|
Toronto...The thirty-sixth season of Opera in Concert
is notable for the number of remarkable young vocalists who will
be making their debuts. "From the outset", says General
Director Guillermo Silva-Marin, "Opera in Concert has
been a major champion of emerging artists and we have been eager
to showcase their talents in major roles." In 2009-2010 these
talents will shine in extraordinary operas by three of the art
form’s most renowned composers. Rossini’s LA DONNA DEL
LAGO opens the season on Sunday, October 25;
Handel’s GIULIO CESARE follows on
Sunday, January 31, 2010 and Bellini’s
sublime I PURITANI closes the season on
Sunday, March 28, 2010. All performances are at the
St. Lawrence Centre for the Arts and begin at
2:30 pm.
Based on Walter Scott’s LADY OF THE LAKE,
Rossini basks in the romanticism of the tale set in the Scottish
Highlands and provides thrilling scenes filled with high drama
and vocal fireworks. Soprano Virginia Hatfield
debuts in the title role, Amanda Jones (debut)
is Malcolm, and the rival tenors are Paul
Williamson and Graham Thomson, another
debut. Baritone Gene Wu (debut) will be heard
as Douglas, with Alison d’Amato as
Pianist and Music Director. The esteemed Opera in
Concert Chorus is under the direction of Robert
Cooper. (October 25, 2009 at 2:30 pm)
GIULIO CESARE stands at the apex of Handel’s operatic
achievement and his insights into the nature of political
intrigue and human tragedy have never been more profound.
Kevin Mallon leads the Aradia Ensemble and a
young cast featuring the debuts of countertenor David
Trudgen (Cesare), and the returning soprano
Charlotte Corwin as Cleopatra with
James Levesque and Catherine Rooney
in supporting roles (January 31, 2010 at 2:30 pm)
The works of Bellini are the very essence of bel canto and
I PURITANI, the master’s last opera, is one of
the most sophisticated and brilliant works of the period. Hailed
in last season’s ROBERTO DEVEREUX, tenor Colin Ainsworth
returns as the tormented hero Arturo and is joined by
baritones Justin Welsh and Bruce Kelly
with Michael Rose as Pianist & Music Director.
Robert Cooper again leads the Opera in
Concert Chorus. (March 2, at 2:30pm)
For the truly adventurous opera lover, OIC presents a gala
benefit entitled ‘THREE OF EACH’ with Host and
OIC Founder Stuart Hamilton on Sunday,
November 29 at 2:30 pm. Hamilton, conductor Robert
Cooper, pianists Raisa Nakhmanovich and Michael Rose will be
joined by the OIC Chorus, 3 Tenors (of course!) 3 Sopranos, 3
Mezzos and 3 Baritones for an afternoon of vocal splendour, rare
operatic treats and a little comedy to spice things up!
Don’t miss the pre-concert chat – THE BACKGROUNDER – with host
Iain Scott 45 minutes before each show, a chance to learn about
the opera, the composer and the musical culture of the times.
Opera in Concert is supported by the Jackman Foundation,
Istituto Italiano di Cultura, Canada Council for the Arts,
the Ontario Arts Council and the
Toronto Arts Council. Single tickets are available from
the St. Lawrence Centre’s Jane Mallett Theatre Box Office, 27
Front St. East, by phone – 416-366-7723 or
1-800-708-6754 – or online at
www.stlc.com. The
theatre is wheelchair accessible and close to public transit and
municipal parking. All performances are on Sunday afternoons at
the St. Lawrence Centre for the Arts at 2:30pm.
|
|
OPERA IN CONCERT’s 2009 - 2010 SEASON
