James Rolfe & Anna Chatterton, on creating Crush

Interview

Here at The Banff Centre, we're working on Crush, a new opera by composer James Rolfe and librettist Anna Chatterton. It's a fascinating piece, based on Mozart's Don Giovanni, this time featuring a female protagonist named Donna. I was thrilled when Anna and James offered to talks about the process of creating Crush.

Lost in translation?

Op-ed

A translated libretto is one of the more exasperating things in the life of an opera singer. Not always, of course; English to German and vice versa work pretty well, similarly with Italian to French. For reasons that sound trite, singing an English Il barbiere di Siviglia or a German Carmen can feel uncomfortable and weird.

Catty commentary, or what's not useful for opera

Op-ed

The Cardiff broadcast looks a bit like a mix between mainstream talent shows (So-and-So-Country's Got Talent, etc.) and TSN; I'm not opposed to the preamble, introducing the singers with an interview and building hype with all the backstage footage. What I didn't like was the commentary. I was appalled to hear what was being said about these young singers; perhaps the idea was to provide context and insider information for listeners, but I think it was just mean.

Banff Diaries: Day 0

Editorial

It happened; I got on a plane (and then a bus) and landed in Banff. There was the usual mid-flight panic about whether or not my running shoes were actually in my suitcase (they were) and oh god did I forget my phone charger???

Greg & Jenna's 2014/15 Opera Season Roundup

Humour

Greg Finney and I caught plenty of shows together over the 2014/15 opera season in Toronto, and we like to join forces with our reviews to see where we agree, disagree, come to fisticuffs, etc. I figured a recap of our most memorable of the year was in order, so, over some wine, Greg & I chat about what shows, and which artists, we both loved.

Turning opera "inside-out, upside-down" at Summer Opera Camp

Interview

In the last of our conversations with the folks behind the Canadian Opera Company's Summer Opera Camp, I chat with drama specialist Jen Johnson and design specialist Sonja Rainey. Drama teacher Jen is Co-Artistic Director of Kick Start Arts, a not-for-profit aimed at using the arts "to empower students, youth and adults to express themselves through the creative process." Sonja is a Dora-award nominated set and costume designer, working most recently with the Bicycle Opera Project for their East coast tour this summer.

A summer surprise

News

On this beautiful Saturday morning, we've got exciting news to announce! For four weeks starting Monday, I'll be writing from the beautiful Banff Centre, where I'll be joining Against the Grain Theatre and the Canadian Opera Company at Open Space: Opera in the 21st Century. I'll be there to music direct the workshop production of James Rolfe's new opera, Crush, which is a completely cool take (homage?) on the Don Juan story and Mozart's Don Giovanni.

Summer Opera Camp at the COC

Interview

Katherine Semcesen is the Associate Director of Education & Outreach at the Canadian Opera Company. The countdown is on for this year's Summer Opera Camp, which offers training and experience designed for teenagers, grades 7-10. Participants work with voice teachers, drama coaches, set and costume designers, and fight choreographers over an intensive five-day program.

Trans opera singer to sing national anthem at Oakland A's game

News

There's a lot going on these days with 25 year-old soprano Breanna Sinclairé. On June 17th, she will sing the US national anthem at the opening of the Oakland Athletics game against the San Diego Padres. A look at her YouTube page shows an aspiring young soprano with her head in the right places. Lots of Leontyne Price and Beyoncé.

Spotlight on: Charlotte Knight

Interview

Coloratura soprano Charlotte Knight last made me laugh as Cecily Cardew in Earnest, the Importance of Being at Toronto Operetta Theatre this season. Her fierce technique is easy to hear, and like all great comediennes, Charlotte is also a smart and versatile performer. She just finished singing Rona Lisa Peretti in 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee with No Strings Theatre, and you can hear her this November with the Gallery Players of Niagara, singing Villa-Lobos' stunning Bachianas Brasilieras No. 5 for soprano and eight cellos.