The Canadian Opera Company’s Much-anticipated Return

All photos : Canadian Opera Company / Michael Cooper  

Contributor Andrew Wagner-Chazalon provides this update on the Canadian Opera Company’s plans for a return to (near) normal in 2022

It’s been a long, long wait for opera fans, but it seems that the wait is nearly over: the Canadian Opera Company (COC) has confirmed that live performances will resume in Toronto in April.

The Canadian Opera Company – one of the continent’s leading opera companies – had hoped to resume live performances at the Four Seasons Centre in Toronto in February. They had planned a highly anticipated production of Puccini’s Madame Butterfly. But like many other theatre companies across the country, the COC had to change their plans when the Omicron outbreak swept through.

However, in late January the company announced that single tickets will go on sale for live productions, taking place in the spring and early summer and are already considered among the top things to do in Toronto in 2022.

The Canadian Opera Company Returns

First up on the stage at the Four Seasons Centre is La Traviata. One of Verdi’s most popular operas, this tells the tragic story of Violetta, a courtesan who falls in love with the dashing Alfredo and dares to take a chance on experiencing true and lasting love.

Packed with beloved arias, this production stars Amina Edris, one of opera’s most exciting up and coming voices, in the role of Violetta, and internationally acclaimed tenor Matthew Polenzani as Alfredo. La Traviata runs from April 23 to May 20.

From May 6 to 21, the stage at the Four Seasons Centre will be home to a production of Mozart’s joyful The Magic Flute.

This sparkling gem of a fairytale features enchanted animals, a kidnapped princess, evil henchmen and magical instruments. And, of course, an endless series of some of Mozart’s most beloved melodies. It’s a perfect way to welcome spring and the return of live theatre.

COC’s World Premieres

In addition to these two mainstage productions, the COC is presenting two live productions at their Canadian Opera Company Theatre on Front Street East.

Fantasma is a world premiere of a new piece by composer-in-residence Ian Cusson. This short, 45-minute work explores themes of suffering and compassion, and is suitable for ages 12 and up. It runs for 6 performances from March 9 to 13.

And on June 2, 3 and 4, The Queen in Me uses a blend of beloved operatic music, comedy, and drama to explore how gender, sexuality and identity are policed in the world of opera.

Information and tickets for all productions are available at www.coc.ca/season-outline-page.

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Andrew Wagner-Chazalon is Editor and CEO at Dockside Publishing. To learn more about the good life in Muskoka, Simcoe, and Georgian Bay, visit them online at www.docksidepublishing.com