1. OPERA AMERICA: IN CONVERSATION WITH STEPHANIE BLYTHE
Mezzo-soprano Stephanie Blythe is one of the most celebrated and critically acclaimed opera artists of our time. She has performed at major opera houses all over the world in repertoire ranging from Handel to Wagner and this season she returns to the Metropolitan Opera for Rodelinda, Aida and the complete Ring Cycle. Join us as this singular artist discusses her craft and career with OPERA America President & CEO Marc A. Scorca. Thursday, November 3, 2011, 7:00 pm. Live Streamed on Opera America’s Website OperaAmerica.org.
2. OPERA ATELIER: DON GIOVANNI
Opera Atelier’s Don Giovanni returns to Toronto in a glittering new period production designed by OA’s award-winning design team of Gerard Gauci and Martha Mann. Mozart’s outrageous comedy tells the tale of an incorrigible young playboy who blazes a path to his own destruction in a single day. OA’s production of Don Giovanni features Italian conductor Stefano Montanari conducting Tafelmusik Orchestra. Canadian baritone Phillip Addis (who created a sensation as the Count in OA’s 2010 production of The Marriage of Figaro) as the incorrigible Don Giovanni. The production features soprano Carla Huhtanen (Zerlina), baritone Vasil Garvanliev (Leporello), soprano Peggy Kriha Dye (Donna Elvira), soprano Meghan Lindsay (Donna Anna), baritone Curtis Sullivan (Masetto/Commendatore), tenor Lawrence Wiliford (Don Ottavio) and the full corps of the Artists of Atelier Ballet. Sung in Italian with English surtitles. Friday November 4, Saturday November 5, 2011, 7:30 P.M. Click for event info.
3. OPERA BY REQUEST: HERODIADE BY MASSENET
William Shookhoff; Ellen Vesterdal; Henry Irwin; Nadine Guertin; Oliver Dawson; Joel Katz. Friday, November 4, 2011. 7:30 pm. College Street United Church, 452 College St. Click for event info
4. CANADIAN OPERA COMPANY: HANSEL AND GRETEL BY HUMPERDINCK
On Nov. 5, 2011, as part of the 2011 Xstrata Ensemble Studio School Tour, children and adults alike have the opportunity to attend a special public performance of one of the company’s touring productions, Hansel and Gretel by Engelbert Humperdinck, at the COC’s Joey and Toby Tanenbaum Opera Centre.
Adapted specifically for children and sung in English, this school tour production of Hansel and Gretel features members of the COC Ensemble Studio in the retelling of the adventures of a brother and sister who must outsmart an evil witch who lures children to her gingerbread house with the intention of eating them. The operatic version of this beloved fairytale is noted for its enchanting score, much of it inspired by European folk music. Nov. 5, 2011 at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Joey and Toby Tanenbaum Opera Centre, 227 Front St. E. (Front and Berkeley). Click for event info
5. OPERA YORK: MADAMA BUTTERFLY
Sabatino Vacca; Deirdre Dulton; Louisa Cowie; Romulo Delgado; Jason Hales. Thursday November 3, and Saturday November 5, 2011. 8:00pm. Richmond Hill Centre for the Performing Arts, 10268 Yonge Street. Click for event info
6. GLENN GOULD SCHOOL VOCAL SHOWCASE
Listen to Canada’s next great opera singers present an evening of art songs and opera. Saturday, November 5, 2011. 7:30 pm. Mazzoleni Concert Hall, 273 Bloor St. W. Click for event info
7. KINDRED SPIRITS ORCHESTRA: WITH CHRISTINA PETROWSKA-QUILICO, piano
Gala opening night featuring Mendelssohn, Symphony No. 4 “Italian”; Mozart, Overture to The Magic Flute; Grieg, Concerto for piano and orchestra. Saturday, November 5, 2011. 8:00 pm. Markham Theatre, 171 Town Centre Blvd., Markham. Click for event info
8. WHISKY LIVE: THE WORLD’S GREATEST CLELBRATION OF WHISKY
Whisky Live gives you the unique opportunity to sample the greatest whiskies in the world, whilst mingling with the producers and distillers, marketeers and visitor centre staff, all under one roof. In addition to learning about the world of whisky, you will be able to sample rare and sought-after whiskies and meet the stars of the industry. With great food, masterclasses and much more, Whisky Live is a great day out and a memorable experience. Friday, November 4, 2011. From 4:00 pm. Constitution Hall, Level 100, North Building, Metro Toronto Convention Centre. Click for event info.
9. ALBERTA BALLET: LOVE LIES BLEEDING
Love Lies Bleeding, a contemporary semi-abstract ballet set to 14 of the classic songs composed by Sir Elton John and Bernie Taupin will journey, through a series of theatrically dynamic tableaux, into the wild, dangerous and powerful world of pop music. Set in a vast, dark and abandoned theatre littered with mementos, artefacts and the remembrances of its past glories, this ballet will poetically depict the dramatic landscapes of a monumental cycle of compositions which has deeply inspired billions of music lovers around the world. Love Lies Bleeding will offer audiences an unadorned portrayal of the trials, the triumphs and the painful sacrifices made to attain and maintain the status of super stardom. Tuesday November 8, Wednesday November 9, until November 12, 2011. Sony Centre for the Arts,1 Front Street East. Click for event info.
10. CANADIAN STAGE: ORPHEUS AND EURYDICE
The familiar myth of Orpheus and Eurydice is re-imagined as a powerful dance piece. A Compagnie Marie Chouinard production presented by Canadian Stage. The familiar myth of Orpheus and Eurydice is re-imagined as a powerful dance piece. Quebecois sensation Marie Chouinard brings her distinct choreography to Canadian Stage following an internationally acclaimed tour. Not for the prudish or faint-hearted, Orpheus and Eurydice offers a feisty, sexy and – ultimately – illuminating retelling of the tragic story of love and loss. (Includes nudity, sexuality and strobe lighting.) November 1 – November 5, 2011. 8:00 pm. Bluma Appel Theatre, 27 Front St. E, Toronto. Click for event info
