Mercedes-Benz Edmonton West 17407-111 Avenue, Edmonton, AB • 780-484-9000
Summer 2016 contents
4 Opera in the Community
16 Opera al Fresco
6 Partners and Sponsors
24 2016/17 Season Preview
9 Sustainability Fund
28 Artist Spotlight: Othalie Graham
11 Director’s Circle
30 Summer Arts and Culture Guide
12 Friends of Edmonton Opera
37 Edmonton Opera Board and Staff
15 Endowment Fund
38 Upcoming Events
Administration Office: 15230-128 Ave., Edmonton, AB T5V 1A8 Ph: 780-424-4040 Fax: 780-429-0600 Email: info@edmontonopera.com www.edmontonopera.com
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GOVERNMENT & FOUNDATION SUPPORT
Opera in the Community! Opera is traditionally performed in a large venue, where thousands gather to watch as compelling stories unfold on stage and enthralling music emanates from the orchestra pit. But what happens when opera takes over everyday, communal spaces, and unsuspecting bystanders are suddenly transformed into an audience? This is the true test of opera’s versatility. As Edmonton Opera’s recent community performances confirm, however, the beloved art form remains incredibly impactful beyond the main stage as well. On a busy Friday lunch hour in April, visitors and office-goers at City Centre mall in downtown Edmonton were at first pleasantly surprised, then fascinated, as Edmonton Opera’s singers began filling the entire building with their vocal presence. Singing arias and duets from The Magic Flute and Mary Stuart, our performers Vanessa Oude-Reimerink and Tyler Fitzgerald charmed their new audience into staying a while. “Lots of people stopped to watch the performance, and I think it enhanced the usual lunchtime routine for downtown workers,” observed opera lover Helen Hoon, who brought her children to City Centre for the event. She further said that performing at non-traditional venues “makes opera more accessible to those who don’t normally listen to classical music.” The crowd, mesmerized by the power of unamplified vocals, left the venue smiling and praising the singers’ talent.
Our next community performance took place on a relaxed Sunday afternoon at the Italian Centre Shop in west Edmonton. As shoppers and foodies got their hands on some Italian treats, they were also offered a taste of Italy’s exquisite music and culture. Our singers performed famous arias from operas such as The Barber of Seville to appreciative audiences, who were once again in awe of their vocal prowess. One guest even remarked, “I was planning to have my espresso and leave, but her (Vanessa) voice kept me here. The combination of Italian food and live opera singing made me feel like I was lunching in Florence.” The overwhelmingly positive reaction to Edmonton Opera’s presence in community venues, especially from social media, shows that new opera enthusiasts are just waiting to be engaged. The magic of opera—to uplift the spirit and create a wondrous escape from monotony—is universal, enduring both on stage and beyond.
combination of Italian food and live opera singing “The made me feel like I was lunching in Florence.”
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4 SUMMER MAGAZINE
PARTNERS
and
SPONSORS
SEASON SPONSORS
The Rob Hood Fund Production Sponsors the merry widow
carmen
Mary Stuart
Francis Price & Marguerite Trussler opening night sponsor
Sponsor of the Edmonton Opera Chorus
opening night sponsor opening night sponsor
Emerging Artist Sponsor
Education Dress Rehearsal Sponsor
Gold Partners
SPONSORS
media Supporters
6 SUMMER MAGAZINE
Education outreach Sponsor
Official Supporters
Suggitt PUBLISHERS
Thank you to Don’s Piano Place for the use of a 7'9 Petrof PII during the rehearsals of Mary Stuart.
Suggitt The Edmonton Opera gratefully acknowledges the Kucey Dental Group, who offers complimentary emergency dental services forPUBLISHERS EO artists, and Dr. Mat Rose, who offers medical services for EO artists. Edmonton Opera is grateful for the support of these sponsors, suppliers and media partners. For more information about supporting the Edmonton Opera, please call 780.288.2510 or email development@edmontonopera.com.
SUMMER MAGAZINE 7
SPECIALIZING IN CUSTOM KITCHENS AND DESIGN
F L OWERS
8 SUMMER MAGAZINE
(Premiere Circle) We wish to thank the following individuals, corporations and foundations
who have committed to Edmonton Opera’s sustainability fund.
Each of the following members of the Sustainability Fund has committed a minimum of $50,000 over five years.
Individuals
Jim & Monica Allen James Archibald & Heidi Christoph Robert & Michelle Bessette Kevin & Penny Birkholz Jim & Sharon Brown John Cameron Carol & David Cass Richard S. Cook Judy & John Cosco Darren & Laurel Durstling Bruce Hagstrom & Susan Wylie-Hagstrom Mark & Nancy Heule Laurence Jewell Dianne Kipnes Irving Kipnes
Ashif & Zainul Mawji Phil Milroy & Jane Russell Dr. Thomas & Melanie Nakatsui Jack & Esther Ondrack Sir Francis Price Hon. Marguerite Trussler Maureen & Randall Purvis Bernie Robitaille Arnold & Grace Rumbold Angus & Heather Watt James & Sheila Wheatley Ed Wiebe & Marcia Johnson Bill Winter Paulette Winter Glen & Sandra Woolsey
Corporations & Foundations
Al-terra Engineering Ltd. Arrow Engineering Inc. Clark Builders Dentons Canada LLP Kasian Architects Dianne & Irving Kipnes Foundation
Ledcor Qualico Shelley & Guy Scott Family Foundation Sorrell Financial Standard General Inc. Wheaton Family Foundation
The first stage of the Sustainability Fund, to obtain 50 gifts, has been achieved. The second stage, to reach 100 gifts, is now in progress. For more information on the Sustainability Fund, please contact the Program Concierge, Gwen Horvath, at gwen.horvath@edmontonopera.com or at 780.288.2510.
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Edmonton Opera director’s circle The Director’s Circle recognizes those patrons whose significant financial support and ongoing commitment enable Edmonton Opera to continue to produce award-winning and compelling art in our community. Bravo and thank you! For more information about the Director’s Circle or to become a member, please call Lauren Hyatt at 780.996.2744.
Season SponsorS $250,000 Rob Hood Fund Dianne & Irving Kipnes Foundation Creekwood The Merry Widow Production Sponsor $150,000 Francis Price & Marguerite Trussler Carmen Production Sponsor $150,000 Creekwood MaestroS $10,000+ Allard Foundation
LEADERS $5,000-$9,999 Larry Eberlein Dr. Frederic & Alma Gojmerac Marjorie Purdy Alan Rose Eira Spaner Chris & Vivian Varvis PATRONS $3,000-$4,999 City Lumber Corporation Thomas Fath Jeffrey Jansen Dr. Christine Kyriakides Steven & Day LePoole Joan Lopatka & Bill Rutledge Judy & Stuart Mackay Dr. P.J. White & Patty Whiting BenefactorS $1,750-$2,999 Tricia Abbott Darlene Acton Dr. Pauline Alakija Rhonda Baker
Douglas K Bingham & Sheila Janki-Bingham Jennifer Brown David & Patricia Cassie Marian Clarke Elaine Coachman Joseph & Pat Fernando Hans & Susanne Forbrich Peter & Astrid Griep Gabor Gyenes & Erika Mullner Linda Hamilton Jill Konkin Korwon Properties Ltd. Brian Kucey & Elena Hernandez-Kucey Alan Kuysters Igor & Galia Kwetny Rod & Heleen McLeod Hugh McPhail & Yolanda Van Wachem Michael & Mariette Meier Arliss Miller Ken & Gerda Miller Risha Milo Dr. Kyle & Colleen Murray Eleanor Olszewski Aline Pratch Dr. Leonard Ratzlaff James E & Vivian Redmond David Steer Joyce Walton Wawanesa Gerhard & Inge Zmatlo
friends SustainerS
of
Edmonton Opera
Dr. George & Teresa Pemberton Fay Plomp Clarence Preitz Frank Prosperi-Porta Dr. Dean Rokosh Marshall Sadd Pierre Sareault Roger Schilf Scheffer Andrew Ltd. Doug & Devika Short Nance & Michael Smith Brian & Dawn Vaasjo Bruce White James Wolfli & Annika Nordhagen Pat Young
Keith Mould Sam Narayan Next Digital Chris Nicholas Ken Nielsen Alfred Nikolai Wade O’Neill Alex & Kelley Pagnotta C.H. Parks Parkwood Master Builder Jason Portas Carolynne E Ross Stewart Roth Lesly Round Dennis Schmidt Dorothy Stoutjesdyk Matthew Singer Gerry & Barbara Sinn GUARDIANS Mr. Grant Smith ($250-$499) Jim Smyrl Action Moving & Campbell & Rosalind Sydie Storage 1988 Ltd. William Tonn Jenny Adams Karen Marie Trace Paul C Allard Darcy Trufyn Cory P. Almquist Georgina Marian Villeneuve Michael Bacchus Joan Welch Mr Walter & Ms Stella Baydala Tim Yakimec Darren Bieganek Brian Zrobek Peter Boisjoli Thomas Bradley MEMBERS David & Leanne Bryan ($100-$249) Carolyn Campbell 1341920 Alberta Ltd. Chris Chantler & Lynn Adams SUPPORTERS Colleen Mckenna Nancy Aust ($500-$999) Cory Chisholm Avillia Developments Ltd. Andree Aston Joseph & Marta Collier Sam & Sonia Azer Nancy Cranston Barrie Corry Diana M Bacon Ben & Brandy Dutton Darren Currie Mary Bailey Ivan & Ksenia Fedyna Michael Dorey Jenna Baron David Finlay Maggie Dower Footprint Developments Inc. David C. Edwards Prof. Corp William Bartelds Scott Benoit Lorna Gawlinski Walter Goetz Mary-Ellen Berget Alice Harrison Eppy Graf Peter Bevilacqua Andrew Hladyshevsky Charles & Ann Grant Danisha Bhaloo Douglas & Dorothy Hollands Brenda Gross Marc R Bisson Tim James Holdings Ltd. Zenia J Hawrysh Donald Bobey Pavel & Sylva Jelen Dr. Jiri Hrazdil Dan Brassad Sandra Kavanagh Azim & Shenaz Jeraj Ryan Brown Brandon Kot Dr. Jay Kassiri Joanne Burek & Lee Stickles Neil & Jean Lund Ken Keenleyside Janet Carle Brenda MacDonald Bern Kotelko Linda-Rae J. Carson Kelly MacFarlane & David & Sandra Kraatz Isabelle Chapados Christopher Mackay Libuse Kuzel Nancy Cheng Greg & Patrece Maluzynsky Campbell MacKenzie Jonathan Chia Julian Mayne Heather McCaw Donald Chisholm Robert Michalowski Linda Medland-Davis Heidi Christoph Les Moss Zoltan & Brigitte Meszoly Chung Chu John Oberg Jim Montgomery Janet M. Clark Dr. Hanne Ostergaard Kevin & Robyn Mott Mary Teresa Clonfero Fred & Helen Otto ($1,000-$1,749) John Adria James Belovich Lynn Bengert Orville Chubb Michael & Eva-Maria Day John & Ann Dea Robert Edmunds Eng-Con Holdings E.P. Rees Inc. Bill Grace A.R. Grynoch & P.V. Sing Neil Hayes Donald & Susan Hickey Holt Renfrew Devon J Mark & Allen Vander Well Peggy Marko Alan Mather Carman & Averie McNary Susan & Ove Minsos Lindsay Nakatsui Edward & Geri Papp Mary Phillips-Rickey Donald & Jacqueline Smith Roger Swainson Frank Van Veen Dr. Knut Vik & F. Calder Ralph James Wood Ralph & Gay Young
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Roger & Carol Cohen Craig David Corbett Dr. Diane Cox Tim Crisall & Stefanie Ivan Brenda Dale Lois Davis Jeanette Debruin James & Gail DeFelice Fred Deis Dan & Lorna Dennis Dr. Jerrold Diamond Dr. R.J. & Janet Dmytruk Gail Docken Ryan Dory Sholeh Drackett Lloyd Dumonceaux Frank & Muriel Dunnigan Lee Duperron Tim Eckert Martin & Jacqueline Elton Tom & Heather Etsell Wayne Eyre Noella Fagnan Brittney Falcon Alfred & Coleen Falk Barry Farquharson Heinz Feldberg Krista Ference Deanna Finnman Glenn Fisher Karin Fodor Margaret J Friedman Kevin George John Getson GG Deeks Consulting Elaine Gill Gerda Goetz Margaret & F.S. Golberg Jon Goor David Gordey June Greig Jay Hamilton Mary-Lou Hamilton Marylee Hansen R & Barbara Henderson Cathryn Heslep Dr. Judith Hibberd Jennifer Hinnell Brendan Hobal Gwen Horvath Mike Hruska Bonny & Earl Hubert Dr. Sheila L Hughes Joe & Karon Huising Lauren Hyatt Erik & Franziska Jacobsen Ernie Jacobson Janet Jansen Gino Jenkelj
Alan Jones Jesse Kadosh Jason Kalincak Jocelyn Joy Kessler Lynne Kest Patching John Kim Debra King Harold Kingston & Marie Desrochers Shirley Kirkpatrick Mark Kortbeek Dr. Elizabeth Krause Sharron Grace Krill Al Kulay Dilys Kulchitsky Anna Laberge Walter & Kay Lachman Stephan M Lacroix Jillene Lakevold Claudette Larocque Mark LaRue Margaret Law Stuart Lee Steven Lenarduzzi Franklin C Loehde Richard Loken Doug & Joan Longley Ben Louie Richard & Jean Lyne Ian MacDonald Scott Mackie Don MacLean Cameron MacRae Faye & Peter Macyk Stephen Madsen John Mahon Bob Mann Joan H Marshall Dr. Daniel Martin Richard McCarty Denis & Ruth McGettigan Rob McGrath Andrew McPherson Ronald & Carole Middleton Janet Millar Lorne Miller Edward Mozejko Keith Muller Larry Newton Roberto Noce Michael O’Dell Timothy O’Neill Steven & Janice Owens Sheila & Allan Parr Rebecca Patterson Jason Philipson Christian Poirier Michael Powers Barbara Prodor
Jacquie Pylypiuk Carlos Raposo & Judy Strachan Eugene & Jeanne Ratsoy Sharla & Dorian Rauschning Yvonne Rekken Costantino Renzi Karan Riarh Jason James Richardson Terrance Richelhoff Jeff Robinson In Honour of Rita Allen: Margaret Friedman
Clayton & Raymond Rodney Hilary Rose John M Ross Kim & Andrew Ross Dr. E J Rudnisky Kathleen Ryks Nadine Samycia Don Sather Kathleen L Savey Jelena & Dusan Savic Tom & Bev Sawyer
In Honour of Mary LeMessurier: Georgina Marian Villeneuve
Chris Schulte Tony Scozzafava Sheelagh & Andrew Semper Vaughn Shears Julie Sinclair Edward Smith Ian & Irene Sneddon Tim & Bailey Sousa Alison & Richard Starke Alex Stenner Shawn D Stevens
Anne Strack Martin & Heike Stribrny Jean Sult Stevo Sun Brittany Sutherland Helen Tkalcic Christina Tozer Nick Trovato & Chereda Bodner Dennis Vance Terry & Michele Veeman
Trudy Velichka John Wanchulak Cristina Weiheimer Brett Wellicome Dianne Westwood Sarah Wong Serene Yau Jim Yih Edward Yoo Thomas Ziegler
In Honour of Alice Brisebois: Gino Jenkelj Stella & Walter Baydala
In Memory of Oline Markine: Francis Price & Marguerite Trussler
In Memory of Tom Hall: Dr. Laurence Jewell Deanna Finnman Brenda Inglis
Thank you to those who have previously donated in memory of Kimberly Heard, Dr. Robert J. Buck, Dr. Lee Anholt, Dr. John Martin, Norah McKillop, Ernie LeMessurier, Dr. David Cook, Howard Irving, Patricia M. Paone, and in honour of Dianne and Irving Kipnes.
Sincere thanks go to those individuals who, through their gifts, have demonstrated their belief in making opera a vital part of our cultural community. To donate or for additional information, please call Lauren Hyatt at 780.996.2744 or email individual.giving@edmontonopera.com. Only 2015/16 season donations and/or pledges processed up to May 6, 2016, are listed. Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of our donor information. If we have made an error or omission, please call Lauren Hyatt at 780.996.2744. We apologize for any inconvenience. Although space limitations allow us to list only charitable contributions of $100 or more, we gratefully acknowledge all donations. Each gift, regardless of size, helps to make Edmonton Opera performances possible. Thank you!
FRIENDS OF THE OPERA
benefits
MEMBER
guardian
SUPPORTER
SUSTAINER
BENEFACTOR
PATRON
LEADER
$100+
$250+
$500+
$1,000+
$1,750+
$3,000+
$5,000-$10,000
Tax receipt Acknowledgment in Intermezzo magazine Poster from our current season (upon request)
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CD of a classic opera recording (upon request) Exclusive VIP event (per season) Invitation for two to each dress rehearsal and VIP reception Two tickets at 30% off for each mainstage production Two invitations to the exclusive VIP Lounge VIP courtesy Jubilee parking during performances Tour of Production Facility Two complimentary Opera Brunch tickets Exclusive invitation to rehearsals
DIRECTOR’S CIRCLE
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Edmonton Opera’s Director’s Circle (donations of $1,750 or more) is our way of providing special recognition to our generous individual donors for their outstanding and sustained annual support. Director’s Circle members enjoy a number of exclusive opportunities throughout the season, to enhance their overall operatic experience. Please contact Lauren Hyatt, Events Coordinator and Donor Relations, at lauren.hyatt@edmontonopera.com or 780.996.2744 for more information about becoming a DC member. The Sustainability Fund is comprised of dedicated individuals, corporations and foundations who have committed to a five-year, $10,000-per-year contribution, ensuring the sustainable future of Edmonton Opera. For more information about Sustainability Fund experiences and commitments, please contact Gwen Horvath, Director of Fund Development, at gwen.horvath@edmontonopera.com or 780.288.2510.
SUMMER MAGAZINE 13
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Aria Legacy Help Edmonton Opera Sing Forever Edmonton Opera creates award-winning and compelling art, and strives to keep that art accessible for the Edmonton community. Aria Legacy is your opportunity to share that dream in a focused and personal way, with a gift to our endowment program that will last into perpetuity. Endowment gifts of any size are appreciated. For more information on how you can help sustain Edmonton Opera for generations to come, please call the donor services line at 780.996.2744.
Edmonton Opera
endowment funds
Edmonton Opera applauds the following visionaries for contributing to or establishing a legacy of support for the future of opera in our community. Many of these contributions have been matched by the Canada Cultural Investment Fund. Thank you.
Edmonton Opera’s Endowment Funds: Sam & Sonia Azer Family Fund Canada Cultural Investment Fund Cecilia Fund Dr. David Cook Fund for Edmonton Opera Edmonton Opera Endowment Trust Fund Edmonton Opera Staff Contributions Fund Andy & Marianne Elder Fund Frederic & Alma Gojmerac Family Fund Irving Guttman Opera Endowment Fund The Dianne and Irving Kipnes Opera Fund Oline & Roderick Markine Family Fund John & Barbara Poole Family Fund Francis Price & Marguerite Trussler Family Fund Russell & Dwight Purdy Memorial Fund Arnold & Grace Rumbold Fund In Memory of Howard Irving: J.E. Cote Richard Fraser Larry Judge John Karvellas Alec & Irene Murray Francis Price & Marguerite Trussler In Memory of Oline Markine: Francis Price & Marguerite Trussler
Endowment Donors & Aria Legacy Members Tricia Abbott Darlene Acton John Adria Peter & Barbara Allen Rebecca Anderson Sam & Sonia Azer Alan & Alice Bell Robert Bessette Danisha Bhaloo Jelena Bojic Dr. Grace Bokenfohr Katherine Braun Jennifer Brown John Cameron Mary Teresa Clonfero Erin Clyde Richard S. Cook Craig Corbett Glenda Dennis Maggie Dower Marianne & Andy Elder Ivan & Ksenia Fedyna Laura Fitzgerald Karin Fodor Hans & Susanne Forbrich Sandra Gajic
Fred & Alma Gojmerac Karen Good Mary-Lou Hamilton Jennifer Hinnell & Keith Warner Andrew Hladyshevsky John & Susan Hokanson Douglas & Dorothy Hollands Gwen Horvath W.H. Hurlburt Lauren Hyatt Jeffrey Jansen Laurence Jewell Ken Keenleyside HaNeul Kim & John Yun Debra King The Dianne & Irving Kipnes Foundation Betty Kolodziej Juri & Helle Kraav Tara-Lee LaRose Franklin C. Loehde Brenda MacDonald Amanda MacRae Cameron MacRae Joanne Madeley
Bertrand Malo Greg & Patrece Maluzynsky Stephen & Lynn Mandel Devon J. Mark & Allen Vander Well Roderick & Oline Markine Peggy & John Marko Alan Mather Julian Mayne Jeff McAlpine Jeff McCune Rod & Heleen McLeod Bob & Bev McNally Mickey Melnyk Arliss Miller Kevin & Robyn Mott Kyle & Colleen Murray Dr. Thomas & Melanie Nakatsui Wesley M. Pedruski Barbara Poole Dr. Clarence H. Preitz Francis Price Protostatix Engineering Consultants Russell & Marjorie Purdy
Reynolds Mirth Richards & Farmer LLP Clayton Rodney & Raymond Cameron Analee Roman Hilary & Robert Rose Arnold & Grace Rumbold Celyne Runzer Kelly Sheard Katie Soles Michael Spassov Darren Staten Catherine Szabo Lauren Tenney Karen Trace Hon. Marguerite Trussler Chris & Vivian Varvis Stella Varvis Angus Watt Cristina Weiheimer Joan Welch Adrienne E. Wong Tim Yakimec Serene Yau Stacy Young Gerhard & Inge Zmatlo
Additional financial contributions from members of the Edmonton Opera Chorus. A generous endowment gift has been made by the Edmonton Opera Guild in honour of the Edmonton Opera Chorus.
SUMMER MAGAZINE 15
SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR SPONSOR:
WELCOME FROM EDMONTON OPERA Thank you for joining us today as we welcome summer in all its exuberant, musical glory. The Devonian Botanic Garden provides a spectacular backdrop for you to experience the uplifting emotions of opera. After a season of productions on the grand Jubilee stage, Opera al Fresco reminds us of the art form’s simplicity and serenity. Nothing brings out the whimsical and enchanting quality of the operatic voice quite like hearing it among the rustle of leaves, a steady rumble of flowing water, and of course, the crisp evening air. As you wander through the gardens, let the music wash over you and be your guide.
PROGRAM SCHEDULE 6:30
WELCOME RECEPTION Kurimoto Japanese Garden
7:00
OPENING REMARKS & PERFORMANCE Kurimoto Japanese Garden
8:00
Primula Dell
Pine Pavilion
Alpine Garden
8:45
Pine Pavilion
Alpine Garden
Primula Dell
9:30
Alpine Garden
Primula Dell
Pine Pavilion
Enjoy your evening. Tim Yakimec General Director | Edmonton Opera
WELCOME FROM THE DEVONIAN BOTANIC GARDEN Welcome to Opera al Fresco, an unforgettable experience. Four garden stages welcome you to open air seating for an evening steeped in the sensory. The marriage of University of Alberta’s Devonian Botanic Garden and Edmonton Opera promises to deliver the sounds, sights, scents, tastes and textures of a wonderful evening. See you in the Garden of music! Dr. Lee Foote Director | Devonian Botanic Garden
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Flower arrangements provided by: The Devonian Botanic Garden Crafters Association
KURIMOTO JAPANESE GARDEN • Skylark and Nightingale / Music by Audrey Snyder / Words by Christina Rossetti • Dodi Li / Israeli song arranged by Doreen Rao • Salaam Alaikum (Peace Unto You) / Ghanian folk song arranged by JS Kofi Gbolonyo
VICTORIA SCHOOL OF THE ARTS ELEMENTARY CHOIR
The Victoria School of the Arts Elementary Choir is made up of students in grades four through six who wish to further their experience in music. They are conducted by Angela McKeown, assisted by Laurel Nikolai and accompanied by Bryan LeGrow. The choir performs regularly at Victoria School functions. These students are no strangers to Edmonton Opera, and are happy to be participating in Al Fresco this evening!
ANGELA MCKEOWN NEMETCHEK • Conductor
Angela McKeown Nemetchek is thrilled to be working with Victoria School of the Arts! In 2013, she was the assistant conductor of the Alberta Youth Choir and completed her Masters of Music in Choral Conducting at the University of Alberta where she studied under Dr. Len Ratzlaff. Angela also holds a Bachelor of Education in Vocal Music from the University of Western Ontario and an Honours Bachelor of Arts in Music from the University of Guelph. Prior to arriving in Edmonton, Ms. McKeown taught senior and junior high school choral music for 8 years at International Schools in both Korea and China. While in Asia, Ms. McKeown led her choirs to festivals in Prague, Seoul, Manila, Shanghai and Beijing.
LAUREL NIKOLAI • Director
Laurel Nikolai is a music educator who has taught students from pre-K through graduate students. Her teaching career has spanned Canada, Switzerland and the United Arab Emirates. Laurel holds her Master of Education degree from the University of Alberta where she has taught many courses in Music and Dance pedagogy. She is currently an elementary music specialist at Victoria School of the Arts. She serves as clinician throughout Western Canada and the US.
BRYAN LEGROW • Accompanist
Bryan LeGrow is an Edmonton based composer, pianist and vocalist. He has completed his Diploma of Music from Grant MacEwan University and his Bachelor of Music from the University of Alberta. Bryan works as an accompanist with many Edmonton choirs including Kokopelli, the Edmonton Children’s Opera Chorus, Victoria School of the Arts and Holy Spirit Lutheran Church. In addition to accompanying, Bryan composes and arranges choral music, and has had many pieces performed internationally.
16/17 SEASON
ROYAL GLENORA CLUB Cast of Turandot • Sunday, October 2, 2016 Cast of Cinderella • Sunday, January 15, 2017 Cast of Elektra • Sunday, February 26, 2017 Tickets $85 • Enjoy all three brunches for $240 780.429.1000 • edmontonopera.com Krisztina Szabó stars in Edmonton Opera’s Cinderella SUMMER MAGAZINE 17
PINE PAVILION
ALPINE GARDEN
• Hallelujah / Leonard Cohen • Make Our Garden Grow / Leonard Bernstein • Homeward Bound / Marta Keen • Opening Chorus / Maria Stuarda / Gaetano Donizetti
• Nessun dorma / Turandot / Giacomo Puccini (Andrea Pinna) • Core ’ngrato / Neapolitan song (Andrea Pinna) • Sole mio / Neapolitan song (Andrea Pinna and Victoria Biel) • Frère, Voyez! / Werther/ Jules Massenet (Victoria Biel) • Villanelle / Eva Dell’Acqua (Victoria Biel)
THE EDMONTON OPERA CHORUS
The Edmonton Opera Chorus is made up of talented Edmontonians with a variety of training backgrounds and experience, including community singers, aspiring professionals, and vocal artists. Led by chorusmaster Peter Dala, the EO Chorus’s 2016/17 season will include performances in the productions of Turandot, Cinderella, and Elektra. As a central and thrilling component of the operatic art form, the Edmonton Opera chorus performs with the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra, world-class singers, conductors, and directors.
PETER DALA Resident Conductor & Chorusmaster
Peter Dala began his conducting career 30 years ago with the Basel Ballet. He conducted for seven years at the Hungarian State Opera and the National Ballet of Hungary. As Edmonton Opera’s chorusmaster from 1996 to 2012 and resident conductor from 2001 to 2012, he prepared the chorus for roughly 40 operas, has played over 50 operas as repetiteur and has conducted over 30 operas. In 2001 he began his affiliation with Alberta Ballet and was named music director in 2005. He has conducted over 40 different productions for them.
LEANNE REGEHR • Accompanist
Pianist Leanne Regehr earned a doctor of music degree in piano performance from Northwestern University and is currently based in Edmonton, where she serves on the faculties of the University of Alberta and the King’s University. Leanne has been engaged as a repetiteur with Shreveport Opera, Mercury Opera and Edmonton Opera. Her dedication to the development of young singers has been recognized through her work as a faculty member with Opera Nuova, as a staff pianist for Sherrill Milnes’ VOICExperience Program in Florida, and as a coaching fellow at the Aspen Music Festival. Leanne enjoys her freelance career as a soloist, vocal coach, recital partner and adjudicator.
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ANDREA PINNA • Tenor
Born in Cagliari, Italy, Andrea migrated to Canada in 2014. His singing career as a tenor started late in life in a tourist village on Sardinia Island. The experience of singing in public was surprising and very emotional. As a result of this sudden success, Andrea began to study classical lyric singing supported by professional coaches who helped him and who introduced him to professional classical singers. Andrea has performed at Italian music centres in Milan, Bologna Palermo, and his native Cagliari. In 2012, Andrea produced a CD of Italian popular arias and Neapolitan songs with much success. He was also part of a musical group that toured through many Italian theatres.
VICTORIA BIEL • Soprano
Victoria Biel, MMus, BEd, has long been an active member of the Edmonton musical community as both an educator and performer. Victoria’s opera experience includes the roles of Mabel in Pirates of Penzance, Yum Yum in Mikado, Despina in Così fan tutte, and Suor Dolcina in Suor Angelica. Her recent musical theatre roles include Cinderella in Into the Woods and Fantine in Les Misérables. Victoria has acted as both director and musical director for numerous theatre productions including: The Phantom of the Opera; Les Misérables, and her own adapted version of Anne of Green Gables. Currently, Victoria is the office manager and a conductor with Cantilon Choirs.
KIM COUSINEAU• Accompanist
Kim received a Bachelor of Music degree from the University of Victoria, and studied privately with Anna Cal, student of Russian pianist Pavel Egorov. He has performed in numerous operatic and musical theatre productions, including Carmen, Hansel and Gretel, Mary’s Wedding and Rattenbury (Pacific Opera Victoria), Candide and La Voix Humaine (Opera Nuova), The Best Little Newfoundland Christmas Pageant...Ever! (Whizgiggling Productions), and The Last Resort (Mayfield Dinner Theatre). Kim is in high demand as a choral accompanist in the Edmonton area, working with many groups including Concordia Concert Choir, Da Camera Singers, Vocal Alchemy, and Chronos Vocal Ensemble.
PRIMULA DELL • The Willow Song / The Ballad of Baby Doe / Douglas Moore (Nola Shantz) • The Flower Duet / Lakmé / Léo Delibes (Nola Shantz & Whitney Sloan) • Caro Nome / Rigoletto/ Giuseppe Verdi (Whitney Sloan) • Cigánské Melodie (Gypsy Songs) / Op. 55 No. 5 / Antonín Dvořák (Whitney Sloan) • Mein Herr Marquis / Die Fledermaus / Johann Strauss ii (Nola Shantz)
NOLA SHANTZ • Soprano
Soprano Nola Shantz thrives on the artistic expression of stage and concert performance. She has performed as soloist for works such as Mozart’s Mass in C Minor, Handel’s Messiah, Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9, and Wolf’s Italienisches Liederbuch. Her recent opera credits include selections from Mozart’s Die Zauberflöte (Queen of the Night). She performed the Canadian premiere of Georges Aperghis’ Sextuor and the world premiere of Poema letkoho mista, an opera depicting the Chernobyl tragedy. Nola completed her Master of Music degree in Piano Performance at the University of British Columbia, and her Master of Music degree in Vocal Performance at McGill University’s Schulich School of Music.
WHITNEY SLOAN • Soprano
Soprano Whitney Leigh Sloan has been praised for her clear, lyrical voice and ability to take full advantage of both the light and shade in a score (Opera Canada). This season, Whitney was featured with the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra in Symphony Under the Sky, in concert with the Edmonton Recital Society, the portrayal of Elle in the leading role of Poulenc’s La Voix Humaine with L’UniTheatre and a feature engagement with the WindRose Trio. Other roles include the title role in Dvořák’s Rusalka (Opera Nuova); Hanna Glawari in Die lustige Witwe, Mimì in La bohème, La Contessa Almaviva in Le nozze di Figaro, and Tatiana in Eugene Onegin at the University of British Columbia.
MEGAN CRANE • Accompanist
A native of Edmonton, Megan received her bachelor of music degree from the University of Alberta and a Masters degree in piano performance from the University of Montreal. She has performed across Canada as soloist, collaborator, choral accompanist and organist. She is currently a resident accompanist at the King’s University and the organist and music director at St. Augustine of Canterbury Anglican Church. Her most challenging and fulfilling work is shared with her husband as they raise two tremendous kids together.
16/17 season
GIACOMO PUCCINI
TURANDOT OCTOBER 22, 25 & 27, 2016
GIOACHINO ROSSINI
CINDERELLA
LA CENERENTOLA
FEBRUARY 4, 7 & 9, 2017
RICHARD STRAUSS
ELEKTRA MARCH 11, 14 & 16, 2017
IMAGE BY REED HUMMELL NASHVILLE OPERA’S TURANDOT
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SUMMER MAGAZINE 23
16/17 season
GIACOMO PUCCINI
TURANDOT OCTOBER 22, 25 & 27, 2016
GIOACHINO ROSSINI
CINDERELLA
LA CENERENTOLA
FEBRUARY 4, 7 & 9, 2017
RICHARD STRAUSS
ELEKTRA MARCH 11, 14 & 16, 2017
In 2016/17, Edmonton Opera invites you on a journey through a diverse landscape of emotions — from pleasant and triumphant to gritty and complex, this season offers compelling tales of the human experience. This year, Edmonton Opera is pleased to showcase three very different operas that promise to captivate your imagination. We begin with Puccini’s story of all-conquering love, Turandot. Then, we present the familiar and uplifting fairytale of Cinderella (La Cenerentola) by Rossini. Finally, we explore the psychological darkness of a woman’s quest for vengeance in Strauss’s Elektra.
TURANDOT In October, we bring you Puccini’s masterpiece Turandot. This opera is set in the ancient China of Puccini’s imagination, where cold-hearted princess Turandot reigns over the hearts of young men. Her beauty attracts suitors from far and wide; but with no desire to marry, Turandot takes pleasure instead in posing unsolvable riddles to these men. When they are unable to answer the riddles, she sentences them to death. This continues until the arrival of our operatic hero, prince Calaf, who refuses to back down and gambles his life in the pursuit of
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Turandot’s love. Using his wit and steadfast determination, Calaf vows to beat the odds and melt the princess’s icy heart. Turandot has all the makings of an opera ‘blockbuster’: an exotic locale, decadent costumes, and a dramatic quest for love that is set to spellbinding music. Puccini also includes exciting details and subplots to keep the audience engaged: a lovable character’s tragedy of unrequited love, a trio of mischievous villains, and the touching reunion of an estranged father and son.
The multiple layers of storytelling, along with Puccini’s most technically accomplished composition, make Turandot the unforgettable operatic gift that keeps giving. It is no wonder that Puccini’s final work is a staple at opera houses around the world, having seen thousands of productions since its premiere in 1926.
The sets and costumes for Cinderella will be built from scratch at our facility, which means Edmonton audiences enjoy the first look at this inventive staging of Rossini’s classic. Vibrant, uplifting, and enchanting, Cinderella will be the perfect remedy for Edmonton’s wintertime blues.
Edmonton Opera’s Turandot features opulent sets and costumes, creating a visually stunning world for our cast to inhabit. This production also brings world-renowned talent to the Jubilee stage: Soprano Othalie Graham sings Turandot, a role that has become her signature in recent years, and Canadian tenor David Pomeroy marks his return to Edmonton Opera after 2013’s The Tales of Hoffman as Calaf.
ELEKTRA
CINDERELLA (LA CENERENTOLA)
Devastated by the loss of her father, Elektra seeks to bring his killer to justice. The culprit, however, is none other than her mother Klytämnestra. As Klytämnestra announces that Elektra will be locked in a tower for her madness, Elektra knows she must act fast. With the help of her equally tormented brother Orest, she plans the brutal murder of Klytämnestra.
Warming up the Edmonton winter will be Rossini’s Cinderella (La Cenerentola), a bel canto opera that boasts whimsical composition and dramatically rich singing. Rossini takes the familiar fairytale of Cinderella and adds his own spin to it, replacing the wicked stepmother with a quirky old stepfather, and turning the story into a delightful comedy of mistaken identities. Cinderella is the quintessential feel-good opera that excels, above all, in its simplicity. The music is playful, charming, and effervescent, but can be incredibly precise and technically challenging. This allows singers to display their vocal virtuosity while also creating an entertaining atmosphere in the theatre. Rossini’s score in Cinderella is quite fast-paced and guides the action energetically along from one short scene to another, saving the slower, contemplative moments for romantic duets between Cinderella and Prince Ramiro. Director Rob Herriot, who was previously at the helm of Edmonton Opera’s The Magic Flute (2015) and The Mikado (2012), reimagines Cinderella, infusing a blend of 1950’s youthful exuberance and haute couture into this exciting new production. For Herriot, the world of Cinderella is all about appearances and their role in hiding the truths that lurk just under the surface. The production will reflect this theme, with surprises and transformations as part of the design.
For our final production of the season, things take a turn for the dark and dramatic with the Alberta premiere of Strauss’s Elektra. Based on a Greek myth, this opera delves into the mind of a woman possessed by hatred and revenge, taking the audience on a highoctane journey as Elektra’s world spirals completely out of control.
Elektra is one of the most intensely complex operas, both in terms of composition and content. Strauss maintains the mythic quality of this Greek tragedy and unpacks its deep psychological motivations, resulting in a commanding score that is simultaneously controlled and frenzied, just like Elektra herself. This intricate composition, which both mirrors and fuels its protagonist’s various emotional states, makes Elektra a truly unique operatic experience. Leading this electrifying score is international conducting prodigy, 23-year-old Alexander Prior. Originally from the UK, Prior has now become a familiar face at the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra, conducting with a fervour that connects authentically with both the orchestra and audience. Strauss’s fiery and dramatic composition for Elektra will highlight Prior’s grit, energy, and technical mastery. With such an incredible lineup of artists and innovative productions, the 2016/17 season is poised to become one of our most memorable ever. Edmonton audiences can expect a series of dynamic and enthralling operas, which showcase our essential commitment to create art that moves and inspires.
Join us for the exciting 2016/17 season! Purchase season tickets starting at just $99 for all three operas. Visit edmontonopera.com or call our box office at 780.429.1000. SUMMER MAGAZINE 25
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Othalie Graham While soprano Othalie Graham has travelled around the world and sung the role of Turandot to immense acclaim, her performance in Edmonton Opera’s Turandot will be a momentous event for one reason: this production marks Ontario-born Graham’s Canadian debut. Indeed, after leaving Canada to attend the Academy of Vocal Arts in Philadelphia, Graham stayed on in the United States, beginning a successful career that took her to opera houses across America and beyond. Her repertoire features a lot of Wagner, with some Verdi influences, but Graham is most widely known for her compelling portrayal of Turandot, a role that is exceedingly difficult to master. Given the sheer number of times she has been invited to perform Turandot, it is clear that Graham has achieved this mastery. Opera News praised her as “a vocally secure Turandot, her gleaming tones well suited to the ice princess’s misanthropic resolve,” adding that “the part is, in many ways, an unsympathetic one, but Graham’s interpretation was engaging to watch.” Naturally, Edmonton Opera’s Turandot served as the perfect opportunity to host this soprano star’s homecoming; for the first time, Othalie Graham will grace the Canadian stage, performing her signature role for Edmonton audiences this October. As the cold-hearted princess who torments her suitors and refuses to fall in love, Graham’s Turandot is set to dazzle Canadians with her unique interpretation. In a recent interview with Opera Canada, Graham says that she prefers not to sing Turandot as “this screamy, icy princess,” adding that she likes to keep the character “as youthful and beautiful as possible.” We are thrilled to introduce this operatic tour-de-force to our audience! Othalie Graham’s burgeoning career is poised to make an impact on Canada’s opera scene for years to come. 28 SUMMER MAGAZINE
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Edmonton Chamber Music Society
Summer Solstice Music Festival June 20 – 28
edmontonchambermusic.org
Edmonton Jazz Festival Society
Edmonton International Jazz Festival
Interstellar Rodeo July 22 – 24
interstellarrodeo.com
June 24 – July 3
Art Gallery of Alberta
Romeo and Juliet / Love’s Labour’s Lost
Opera NUOVA
Heritage Amphitheatre, Hawrelak Park freewillshakespeare.com
June 29 – July 3
Drawings by the Pre-Raphaelites and their Contemporaries from The Lanigan Collection July 23 – Nov 13
operanuova.ca
youraga.ca
New Festival of Sacred Music
Art Gallery of Alberta
Freewill Shakespeare Festival
June 21 – July 17
Common Ground Arts Society
Found Festival June 23 – 26
commongroundarts.ca Teatro La Quindicina
The Search for Signs of Intelligent Life in the Universe June 23 – July 2 teatroq.com The Works
Art & Design Festival June 23 – July 5 theworks.ab.ca Opera NUOVA
La Bohème June 24 – 28
operanuova.ca
edmontonjazz.com
Parade
Gioachino Rossini: Petite Messe Solennelle July 2
tixonthesquare.ca Walterdale Theatre
Chess
July 6 – 16
walterdaletheatre.com Edmonton International
Street Performers Festival July 8 – 17
edmontonstreetfest.com
Taste of Edmonton Fest
JASON DE HAAN: Grey to Pink July 23 – Nov 13 youraga.ca
Edmonton Heritage Festival Association
Heritage Festival July 30 – Aug 1
heritage-festival.com
Edmonton Folk Music Festival Aug 4 – 7
edmontonfolkfest.org
Cariwest Festival Aug 5 – 7
cariwest.ca
July 21 – 30
tasteofedm.ca
This schedule brought to you by the Edmonton Cultural Trust Foundation | edmontonculturaltrust.org
30 SUMMER MAGAZINE
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HELPING OUR ARTS COMMUNITIES
Take Centre Stage
At MNP, we know that a thriving arts and cultural community can spur economic growth, inspire innovation and accelerate the creative vitality of the region. We like to believe we have earned a five-star reputation in strengthening our cultural communities and industries through our support for artists and arts organizations since 1945. To find out how MNP can help your organization shine, contact Darren Turchansky at 780.453.5378 or darren.turchansky@mnp.ca
Proud suppor ters of the Edmonton Opera
32 SUMMER MAGAZINE
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SUMMER MAGAZINE 33
building our community through the arts “Supporting the arts is an essential and viable component of corporate citizenship,” says Ron Johnson, president of Raywalt Construction, the title sponsor of Opera al Fresco. For over 35 years, Raywalt has helped create and maintain a variety of infrastructure in the province, from servicing residential lots to completing water transmission projects. Their efforts can be seen in various regions throughout Alberta, primarily in the Edmonton area. Raywalt’s involvement in strengthening Alberta’s structural foundations is vast and continues to grow. Based in Acheson, Raywalt employs 18 permanent staff and about 170 seasonal staff, who mostly commute from the Edmonton area. Contributing to charitable organizations and initiatives in the city, therefore, is a way to give back to the community that supports Raywalt’s operations. In addition to Edmonton Opera, the company lends support to The Brain Campaign (University Hospital Foundation), Habitat for Humanity, Kids with Cancer, Autism Society, Canadian Mental Health Association, United Way, and the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada, to list a few. Though the two worlds of Raywalt and the opera are completely different, Johnson believes they are ultimately working towards the same
a production allows people “to...watching step outside their everyday lives and really connect with one another. ”
goal—building the community. While Raywalt’s expertise sustains the physical growth of our city and province, Edmonton Opera brings artistic expression, which is vital to the overall betterment of our community. “The performing arts bind society together; watching a production allows people to step outside their everyday lives and really connect with one another,” Johnson asserts. This drives him to ensure Raywalt’s active promotion of arts and culture in Edmonton. After attending the Opera al Fresco in the past and seeing how much his guests enjoy it, Johnson is further convinced that such events are necessary for revitalizing the community. Indeed, it is precisely because of dedicated sponsors that Edmonton Opera is able to present high quality productions, thus building a strong artistic legacy for the city’s future generations.
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edmonton opera board of directors 2015-2016 season Richard Cook, Chair Francis Price, Vice Chair Ken Keenleyside, Treasurer Irv Kipnes, Past Chair
Garner Beggs Robert Bessette Danisha Bhaloo Jennifer Brown
Mary Clonfero Craig Corbett Hans Forbrich Mary-Lou Hamilton
Melanie Nakatsui Bernie Robitaille Robert Rock
edmonton opera staff Executive
Box Office
Tim Yakimec, General Director*
Joanne Madeley, Box Office Manager Katie Gallin, Box Office Clerk
Finance Debra King, CFO Serene Yau, Accountant
Community Relations Cameron MacRae, Director of Marketing & Communications Rohan Kulkarni, Communications & Community Engagement Coordinator PenĂŠlope Haro Aranda, Marketing Assistant
Fund Development Gwen Horvath, Director of Fund Development Jennifer Hinnell, Grants Officer Lauren Hyatt, Events Coordinator & Donor Relations Celyne Runzer, Fund Development Assistant
Artistic Administration Ha Neul Kim, Director of Artistic Operations, Resident Stage Manager* Peter Dala, Resident Conductor & Chorusmaster* Kendra Litwin, Summer Arts Admin Assistant
Production and technical Clayton Rodney, Production & Technical Director* Greg Brown, Head Scenic Carpenter & Shop Supervisor Deanna Finnman, Head of Wardrobe & Resident Wardrobe Designer* Megan Kumpula, Head of Properties & Scenic Paint Theresa Grant, Assistant Head Properties Kris Aasen, Production Coordinator Connor MacDonald, Summer Production Assistant Nanc Price, Volunteer Photographer *10 years or more of service to Edmonton Opera.
SUMMER MAGAZINE 37
�pcoming
events
Opera 101 || October 2016 Join us at CKUA, in the beautiful Alberta Hotel at 9804 Jasper Ave., for an exciting discussion about our first show of the season, Turandot. Learn more about the music and traditions behind Puccini’s classic during this Opera 101, beginning at 7 p.m. This is a complimentary event, with drinks and refreshments available for purchase. Our special guest speakers will be announced soon! Opera Brunch || October 2, 2016 Enjoy a hearty and delicious meal accompanied by your favourite arias during the Sunday Opera Brunch (11 a.m.) at the Royal Glenora Club. Look out at the scenic fall colours of Edmonton’s river valley while the cast of Turandot delivers special performances. Sample the best of opera in this intimate and unforgettable setting! Education Dress Rehearsal || October 20, 2016 We welcome students to witness an exclusive dress rehearsal of our first opera from the upcoming season, Turandot. Teachers can contact education@edmontonopera.com to arrange tickets for the dress rehearsal, which begins at 7 p.m. Turandot || October 22, 25 & 27, 2016
Puccini’s masterpiece Turandot transports the audience to a mythical ancient China, where a determined prince sets out to woo a cold-hearted princess, risking his life to earn her love. Soprano Othalie Graham makes her Canadian debut as Turandot, and Canadian tenor David Pomeroy sings Calaf in this enthralling production.
We have an exciting opera line-up in 2016/17! Be sure to purchase your season tickets now — starting at just $99 for all three operas!
For more information or to purchase tickets to any of these events, please call 780.429.1000 or visit edmontonopera.com.
38 SUMMER MAGAZINE
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