Edmonton Opera

The performances & effort behind them are outstanding. *There is however - blatant Female discrimination within the workplace.

We toured the Opera space for Alberta culture week. They hosted a wonderful event to the set of La Traviata, with 1920s themed music, costumes on display and some live piano accompaniment to the songs from the opera. The hospitality was fantastic with a cheese and charcuterie board and pastries by Duchesse.

Edmonton Opera If anyone had told me when I was younger, I’d spend several hours every few months enraptured by sublime music being sung in languages I don’t speak, listening to the mysterious wonder that is opera, I would have laughed them out of sight. Don’t get me wrong – my musical tastes are eclectic and I suspect, like many others, I’ve have always been a fan of arias – Nessun Dorma, Caro Bambino Mio, and the like, but had never warmed to entire operas. However, in 2007, when Edmonton Opera offered “Opera 101” to explain the finer points of Bizet’s, "Carmen" – prior to the actual opera – my husband and I went to that class and my opera schooling was begun. More than that – it was also the birth of my husband the supernumerary. A long-time opera devotee, he couldn’t raise his hand fast enough when, at the end of our lesson, there was a plea for supers (the opera equivalent of movie extras) especially men, to join the opera. Did I realise it was also the dawn of my opera appreciation? I can’t recall. Since that time, I’ve seen approximately a dozen operas put on by Edmonton Opera. Everything from Wagner’s, "The Flying Dutchman" to Bizet’s, "La Traviata" to Puccini’s, "Turandot". And while I don’t pretend to be an expert, I do appreciate what a fine opera company this is, how good the acoustics are at the Northern Jubilee Theatre, and overall, just what a thrilling experience opera can be. Since my husband has continued to be a super whenever they ask him, I attend more often and have learned a bit more than I might otherwise. I know how elaborate and updated some of EO’s sets are (in fact, it's not unusual for other companies to rent from EO). I've come to recognize how accomplished the principals are and from how far they travel to sing with EO, plus what an amazing chorus graces this city. Some of the more amazing things I’ve had the privilege of seeing? Tchaikovsky’s, "Eugene Onegin" where, through the magic of filmed backdrops, there was snow, and it was brilliant and beautiful. Also, Verdi’s large-scale production, "Aida", where the voices were as powerful as the opera warrants – simply breath-taking. For anyone worried about the music being sung in any language but English? That holds true, but, unlike the old days – now, there are sub-titles running across the top curtain of the stage that help all who want to read and keep up that way. It truly is a new age. Since discovering my new-found love of opera, I’ve had the opportunity to check out some other opera spaces (not always with operas playing but worth visiting still). I’ve been lucky enough to see the outdoor theater in Verona, and Madrid's famous opera-house, La Scala; plus, viewed "Tosca" one year at The Met, in NYC. The thing is – as wonderful as these world opera venues are, I am thrilled to report, in my view, Edmonton Opera stacks up very well. Very well indeed.

Some of the most high quality productions brought to you by world-renowned singers/performers. Both culturally-enriching and musically-satisfying, it would be beneficial to do some pre-concert listening and reading of the synopsis if you are unaware of the composer's life's work, the plot and some of the arias surrounding the creation.

Supreme productions with performers from around the world. I've subscribed to the Opera on and off over the last 10+ years and find myself still surprised and delighted by this art form. The company frequently brings a fresh approach to productions which lends them new meaning. As for the company itself, tickets are relatively affordable, especially the weekday shows. They allow exchanges for other shows so they are very flexible to work with.

We attended the Opera Brunch this Sunday. This is the first time in 10 years. The performances were great but the company at the table were even more marvellous. Their love for opera was so visible as each performance came on stage. They shared their love for opera with our daughter. Then as we were to leave the Artistic Director introduced himself to us. Thank you for the wonderful day - we will be back and see you at the Opera.

Consistently high quality operas, with wonderful performers. Highly recommended.

The Marriage of Figaro at the Jubilee Auditorium. A wonderful performance by a very talented team. A must see!!