LA TRAVIATA

Giuseppe Verdi

La Traviata, a glorious work that deserves to be revisited time and again, was last performed eight years ago at Vancouver Opera. This perennial favourite has been given a brand-new look and features a terrific cast. And, in an unprecedented collaboration, five Canadian opera companies have joined forces to produce lavish sets and costumes inspired by the decadent music hall scene of 1920s Paris. Violetta, a famous Parisian courtesan who is consumed both by love and a life- threatening illness, is sung by Canadian Emily Dorn. Tenor Andrew Haji, who delighted audiences as Nemorino in last year’s production of L’Elisir d’amore, is the love-struck Alfredo.

Canadian conductor Yves Abel, whose international career spans more than twenty years—including appearances at the Metropolitan Opera, the Royal Opera House and the Vienna State Opera—makes his Vancouver Opera debut.

October 17, 19, 24, 2019 at 7:30PM
October 27, 2019 at 2:00PM
Queen Elizabeth Theatre
In Italian with English SURTITLES™

THE BARBER OF SEVILLE

Gioachino Rossini

Chase away the February blues with The Barber of Seville, a feast of frivolous fun. Enjoy Figaro’s mischievous escapades as he assists Count Almaviva in prising the beautiful Rosina away from her lecherous guardian, Dr. Bartolo. Rossini’s comic masterpiece fizzes with memorable melodies in an entertaining production that proves that the road to true love is paved with theft, lies, bribery, brawling—and wicked comedy.

Canadian stage director Ashlie Corcoran—recently named Artistic Director of the Arts Club Theatre—makes her mainstage Vancouver Opera debut. Originally from White Rock, Ashlie is a theatre and opera director who has worked internationally and across Canada at companies such as the Canadian Opera Company, the Citadel Theatre, the Shaw Festival and many more. Making his Vancouver Opera debut is Canadian Conductor, Nathan Brock. Brock began his career in Montreal under the tutelage of Kent Nagano.

February 13, 15, 20, 2020 at 7:30PM
February 23, 2020 at 2:00PM
Queen Elizabeth Theatre

Sung in Italian with English SURTITLES™

ANOTHER BRICK IN THE WALL: THE OPERA

Based on the lyrics and music of Roger Waters' The Wall

Operatic version composed by Julien Bilodeau
Concept & Stage Direction by Dominic Champagne

Vancouver Opera’s fourth annual Festival opens with the West Coast premiere of Another Brick in the Wall: The Opera, based on the lyrics and music of Roger Waters’ The Wall. Roger Waters is the lyricist and principal composer of the band, Pink Floyd. The opera is a psychological drama inspired by his life, told through a gripping story, with eye-popping video projections. A thrilling score by Quebec composer Julien Bilodeau transforms the iconic album into an operatic drama—perfect for operagoers and rock fans alike. Magnificent projection design by Johnny Ranger complements the action on an over-sized video screen. The result is exquisite and hypnotic. 

April 23, 25, 29, 30 | May 2, 2020 at 7:30PM
April 26, 2020 at 2:00PM
Queen Elizabeth Theatre

Sung in English with English SURTITLES™

COSÌ FAN TUTTE

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

Così fan tutte, last produced by VO in 2005, is a sharply satirical take on relationships between men and women. Mozart’s opera about fidelity is an intriguing story set to music of impossible beauty. Two men disguise themselves as Albanians and attempt to seduce each other’s partners in an elaborate ruse to win a bet, at the urging of the cynical old philosopher Don Alfonso. Così fan tutte contains some of Mozart’s most beautiful arias and attractive ensembles and is packed with both pathos and humour. It was Mozart’s final collaboration with the Italian librettist Lorenzo da Ponte, who based his story on a variety of sources including Greek myths and Renaissance tales. Yulanda M. Faris Young Artist alumnus stage director, Brenna Corner (Hansel & Gretel) returns to direct this popular opera. Leslie Dala conducts an all-Canadian cast.

April 24 | May 3, 6, 7, 9, 2020 at 7:30PM
April 29 | May 2, 2020 at 2:00PM
Vancouver Playhouse

Sung in Italian with English SURTITLES™