UBC Opera 2016-2017 season brochure

UBC

2016–2017

OPERA

SEASON

The Consul GIAN CARLO MENOTTI

Eugene Onegin PYOTR ILYICH TCHAIKOVSKY

Ariadne auf Naxos RICHARD STRAUSS

PHOTO: TIM MATHESON

Welcome

I am delighted to announce the UBC Opera Ensemble’s 2016–2017 season, which will showcase our incredible young singers.

We begin the year with our ever-popular Opera Teas at the UBC Botanical Gardens and on stage at the UBC Old Auditorium. These casual settings give our audiences a chance to mingle with our talented performers. As well, on September 29, we reprise our new initiative The Singer Behind the Song with our special guest Dr. Ben Heppner.

In November we present a very timely work, Gian Carlo Menotti’s The Consul, conducted by Norbert Baxa. A thought-provoking symposium exploring the theme of the opera as it relates to the current refugee situation accompanies the opera, which charts the perils of those fleeing persecution. Menotti was inspired by events during World War II when neither Austria nor Hungary would admit refugees and also dramatized scenes based on immigrant experiences in America. On November 19, composer John Corigliano joins our Ensemble for a workshop and discussion of his opera The Ghosts of Versailles.

Our February production at the Chan Centre transports you to Russia with Tchaikovsky’s beautiful opera of love and passion, Eugene Onegin. The novel

by Alexander Pushkin is known as both a play and a ballet but Tchaikovsky’s glorious music has made the operatic version a favourite. UBC Alumnus, Prof.

Krzysztof Biernacki directs this work with the Wexford Festival Opera’s Artistic Director, conductor David Agler.

On March 17 we continue our tradition of the Opera Ball onstage at the Chan Centre for an evening of entertainment by the Ensemble, a delicious three-course meal and a night of dancing with Members of the Dal Richards Orchestra. Then we welcome one of opera’s greatest international stars, Sondra Radvanovsky, on April 1, 2017 for another Singer Behind the Song event.

In June, Jonathan Darlington, Music Director of Vancouver Opera conducts our final production, Ariadne auf Naxos, joined by members of the Vancouver Opera orchestra. A fanciful work by Richard Strauss, the story presents an opera within an opera as the Greek myth of Ariadne collides with the world of commedia dell’arte.

While you browse through our brochure you will also find details of the wealth of events in the UBC Theatre and Film season. We look forward to welcoming you whether you are a current or new subscriber as you join us for our season and get to know and support the talented members of the UBC Opera Ensemble!

Nancy Hermiston, O.C., Head, Voice and Opera Divisions

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The Consul OPERA IN THREE ACTS | SUNG IN ENGLISH

Gian Carlo Menotti | Composer + Librettist NOVEMBER 3, 4, 5 — 7.30 P.M. | NOVEMBER 6 — 2 P.M. OLD AUDITORIUM Written in 1949, this topical opera was awarded the 1950 Pulitzer Prize for Music and features a melodic score along with a gripping narrative story lightened by some magical touches. Gian Carlo Menotti was inspired by events during World War II when neither Austria nor Hungary would admit refugees and also dramatized scenes based on immigrant experiences in America. The work has been produced on Broadway to great acclaim as well as in opera houses in Milan, London, Paris, Berlin, Zurich and Vienna.

The Consul is set in an unspecified European country under totalitarian rule.

Dissident John Sorel is on the run from the secret police and is hidden by his wife Magda and his mother. After their home is searched, the family make a plan to cross the border, with Magda, their child and John’s mother applying legally to leave first. John will stay in hiding somewhere near the border and reunite with them when they are safe. Magda joins several other applicants waiting for an exit visa at the consul’s office. The process is long and Magda is still being questioned by the police while she fights the bureaucracy. As the months drag on, both John’s child and mother become ill and pass away. With the visa application stalled Magda contemplates suicide to prevent John risking his life for her. Meanwhile, 31 30 29 28 27 26 25 24 23 22 21 20 19 18 17 16 15 14 13 12 11 10 09 08 07 06 05 04 03 02 01 unable to make plans together, John returns from hiding and is captured in the consul’s office. Despondent, and with visions of her past crowding her mind, Magda prepares to kill herself. Her 12 telephone rings as the secretary finally tries 11 10 09 08 07 06 05 04 03 02 01 to reach her. For the Sorel family, once again it is too little too late.

The Consul Symposium: Breaking the Cycle: Canada’s Refugee Record on the Global Stage This thought-provoking symposium will stimulate discussion on the global refugee crisis. See page 8 for more information.

Norbert Baxa | Conductor Nancy Hermiston | Director Members of the Vancouver Opera Orchestra

UBCOPERA.COM |

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Eugene Onegin OPERA IN THREE ACTS SUNG IN RUSSIAN WITH ENGLISH SURTITLES

Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky | Composer Konstantin Shilovsky | L ibretto

based on the novel by Alexander Pushkin

FEBRUARY 2, 3, 4 — 7.30 P.M. | FEBRUARY 5 — 2 P.M. CHAN CENTRE FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS This lyric and dramatic opera was composed in 1878 and first performed at the Moscow Conservatory in 1879. Now a staple of the repertoire and widely performed, the opera contains a wonderful variety of Russian folk music, grand party scenes along with intimate family scenes and dramatic encounters.

The story is that of a selfish hero – Eugene Onegin of the title, who rejects the love of a young woman and fatally confronts his best friend in a duel. Many years later, older and wiser he meets the woman, now the wife of a wealthy aristocrat and their roles are reversed as she rejects him.

The action begins in the countryside near St. Petersburg where the Larin family live. We meet Madame Larina and her two daughters, Tatyana and Olga, along with their guests, Lensky and Onegin. Tatyana is lovestruck by Onegin and spends the evening writing love letters. At her birthday dance the following day, Onegin rejects her and flirts instead with her sister Olga. Olga’s fiancé, Lensky, is annoyed and challenges Onegin to a duel. Remorseful after inciting the duel, Onegin leaves Russia and travels for several years. Upon his return he is invited to a ball at the grand palace of Prince Gremin. He recognises the prince’s beautiful wife – Tatyana, but while she still remembers her love for Onegin, she remains faithful to her husband.

Unrequited love, duelling friends, passion and despair are set to glorious music.

David Agler | Conductor Krzysztof Biernacki | Director UBC Symphony Orchestra

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Ariadne auf Naxos OPERA IN TWO PARTS SUNG IN GERMAN WITH ENGLISH SURTITLES

Richard Strauss | Composer Hugo von Hofmannsthal | Libretto JUNE 22, 23, 24 — 7.30 P.M. | JUNE 25 — 2 P.M. OLD AUDITORIUM Originally intended as a 30 minute divertissement to be performed in 1912 after a production of Molière’s Le Bourgeois Gentilhomme, Strauss ended up composing a 90 minute work. Since this required both a company of actors and singers and ran over 6 hours, in 1916 von Hofmannsthal suggested composing a sung prologue instead of mounting the play and this is the version which is regularly performed today. It is a work which examines the role of Art in society, with a Prologue showing the backstage antics and preparations for the “opera within an opera” which comprises the second part.

A rich patron has commissioned a new opera from a brilliant young composer based on the Greek myth of Ariadne and has invited his friends to dinner for the premiere. No one has told the composer that his work will be followed by a comedy sketch performed by an Italian commedia dell’arte troupe and the evening will end with an impressive fireworks display. When dinner runs late and the patron decrees that both the opera and the comedy sketch must be performed simultaneously we see the backstage mayhem that this involves.

The performance begins – Ariadne and the nymphs are abandoned on Naxos. In the midst of their despair who is there to cheer them up but Zerbinetta and her clown friends, Harlekin, Brighella, Scaramuccio and Truffaldino.

When the God Bacchus arrives, love transforms everyone …

Jonathan Darlington | Conductor Nancy Hermiston | Director Members of the Vancouver Opera Orchestra

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The Consul Symposium BREAKING THE CYCLE: CANADA’S REFUGEE RECORD ON THE GLOBAL STAGE

The UBC Opera Ensemble, the Liu Institute for Global Issues, the Faculty of Arts, the Peter A. Allard School of Law, Green College, St. John’s College and other partners have come together to host a Refugee Symposium at UBC in October and November, 2016. The Symposium will feature The Consul, an opera by Gian Carlo Menotti that charts the perils of those fleeing persecution. Menotti was inspired by events during World War II when neither Austria nor Hungary would admit refugees and also dramatized scenes based on immigrant experiences in America.

The goal of the Symposium is to stimulate discussion on the global refugee crisis. Through Mobile Opera performances, panel presentations, storytelling, and conversations, we aim to foster networking among UBC students, faculty and staff, people who arrived as refugees, refugee service providers, community members, professionals and volunteers.

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WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 19 – 12 P.M. (TBC) Mobile Opera Venue: Immigrant Services Society of BC Welcome Centre FRIDAY, OCTOBER 21 Mobile Opera – 12.10 p.m Venue: Spotlight on UBC at Vancouver Art Gallery Mobile Opera and Fireside Chat – 5.00 p.m.

Venue: St. John’s College, Fairmont Social Lounge TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 1 – 5.00 P.M. Mobile Opera and Fireside Chat Venue: Green College, Piano Lounge WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 2 – 6.30 P.M. Opening Keynote by Special Guest Venue: Old Auditorium THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 3 – 5.00 P.M. Panel: “Seeking Refuge” Video: Seeking Refuge Part 1 Venue: Liu Institute for Global Issues – Multipurpose Room Moderator: Professor Daniel Hiebert Panelists: Keynote Guest Speaker (TBC), Kuol Deng Biong, World University Service of Canada – UBC Club Ambassador; Chris Friesen, Director of Settlement Services, Immigrant Services Society of BC, and Lisa Brunner, PhD Student, UBC Migration Network.

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 4 – 5.00 P.M. Panel: Who is a Refugee? Women and Minority Perspective Video: Who is a Refugee? Part 2 Venue: Liu Institute for Global Issues – Multipurpose Room Moderator: Professor Efrat Arbel Panelists: Fadi Yachoua, Syrian refugee lawyer; a representative from the Rainbow Refugee Committee; and Malcom Atia, a refugee from Uganda.

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 5 – 5.00 P.M. Panel: Deportation of Refugees and Public Opinion on Migration Video: Deportation of Refugees, EU secret deals Part 3 Venue: Liu Institute for Global Issues – Multipurpose Room Moderator: Professor Rima Wilkes Panelists include: Professor Daniel Hiebert and Kerstin Walter, Director, Settlement Orientation Services.

UBCOPERA.COM |

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The Singer Singer Behind Behind the the Song Song The UBC OPERA ENSEMBLE ROUNDTABLE DISCUSSIONS UBC OPERA ENSEMBLE ROUNDTABLE DISCUSSIONS

“So…You have a big voice…”

An inspiring evening of insight into the dramatic voice with special guest BEN HEPPNER and Members of the UBC Opera Ensemble.

Thursday September 29, 2016 Sage Bistro, University Centre, 6331 Crescent Road, Vancouver 4.30 p.m. to 6.30 p.m.

Ben Heppner gives us a rare opportunity to look into the training, careers and life of dramatic voice types in opera.

Admission is free, but registration is required. Seating is limited.

Registration & information at http://pwias.ubc.ca/events/

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Presented in partnership with the Peter Wall Institute for Advanced Studies

Opera and Conversation An afternoon with SONDRA RADVANOVSKY – one of today’s greatest opera stars and Members of the UBC Opera Ensemble Saturday April 1, 2017 Peter Wall Mansion and Estate at Shannon 57th and Adera at Granville 1.00 p.m. – 2.00 p.m. Music and Conversation 2.00 p.m. – 2.30 p.m. Refreshments 2.30 p.m. – 4.30 p.m. Masterclass Members of the UBC Opera Ensemble join Miss Radvanovsky for an afternoon of music and a masterclass. Refreshments will be provided.

Admission is free, but registration is required. Seating is limited.

Registration & information at http://pwias.ubc.ca/events/

UBCOPERA.COM |

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Special Event November 19, 2016 1 – 3 p.m. // Old Auditorium alumni UBC presents Master Mind Master Class with composer John Corigliano and the UBC Opera Ensemble. Excerpts and discussion of his opera The Ghosts of Versailles. Admission is free

Opera Tea Series

AN AFTERNOON CLASSIC AND PERENNIAL FAVOURITE September 18 + October 23, 2016 // April 9, 2017 2 p.m. // UBC Botanical Garden November 20, 2016 // March 12, 2017 2 p.m. // Old Auditorium Opera Teas bring you closer to the performers on stage. Enjoy a concert of opera arias and song favourites in a casual setting in our theatre or the UBC Botanical Garden. Coffee, tea, and light refreshments are served.

Opera Ball Fundraiser WITH MEMBERS OF THE DAL RICHARDS ORCHESTRA March 17, 2017 6.30 p.m. Cocktails // 7 p.m. Dinner & Program Chan Centre for the Performing Arts Enjoy a delicious 3-course dinner on the stage of the Chan Centre with serenades from our young stars. Cap off the evening with an incredible night of dancing.

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Tickets must be purchased in advance and include a $100 tax receipt. For Opera Ball tickets purchases by credit card, the $100 donation will appear as a separate transaction. For Opera Ball payment by cheque please contact the Box Office.

UBC THEATRE & OPERA SEASON 2016/17 www.theatrefilm.ubc.ca

EDWARD II

by Christopher Marlowe Telus Theatre/Chan Centre for the Arts September 29 – October 15, 2016

BECKETT 16

UBC Alumni Frederic Wood Theatre November 3 – November 5, 2016

LOVE AND INFORMATION by Caryl Churchill

Frederic Wood Theatre January 19 – February 4, 2017

NAKED CINEMA

directed by Tom Scholte Created in collaboration with students January 30 & 31, 2017 from the Department of Theatre and Film Norm Theatre

LES BELLES-SOEURS by Michel Tremblay

Frederic Wood Theatre March 16 – April 1, 2017

www.ubcopera.com

THE CONSUL

by Gian Carlo Menotti Directed by Nancy Hermiston Conducted by Norbert Baxa November 3–6, 2016 Old Auditorium

EUGENE ONEGIN

by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky Directed by Krzysztof Biernacki Conducted by David Agler February 2–5, 2017 Chan Centre for the Performing Arts

ARIADNE AUF NAXOS

by Richard Strauss Directed by Nancy Hermiston Conducted by Jonathan Darlington June 22–25, 2017 | Old Auditorium In cooperation with Vancouver Opera

Subscription packages from $33 / Flexible options available online!

BOX OFFICE: 604.822.2678

Ticket Nitty-Gritty Single tickets go on sale in September. Subscriptions are now available. Buy tickets for the Old Auditorium online at www.ubcoperatickets.com, by phone 604.822.6725, or in‑person at the Old Auditorium box office. Box office hours vary, please phone to confirm opening times.

OLD AUDITORIUM: 6344 Memorial Road (across the plaza from the UBC Music Building) MAIN OPERAS

ADULT

Single Ticket

Subscription (3 operas)

$41

$99

OPERA TEA

OPERA BALL

$26

$175 (includes a $100 tax receipt)

SENIOR

$31

$72

$21

STUDENT

$15/ $20

$42

$15

Please note that UBC students are $15.00, Non UBC students $20.00 Season subscribers can purchase tickets for the Opera Tea for $17.00 each.

TICKETS HOTLINE: 604.822.6725 TICKETS ONLINE: www.ubcoperatickets.com

Support Us We provide the best platform for young opera performers in Canada. Your gift is an investment in our young artists. It is your way to make a positive difference now and leave a lasting legacy. Contact us to discover the different ways you can get involved.

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2016–2017 SUBSCRIPTION ORDER FORM STEP 1: CHOOSE YOUR SUBSCRIPTION PACKAGE THURSDAY 7:30 PM

FRIDAY 7:30 PM

SATURDAY 7:30 PM

SUNDAY 2:00 PM

The Consul

Nov 3

Nov 4

Nov 5

Nov 6

Eugene Onegin

Feb 2

Feb 3

Feb 4

Feb 5

June 22

June 23

June 24

June 25

Ariadne auf Naxos

SUBSCRIPTION

PRICE

QUANTITY

TOTALS

Adult

$99

x

______

=

Senior (65+)

$72

x

______

=

Student

$42

x

______

=

STEP 2: CHOOSE YOUR SEATS CHAN CENTRE

check your preferred seating areas

Section A

1

2

3

Section B

1

2

3

KEEP MY SEATS

1 H

OLD AUDITORIUM

4

5

Accessible Seating Available

Main Floor

Lower Balconies

check your preferred seating areas

Section A

1

2

3

Section B

1

2

3

KEEP MY SEATS

1 H

4

5

Accessible Seating Available

Main Floor and Balcony [B4]

STEP 3: ADD-ONS Subscribers have the opportunity to add individual tickets for the Opera Tea Series performances to their subscription for only $17 each! Or add an evening of delicious cuisine and dancing at the Opera Ball. Subscribers can also pre-purchase parking at 50% off and bypass the parking machine. See page 17 for further details.

Opera Tea in the Garden

Sep 18

Oct 23 Mar 12

Opera Tea on the Stage

Nov 20

Opera Ball

Mar 17

Prepaid Parking

Three Operas ($12)

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PRICE

April 9

Nov 20 Opera Tea ($4) QUANTITY

TOTALS

Opera Tea

$17

x

______

=

Opera Ball

$175

x

______

=

Licence Plate # _______________

=

Prepaid Parking

Your licence plate # is required.

Mar 12 Opera Tea ($4)

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ADD UBC THEATRE TICKETS AT SPECIAL RATES Edward II (Telus Theatre, Chan Centre)

Sept 29 – Oct 15, 2016

Preferred Date* ____________________

Beckett 16 (Frederic Wood Theatre)

Nov 3 – Nov 5, 2016

Preferred Date ____________________

Love and Information (Frederic Wood Theatre) Jan 19 – Feb 4, 2017

Preferred Date* ____________________

*No performances Sundays – Tuesdays

Alumni show. Champers and Cake reception every night.

All funds go to the Peter Loeffler Memorial Award. *No performances Sundays – Tuesdays

Naked Cinema**

January 30 & 31, 2017

Preferred Date __________

Les Belles-Soeurs (Frederic Wood Theatre)

March 17 – April 2, 2016

Preferred Date* ____________________

*No performances Sundays – Tuesdays

PRICE

Adult

$20

QUANTITY

x

______

TOTALS

=

Adult – Beckett 16

$15

x

______

=

Senior (65+)

$14

x

______

=

Senior (65+) – Beckett 16

$10

x

______

=

Student

1$8

x

______

=

Student – Beckett 16

$10

x

______

=

**Naked Cinema

$10

x

______

=

STEP 4: CONTACT AND PAYMENT INFORMATION Name____________________________________________________________________ Address___________________________________________________________________ City_______________________________ Prov _________ Postal Code ________________ Phone_____________________________ Email _________________________________ Yes! I would like to add a tax-deductible donation to the UBC Opera Ensemble GRAND TOTAL Method of payment:

VISA

MasterCard

Cheque

Name as it appears on Credit Card_________________________________________________ Credit Card Number__________________________________________________________ 3-digit CVC code ____________ Expiry Date (mm/yy) ____________ Prices include all applicable taxes and fees. Prices subject to change. All purchases are non-refundable and nontransferable. All purchases are subject to our ticket policy and privacy policy. For credit card transactions, a separate total for UBC Theatre tickets will appear on your statement.

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Bring Your Group Bring your group for a memorable and affordable opera experience. Group rates are available for groups of 10 or more. Discounted school group rates are also available. Please contact UBC Opera at 604.822.6725 for more information.

Parking at UBC For performances in the Old Auditorium, 24-hour secure parking is available at the Fraser River Parkade, a short 2-minute walk from the theatre. The Armories Parking Lot adjacent to UBC Music Building is open to the public after 5 pm on weekdays and all day on weekends. For UBC Opera performances in the Chan Centre, event parking is adjacent to the venue at the Rose Garden Parkade.

For all UBC Opera events, parking is available at these lots for 50% off the posted rate. Prepaid parking is available for subscribers with pre-registration of a licence plate number – please use the attached order form or contact the box office for details.

Connect with UBCÂ Opera CALL

604.822.6725 (box office) 604.827.4937 (administration)

FAX 604.822.4884 MAIL

UBC School of Music Attn: UBC Opera 6361 Memorial Road Vancouver BC, V6T 1Z2

WEB www.ubcopera.com www.facebook.com/ubcopera www.twitter.com/ubcopera EMAIL info@ubcopera.com UBCOPERA.COM |

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PHOTO: TIM MATHESON

UBC School of Music 6361 Memorial Road, Vancouver BC V6T 1Z2 www.ubcopera.com 604.822.6725 DESIGN: MILES LINKLATER, WWW.24PT-HELVETICA.COM