Summer 2018
4 Partners and Sponsors
22 La Traviata Set Build
7 Sustainability Fund
26 2018/19 Season Preview
9 Director’s Circle
30 Spotlight on Laquita Mitchell
10 Friends of Edmonton Opera
32 Summer Arts and Culture Guide
13 Endowment Fund
37 Edmonton Opera Board and Staff
14 Opera al Fresco
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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The Edmonton Opera magazine is published by Playhouse Publications Ltd. 10177 - 105 Street, Edmonton, Alberta T5J 1E2 Ph: 780-423-5834 • Fax: 780-413-6185 • www.playhousepublications.ca
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GOVERNMENT & FOUNDATION SUPPORT
Cover photo by C. Corneau from Manitoba Opera’s La Traviata
Edmonton Opera and the University of Alberta acknowledge that we are located on Treaty 6 territory, and respect the histories, languages, and cultures of First Nations, Metis, Inuit, and all First Peoples of Canada, whose presence continues to enrich our vibrant community.
PARTNERS
and
SPONSORS
SEASON SPONSORS
The Rob Hood Fund Production Sponsors PRODUCTION sponsor DON GIOVANNI
Opera Al Fresco sponsor
Francis Price & Marguerite Trussler
Sponsor of the Edmonton Opera Chorus
OPERA BRUNCH Sponsor
Education Partner
Gold Partners
SPONSORS
media Supporters
www.wittenlaw.com
4 EDMONTON OPERA 2018/19 SEASON
Emerging Artist Sponsor
Official Supporters
780.439.6060
campustower.com
Suggitt PUBLISHERS
Suggitt PUBLISHERS
Edmonton Opera gratefully acknowledges the Kucey Dental Group, who offers complimentary emergency dental services for 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 Edmonton Opera, please call 780.288.2510 or email development@edmontonopera.com.
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summer magazine 5
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We wish to thank the following Sustainability Fund individuals, corporations and foundations who have committed to Edmonton Opera’s sustainability. Each of the following contributors to the Sustainability Fund have committed a minimum of $50,000 over five years. Individuals
Jim & Monica Allen Bruce & Carol Bentley Robert & Michelle Bessette Kevin & Penny Birkholz Jim & Sharon Brown John Cameron Carol & David Cass Richard S. Cook John & Judy Cosco Darren & Laurel Durstling Bruce 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 Ed Wiebe & Marcia Johnson Bill Winter Paulette Winter Glenn & Sandra Woolsey
Corporations & Foundations
Al-terra Engineering Ltd. Clark Builders Dentons Canada LLP Kasian Architects Dianne & Irving Kipnes Foundation Ledcor Group of Companies
PCL Constructors Inc. Qualico Shelley & Guy Scott Family Foundation Sorrell Financial Standard General Inc. Wheaton Family Foundation
Shared Commitments
James Archibald & Heidi Christoph, Jennifer Brown, Hans & Susanne Forbrich, Melcor Developments Ltd., and James & Sheila Wheatley. 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 Gordana Bosiocic at 780.996.2744.
Season SponsorS Dianne & Irving Kipnes Foundation Creekwood Rob Hood Fund DON GIOVANNI Production Sponsors Francis Price & Marguerite Trussler MaestroS $10,000+ Allard Foundation The Highbury Foundation The Summit Foundation
LEADERS $5,000-$9,999 F. Calder Larry Eberlein Dr. Frederic & Alma Gojmerac Marjorie Purdy Chris & Vivian Varvis PATRONS $3,000-$4,999 Tricia Abbott Fath Group/O’Hanlon Paving Ltd. Jeffrey Jansen Dr. Christine Kyriakides Gabor Gyenes & Erika Mullner Steven & Day LePoole Joan Lopatka & Bill Rutledge Hilliard Macbeth Judy & Stuart Mackay Rod & Heleen McLeod Hugh McPhail & Yolanda Van Wachem Arliss Miller Alan Rose Joyce Walton Dr. P.J. White & Patty Whiting
BenefactorS $1,750-$2,999 Darlene Acton Anonymous (2) Bennett Jones Douglas K. Bingham & Sheila Janki-Bingham David & Patricia Cassie City Lumber Corporation Marian Clarke Elaine Coachman Sandi Ann Darrell Michael Day Robert Edmunds Joseph & Pat Fernando Peter & Astrid Griep Brian Kucey & Elena Hernandez-Kucey Ken & Gerda Miller Risha Milo Dr. Kyle & Colleen Murray Eleanor Olszewski Dr. Leonard Ratzlaff James E. & Vivian Redmond Dave & Michele Rumbold Dr. Sudhakar Sivapalan Donald & Jacqueline Smith David Steer Ralph James Wood
friends
of
Edmonton Opera
SustainerS
($1,000-$1,749) Alberta Measurement Services Arrow Engineering Diane Buchanan Compass Group Canada John & Ann Dea A. R. Grynoch & P. V. Sing Donald & Susan Hickey Caroline Howarth & John Adria Brenda Inglis Michael Kazda Jill Konkin Rod MacLean Peggy Marko Alan Mather Denis & Ruth McGettigan Graham McLennan Carman & Averie McNary Grace Megli-Turner Janine Odishaw Fay Plomp Pratch Family Foundation Marshall & Lisa Sadd Aroon Sequeira Patrick Spiers William Timbers & Mary O’Connell Linda Uniat Unified Energy 8760 Ltd. Ralph & Gay Young Family Fund Vonnie Zupan
Brandon Kot Dr. Zaheerali Lakhani Neil & Jean Lund Kelly MacFarlane & Christopher Mackay Devon J. Mark & Allen Vander Well Terry Moroz Les Moss Keith Mould John Oberg Wade O’Neill & Marcela Svobodova Dr. Hanne Ostergaard Fred & Helen Otto Dr. Edward & Geri Papp Wesley M. Pedruski Mary Phillips-Rickey Dr. Clarence H. Preitz Dr. Nancy Price Tom Redl Daniel Rojek Matthew Rose Edmond & Orla Ryan Naomi Schmold & Craig Corbett Doug & Devika Short Nance & Michael Smith Dr. Thomas Snyder David Stults Rosalind Sydie Team TELUS Cares Darcy Trufyn Frank Van Veen Barry Zalmanowitz
SUPPORTERS
GUARDIANS
($500-$999) Brent Agerbak Cory Almquist Carl Amrhein Andree Aston Garner Beggs Loreen Belovich Sheryl & Bob Bowhayk Ryan Brown Mark A. Dashkewytch Professional Corp. Ivan & Ksenia Fedyna Krista Ference David Finlay Lorna Gawlinski Rich T. Groom Alice Harrison Zenia Hawrysh Douglas & Dorothy Hollands Barry James Pavel & Sylva Jelen
($250-$499) Lynn Adams Carolyn Baergen Dr. Vivien Bosley Thomas Bradley Judah Busheikin Nancy Cheng Darren Currie Brenda Dale Pat DeGrace Tony de Jong Dr. Jerrold & Lisa Diamond Monique Draudson Mark England Karin Fodor Robert & Janet Fraser John Gill Walter Goetz Dr. Tatsuyuki Hayashi Kenneth & Jean Heavenor Jill Hoogewoonink
10 EDMONTON OPERA 2018/19 SEASON
William Kenny Andrew Kowalchyk David & Sandra Kraatz Libuse Kuzel Cal Lange Franklin C. Loehde Brenda MacDonald Campbell MacKenzie Greg & Patrece Maluzynsky Linda Medland-Davis Ronald & Carole Middleton Alfred Nikolai Dr. George & Teresa Pemberton Joan Pitfield Anne Pratt Barbara Prodor Clayton Rodney & Raymond Cameron Carolynne E. Ross Dorothy Scott-Stoutjesdyk Sheelagh & Andrew Semper SFZ Teleservices Julie Sinclair Gerry & Barbara Sinn Nicholas Smith Belinda Snow St. David’s Welsh Society of Edmonton George & Susan Sterling Pat & Jim Strong Robert Swart Dennis Todoruk & Susan Stauffer Jackson von der Ohe Ian Wachowicz Mike & Mary Wood Tim Yakimec
Chung Chu Janet M. Clark Mary Clonfero Roger & Carol Cohen Joseph & Marta Collier Mary Cousineau Tim Crisall & Stefanie Ivan Swarnamala Dharmaratne Laurel Deedrick-Mayne James & Gail DeFelice Roger Delbaere Dan & Lorna Dennis Wendy Doughty Lloyd Dumonceaux Frank & Muriel Dunnigan Tim Eckert Martin & Jacqueline Elton Tom & Heather Etsell Steven Ewaskiw Alfred & Coleen Falk Greg & Cathy Farnell Luba Feduschak Lois A. Field Deanna Finnman Will Forrest Margaret Friedman Jules Germain Keith Gilroyed Gerda Goetz Charles & Ann Grant Darren Gray June Greig Brenda Gross Douglas Haines Marylee Hansen Bohdan Harasymiw Judy Heilman R & Barbara Henderson Lesley Heppleston MEMBERS Jennifer Hinnell Warner & ($100-$249) Keith Warner Jenny Adams Kristina Hoffman Bradley Armstrong Donna Holowaychuk Anonymous (4) Gwen Horvath Diana M. Bacon Stuart Houston Vicki Barrow Mike Hruska William Bellamy Bonny & Earl Hubert Laszlo Beothy Dr. Sheila L. Hughes Janet Birchall Erik & Franziska Jacobsen Julia Boberg Kevin Jerebic Dr. Grace Bokenfohr David Jones Joanne Burek & Lee Stickles Ken Keenleyside Kelly Carter & Lynne Kest Patching Adriana Koziak Carter HaNeul Kim & Dr. John Yun Rick Charley Debra King Elisebeth Checkel Gloria Kushnir Donald Chisholm Kathryn Laurie Desmond Chow Kaylee Laventure
Victor Di Lillo Tamara Linklater Doug & Joan Longley Richard & Jean Lyne Lowell Lyseng William MacKay Arlene MacLowick Cameron MacRae Steve & Kate Madsen John Mahon John & Cathleen Matthews Joseph A. Matties Colleen McKenna Zoltan & Brigitte Meszoly Janet Millar Gail Moores Kevin & Robyn Mott Maurizio Naccarato Julianna Nagy Cindy Neufeld Sharon Pawlyk Iris Perry Carlos Raposo & Judy Strachan Eugene & Jeanne Ratsoy Sharla & Dorian Rauschning Yvonne Rekken Constantino Renzi & Kimberly Dary Jason James Richardson Jordan Rice Corrina Rokosh Hilary Rose Lesly Round Katrina Rowe Dr. E. J. Rudnisky Kathleen Ryks Tom & Bev Sawyer Evelyn Schwabe Shauna Scott Allison Seymour Brian Simpson Caroline Smith Edward & Eluned Smith Ian & Irene Sneddon Sheri Somerville Mark Spector Nicholas & Charlotte Spillios Nicole Stabile Meghan Stanbridge Alison & Richard Starke Don Strang Monelle Sturko Leslianne Sugiura Jean Sult Sarah Taylor Louis Te William Tonn
Jenny Van Nistelrooy Dennis Vance Terry Veeman
Trudy Velichka John Wanchulak Lorrill Waschuk
Jo-Anne Watt Cristina Weiheimer Joan Welch
Serene Yau David M. Yee
Jason Yohemas Gerhard & Inge Zmatlo
In Memory of Aline Pratch Pratch Family Foundation Maggie Dower Dr. Vivien Bosley Gerry & Barbara Sinn Michael & Nance Smith St. David’s Welsh Society of Edmonton
Chris Hoogewoonink Arlene MacLowick Jacqueline Sugiura Leslianne Sugiura Natascha van Woudenberg
Mary LeMessurier The Dianne & Irving Kipnes Foundation
Eira Spaner The Dianne & Irving Kipnes Foundation
Mark Taylor Mark A. Dashkewytch Professional Corp. Jean Hinko Lamb Ford Sales Ltd. Catherine Muster Meghan Stanbridge Video Tax News
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 Gordana Bosiocic at 780.996.2744 or email gordana.bosiocic@edmontonopera.com. Only 2017/18 season donations and/or pledges processed up to June 5, 2018, 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 Gordana Bosiocic 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)
• •
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 the Opera Centre Two complimentary Opera Brunch tickets Exclusive invitation to rehearsals
DIRECTOR’S CIRCLE
• • •
• • • •
• • • • •
• • • • • • • • •
• • • • • • • • • •
• • • • • • • • • • • •
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 Gordana Bosiocic, Event Manager and Donor Relations, at gordana.bosiocic@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 11
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12 EDMONTON OPERA 2018/19 SEASON
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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.
Edmonton Opera’s Endowment Funds Sam & Sonia Azer Family Fund Canada Cultural Investment Fund Dr. David Cook Fund for Edmonton Opera Edmonton Opera Endowment Trust Fund Edmonton Opera Staff Contributions Fund
Andy & Marianne Elder Fund Filipkowski Fund Frederic & Alma Gojmerac Family Fund Irving Guttman Opera Endowment Fund Tom Hall Opera Chorus 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 Kris Aasen Tricia Abbott Darlene Acton Peter & Barbara Allen Anonymous (2) Rebecca Anderson Bill & Dorothy Astle Sam & Sonia Azer Joanne Beaton Garner Beggs Alan & Alice Bell Bennett Jones Robert Bessette Danisha Bhaloo Douglas & Sheila Bingham Larrie & Eleanor Boddy Jelena Bojic Dr. Grace Bokenfohr Gordana Bosiocic Katherine Braun Greg Brown Jennifer Brown Joyce Buchwald F. Calder John Cameron David & Carol Cass Marian W. Clarke Mary Teresa Clonfero Erin Clyde Richard S. Cook John & Ann Dea Brian Deedrick Laurel Deedrick-Mayne
Glenda Dennis Betty Lou Docherty Maggie Dower Marianne & Andy Elder June Emery Russell Farmer Ivan & Ksenia Fedyna Deanna Finnman Laura Fitzgerald Karin Fodor Hans & Susanne Forbrich Richard Gain Sandra Gajic Katie Gallin Barbara Gitzel Fred & Alma Gojmerac Karen Good Mikael Gustafsson Gabor Gyenes & Erika Mullner Phillip & Virginia Halloran Alex J. Hamilton Mary-Lou Hamilton Alison Hardy PenĂŠlope Haro-Aranda Louise Hayes Brian & Jeanne Hetherington Mark & Nancy Heule Jennifer Hinnell Warner & Keith Warner Andrew Hladyshevsky Karen & Pam Hofmann John & Susan Hokanson
Douglas & Dorothy Hollands Jill Hoogewoonink Nick Horobec Caroline Howarth & John Adria Gwen Horvath W.H. Hurlburt Lauren Hyatt Brenda Inglis Jeffrey Jansen Laurence Jewell Bill Johnston Robert & Erika Juthner-Krtschan Ken Keenleyside Madison Kerr Daniel & Millie Kim HaNeul Kim & John Yun Debra King The Dianne & Irving Kipnes Foundation Donna Kittle Betty Kolodziej Juri & Helle Kraav Rohan Kulkarni Megan Kumpula Libuse Kuzel Christine Kyriakides Shelagh Lam Tara-Lee LaRose Florence Lede Mary LeMessurier Stephen & Day LePoole Franklin C. Loehde
Constantino & Barbara Loutas Brenda MacDonald Judy & Stuart MacKay Amanda MacRae Cameron MacRae Joanne Madeley Bertrand Malo Greg & Patrece Maluzynsky Stephen & Lynn Mandel Andrae Marchak 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 Hugh McPhail & Yolanda Van Wachem Grace Megli-Turner Axel Meisen Mickey Melnyk Laurie Mereu Arliss Miller Valorie Morgan Kevin & Robyn Mott Kyle & Colleen Murray Julianna Nagy Dr. Thomas & Melanie Nakatsui John Neilson
Jack & Esther Ondrack Dr. Edward & Geri Papp Keir Pearson Wesley M. Pedruski Mary Phillips-Rickey Patti Pon Barbara Poole Dr. Clarence H. Preitz Francis Price Protostatix Engineering Consultants Leonard Ratzlaff David Rayner Ingrid Raypold Reynolds Mirth Richards & Farmer LLP Clayton Rodney & Raymond Cameron Daniel Rojek Analee Roman Hilary & Robert Rose Arnold & Grace Rumbold Celyne Runzer Barry Schloss & Maureen Hemingway-Schloss Naomi Schmold & Craig Corbett Richard Schulz Don Scott Kelly Sheard Gabe & Connie Shelley Richard Sims Michael & Nance Smith Katie Soles Elaine Solez
Sheri Somerville Michael Spassov Darren Staten Ivan Steiner Catherine Szabo Team TELUS Cares Lauren Tenney Michael & Elizabeth Thain Karen Trace Hon. Marguerite Trussler David Lorne Tyrell Chris & Vivian Varvis Stella Varvis The Watson Family Fund Leslie Watson Angus Watt Cristina Weiheimer Joan Welch Brianna Wells Ed Wiebe & Marcia Johnson William F. Lede Family Foundation Robert A. Wilson Adrienne E. Wong Noel Xavier Tim Yakimec Serene Yau Laura Young Stacy Young Gerhard & Inge Zmatlo Vonnie Zupan
summer magazine 13
WELCOME FROM EDMONTON OPERA What a beautiful setting we have tonight for Opera al Fresco, one of my favourite events of the year! It is so great to see you all here at the University of Alberta Botanic Garden with friends and family, ready to enjoy live music with nature as the backdrop. Our talented soloists, chorus, and accompanists have prepared a selection of opera and musical theatre pieces that will certainly bring the scenery to life! A huge thank you to our friends at the University of Alberta Botanic Garden for welcoming us during this very special week and giving our audiences a chance to explore the newly opened Aga Khan Garden. I invite you to grab a drink, savour some hors d’oeuvres, and immerse yourself in the experience of Opera al Fresco.
SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR SPONSOR:
PROGRAM SCHEDULE 6:30
WELCOME RECEPTION Kurimoto Japanese Garden
7:00
OPENING REMARKS & PERFORMANCE Kurimoto Japanese Garden
We hope you have a delightful evening. Tim Yakimec General Director | Edmonton Opera
WELCOME FROM THE UNIVERSITY OF ALBERTA BOTANIC GARDEN Every summer we have a whirling, soaring, and heart-warming date as the Edmonton Opera and the University of Alberta Botanic Garden join in a love affair amid flowers, wine, food, song and beauty. Our two organizations make beautiful music together. Firsts are important. This year we are delighted that for the first time, the Aga Khan Garden will be a location for Opera al Fresco. We are simultaneously anxious and thrilled for this special unveiling as a way of continuing the ever-growing passion for arts in nature. Here is a big bow to our shared love of Opera in this new magnificent garden. See you under the stars! Dr. Lee Foote Director | University of Alberta Botanic Garden
14 EDMONTON OPERA 2018/19 SEASON
Aga Khan Garden
Pine Pavilion
Alpine Garden
Pine Pavilion
Alpine Garden
Aga Khan Garden
Alpine Garden
Aga Khan Garden
Pine Pavilion
Flower arrangements provided by: University of Alberta Botanic Garden Crafters Association
KURIMOTO JAPANESE GARDEN • O mio babbino caro / Gianni Schicchi / Giacomo Puccini • In Dreams / The Lord of the Rings / Lyrics by Fran Walsh, music by Howard Shore
ANGELO CORNEL
11-year-old Angelo was born in the Philippines and migrated to Canada with his family at the age of 3. Showing an interest in music from the very beginning, his first formal voice lesson was at the KraeC music academy at 8 years old. Now a Grade 5 student at St. Benedict Catholic School, Angelo sings in several choirs including Annunciation Church children’s choir and Kikimasu, which is part of Kokopelli choirs. His recent performance credits include the title role in Amahl and the Night Visitors at Holy Trinity Anglican Church, the young Harvey Milk at the Artists for Life 2018, and a solo in Edmonton Symphony Orchestra’s Lord of the Rings Symphony.
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.
Little known fact: We also perform indoors. — 201 8/ 1 9 S E A SO N —
La Traviata Hansel & Gretel THE MISADVENTURES OF
Count Ory Join us at the Jubilee Auditorium with season ticket packages starting from just $75! edmontonopera.com • 780.429.1000
summer magazine 15
AGA KHAN GARDEN • • • •
Anvil Chorus / Il Trovatore / Giuseppe Verdi Down to the River to Pray / Appalachian Spiritual / Arranged by Sheldon Curry Noi siamo zingarelle / La Traviata / Giuseppe Verdi Va pensiero / Nabucco / Giuseppe Verdi
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 2018/19 season will include performances in the productions of La Traviata and Count Ory. 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.
PINE PAVILION • • • •
Krista: Vissi d’arte / Tosca / Giacomo Puccini Krista: Ebben! Ne andrò lontana / La Wally / Alfredo Catalani Andrea: Recondita armonia / Tosca / Giacomo Puccini Andrea: L’alba separa dalla luce l’ombra / Francesco Paolo Tosti
KRISTA DE SILVA Soprano
Fort McMurray born and raised Krista de Silva began her musical career as a Masters Graduate of the Schulich School of Music (McGill). She has performed with Calgary Opera (Ballad of Baby Doe, What Brought Us Here), Edmonton Opera (La Traviata), Regina Symphony Orchestra (Candide). Krista premiered the role of Sadia in the opera version of Luc Plamondon’s Starmania with l’Opéra de Québec (most recently in 2016) and l’Opéra de Montréal. Other roles include Concepcion (l’Heure Espagnole), Idamante (Idomeneo), Dido (Dido and Aeneas), Carmen (La Tragédie de Carmen) and Mignon (Mignon). Next year, May 2019, she is singing Carmen with l’Opéra de Montréal.
16 EDMONTON OPERA 2018/19 SEASON
PETER DALA Resident Conductor & Chorusmaster
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.
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. Ms. Regehr 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, a staff pianist for Sherrill Milnes’ VoicExperience Program in Florida, as well as a Coaching Fellow at the Aspen Music Festival. Leanne enjoys her freelance career as a soloist, vocal coach, recital partner, and adjudicator.
ALPINE GARDEN • Aidan: Bill / Showboat / Music by Jerome Kern, lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein ii • Aidan: Quando m’en vo / La bohème / Giacomo Puccini • Jihwan: O du, mein holder Abendstern / Tannhäuser / Richard Wagner • Jihwan: La calunnia / The Barber of Seville / Gioachino Rossini
AIDAN FERGUSON Soprano
Aidan Ferguson is gaining an enviable reputation based on her effortless musicality and dramatic intensity. A review in Opera Canada praised her recent performance in Les dialogues des Carmélites as Mère Marie as “a revelation… She was a tower of strength and completely dominated”. In addition to performing with Canadian opera companies and symphonies, Aidan spent a year performing with Theater Basel in Switzerland. Since returning to Canada, she has re-focused her repertoire, moving toward soprano roles under the mentorship of Frances Ginzer. Next season, she returns to both l’Opéra de Montréal and Edmonton Opera for Wagner and Humperdinck, respectively.
JIHWAN CHO Bass-baritone
Bass-baritone Jihwan Cho is pursuing a Doctoral Degree in Music, Voice Performance at the University of Alberta with Professor John Tessier. He has been a recipient of numerous awards including the Margo Fraser Memorial Scholarship in Music, Beryl Barns Memorial Graduate Award, Maureen Patricia Russell Marchak Scholarship in Music, Ben Heppner Scholarship, and William and Marilyn Jones Award. He received praise from Opera Canada for his stage presence and impression as a “prospect with a career”. He played the role of Marquis de la Force in Francis Poulenc’s opera Les dialogues des Carmélites with internationally acclaimed artist, mezzo-soprano Judith Forst, and conductor David Agler. Currently he is a vocal music instructor at The King’s University.
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 been involved with numerous operatic and musical theater productions including Carmen, Hansel & Gretel, Mary’s Wedding and Rattenbury (Pacific Opera Victoria), La Voix Humaine (Opera Nuova), and The Last Resort (Mayfield Dinner Theatre). He is in high demand as a choral accompanist, working with many groups including Concordia Concert Choir, Da Camera Singers, Vocal Alchemy, Joyful Noise, and Chronos Vocal Ensemble. Kim maintains a busy schedule as a collaborative pianist and coach in the Edmonton area.
VERDI J U B I L E E AU D I TO R I U M • O C TO B E R 2 0, 2 3 & 2 6 , 2 0 1 8 summer magazine 17
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summer magazine 19
T H E
A L L - N E W
VOLVO XC 40 O U R
I D E A
O F
L U X U R Y
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22 EDMONTON OPERA 2018/19 SEASON
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Music brings us together. Music moves us. Soothes us. It excites our senses. And centres our souls. Music takes us back to moments in time. And creates tomorrow’s memories. It uplifts our mood and changes our outlook. All we have to do is listen. We hear you at atb.com/listens
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summer magazine 25
2018/19 Season
26 EDMONTON OPERA 2018/19 SEASON
Introducing Barclay Butera by Lexington “When it comes to great style, there are no rule books to follow. Inspiring interior design is about making a statement… it is inherently personal and forever evolving.” -Barclay Butera
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Servus Credit Union thrives because our branches are deeply rooted in the communities we serve. We are proud sponsors of the arts in Edmonton and pleased to support the Edmonton Opera Company.
servus.ca ®/™ Trademark(s) of Servus Credit Union.
28 EDMONTON OPERA 2018/19 SEASON
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La Traviata soprano Laquita Mitchell When Laquita Mitchell was just fourteen years old, a bright-eyed young high school student in Manhattan, she had the opportunity to experience opera for the first time. Far from the usual ‘starter operas’ like Madama Butterfly or Carmen, Laquita went to see part two of Wagner’s Ring Cycle epic — Die Walküre at the Metropolitan Opera starring the great soprano Jessye Norman, who had also bought Laquita’s ticket to the performance. That was a turning point for her. “When I saw Ms. Norman step on stage, I thought to myself, ‘oh my goodness, this is the most amazing thing I’ve ever seen’…it just opened up a whole new world for me,” Laquita explained in an interview with San Francisco Opera. Since then, there has been no looking back. Laquita Mitchell’s career has taken her to some of the world’s most eminent opera houses including Los Angeles Opera, San Francisco Opera, Houston Grand Opera, Lyric Opera of Chicago, and Opéra Comique in Paris, among many others. She has sung numerous roles to great acclaim, such as Bess in Porgy and Bess, Mimì in La bohème, and of course, Violetta in Verdi’s La Traviata, for which The New York Times praised her “rich, shimmering, and sizable” voice. Edmonton Opera’s upcoming production of La Traviata will mark an important moment in Laquita Mitchell’s illustrious career — her Canadian debut. Audiences are already buzzing with excitement for her arrival on the Edmonton stage as the iconic Violetta, a Parisian courtesan who is consumed both by love and a life-threatening illness. Verdi’s tragic heroine is one of the most demanding roles ever written, offering the audience a mix of vocal pyrotechnics and emotionally-charged arias. If you haven’t already purchased your tickets for our season-opening production of La Traviata, now is the time to do so! You won’t want to miss Laquita Mitchell’s superior talent in what promises to be the performance of a lifetime. La Traviata plays at the Jubilee Auditorium on October 20, 23 and 26, 2018. 30 EDMONTON OPERA 2018/19 SEASON
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Freewill Shakespeare Festival
Teatro La Quindicina
Until July 15 Hawrelak Park Amphitheatre
July 12 — 28 The Varscona Theatre
Hamlet/ Comedy of Errors
The Importance of Being Earnest
freewillshakespeare.com
teatroq.com
Art Gallery of Alberta
Taste of Edmonton
Li Salay
Until September 9
July 18 — 29 Capital Plaza
youraga.ca
tasteofedm.ca
Sand on Whyte
Interstellar Rodeo
Until July 8
sandonwhyte.ca Walterdale Theatre
July 20 — 22 Hawrelak Park Amphitheatre interstellarrodeo.com
Next to Normal
Mercury Opera
walterdaletheatre.com
August 4 Badlands Amphitheatre (Drumheller)
Until July 14
Whyte Avenue Art Walk July 6 — 8
Carmen
badlandsamp.com
art-walk.ca
Heritage Festival
Edmonton International
heritagefest.ca
Street Performers Festival July 10 — 15 Wilbert McIntyre Park
edmontonstreetfest.com
32 EDMONTON OPERA 2018/19 SEASON
August 4 — 6 Hawrelak Park
Edmonton Folk Music Festival August 9 — 12 Gallagher Park
edmontonfolkfest.org
Cariwest Festival Aug 10 — 12 cariwest.ca
Pop! Goes the Opera
Y2K Black Death Oratorio August 16 — 26 fringetheatre.ca
Edmonton International
Fringe Theatre Festival Aug 16 — 26
fringetheatre.ca Edmonton Symphony Orchestra
Symphony Under the Sky
August 30 — September 2 Hawrelak Park Amphitheatre edmontonsymphony.com
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“Our support of the arts
is an integral 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 has played a major role in maintaining the excellence of Alberta’s structural foundations. 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 name a few. Both Edmonton Opera and Raywalt share a commitment to building communities — while Raywalt develops the infrastructure and future of Alberta through their high-quality construction projects, Edmonton Opera engages people in arts and culture, which together create a thriving province.
Celebrating 35 years Three decades of reliability and innovative solutions in subdivision servicing, project management, general contracting, sewer and water transmission mains, and all types of heavy equipment projects.
www.raywalt.ca Raywalt Construction is proud to be a sponsor of The Edmonton Opera
34 EDMONTON OPERA 2018/19 SEASON
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HELPING OUR ARTS COMMUNITIES
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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 Dustin Sundby at 780.451.4406 or dustin.sundby@mnp.ca
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36 EDMONTON OPERA 2018/19 SEASON
— FRINGE THEATRE FESTIVAL — AUGUST 16–26, 2018 HOLY TRINITY ANGLICAN CHURCH 101 STREET & 84 AVENUE
edmonton opera board of directors 2018-2019 season Craig D. Corbett, Chair Francis Price, Vice Chair Ken Keenleyside, Treasurer Richard Cook, Past Chair Irv Kipnes, Chair Emeritus
Enzo Barichello Garner Beggs Robert Bessette Jennifer Brown
Frank Calder Mary Clonfero Lisa Colangelo Hans Forbrich
Melanie Nakatsui Bernie Robitaille Daniel Rojek Sheri Somerville
edmonton opera staff Executive
Production and technical
Tim Yakimec, General Director*
Clayton Rodney, Production & Technical Director* Alison Hardy, Assistant Production Manager Deanna Finnman, Head, Wardrobe & Resident Wardrobe Designer* Megan Kumpula, Head, Properties & Scenic Artist Connor MacDonald, Assistant Head Properties/Scenic Carpenter Cassidy Armstrong, Assistant Head Scenic Artist Mikael Gustafsson, Head Scenic Carpenter & Shop Supervisor Vincent Meseck, Assistant Head Scenic Carpenter Cameron Tkachuk, Summer Production Assistant Taralyn Bieganek, EO Facilities Jeff Yee, EO Facilities
Finance Debra King, CFO Serene Yau, Accountant
Community Relations Cameron MacRae, Director of Marketing & Communications Joanne Madeley, Box Office Manager Rohan Kulkarni, Communications & Community Engagement Coordinator Madison Kerr, Marketing Assistant Katie Gallin, Box Office Clerk
Fund Development Gwen Horvath, Director of Fund Development Mary-Lou Hamilton, Director of Strategic Partnerships Jennifer Hinnell, Development Manager, Grants and Foundations Gordana Bosiocic, Event Manager & Donor Relations Celyne Runzer, Fund Development Coordinator
Artistic Administration Ha Neul Kim, Director of Artistic Operations, Resident Stage Manager* Peter Dala, Resident Conductor & Chorusmaster* Leanne Regehr, Understudy Coach Kendra Litwin, Arts Administration Assistant
Production and technical Stage Crew Geoff Bacchus, Head Stage Carpenter* Al Kliss, Head Fly* Joseph (Bud) Race, Head Electrics Chris Chelich, Assistant Head Electrics Megan Kumpula, Head of Properties Connor MacDonald, Assistant Head Properties Danine Regenwetter, Head Wardrobe Dresser Kathryn Neuman, Assistant Head Wardrobe Dresser Cathy Nicoll, Head Make-up* Noreen Jani, Assistant Head Make-up* Rebecca Klassen, Wigs & Hair Robyn Nicoll, Wigs & Hair Kasie Aasen, Supertitle Cuer
*10 years or more of service to Edmonton Opera
summer magazine 37
�pcoming
events
Opera Camp | July 17-19, 2018 By popular demand, we are pleased to offer a three-day Opera Camp this summer! Children in grades 4 to 6 will participate in exciting activities such as singing, acting, scenic painting, building props, and more. At the end of the week, students will present a short showcase of all they have learned at camp!
Opera Brunch | Sunday, September 30, 2018 | 11 a.m. Enjoy an exquisite meal accompanied by your favourite arias during the Sunday Opera Brunch (11 a.m.) at the Royal Glenora Club. Admire the scenic fall colours of Edmonton’s river valley while the cast of La Traviata delivers special performances catered to please!
Opera 101 | October 2018 Join us for an evening of conversation surrounding our first opera of the season, La Traviata. Enjoy a wine and cheese reception followed by a panel discussion about Verdi’s tale of passion and heartbreak. Opera 101 is a complimentary event, more details coming soon!
Student Dress Rehearsal | Thursday, October 18, 2018 | 7 p.m. Bring your class to a special Student Dress Rehearsal of La Traviata and introduce them to the magic of opera! Verdi’s timeless masterpiece includes familiar tunes such as ‘Sempre libera’ and ‘Brindisi’ (the Drinking Song) and will be especially appreciated by students taking literature, music, theatre, gender and women’s studies, and film. Book your field trip by emailing education@edmontonopera.com today! We will also have an education guide available online to learn more about La Traviata before you attend the dress rehearsal.
La Traviata | October 20, 23 & 26, 2018 In a historic first, Edmonton Opera presents a new production of Verdi’s La Traviata co-commissioned by five of Canada’s leading opera companies. Soprano Laquita Mitchell stars as Violetta, the iconic Parisian courtesan consumed at once by love and a life-threatening illness. You do not want to miss this lavish new production set in 1920s Paris! Tickets start at $40.
la traviata
We have an exciting opera line-up in 2018/19! Be sure to purchase your season tickets now — starting at just $75 for all three operas!
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