA 2015-16 SEASON

Courtney V. Murias has been performing in choirs, operas, and with jazz bands for over 20 years. Her career highlights have brought her to France, Holland, Cuba, and across Canada. A recent alumna of Calgary Opera’s Emerging Artist Program, The Banff Centre, and Current Roster Singer with Cowtown Opera, Ms. Murias is dedicated to bringing opera to new places. Local highlights include recording new works at The Banff Centre by resident composers and singing opera at venues like the Whyte Museum, Wildflour Cafe, Symphony Senior Living Centre, and The Empress Theatre. She performed Hansel in last summer’s Opera in the Village production of Hansel & Gretel, and is delighted to share the summer magic in this year’s production of Scorpions’ Sting! Please visit www.Courtneyvmurias.com

Aaron Coates Stage Director Aaron is a director, writer, actor, and the co-artistic director of Trepan Theatre. He studied acting at Mount Royal College and at École Philippe Gaulier in Paris. With Trepan Theatre, he has created and performed in La Mexicaine de Perforation, The Cat Lady Show, Matadora, and SHE. Directing credits include: Hannaraptor (Calgary Opera), La Bohème, The Phantom of the Opera Sing-Along, The Sound of Music Sing-Along (Cowtown Opera), The After Party, The Way of All Fish (Lunchbox Theatre), Dying City (Pangloss), The Old Neighborhood (Rogues Theatre), Iraq and Back (Ghost River Theatre), and The End of the Rope (Vertigo Theatre).

Aaron is also the co-artistic producer of Dirty Laundry, Calgary’s live improvised soap opera. For Calgary Opera he last directed Hansel & Gretel at Opera in the Village (2014) and the Opera in Schools tour of The Scorpions’ Sting (2015).

Mel Kirby Music Director Mel Kirby brings to his role of Coordinator of Calgary Opera’s Emerging Artist Development Program over 30 years of professional experience as a performer, teacher, conductor and highly respected member of the Calgary music community. He joined Calgary Opera in 2006 creating the curriculum and goals for the Emerging Artist Program which oversees the annual post-graduate training and transition to a professional working career of an ensemble of young singers from across Canada. Mel has also served as Artistic Director of The Festival Chorus since 1991, conducting performances of major works with orchestra by J.S. Bach, Handel, Haydn, Mozart, and Brahms.

The Scorpions’ Sting Evan Mounce

Catherine Rouleau

Repetiteur & Pianist

Stage Manager

Pianist Evan Mounce has recently been seen with Calgary Opera as repetiteur for Scorpions’ Sting, Portrait of Manon, and Hansel and Gretel, and is delighted to join them again for their Christmas Showcase and school tour.

Evan also enjoys working with indie opera company, Cowtown Opera, and has music directed their productions of The Bachelor and The Sound of Music. He has been heard in recital with the Proarts Series, plays organ at St. Matthew’s United Church, and accompanies the Bow Valley Chorus. He has attended the collaborative piano programs at Opera NUOVA, the Centre for Opera Studies in Italy, and the Vancouver International Song Institute and apprenticed at St. Andrews Opera Workshop, and Opera on the Avalon. Although primarily a pianist these days, Evan holds a master’s degree in saxophone from the University of Toronto.

Originally from Montréal, Catherine Rouleau is thrilled to return to Calgary Opera after being an assistant stage manager on Carmen (2015). Favourite credits include: as Assistant Stage Manager: 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: Kruger Brothers (The Banff Centre); Je m’appelle Marilyn (GlobeBulle Rouge); Magic Flute, La Veuve Joyeuse (CEGEP of St-Laurent); Les Amis (CEGEP of St-Hyacinthe); Zoofest. As an Apprentice: The Italian Girl in Algiers (Calgary Opera); Don Carlo (Vancouver Opera); Lillian Alling (The Banff Centre).

Opera under 30 Allegro Group Program Sponsor

Allegro is Calgary Opera’s group for young adults with an interest in opera!

Whether you’re completely new to opera, or a seasoned opera enthusiast, Allegro is a fun and exclusive way to mix and mingle, see and be seen, learn and experience opera like never before.

Allegro members receive special discounts for all performances and events, as well as invitations to exclusive receptions, special offers, talks, tours, and more!

Membership is free, all you need to do is sign up online or through our Box Office, choose your seats, and pick your tickets up at the door.

Allegro Group events will take place throughout the 2015-2016 season.

We thank Allegro Group Sponsor TD Bank for making opera accessible for patrons 30 and under.

For more information or to join the Allegro Group please contact:

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Maggie Stephenson 403-802-3408 mstephenson@calgaryopera.com or visit: www.calgaryopera.com/allegro

opera in the village 29

LARGER subscriptions now on sale

Calgary Opera’s

2015-2016 SEASON

Our next season continues to bring world class opera to the Calgary community, one which we’ve been a proud member of since 1972. For over 40 years, we’ve been developing Canadian talent, new opera works and premiering classic opera works in both Canada, and North America. This coming season, we’ll continue this tradition by producing the Canadian premiere of Die tote Stadt – The Dead City by Erich Wolfgang Korngold.

We open the season with the beautiful melodic classic, Lakmé by Léo Delibes, November 21, 25 & 27. Lakmé is the story of a Hindu Priestess who defies her father’s wishes to be with the handsome British officer she’s fallen deeply in love with. Lakmé opened in Paris in 1883, a time when the Orient was a place of mystery and intrigue to Western audiences.

It contains two of the most beautiful and recognizable musical selections in Opera, Flower Duet made popular by British Airways advertisements and the Bell song. The production stars Aline Kutan as Lakmé, Andrea Hill as Mallika, Cameron McPhail as Frederic and Valerian Ruminski as Nilakantha. Lakmé is conducted by Gordon Gerrard and directed by Tom Diamond.

We have two composers in our 2015-16 mainstage season named Wolfgang. Both were child prodigies who wrote symphonies and operas before the age of 20. Erich Wolfgang Krongold is best known for Die tote Stadt (which he composed when he was 17) and his famous movie scores, most notably The Adventures of Robin Hood, for which he won an Academy Award. He’s considered a father of modern cinematic music, composing in a late-Romantic style, Wagnerian

LAKMÉ DIE TOTE STADT THE MAGIC FLUTE

30 CALGARY OPERA 2015-16 SEASON

and lush. Our second Wolfgang is, of course, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, one of the most famous composers of all time.

His classic, The Magic Flute, closes this year’s season.

The Canadian premiere of Die tote Stadt – The Dead City by Erich Wolfgang Korngold, happens January 30 & February 3 & 5. We welcome back Bramwell Tovey as Conductor. Bramwell is a gifted Conductor and Musical Director, a published composer and a Juno and GRAMMY Award winner. The production follows a man’s fight for his sanity as he’s tormented by desire of a seductress who bears striking resemblance to his ghostly love. It stars Lyne Fortin as Marie/Marietta, David Pomeroy as Paul, Brett Polegato as Fritz/Frank and Emilia Boteva as Brigatta. It’s directed by Kelly Robinson.

Our final mainstage production, The Magic Flute by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, plays April 16, 20 & 22. It’s an eternal audience favourite in which a queen entices a young prince in order to free her daughter from the clutches of her nemesis. It stars Shannon Mercer as Pamina, Adam Luther as Tamino, Hugh Russell as Papageno, Ambur Braid as Queen of the Night and Uwe Dambruch as Sarastro. It’s conducted by Robert Tweten and directed by Robert Herriot, a friend of Calgary Opera, who also directed our past productions of Pirates of Penzance, Candide and others.

We hope you can join us for this amazing line-up. Visit calgaryopera.com/1516, or call our Box Office at 403-262-7286 to learn more, or book your season tickets. It’s a superior level of quality time!

LAKMÉ DIE TOTE STADT THE MAGIC FLUTE opera in the village 31

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

Community Outreach Sponsor Cenovus Energy

Season Sponsor Husky Energy

Emerging Artist Development Program Sponsors

Enbridge RBC Financial Group through RBC Emerging Artists Project

Mainstage Media Sponsor

Media Sponsors

Calgary Herald Global Calgary Pattison Outdoor Playhouse Publications Swerve

Christel & Ben Johansson McLean & Partners Geri & Alan Moon Kathy & Richard Sendall C.A. Siebens * Denotes Adopt-an-Artist Donor

Official Suppliers

Silver

Kensington Wine Market Peaseblossoms Structured Abstraction

Consulting Professionals Dr. Phillip Van de Merwe – Company Physician Dr. Joe Warshawski – Ear, Nose, and Throat Doctor Robert Moffatt – Company Piano Technician

Naming Benefactor Mamdani Opera Centre Strategic Group

The Calgary Herald

Individual Donors

Performance & Program Sponsors

Major Gift Donors

BMO Financial Group KPMG McLeod Law Nexen Energy, a CNOOC Limited Company Sun Life Financial Talisman Energy Inc., part of the Repsol Group TD Bank

Corporate Donors

The Late Evelyn C. Kings Dick Matthews Memorial Fund at The Calgary Foundation Pyke Family

Voce Eterna Future Fund

We acknowledge the generous support of Dr. R.G. (Bud) Williams, Emerging Artist Scholarship Fund Brian Grasmuck

Gibson Energy

Impresario Circle

Opera in the Village Presenting Sponsor

Platinum

Imperial

Opera in the Village Supporters

Alberta Government ATCO Structures & Logistics Calgary Arts Development Calgary Hotel Association Calgary Municipal Land Corporation City of Calgary Department of Canadian Heritage – The Building Communities Through Arts and Heritage Program Tourism Calgary

Opera in the Village Sponsors Embassy BOSSA Enmax FRAM & Slokker Knightsbridge Stuart Olson

Andrea Brussa* Judith & Terence Dalgleish* Stewart & Eileen Ford David & Beverley Foy Brian Grasmuck Evan J. Hazell Diane Hobson Dawn & Verne Johnson Mary Rozsa de Coquet Monica Sloan & John Evison* Don Swystun Sheila Wappel-McLean & Brent McLean Mrs. Marian Williams* * Denotes Adopt-an-Artist Donor

Gold

Tunde Agbi Carolyn Dahl Rees Lilien Dobish Don & Joanne Edie Susan & Dan Ezinga Cos & Eleanor Gabriele* Rebecca Hotchkiss

32 CALGARY OPERA 2015-16 SEASON

Anonymous (2) Sharon Bartley Jo Anne Britton Alan D. Castle Walter & Gloria Chayka Maureen & Graham Davies M.A. Duggan Eldon & Carlie-Jean Godfrey M.J. Kandt David & Joyce Keith Kevin Konynenbelt Juri & Helle Kraav Sian Matthews & Gerry Leudy Vickie & Russell McKinnon Heather Peters Helen M. Wells

Bronze

Anonymous (1) The Alan D. Castle Endowment for the Arts David & Roxanne Dunlop Margaret & Robert Fraleigh Stella Hall Michael & Carmen Hardcastle James Light & Dixie Durling David Lyons* John & Susan McWilliams Marilyn Milavsky Osten Victor Fund Roger & Pam Prior Cynthia Sim Tamra Stretch Arlene Strom & Colin Jackson Henriette & Kees van Ittersum Andy & Krystyna Williamson Janice Woodward *Denotes Adopt-an-Artist Donor

Core

Anonymous (1) ADEM Engineering Consultants Inc. IIrene M. Bakker Micheline Barbeau Dr. Ken Blair / Rev. James Farrell Susanne & Michael Brown Ian & Gwen Burgess Dr. Miriam Carey Meredith & Pat Cashion Judge (Ret) & Mrs. Mary Jane Cioni Helen & Mark Cluett Marilyn Conley Kirsten Cook-Zaba & Dwayne Zaba David Daly Gizella Davis Ioan Dobre and Claudia Cattaneo Paul English & Marion Woodman Michael Fawcett

Tibor & Livia Fekete Brian and Stephanie Felesky Angie Gélinas Patricia Glenn & John Holgate Patricia & Paul Godard Niki & Craig Golinowski Joyce Gray David R. Haigh Lynda Hay Judith Hepner Mark & Nancy Heule Henry & Johanna Heuver Richard D. & Phoebe Heyman Carrol Jaques & Bob Loov Glenn Johanson & Margaret Gibson Kimberley & Paul Lloyd Jay MacGillvray Brian P. Mahoney Dennis & Maureen McConaghy W.R. (Bob) McPhee Peter & Pat Menzies Helen Moore-Parkhouse Bruce and Branca Pachkowski Jocelyne Daw & Bob Page Lorne & Beth Price Gail & Gerard Protti Ruth & Garry Ramsden-Wood Greta Raymond Agnes & Edward Rewucki Iris Richards Maggie Rigaux Marion Rogers Gordon W. Ross & Richard Cote Gordon Sombrowski & Kevin Allen Alan and Amber Stewart Cheryl Swan Richard & Shannon Tanner Kenneth & Faye Turnbull Dan & Molly Wares Maurice & Anne Petrie Yacowar

Individual Donors $500 - $1,249

Anonymous (3) Tina Antony & Tom Stepperd Jennifer Arko & Laura Castle Louise Berlin Edna M. Charchuk Peter Claghorn Ted & Yanka Cochrane Deborah Cullen Tony & Gillean Daffern John & Audrey Fry Darcie Greggs Robert & Linda Heidemann Chris Herman Rizwan Hirjee James Hughes Sheilagh Langille Jack & Sandra Lee JoAnn McCaig Janis & Bruce Morrison Gary Nissen Dr. Brian Norford Donna Riback Mark Saar

Cam & Helga Schneider Maggie Schofield Joanne Stalinski Melanie Stapleton Greg Szuch Paul Van den Eynden Colleen Wilson Kathryn & Robert Worthingham Jerilyn Wright

$250 - $499

Anonymous (4) Karen Bates George Bezaire A.J. Brown & R.B. Beaty G. Carson Michael Gerken & Gerlinde Metz Ms. Mary Lou Higgins Gregory and Alison Hild John Humphrey & Laura McLeod P. Kornacki Derek and Nancy Lee Robert & Linda Lesoway John Martland Outi McEachern Brian Mills & Susan Tyrrell Paddon Hughes Development Co. John & Jean Partridge Pamela Smith Barry & Gail Pollock Francis Price Kirsten Pugh Vera A. Ross Douglas Soeder Kathie and Bill Stell Andrew Cook & Shannon Stevenson Laurie & Doug Strother

Greg Szuch Rodney Touche Val & Gerry Ward Tatiana Willumsen Robert E. Woodrow

$100 - $249

Anonymous (16) Beth & Peter Adams Carol & Chris Archer Daen Ashantiva Marian Beer Jeanette & Rudy Berger Pieter Bessem & Heather Fraser Patrick Blancher Katri Bruen Marion Burrus David & Sebina Butts Marie Cameron Anita Carey David Caulfield Catrin Coe Frances V. Cormack Bonnie Costello Greg Coupal Craighead Family Dr. D. Demetrick John & Mari Jo deWaal Ann Donald C. Morag Dornian Denis & Pat Duke Edi J. Dygert J. Brian Ellis Ms. Judy Ernst & Mr. Gary Gelderblaum Miriam Field Barbara & Larry Fish

Mr. Scott Forsyth Catherine Fraser John & Marilynne Gillespie L & M Gregoret Joseph & Irene Grier David Hobill Carla Hos Sandra Hunt McDonald Helen Isaac Sheila Kirkland Mr. Robert Kitchen Dennis Kreptul & Anne Tierney Sandra & Al Lucas Brenda-Ann Marks Philip & Eleanor May Karen McCullough Neil McDermid James & Donna McDonald Thelma McDonald Karen D. McKay Howard & Janet McLean Rose Monea Dr. Darlene Montgomery Jock & Diana Osler A. Patterson Karen Patterson Barry Paxton L. Percifield Roger Pilkington Erika Pochailo Peter Rallios Marlene & Norm Raymond Chere Reilly Paul Sacco Mr and Mrs James Scott Bruce Seifred Robert & Tamara Seiler

Doris & Gerard Sheilan Geoffrey & Joan Simmins In Memory of Judith Kellock Ken & Barb Smith Leonard Smith Penny Smith John & Donna Spronk David Tavender Peg Taylor Nancy Tousley Cameron Albert Vonhof & Nydia Jaramillo Mr. Steven Weisbrod Caroline Weisgerber T.W. Wilson Mike & Dawn Wood Susan Woods Justin Woolsey Bryan Wright Herrat Zahner Del & Marjorie Zingle John Zubis

Memorials

In Loving Memory of Ilse Grasmuck In memory of Judy Hartwell In Memory of Tom & Karen Jones In Memory of Elinor Rae

Opera in the Village Special Thanks John Avery Eureka Tech Inc Murray Palmer The Banff Centre

Opera cruising Calgary Opera General Director and CEO, W.R. (Bob) McPhee, and three Calgary Opera Emerging Artist Program Alumni, have just returned from a memorable Blue Danube river cruise that sailed from Budapest, Hungary to Nuremberg, Germany. The group was the centrepiece of an inaugural special interest Opera Cruise offered by Avalon Waterways; one of many themed cruises growing in popularity as people look for travel opportunities that appeal to their interests and passions. Calgary Opera’s participation in the opera cruises was the vision of Christine Pastran, opera lover and franchise owner of Expedia CruiseShipCenters, Mount Royal.

It was the trip of a lifetime for the young artists as they presented four formal programs onboard, hosted by Bob, and engaged passengers about opera while cruising past the birthplace of some of the world’s most beloved music and composers. Other special moments included Soprano Natalie Fagnan, singing Ava Maria in the lavish 17th Century Baroque Melk Abbey; Mezzo-Soprano Cassandra Warner joining the Domspatzen Boys Choir in St. Peter’s Cathedral in Regensburg; and Baritone Tyler Fitzgerald with a spontaneous show-stopping

performance in a renowned Budapest restaurant. For a day-to-day account of the trip, with photos, visit www.operacrusing.blogspot.com.

The next Avalon Waterways special interest opera cruise (also featuring Calgary Opera Emerging Artist Alumni) is scheduled to depart Nuremberg for Hungary, October 28, 2016 for another Blue Danube magical experience. For more information: www.operacruises.ca

opera in the village 33

Innovative Partnership will Transform

our City

By Jackie Pyke One day last month during Stampede I visited the site of the new home for Calgary Opera to learn about the vision Calgary Stampede and Calgary Opera have to create something truly unique. As I looked at the site and imagined what it will become, the old adage, ‘seeing is believing,’ crossed my mind. I say ‘seeing is believing’ because earlier this year I attended the news conference where the innovative new partnership between Calgary Stampede and Calgary Opera was officially announced.

The purpose of the partnership is to create synergies between our youth and our city’s professional artists. This will take place on the future site of the Stampede’s Youth Campus where the Stampede has provided land for Calgary Opera to build a 50,000 square foot Opera Centre. The new facility will include a 300-seat rehearsal and performance space, classrooms and practice halls. As much as 70 per cent of the building will be shared with Stampede youth programs and more than 160 community organizations.

The vision of these two organizations is inspiring and a big part of the reason why we as a family decided to make a transformational donation to the Calgary Opera. The donation was generously matched by the federal government through Canadian Heritage towards the fund for Calgary Opera’s long term program development.

34 CALGARY OPERA 2015-16 SEASON

As keen as I was about the plans for Opera to be part of Youth Campus, my excitement became palpable when I toured the site during the 10 days of Stampede last month. As Calgary Stampede Vice President Sarah Hayes described the vision for Youth Campus, the full magnitude of what these two organizations are doing resonated. During the partnership announcement local opera star Thomas Glenn and four Young Canadians sang, “You Raise Me Up” and I literally saw this happen as the young talented singers joined in with Thomas. I have no doubt this partnership has the potential to raise both organizations to higher levels of performance, not to mention raising Calgary on the world stage.

Calgary Stampede Foundation Chair Emeritus Ann McCaig likes to say we are greatest together. I couldn’t agree more. As an opera lover and supporter of this city, I love this new partnership because it will contribute significantly to the social, artistic and cultural health of our community.

Seeing really is believing and having stood on the site where this vision will come to life I believe we are on the verge of building something all Calgarians can be proud of and benefit from for generations to come.

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