Il Trovatore is Verdi’s brooding yet exquisite tale of love, hate and revenge. After her mother is killed, the gypsy Azucena vows revenge. The ensuing sacrifices made by a son for his mother, and a woman for her beloved, propel the story to its fiery conclusion. Romanian soprano Doina Dimitriu and American baritone Robert Hyman make their COC debuts as the lovelorn Leonora and the ruthless Conte di Luna. The remarkable mezzo-soprano Irina Mishura returns to the COC reprising the role of Azucena.

Richard Bradshaw, conductor; Stephen Lawless, director; Benoît Dugardyn, set designer; Martin Pakledinaz, costume designer

Starring: Doina Dimitriu, Leonora; Irina Mishura, Azucena; Robert Hyman, Conte di Luna; Mikhail Agafonov, Manrico; Robert Pomakov, Ferrando; Joni Henson, Inez; Victor Micallef, Ruiz; and Robert Gleadow, Old Gypsy

Hummingbird Centre for the Performing Arts,
1 Front Street East, Toronto, ON M5E 1B2

Single tickets are $40-$175 and available beginning November 15, 2004, by calling Ticketmaster at 416-872-2262
 

Tancredi, which revolves around an 11 th-century knight (Tancredi), his lover, and a duplicitous king, is a showcase for Rossini’s glorious music and the extraordinary bel canto singing required. The world-renowned contralto Ewa Podlés returns to Toronto as Tancredi and Laura Claycomb, who amazed audiences as Gilda in last season’s Rigoletto, returns as Amenaide. COC favourite, tenor Michael Colvin is King Argirio and Canadian contralto Marie-Nicole Lemieux portrays Amenaide’s confidante Isaura.

Will Crutchfield, conductor; Serge Bennathan, director; Mimmo Paladino, set designer;

Nanà Cecchi, costume designer

Starring: Ewa Podlés, Tancredi; Michael Colvin, Argirio; Marie-Nicole Lemieux, Isaura; and
Robert Pomakov, Orbazzano

Hummingbird Centre for the Performing Arts,
1 Front Street East, Toronto, ON M5E 1B2

Single tickets are $40-$175 and available beginning November 15, 2004, by calling Ticketmaster at 416-872-2262