For the third edition of its annual Festival presented by BMO, Vancouver
Opera has curated nine days of voice, music, theatre and visual arts for
the curious of all ages.
Exploring the theme of Fairytales & Fables, the celebration officially
opens on April 27th with performances of the mainstage festival operas.
Rossini’s much-loved La Cenerentola (Cinderella) kicks off the day with a
2:00 p.m. matinee at the Vancouver Playhouse. Gounod’s masterpiece, Faust
will be at 7:30 p.m. at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre. The celebration
continues with a dynamic series of programs, panels and performances daily
from April 27th to May 5th.
Festival highlights include the world premiere of Brian Current’s The
River of Light in co-production with the Vancouver Bach Choir on May 3 for
one performance only. One of Canada’s outstanding composers, Brian
Current conceived this exciting large-scale oratorio for chorus, soloists
and orchestra in a multi-movement composition.
On April 28th the Vancouver Opera invites audiences of all ages to its
Festival Open House; a full day of free community stage performances,
workshops and activities. Watch a live circus spectacular from CircusWest
at šxʷƛ̓exən Xwtl’a7shn (formerly QET Plaza), take part in a backstage
tour of the Queen Elizabeth Theatre, enjoy performances by the Roaming
Diva, join talks and panel discussions and participate in VOF ArtWalks.
These events run from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. with the Patio Bar open all
afternoon.
The CBC Chamber Music Series returns to CBC Studio 700. These short,
original chamber music concerts performed by members of the Vancouver Opera
Orchestra and Chorus and invited guests feature music inspired by
Fairytales and Fables. Artists will include the Bergmann Piano Duo, members
of the Yulanda M. Faris Young Artists Program, and members of the Standing
Wave Ensemble.
Vancouver Opera presents Opera Off Site on May 1st ; pop-up performances at
the Main Street Brewing Company and a screening of the 1926 black and white
film adaptation of Faust at the Fox Cabaret featuring live accompaniment
and a special presentation of Fenlon & Fenlon featuring soprano Rachel
Fenlon.
“Our Festival is evolving to be an inclusive event showcasing the finest
work of Vancouver Opera as well as many of our community partners” says
Vancouver Opera General Director, Kim Gaynor. “We hope to make opera more
accessible by breaking down the perceived barriers to attending and
inviting everyone to take part in the celebration.”
