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CANADIAN OPERA COMPANY 2017/2018 3 FROM OUR STAGE… …TO THE WORLD

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The opera house has always been more than just a venue for entertainment.

It’s a space where we can come together and share an experience that enlarges our world.

For a few hours, we can unplug from the noise of information and encounter the music of the human voice—not to ignore the former but to listen all the better.

In and Hugo von Hofmannsthal’s brilliant comedy Arabella (1933), we hear a world chattering in the midst of rapid social change. Endless parties, luxury hotels, glittering ballrooms—all on borrowed credit—are the basic co-ordinates of Arabella’s life in old-world Vienna. Yet her personal character transcends the hedonism and fashion of the moment. Indeed, Arabella emerges as a strikingly contemporary figure, whose quest for self-determination will resonate with anyone who has tried to live on are brought to life with genuine human their own terms rather than conform to the pathos and the kind of perfectly crafted expectations of family or the conventions of storytelling that moves us to laugh and cheer society. with characters we recognize from our own lives. Composed nearly 100 years earlier, Donizetti’s charming The Elixir of Love (1832) overflows Those are the shared experiences that reflect with joyous music and happiness, and offers a us all, from Vienna to southwestern Ontario, different perspective on love. We’ve brought and it’s what opera does best. a twist to this classic by setting it in a small Ontario town at the turn of the 20th century, We all watch the news and know the state a quaint Niagara-on-the-Lake during a fall of our world. But being alert to the many harvest. Nemorino’s thwarted attempts—and issues facing us out there doesn’t lessen our eventual triumph—in winning Adina’s heart essential need for the arts everywhere.

COC WE WILL BRING THE TRANSFORMATIVE EXPERIENCE OF OPERA TO OUR 365 LOCAL, NATIONAL AND GLOBAL AUDIENCE EVERY DAY OF THE YEAR.

CANADIAN OPERA COMPANY 2017/2018 5 6 CANADIAN OPERA COMPANY 2017/2018 ARABELLA BY RICHARD STRAUSS Lyric comedy in three acts w Libretto by Hugo von Hofmannsthal First performance: Sächsisches Staatstheater, Dresden, July 1, 1933 COC PREMIERE Co-production with Santa Fe Opera and Minnesota Opera October 5, 10, 14, 18, 20, 22, 28, 2017 Sung in German with English SURTITLES™ THE CAST AND CREATIVE TEAM (in order of vocal appearance)

A Fortune Teller Mandryka, a landowner Conductor Megan Latham Tomasz KoniecznyD Patrick Lange Adelaide Welko, Mandryka’s servant Director Gundula HintzD Geoffrey Sirett Tim Albery Zdenka, her daughter Count Dominik, Arabella’s suitor Assistant Director Jane Archibald Craig Irvin Anna TheodosakisD Matteo, a young officer Count Lamoral, Arabella’s Set and Costume Designer Michael BrandenburgD suitor Tobias Hoheisel Bruno Roy† Arabella, Adelaide’s daughter Lighting Designer Erin Wall The Fiakermilli David Finn Claire de Sévigné^ Count Elemer, Arabella’s suitor Price Family Corey BixD Djura, Mandryka’s servant Chorus Master Chair Thomas Goerz Sandra Horst^ Count Waldner, Arabella’s father John Fanning^ Head Waiter Stage Manager Ernesto Ramírez Jenifer Kowal Hotel Porter Isaiah BellD SURTITLES™ Producer Nikita Gourski

Jane Archibald’s performance is generously sponsored by Jack Whiteside Bruno Roy’s performance is generously sponsored by Catherine Fauquier Sandra Horst and the COC Chorus are generously underwritten by Tim & Frances Price

D COC Debut † Current member of the COC Ensemble Studio ^ Graduate of COC Ensemble Studio Program information is correct at time of printing. All casting is subject to change.

Performance time is approximately three hours, including one intermission.

ACT I: 85 minutes INTERMISSION 25 minutes ACT II: 70 minutes

Left: Erin Wall, the COC’s Arabella, also appeared in the title role when this production premiered at Santa Fe Opera in 2012.

CANADIAN OPERA COMPANY 2017/2018 7 NOTES

Nature or civilization, town or country, the loves fun, beautiful things, the adoration flow of the river or the rush of the city, the of men, everything that money can offer; glitter of the ballroom or the cool of the but she also feels an emptiness, knowing woods, the slow rhythm of the seasons or instinctively that life and love can and the dazzle of the social whirl. These age-old should be something more. contrasts are at the heart of Arabella, where Vienna, the setting of the story, represents Then Mandryka arrives from the country— city life at its most enticing and corrupting. unsophisticated, totally unconcerned with fashion or the opinions of others, Though the libretto of Arabella was written fully content ruling benevolently over in the late 1920s, it is based on a short story his country estates as a kind of Austrian that Hofmannsthal had published before Tolstoy, rooted in his beloved countryside. the First World War. And it is Vienna at Arabella immediately recognizes that, unlike that time of hedonistic triviality—with the anyone she has ever met, he is utterly his looming cataclysm of the war that would own person; that together, away from the destroy all the certainties of the Austro- world, they will be complete “for all time and Hungarian Empire—that Arabella captures. eternity.”

It is carnival day. Two young sisters face Of course Arabella is a romance, so, having their emotional futures sacrificed to conveniently, Mandryka has inherited the their parents’ financial desperation. Arabella enormous wealth necessary to support the must choose a husband from one of three rural idyll that Arabella chooses. But beneath aristocratic suitors before the evening’s the charming improbabilities of the plot ball. And her younger sister Zdenka has to and the entrancing lyrical outpourings of live her life disguised as a boy because her Strauss’ music, lies the endlessly fascinating parents lack the money to clothe her and question: “What is the good life?” Does the bring her out into society, tortured all the craving for money and status distort what is while by a hidden love of her own. real and authentic in human relationships? Is there a harmony in the natural world that Arabella encapsulates within herself the we have lost as we hurtle ever faster into the dilemma of the longing for financial security, future? not only for her but her whole family, pitted against the desire for romantic freedom. She Tim Albery Director

SYNOPSIS

ACT I Financially strapped but aristocratically Posing as their son, “Zdenko,” the girl entitled, the Waldners have raised their wards off creditors as her mother consults a younger daughter, Zdenka, as a boy to fortuneteller, who predicts an advantageous cut the cost of her upbringing – at least marriage for Zdenka’s sister, Arabella. The until her beautiful older sister is married. young officer Matteo enlists his friend

8 CANADIAN OPERA COMPANY 2017/2018 “Zdenko’s” help in courting Arabella; it’s that death, and his country’s tradition of pledging or suicide, he insists. troth with a glass of water – a symbol of purity. Arabella reciprocates his love, but Arabella is being pursued by many other wants to stay and enjoy the Ball as a last suitors. Three – Counts Elemer, Dominik and celebration of youth. When she is named Lamoral – have left gifts for her. Zdenka, who its queen, Mandryka is thrilled and lavishes secretly loves Matteo, urges her to consider champagne and flowers on the attendees him, but Arabella feels that when the right as Arabella bids farewell to her past suitors. candidate appears, she’ll know. Count Amid the heightened gaiety she does Elemer calls on Arabella to go sleigh riding; not notice the desperate Matteo seeking as she leaves to change her outfit, she alerts some sign of her affection – or Zdenka, Zdenka to a stranger peering up from the who presses a key into his hand, saying street below. Their father, Count Waldner, it is from Arabella and is the key to her returns, upset by his many creditors and bedroom. Inevitably, Mandryka overhears; continuing bad luck at cards. But no sooner disillusioned and angry, he abandons has he told his wife of his latest stratagem himself to wine-soaked recklessness until – sending a letter and photo of Arabella Count Waldner calms him and they return to to his wealthy old army friend Mandryka the hotel. – than a caller also named Mandryka is announced. Nephew of the elder, now Pause deceased Mandryka, he has read the letter to his uncle and fallen in love with Arabella’s ACT III photograph. Now he has journeyed from Arabella returns from the ball unaware that his rich estates in Slavonia to the Waldners’ Matteo has been in her bedroom, ostensibly hotel suite in Vienna solely to lend Count with her. Only the absent Zdenka knows the Waldner money and seek his daughter’s truth. As Matteo tries to slip from the hotel hand in marriage. unnoticed, he is baffled to find Arabella already in the lobby, cool and unresponsive; Unaware of this bright new prospect, Mandryka, judging the situation as he Arabella is despondent, wondering why no arrives with the Waldners, cannot believe suitor seems right, and knowing that she Arabella’s innocence and urges the Count has promised her parents to choose one to demand satisfaction from Matteo. of them by the end of the Coachman’s ball Finally Zdenka rushes in from upstairs. She that evening; perhaps the ball will brighten confesses giving herself to Matteo to prevent her mood. She leaves with Zdenka for their his suicide, and now, wracked by guilt, sleigh ride. considers her own. But she is immediately forgiven by her parents and embraced by INTERMISSION Matteo. Arabella and Mandryka are left alone together. Arabella asks him to have a ACT II glass of water sent to her room and then she, too, leaves. Mandryka is racked with guilt; At the Coachman’s Ball, Count Waldner how will she feel about him now after he introduces Mandryka to the Countess and failed to trust her? Reappearing at the top Arabella; recognizing him as the stranger of the stairs with her dignity intact and the she noticed earlier, Arabella is instantly water glass in her hand, Arabella rapturously drawn to him. Mandryka feels confirmed reaffirms her love and their engagement. in his earlier feelings and confides in her, describing his estates, his young wife’s Courtesy of Santa Fe Opera

CANADIAN OPERA COMPANY 2017/2018 9 CANADIAN OPERA COMPANY ORCHESTRA

VIOLIN I Olga Laktionova, Acting Assistant HORN Marie Bérard, Concertmaster Principal Mikhailo Babiak, Principal The Concertmaster’s chair has Maurizio Baccante (leave of Janet Anderson been endowed in perpetuity by absence) Bardhyl Gjevori Joey and Toby Tanenbaum Peter Cosbey* Gary Pattison Aaron Schwebel, Associate Bryan Holt* Concertmaster Ashton Lim* TRUMPET Jamie Kruspe, Assistant Elaine Thompson (leave of Robert Weymouth, Principal Concertmaster absence) Andrew Dubelsten* Anne Armstrong Michael Fedyshyn* Sandra Baron BASS Bethany Bergman Travis Harrison, Acting Principal* TROMBONE Nancy Kershaw Robert Speer, Assistant Principal Charles Benaroya, Principal Dominique Laplante Tom Hazlitt Ian Cowie Yakov Lerner Paul Langley Jayne Maddison Robert Wolanski* BASS TROMBONE Neria Mayer Herbert Poole Aya Miyagawa FLUTE Douglas Stewart, Principal TUBA VIOLIN II Shelley Brown Scott Irvine, Principal (leave of Paul Zevenhuizen, Principal Maria Pelletier* absence) Csaba Koczó, Assistant Principal Jennifer Stephen, Acting Principal* James Aylesworth PICCOLO Christine Chesebrough* Shelley Brown TIMPANI Elizabeth Johnston Michael Perry, Principal (leave of Hiroko Kagawa* OBOE absence) Lynn Kuo* Mark Rogers, Principal Ed Reifel, Acting Principal* Renée London* Jasper Hitchcock* Clara Lee* PERCUSSION Alexey Pankratov* ENGLISH HORN Trevor Tureski, Principal Louise Tardif Lesley Young Ed Reifel* Marianne Urke (leave of absence) Joanna Zabrowarna CLARINET HARP James Shields, Principal (leave of Sarah Davidson, Principal VIOLA absence) Keith Hamm, Principal Dominic Desautels, Acting Joshua Greenlaw, Assistant Principal* MUSIC LIBRARIAN Principal James Ormston* Wayne Vogan Katrina Chitty* Michele Verheul* Catherine Gray ASSISTANT MUSIC LIBRARIAN Sheila Jaffé (leave of absence) BASS CLARINET Ondrej Golias Rory McLeod* Colleen Cook Nicholaos Papadakis* STAGE LIBRARIAN Beverley Spotton (leave of BASSOON Paul Langley absence) Eric Hall, Principal (leave of Yosef Tamir absence) PERSONNEL MANAGER Eve Tang* Samuel Banks, Acting Principal* Ian Cowie William Cannaway* CELLO Lisa Chisolm* *extra musician Bryan Epperson, Principal Alastair Eng, Associate Principal CONTRA BASSOON (leave of absence) William Cannaway* Paul Widner, Assistant Principal, Acting Associate Principal

CANADIAN OPERA COMPANY CHORUS

SOPRANOS MEZZO-SOPRANOS TENORS BARITONES/BASSES Lindsay Barrett Susan Black Tonatiuh Abrego Jesse Clark Alexandra Lennox-Pomeroy Wendy Hatala Foley Stephen Bell Michael Downie Ingrid Martin Erica Iris Huang Taras Chmil Jason Nedecky Eve Rachel McLeod Lilian Kilianski William Ford Michael Uloth Jennifer Robinson Erin Lawson James Leatch Jan Vaculik Teresa van der Hoeven Karen Olinyk Kevin Myers Gene Wu Eric Olsen Michael York

10 CANADIAN OPERA COMPANY 2017/2018 MUSIC STAFF ASSISTANT CONDUCTOR UNDERSTUDIES Anne Larlee (Head Coach) Derek Bate Arabella Erika Wueschner Stéphane Mayer Zdenka Danika Lorèn (Ensemble Studio Coach) ASSISTANT STAGE MANAGERS Count Waldner Thomas Goerz Laurie Rogers Stephanie Marrs Adelaide Megan Latham Chris Porter Mandryka Craig Irvin GERMAN DICTION COACH Matteo Corey Bix Adreana Braun ASSISTANT LIGHTING DESIGNER Count Elemer Taras Chmil Davida Tkach Count Dominik Jan Vaculik Count Lamoral Samuel Chan The Fiakermilli Andrea Núñez A Fortune Teller Megan Quick

Below: Erin Wall as Arabella and Zach Borichevsky as the lovesick Matteo at Santa Fe Opera, 2012.

CANADIAN OPERA COMPANY 2017/2018 11 BIOGRAPHIES: ARABELLA

TIM ALBERY, Director (Mono, ON) COC CREDITS: Götterdämmerung (2017, 2006); Aida (2010); War and Peace (2008); Rodelinda (2005); (2003). RECENT: The Coronation of Poppea (Opera North); Les Troyens (Lyric Opera of Chicago); Capriccio (Santa Fe Opera); , re di Creta (Garsington Opera); Tannhaüser (Royal Opera House). UPCOMING: A Masked Ball (Opera North); (Santa Fe)

JANE ARCHIBALD, Zdenka (Soprano; Truro, NS) SELECT COC CREDITS: Ginevra, ; Susanna, (2016); Donna Anna, (2015); , Semele (2012, 2014 Brooklyn Academy of Music tour). RECENT: Adele, Die Fledermaus (Santa Fe Opera); Angelica, Orlando paladino (Opernhaus Zürich); Zerbinetta, Ariadne auf Naxos (Bayerische Staatsoper); Donna Anna, Don Giovanni (Theater an der Wien). UPCOMING: Konstanze, The Abduction from the Seraglio; , The Nightingale and Other Short Fables (COC); Armida, Rinaldo (The English Concert on Tour)

DEREK BATE, Assistant Conductor (Conductor; Toronto, ON) SELECT COC CREDITS: Götterdämmerung (2017); Norma (2016); , Siegfried, Pyramus and Thisbe (with Lamento d’Arianna and Il combattimento di Clorinda e Tancredi) (2015/2016); Conductor, Don Quichotte (2014); Conductor, Carmen (1979). RECENT: (as conductor) The Pirates of Penzance (Toronto Operetta Theatre); The Student Prince (Toronto Operetta Theatre). UPCOMING: and The Nightingale and Other Short Fables (COC); (Toronto Operetta Theatre)

ISAIAH BELL, Hotel Porter (Tenor; Victoria, BC) COC DEBUT. RECENT: Seven Deadly Sins (Toronto Symphony Orchestra); Soloist, Handel’s (TSO/Calgary Philharmonic); The Madwoman, Curlew River (Brooklyn Academy of Music with the Mark Morris Dance Group); Lysander, A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Opéra de Metz). UPCOMING: Eurimaco, The Return of Ulysses (Opera Atelier); Soloist, Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony (Seattle Symphony); Soloist, Haydn’s Creation (Nashville Symphony)

COREY BIX, Count Elemer (Tenor; Clarinda, IA, USA) COC DEBUT. RECENT: Énée and Hélénus, Les Troyens; Heinrich, Tannhäuser (Lyric Opera of Chicago); Max, Der Freischütz; Eric, The Flying Dutchman (Virginia Opera); Augustin Moser, Die Meistersinger von Nurnberg (); Lenny, Of Mice and Men (Austin Opera)

MICHAEL BRANDENBURG, Matteo (Tenor; Austin, IN, USA) COC DEBUT. RECENT: Pinkerton, Madama Butterfly (Opera Theatre of Saint Louis and Opera North); Anatol, Vanessa (Wexford Festival); Don José, Carmen (Lyric Opera of Chicago [LOC]); Rodolfo, La Bohème (Glimmerglass Festival). UPCOMING: Faust, Faust (LOC, cover); San Diego Opera debut. ADDITIONAL: Grand finalist winner, ’s National Council Auditions (2013)

CLAIRE DE SÉVIGNÉ, The Fiakermilli (Soprano; Hudson, QC) SELECT COC CREDITS: Despina, Così fan tutte (Ensemble Studio Performance, 2014); Servilia, La clemenza di Tito (ESP, 2013); First Niece, Peter Grimes (2013); Ida, Die Fledermaus (2012). RECENT: Blonde, The Abduction from the Seraglio (Savonlinna Opera Festival/Opernhaus Zürich); Le Feu/La Princesse/Le Rossignol, L’Enfant et les sortilèges (Internationale Opernstudio, Zurich); Hermione, Orest (Opernhaus Zürich); Queen of the Night, (Opera Theatre of Saint Louis). UPCOMING: Blonde, The Abduction from the Seraglio (COC)

12 CANADIAN OPERA COMPANY 2017/2018 JOHN FANNING, Count Waldner (Baritone; Dundas, ON) COC CREDITS: Gunther, Götterdämmerung (2006), Tomsky, The Queen of Spades (2002). RECENT: Boris, The Pencil Salesman (Westben Arts Festival); Sharpless, Madama Butterfly ( and Edmonton Opera). ADDITIONAL: Member of the Order of Canada; Voice Professor (University of Montreal)

DAVID FINN, Lighting Designer (Mill Valley, CA, USA) COC CREDITS: Venus and Adonis (2001); Ring Cycle (2006/2007, 2015, 2016, 2017); Macbeth (2005). RECENT: Les Troyens (Lyric Opera of Chicago); Tannhäuser (Royal Opera House/ Staatsoper im Schiller Theater); Così fan tutte (Opera Australia); Roméo et Juliette ( and Dutch National Opera); Rigoletto (Savonlinna Festival). UPCOMING: and Parsifal (Metropolitan Opera)

THOMAS GOERZ, Djura (Bass-baritone; Kitchener, ON) SELECT COC CREDITS: Baron Duphol, La Traviata (2015); Quince, A Midsummer Night’s Dream; Benoit/Alcindoro, La Bohème (2009); Nikitich/Chernikovsky, Boris Godunov (2002). RECENT: Owen Hart, Dead Man Walking; Lodovico, (Vancouver Opera); Titurel, Parsifal (Le Festival de Lanaudière); Mikado, The Mikado (Calgary Opera); Father Palmer, Silent Night (L’opéra de Montréal)

GUNDULA HINTZ, Adelaide (Mezzo-soprano; Berlin, Germany) COC DEBUT. RECENT: Herodias, Salome (Staatstheater Darmstadt); Soloist, Mahler’s Das Lied von der Erde (Berlin Philharmonic); Fräulein Schneider, Cabaret (Theater Augsburg); Fricka, Das Rheingold; Dämonia, Dornröschen (Oper Leipzig); Waltraute/Second Norn, Götterdämmerung; Fricka, Die Walküre and Das Rheingold (Oper Halle). UPCOMING: Mahler’s Symphony No. 3 and “Das Klagende Lied” (Berlin Philharmonic)

TOBIAS HOHEISEL, Set & Costume Designer (Frankfurt am Main, Germany) COC CREDITS: ed Euridice, Iphigénie en Tauride (2011). RECENT: Capriccio (Santa Fe Opera); director/designer, Norma, (Aalto Theater Essen); Les Troyens (Lyric Opera Chicago). UPCOMING: Orfeo ed Euridice, (TCE/Versailles); Ariadne auf Naxos (Santa Fe Opera); Arabella (San Francisco Opera)

SANDRA HORST, Price Family Chorus Master Chair (Toronto, ON) SELECT COC CREDITS: Louis Riel, Tosca, The Magic Flute, Götterdämmerung (2017); Ariodante (2016); Norma (2016, 1998). RECENT: Conductor, Prima Zombie: The Diva that just wouldn’t stay dead (UofT Opera). UPCOMING: Rigoletto, The Abduction from the Seraglio; The Nightingale and Other Short Fables, Anna Bolena (COC); Vengeance and Of Thee I Sing (UofT Opera). ADDITIONAL: Director of Musical Studies at Opera

CRAIG IRVIN, Count Dominik (Baritone; Waukee, IA, USA) COC CREDITS: First Nazarene, Salome (2013); Betto, Gianni Schicchi (2012). RECENT: Escamillo, Carmen (Fort Worth Opera); Dan Packard, Dinner at Eight (Minnesota Opera); Macbeth, Macbeth (Loft Opera); Lt. Horstmayer, Silent Night (Atlanta Opera). UPCOMING: Stub, Moby-Dick (Utah Opera); Dan Packard, Dinner at Eight (Wexford Festival); Lt. Horstmayer, Silent Night (Austin Opera)

TOMASZ KONIECZNY, Mandryka (Bass-baritone; Lodz, Poland) COC DEBUT. RECENT: Herzog Antoniotto Adorno/Capitano, Die Gezeichneten (Münchner Opernfestspiele); Wotan/Wanderer, Die Walküre and Siegfried (Wiener Staatsoper); Telramund, Lohengrin (Opéra national de Paris). UPCOMING: Wotan, Die Walküre (Théâtre du Capitole); Wotan, Das Rheingold, Die Walküre and Siegfried (Wiener Staatsoper); Lindorf/Coppélius/ Miracle/Dapertutto, (New National Theatre Tokyo); König Karl, Fierrabras (La Scala)

CANADIAN OPERA COMPANY 2017/2018 13 JENIFER KOWAL, Stage Manager (Thornhill, ON) SELECT COC CREDITS: Tosca (2017); Norma (2016); Maometto II, The Marriage of Figaro and Pyramus and Thisbe (with Lamento d’Arianna and Il combattimento di Clorinda e Tancredi) (2015/2016). RECENT: ATG’s Messiah (Against the Grain Theatre). UPCOMING: Rigoletto and The Nightingale and Other Short Fables (COC)

PATRICK LANGE, Conductor (Bavaria, Germany) COC CREDITS: Madama Butterfly (2014). RECENT: Eugene Onegin (Wiener Staatsoper); Tosca (Sächsische Staatsoper); Fidelio (Oper Stuttgart). UPCOMING: Tannhäuser, The Flying Dutchman, Arabella, A Masked Ball (Hessisches Staatstheater Wiesbaden); Arabella, Hansel und Gretel (Wiener Staatsoper)

MEGAN LATHAM, Fortune Teller (Mezzo-soprano; Abbotsford, BC) SELECT COC CREDITS: Marcellina, The Marriage of Figaro (Ensemble Studio performance, 2016); Rossweisse, Die Walküre (2015); Giovanna, Rigoletto (2012); Florence Pike, Albert Herring (2004). RECENT: Emilia, Otello (Vancouver Opera); Third Lady, The Magic Flute (Pacific Opera Victoria); Ruth, Dark Sisters (Vancouver Opera); Alisa, (Edmonton Opera); Genevieve, Pelléas et Mélisande (Against the Grain Theatre). UPCOMING: Giovanna, Rigoletto (COC)

ERNESTO RAMÍREZ, Head Waiter (Tenor; Guadalajara, Mex) SELECT COC CREDITS: Roberto Devereux, Roberto Devereux (2015); Ruiz, Il Trovatore (2012). RECENT: Steve, Filumena (Calgary Opera); Soloist, Mozart’s Requiem (Brott Festival); Soloist, Verdi’s Requiem (Guelph Symphony Orchestra); Pinkerton, Madama Butterfly (Opera de León)

BRUNO ROY, Count Lamoral (Baritone; Montreal, QC) COC CREDITS: Louis Schmidt/Dr. François Roy, Louis Riel; the Jailer, Tosca; Second Priest, The Magic Flute (2017). RECENT: Schmidt/Roy/Col. Wolseley, Louis Riel (Festival Opéra de Québec); Mercutio, Roméo et Juliette (Canadian Vocal Arts Institute); Matt, Crush (Banff Centre); Belcore, The Elixir of Love (Atelier lyrique de l’Opéra de Montréal and Opera McGill); John Brooke, Little Women; Count Almaviva, The Marriage of Figaro (Opera McGill). UPCOMING: Marullo, Rigoletto; Baritone 1/Japanese Envoy 3, The Nightingale and Other Short Fables (COC)

GEOFFREY SIRETT, Welko (Baritone, Kingston, ON) COC DEBUT. RECENT: Orest, ; Ping, Turandot (Edmonton Opera); William Dale, Silent Night (Opéra de Montréal); The Seven Deadly Sins (Toronto Symphony Orchestra); Elijah (Pax Christie Chorale); Handel’s Messiah (Newfoundland Symphony). UPCOMING: Akaki, The Overcoat (Vancouver Opera/Tapestry/Canadian Stage); Capt. Corcoran, HMS Pinafore (Edmonton Opera)

ANNA THEODOSAKIS, Assistant Director (Vancouver, BC) COC DEBUT. RECENT: Director: The Elixir of Love (Centre for Opera Studies Italy); La bohème (Muskoka Opera); The Tales of Hoffmann (Opera Laurier); The Rape of Lucretia (Toronto Summer Music Festival/MYOpera); Assistant Director: La Cecchina (The Glenn Gould School); Mozart’s Requiem (TSO). UPCOMING: Director: The Tender Land (Opera Laurier); Choreographer: Of Thee I Sing (UofT Opera)

ERIN WALL, Arabella (Soprano; Vancouver, BC) COC CREDITS: Countess, The Marriage of Figaro (2016); Antonia, The Tales of Hoffmann; Clémence, Love from Afar (2012). RECENT: Ellen Orford, Peter Grimes (Edinburgh International Festival); Donna Anna, Don Giovanni (San Francisco Opera); Desdemona, Otello (Vancouver Opera); Vanessa, Vanessa (Santa Fe Opera). UPCOMING: Marguerite, Faust (Lyric Opera of Chicago)

14 CANADIAN OPERA COMPANY 2017/2018 ONE NATION UNDER THE ARTS

We live in a country with a rich and deep appreciation for arts and culture, and we’re committed to fund programs that enable Canadians of all means and backgrounds to enjoy the very best. Proud Presenting Sponsor of the new Share the Opera program at the Canadian Opera Company and proudly Canadian. ABOUT ARABELLA

Although not intended as such, Arabella 1929, a few days after he had finally revised was to be the final collaboration between the first act. composer Richard Strauss and his long-time librettist partner Hugo von Hofmannsthal. The libretto was created in the form of They had previously worked together on the Konversationsstück, a type of comedy Elektra (1909), (1911), of manners popular at the Burgtheater in Ariadne auf Naxos (1912), Die Frau ohne Vienna in the mid-19th century. Accordingly, Schatten (1919) and Die ägyptische Helena Hofmannsthal wrote much of it in what he (1927). And even though Arabella premiered called a “telegraph” or naturalistic style— in Dresden in 1933, Hofmannsthal began conversations move with great speed, and thinking about the story as early as 1910 lots of detail; words and music speak of a when he wrote a short sketch, Lucidor, hectic and nervous society. Strauss himself Characters for an Unwritten Comedy, where said he wanted to create the atmosphere the focus was not on Arabella but her of a “rather vulgar and dubious Vienna.” tomboy sister, Lucile (which would become Composer and librettist were certainly in the role of Zdenka in the opera). Additional tune with their historical setting in this inspiration came from a fragment of his play, regard. Vienna in the 1860s was undergoing Der Fiaker als Graf concerning the Viennese a massive boom that saw the building of cabbies’ ball and their mascot “Fiakermilli” the Ringstrasse and all the museums and (a show-stopping, high- in theatres around it—this required huge the opera). The libretto went through over 20 infusions of cash that did not hide the fact revisions before Hofmannsthal even sent the the city was living on credit and that the first draft to Strauss. Tragic circumstances Hapsburg Empire was suffering from serial dictated that the composer had a larger defeats abroad. They lost wars in Piedmont, share in shaping the text than was normal Lombardy, Milan, Venice and the Veneto as since Hofmannsthal died suddenly in July the Kingdom of Italy was being established.

16 CANADIAN OPERA COMPANY 2017/2018 Then, in 1867, after decades of antagonism of unspoiled villages, oak forests untouched between the Austrian and Hungarian halves by axe and the ancient Slavic folk-songs of the Empire, they brokered a compromise Strauss inserted into his score. whereby each half became autonomous under the Dual Monarchy of Austria- After being lukewarmly received following Hungary. its July 1, 1933 Dresden premiere, Arabella fared better after the Vienna premiere on All of this social upheaval informs the October 21 and over the next few seasons opera’s opening scene which finds Count was presented in Stockholm, Basel, Monte Waldner (Arabella’s father) in a perilous Carlo, Buenos Aires, Amsterdam, Budapest financial state as a stream of unwelcome and London. It didn’t appear in the United creditors are knocking down the door of States until its 1955 premiere at Metropolitan his hotel suite—he is even cut off by a lowly Opera. As Strauss and Hofmannsthal’s final waiter when he asks for another whisky! It collaboration, it can squarely be considered is into this tawdry atmosphere that Strauss their most popular and successful opera in and Hofmannsthal inserted the self-reliant the post-Der Rosenkavalier period. It has Arabella and her touchingly impulsive sister, maintained a place in the active repertoire Zdenka. Arabella’s love interest, Mandryka ever since its premiere, more so in Austro- (not found in Hofmannsthal’s original self- German opera houses than in North borrowed source material), was invented American, perhaps understandable given its as a contrast to the Waldners’ Viennese very culturally specific setting and musical “sophistication,” steeped as he is in his world language.

This fall the COC welcomes two outstanding artists in lead roles they have sung before. Canadian soprano Erin Wall was Arabella when the COC’s new production premiered at Santa Fe in 2014. Polish bass-baritone Tomasz Konieczny has performed Mandryka many times in Vienna and Budapest. Here’s what they had to say about the characters they are playing.

ERIN WALL TOMASZ Arabella KONIECZNY “I love singing this role! Mandryka I like her strength, “Mandryka is a very the way she is always atypical lover in the prepared to do what’s opera world. On the right, and her good heart. She stays calm and one hand, he is very collected and dignified through turmoil, a quality I wish I had, and you see her take a bit sensitive, and on the other very of a journey towards maturity and womanhood strong, with his feet firmly on the through the course of the opera. It’s always fun ground. He is very rich, but money to sing a role where your character gets a happy does not matter to him. And once ending—lately, with the roles I’ve been singing— in love with Arabella, he will do Donna Anna, Desdemona, Vanessa, and Ellen everything to be with her. He is also Orford—that has most decidedly not been the funny in his naiveté, but also a wise case, so I love the way Arabella’s story ends. I and instinctively natural man; he is don’t think it even needs saying, but the music very authentic and beautiful in his is amazing to sing—long lush lines, complex truth.” harmonies—it’s very enjoyable! CANADIAN OPERA COMPANY 2017/2018 17 GET TO KNOW JANE ARCHIBALD

Jane Archibald is the COC’s inaugural Artist-in-Residence for the 2017/2018 season. In addition to performing the role of Zdenka during our fall run, Jane returns this winter as Konstanze in The Abduction from the Seraglio (one of her most acclaimed roles), and the Nightingale in The Nightingale and Other Short Fables later in the spring. Jane will also give a recital as part of the COC’s Free Concert Series in the Richard Bradshaw Amphitheatre on Tuesday, February 20, 2018, with a program titled Vienna to Paris.

Guaranteed to make Jane smile – her daughter’s giggle, almost audible through this picture!

What is one thing that would surprise If you could have personally witnessed people to learn about you? anything, what would you want to have I LOVE to be “MacGyver” when I’m on seen? the road. Some of my proudest “fix-it” The entire scope of the Roman Empire moments involve rigging upright showers at its height (well, not the gory bits with and shower curtains (usually in France, for lions and gladiators). some reason!). What drives you to do what you do? Sequels happen all the time in movies. What motivates you? What sequel to an opera would you like It’s a complicated mix these days, if to see happen? I’m honest (and I have a hard time Fledermaus 2, Rosalinda’s mid-life crisis! not being honest!). Briefly: the joy of (Of course, I star in this sequel!) music-making, paying the bills and the existential question “who would I even If you got stuck in the elevator and were be if I weren’t a singer?” forced to listen to only one song, what song would it be? If you could trade lives with one person “Take it Easy” by the Eagles. for an entire day who would it be and why? What always brings a smile to your face? My husband. Can you imagine how My daughter’s giggle. amazing that would be for a marriage?! To REALLY understand what it is to walk in your partner’s shoes? :-)

18 CANADIAN OPERA COMPANY 2017/2018 What is something you’ve always wanted Any pre-performance or post- to try but have been too scared? performance rituals? Nothing, really. I learned to overcome Pre: Sleep in, stay in PJs, eat a smallish fear at a young age by singing in front of meal mid-afternoon. I also, weirdly, always people on a stage (my whole career is a wait to brush my teeth at the theatre, testament to overcoming fears!!!) after makeup but before putting my lipstick on! What is your favourite Disney movie of Post: Haagen-Dazs, Netflix/internet all time? surfing until the adrenaline wears off and I’m just not a Disney/animated-movie I can sleep! I also like to walk home from kind of girl. I do appreciate that more the theatre to decompress a bit. recent “kids” films have been designed to entertain adults too, but they’re never my What’s the best thing about being an first choice... opera singer? The thrill of making music with other If you weren’t an opera singer, you amazing musicians. Whether it happens would be? in a rehearsal, coaching or during a Not a writer, exactly, but some job having performance, those special moments are to do with language and writing... maybe absolutely spectacular. PR? What is one piece of advice for Zdenka? If you could go anywhere in the world, Be yourself, lady! Life is too short! where would you go? Australia!! I keep hoping to get hired to sing there... Anyone listening in Australia? Bueller? Bueller?

Jane in The Abduction from the Seraglio, Who are three people, alive or dead or which the COC presents this winter fictional, that you would like to have dinner with? Mozart, my dad, my maternal grandmother.

Who is the performer that you would drop anything and everything to go see? I would have done so for Sutherland!!

What is the first thing you do when you arrive in a new city? Completely unpack, buy groceries and then assess the apartment in order to shop for all the things that are missing/ broken/ancient. Comfort comes first when you spend your life on the road.

What is the first thing you do when you arrive back home? Flop on my OWN couch and my OWN bed and open my OWN fridge and sigh contentedly at how great it is to be HOME!

CANADIAN OPERA COMPANY 2017/2018 19 THE ELIXIR (L’ELISIR D’AMORE)

20 CANADIAN OPERA COMPANY 2017/2018 OF LOVE BY GAETANO DONIZETTI Comic opera in two acts Libretto by Felice Romani, after Eugène Scribe’s libretto for Daniel Auber’s Le philtre (1831) First performance: Teatro della Canobbiana, Milan, May 12, 1832 NEW COC PRODUCTION Last performed by the COC in 1999 October 11, 15, 17, 21, 27, 29, November 2, 4, 2017 Sung in Italian with English SURTITLES™

THE CAST AND CREATIVE TEAM (in order of vocal appearance)

Giannetta, Adina’s friend Conductor Revival Costume Designer Lauren Eberwein† Yves AbelD Amanda SeymourD Nemorino, in love with Adina Director Lighting Designer Andrew Haji^ James Robinson Paul Palazzo Adina, bookish and confident Assistant Director Price Family Simone Osborne^ Marilyn Gronsdal^ Chorus Master Chair Sandra Horst^ Belcore, a sergeant Set Designer Gordon Bintner^ Allen Moyer Stage Manager Kate Porter Dr. Dulcamara, a travelling Original Costume Designer medicine man Martin Pakledinaz SURTITLES™ Producer Andrew ShoreD Nikita Gourski

Yves Abel is generously sponsored by Peter & Hélène Hunt Andrew Haji’s performance is generously sponsored by Marjorie & Roy Linden Simone Osborne’s performance is generously sponsored by Riki Turofsky & Charles Petersen Lauren Eberwein’s performance is generously sponsored by Brian Wilks, Marjorie & Roy Linden Sandra Horst and the COC Chorus are generously underwritten by Tim & Frances Price

D COC Debut † Current member of the COC Ensemble Studio ^ Graduate of the COC Ensemble Studio

Program information is correct at time of printing. All casting is subject to change.

Performance time is approximately two hours and 35 minutes, including one intermission.

ACT I: 65 minutes INTERMISSION 25 minutes ACT II: 65 minutes

Left: René Barbera as Nemorino and Susannah Biller as Adina (Opera Theatre of Saint Louis, 2014)

CANADIAN OPERA COMPANY 2017/2018 21 NOTES

An under-achieving small-town bumpkin, So taking a page from the playbook of the a beautiful and educated young woman, classic American musical, my colleagues a visiting quack doctor, and a blustery and I decided to place this opera in what we recruiting officer. A small village in the would call Anytown, USA circa 1914. Along middle of a rural landscape, a collection of the way, we tweaked the production to reflect townspeople and farmers. Gorgeous tunes, some regional flavors—a hint of early Napa lovely duets, uproarious comedy. The Music Valley for San Francisco, a slightly more Man? Oklahoma!? No, it’s the delicious frontier town feel for Denver, a touch of New comic opera by Donizetti, The Elixir of Love. England for Boston, etc.

Several years ago, I was asked to create a When the Canadian Opera Company production of this Donizetti masterpiece for asked me to bring this production of The a consortium of American opera companies Elixir of Love to Toronto, we all thought in San Francisco, Boston, Denver and it would be a wonderful opportunity to elsewhere. The goal was to take a fresh look make it more specific to this province. So at the piece and gently transport it to a from Anytown, USA we travel to Anytown, slightly more recent time and place. Elixir Ontario. The goal, as has always been with has always been my favourite Italian comedy, this production, is to infuse the story with and it certainly didn’t need to be ripped from some local colour while preserving all of its its original time and place only to be thrust original charm. Fortunately for me, looking into the glare of the modern world. But one back with a bit of nostalgia at Southern thing I have always found with this operatic Ontario on the eve of World War One has charmer is that the lack of specificity—time, been a rich and exciting journey. place, characterization, situation—made it seem to many opera goers, unfortunately, James Robinson as a mere confection, a meringue italienne. Director

22 CANADIAN OPERA COMPANY 2017/2018 SYNOPSIS

ACT I ACT II Rich, beautiful, and learned Adina is watched The second act opens in the midst of a by the love-sick Nemorino, who believes banquet at which Doctor Dulcamara is one that such a woman could never love him. of the honoured guests. When everyone Adina reads aloud the story of Tristan, leaves for the signing of the marriage who, burning with unrequited love, uses an contract, Nemorino approaches Dulcamara “elixir of love” to win Isolde’s heart. Sergeant and desperately pleads for help. The Doctor Belcore arrives and immediately sets out advises another dose of elixir, and he tells to woo Adina to the dismay of Nemorino. Nemorino to return when he has found When Belcore goes off to settle in the town, more money. Belcore suggests that he get Adina and Nemorino are left alone. He it by enlisting in the army. News passes professes his love for her but she spurns him. around the town that Nemorino’s uncle has In the town square there is great excitement died and left him all his property, making about the arrival of Doctor Dulcamara, who Nemorino a very rich man. When Nemorino is selling an elixir which he promises will enters, he still does not know about his good cure anything. Nemorino, remembering the fortune and the girls immediately fawn story of Tristan and the potion, offers all his over him, convincing him of the efficacy of money for the elixir of love. The doctor sells the potion. When Adina sees him happily the potion to Nemorino warning that it will surrounded with girls, she is startled and take 24 hours to take effect. Nemorino gloats upset: Dulcamara explains the story of the over the success he will have in the morning elixir he sold Nemorino. When she returns, and pays no attention to Adina, who, angered she explains to Nemorino that she has by this, agrees to marry Sergeant Belcore bought back his enlistment contract from in six days’ time. A messenger then brings Belcore so that he will not have to leave urgent news for Belcore to leave immediately town. Nemorino hands back the contract, so Belcore urges Adina to marry him that determined to die a soldier if Adina does not day. Adina, noting Nemorino’s distress, love him. Adina eventually declares her love. agrees despite his desperate pleadings. They embrace as Belcore enters, followed by Dulcamara and the rest of the townsfolk. INTERMISSION Belcore graciously accepts his defeat. The happy lovers bid farewell to Doctor Dulcamara.

Left: Director James Robinson addresses the cast, creative team and COC staff before the first rehearsal of The Elixir of Love in Toronto, this past September.

CANADIAN OPERA COMPANY 2017/2018 23 CANADIAN OPERA COMPANY ORCHESTRA

VIOLIN I Olga Laktionova, Acting Assistant TROMBONE Marie Bérard, Concertmaster Principal Charles Benaroya, Principal The Concertmaster’s chair has Maurizio Baccante Ian Cowie been endowed in perpetuity by Peter Cosbey* Joey and Toby Tanenbaum Elaine Thompson BASS TROMBONE Aaron Schwebel, Associate Herbert Poole Concertmaster BASS Jamie Kruspe, Assistant Travis Harrison, Acting Principal* TIMPANI Concertmaster Robert Speer, Assistant Principal Michael Perry, Principal (leave of Anne Armstrong Tom Hazlitt absence) Sandra Baron Paul Langley Ed Reifel, Acting Principal* Bethany Bergman Nancy Kershaw FLUTE PERCUSSION Dominique Laplante Douglas Stewart, Principal Trevor Tureski, Principal Yakov Lerner Shelley Brown Jayne Maddison HARP Neria Mayer PICCOLO Sarah Davidson, Principal Shelley Brown VIOLIN II FORTEPIANO Paul Zevenhuizen, Principal OBOE Michael Shannon* Csaba Koczó, Assistant Principal Mark Rogers, Principal James Aylesworth Lesley Young Elizabeth Johnston Hiroko Kagawa* CLARINET Banda Aya Miyagawa James Shields, Principal (leave of CORNETTO Louise Tardif (leave of absence) absence) Andrew Dubelsten* Marianne Urke Dominic Desautels, Acting Joanna Zabrowarna Principal* TAMBURO Colleen Cook Chung Ling Lo* VIOLA Keith Hamm, Principal BASSOON Joshua Greenlaw, Assistant Eric Hall, Principal MUSIC LIBRARIAN Principal William Cannaway* Wayne Vogan Catherine Gray Sheila Jaffé (leave of absence) HORN ASSISTANT MUSIC LIBRARIAN Rory McLeod* Mikhailo Babiak, Principal Ondrej Golias Beverley Spotton Gary Pattison Yosef Tamir STAGE LIBRARIAN TRUMPET Paul Langley CELLO Robert Weymouth, Principal Bryan Epperson, Principal Brendan Cassin* PERSONNEL MANAGER Alastair Eng, Associate Principal Ian Cowie (leave of absence) Paul Widner, Assistant Principal, *extra musician Acting Associate Principal

CANADIAN OPERA COMPANY CHORUS

SOPRANOS MEZZO-SOPRANOS TENORS BARITONES/BASSES Lindsay Barrett Susan Black Tonatiuh Abrego Jesse Clark Alexandra Lennox-Pomeroy Wendy Hatala Foley Stephen Bell Michael Downie Ingrid Martin Erica Iris Huang Taras Chmil Jason Nedecky Eve Rachel McLeod Lilian Kilianski William Ford Michael Uloth Jennifer Robinson Erin Lawson James Leatch Jan Vaculik Teresa van der Hoeven Karen Olinyk Kevin Myers Gene Wu Eric Olsen Michael York

24 CANADIAN OPERA COMPANY 2017/2018 MUSIC STAFF ASSISTANT STAGE MANAGERS UNDERSTUDIES Matteo Pais (Head Coach) Kristin McCollum Nemorino Ernesto Ramirez Michael Shannon Lesley Abarquez Adina Danika Lorèn† Rachael Kerr (Ensemble Studio Belcore Bruno Roy† Intern Coach) ASSISTANT LIGHTING DESIGNER Dr. Dulcamara Geoffrey Sirett Mikael Kangas Giannetta Simone McIntosh† ASSISTANT CONDUCTOR Roberto Kalb

Below: A scene from The Elixir of Love (Opera Theatre of Saint Louis, 2014)

CANADIAN OPERA COMPANY 2017/2018 25 PROUD SPONSOR OF

CANADIAN OPERA COMPANY

Falstaff (COC, 2014), photo: Michael Cooper. Sentry, Sentry Investments and the Sentry Investments logo are trademarks of Sentry Investments Corp. BIOGRAPHIES: THE ELIXIR OF LOVE

YVES ABEL, Conductor (Toronto, ON) COC DEBUT. RECENT: Seven Angels (Aspen Music Festival); A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Staatsoper Hamburg); Madama Butterfly (Deutsche Oper Berlin and San Francisco Opera); Carmen (New National Theatre Tokyo). UPCOMING: Pelléas et Mélisande (Ópera de Oviedo); Carmen (Opera Philadelphia); The Barber of Seville (Rossini Festival, Pesaro); La fille du Régiment (Teatro Comunale di Bologna). ADDITIONAL: Chief Conductor (Nordwestdeutsche Philharmonie); Principal Guest Conductor (Deutsche Oper Berlin, 2005-2012)

GORDON BINTNER, Belcore (Bass-baritone; Regina, SK) SELECT COC CREDITS: Count Almaviva, The Marriage of Figaro (Ensemble Studio Performance, 2016); Don Basilio, The Barber of Seville (ESP, 2015); Don Alfonso, Così fan tutte (ESP, 2014). RECENT: Astolfo, Lucrezia Borgia (); Don Giovanni, Don Giovanni (Festival International d’Opéra Baroque de Beaune/Opéra de Montréal); Angelotti, Tosca; Chorèbe, Les Troyens (Oper Frankfurt). UPCOMING: The Count, Capriccio; Alexandr Petrovicv Gorjancikov,v From the House of the Dead; Bogdanovitch, The Merry Widow (Oper Frankfurt)

LAUREN EBERWEIN, Giannetta (Soprano; Qualicum Beach, BC) COC CREDITS: Wellgunde, Götterdämmerung (2017). RECENT: Artist in Residence (Marlboro Music Festival); Soloist (Gamut Bach Ensemble, Philadelphia); Franz Liszt: Holy and Infernal Genius (Alice Tully Hall, Lincoln Center); Olivia, Cold Mountain; Clairon, Capriccio; Der Komponist, Ariadne auf Naxos (Opera Philadelphia); Handel’s Israel in Egypt (New York Choral Society/ Carnegie Hall). ADDITIONAL: Recipient of a 2016 Sullivan Foundation Career Grant

MARILYN GRONSDAL, Assistant Director (Director; Toronto, ON) COC CREDITS: Tosca, Götterdämmerung, Norma (2016/2017); Maometto II, Pyramus and Thisbe (with Lamento d’Arianna and Il combattimento di Clorinda e Tancredi) (2015/2016); Associate Director, Siegfried (2016). RECENT: Director, Don Giovanni (Saskatoon Opera); Director, La Cecchina (The Glenn Gould School). UPCOMING: Director, Don Giovanni (University of Toronto Opera Division); Revival Director, The Nightingale & Other Short Fables (COC)

ANDREW HAJI, Nemorino (Tenor; London, ON) COC CREDITS: Gabriel Dumont, Louis Riel; Tamino, The Magic Flute (2017); Alfredo, La Traviata (2015); Count Almaviva, The Barber of Seville (Ensemble Studio performance, 2015); Ferrando, Così fan tutte (ESP, 2014); Rodriguez, Don Quichotte (2014). RECENT: Rustighello, Lucrezia Borgia (Salzburg Festival); Rodolfo, La Bohème (Opera Theatre of Saint Louis); Hélios, Herculanum (Wexford Festival Opera); Soloist, Verdi’s Requiem (Grand River Chorus and Cambridge Symphony Orchestra). UPCOMING: Nemorino, The Elixir of Love (Vancouver Opera)

SANDRA HORST, Price Family Chorus Master Chair (Toronto, ON) SELECT COC CREDITS: Louis Riel, Tosca, The Magic Flute, Götterdämmerung (2017); Ariodante (2016); Norma (2016, 1998) ~ RECENT: Conductor, Prima Zombie: The Diva that just wouldn’t stay dead (UofT Opera). UPCOMING: Rigoletto, The Abduction from the Seraglio; The Nightingale and Other Short Fables, Anna Bolena (COC); Vengeance and Of Thee I Sing (UofT Opera). ADDITIONAL: Director of Musical Studies at University of Toronto Opera

ROBERTO KALB, Assistant Conductor (Conductor; Mexico City, Mexico) COC DEBUT. RECENT: Head of Music (Opera Theatre of Saint Louis [OTSL]); Conductor, Madama Butterfly and La clemenza di Tito (OTSL); Assistant Conductor: La fanciulla del West (Michigan Opera Theater [MOT]). UPCOMING: Conductor, 27 (MOT); Resident Conductor (OTSL); Conductor, La Traviata and Orfeo (OTSL)

CANADIAN OPERA COMPANY 2017/2018 27 ALLEN MOYER, Set Designer (Brooklyn, NY, USA) COC CREDITS: The Flying Dutchman (1995, 1999, 2009); Il viaggio a Reims (2002); Die Fledermaus (2012). RECENT: Die Fledermaus (Santa Fe Opera); The Grapes of Wrath (Opera Theatre of Saint Louis); The Abduction from the Seraglio (/); Champion and Dead Man Walking (Washington National Opera). UPCOMING: The House without a Christmas Tree (Houston Grand Opera); Regina (Opera Theatre of Saint Louis)

SIMONE OSBORNE, Adina (Soprano; Vancouver, BC) SELECT COC CREDITS: Marguerite Riel, Louis Riel (2017, also at National Arts Centre/ Festival Opéra de Québec); Micaëla, Carmen (2016); Nannetta, Falstaff; Oscar, A Masked Ball (2014); Musetta, La Bohème (2013). RECENT: Knoxville: Summer of 1915 and Mozart’s Exsultate Jubilate (Utah Symphony); Pamina, The Magic Flute; Gilda, Rigoletto (Vancouver Opera); Soloist, The Metropolitan Opera’s Rising Stars Concert Series (national tour); Soloist, Mahler’s Symphony No. 4 (Toronto Symphony Orchestra). UPCOMING: Solo recital series for Music in the Morning

MARTIN PAKLEDINAZ, 1953 – 2012, Original Costume Designer (Sterling Heights, MI) COC CREDITS: Tristan und Isolde (2013); Il Trovatore (2005); Jenufa (1995); Werther, Rigoletto (1992). SELECT CREDITS AND AWARDS: Tony Award for Best Costume Design (Thoroughly Modern Millie and Kiss Me, Kate); American Theater Hall of Fame inductee; Nice Work If You Can Get It, The Normal Heart (Broadway); Lucia di Lammermoor, Rodelinda, Iphigénie en Tauride (Metropolitan Opera)

PAUL PALAZZO, Lighting Designer (Brooklyn, NY, USA) COC CREDITS: Die Fledermaus (2012); Nixon in China (2010). RECENT: The Abduction from the Seraglio (Los Angeles Opera); Nixon in China (Houston Grand Opera); Die Fledermaus (English National Opera)

KATE PORTER, Stage Manager (Toronto, ON) SELECT COC CREDITS: Götterdämmerung; 13 productions as Assistant Stage Manager including Macbeth (2005); Norma (2016); Semele (Brooklyn Academy of Music, 2015). RECENT: Dead Man Walking, Rigoletto and Carmen (Vancouver Opera); Into the Woods and The Pirates of Penzance (Thousand Islands Playhouse)

JAMES ROBINSON, Director (New York City, NY, USA) COC CREDITS: Nixon in China (2011); Lucia di Lammermoor (2004); Il viaggio a Reims (2002). RECENT: The Grapes of Wrath (Opera Theatre of Saint Louis); The Abduction from the Seraglio (Houston Grand Opera/LA Opera); Champion (Washington National Opera); Vanessa (Santa Fe Opera). UPCOMING: in Egitto (Houston Grand Opera); Regina (Opera Theatre of Saint Louis). ADDITIONAL: Artistic Director, Opera Theatre of Saint Louis

AMANDA SEYMOUR, Revival Costume Designer (Costume Designer; New York City, NY) COC DEBUT. RECENT: Giulio Cesare (Boston Baroque Opera); Candide (Orlando Philharmonic); Ariadne auf Naxos, The Barber of Seville (Opera Theatre of Saint Louis); Diner: the Musical (Delaware Theatre Company); Macbeth (The Public Theatre’s Mobile Shakespeare Unit); Ping Pong (The Public Theatre). ASSOCIATE CREDITS: Disney’s Frozen (Broadway); Hedwig and the Angry Inch (first national tour); Madonna’sRebel Heart (world tour)

ANDREW SHORE, Dr. Dulcamara (Baritone; Oldham, England) COC DEBUT. RECENT: Dad/Café Manager/Chief of Police, Greek (Edinburgh Festival); Maj.-Gen. Stanley, The Pirates of Penzance (English National Opera [ENO]); Quince, A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Beijing Music Festival/); UPCOMING: Lord Chancellor, Iolanthe (ENO)

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® Registered trademarks of The Bank of Nova Scotia. A FEEL-GOOD ELIXIR REUNITING AT THE COC FOR DONIZETTI’S MOST POPULAR COMEDY

BY KRISTIN McKINNON

Who doesn’t love a good rom-com? Whether comedy or opera seria, Donizetti’s Donizetti’s The Elixir of Love is a bubbly soaring bel canto music (literally translated concoction of romance, humour and as “beautiful singing”) is always a main beautiful bel canto. It’ a timeless story that draw for audiences and singers alike. sees a kind-hearted but impoverished young “The music is stunningly beautiful,” says man seek the powers of a “magic” potion Andrew, singling out the famous “Una to win the woman of his dreams. But unlike furtiva lagrima” aria which he sings in the the Tristan and Isolde myth, which the second act. Both Simone and Gordon agree opera nods to (and Richard Wagner would that their characters are served well by adapt to very different effect in his famous Donizetti’s music. “(He) is a true singer’s music drama more than 30 years later), love composer,” says Simone. “There are so triumphs and the good guy wins out in the many glorious lines that all of his characters end. It serves as a perfect showcase for the get to spin out over the course of the three recent Ensemble Studio graduates to performance.” Gordon adds that the opera reunite on the Four Seasons Centre stage: “is an absolute joy to sing and Beclore’s tenor Andrew Haji stars as the love-struck music is some of my very favourite in Nemorino, alongside soprano Simone opera. Donizetti is a master of capturing the Osborne as the object of his affection, Adina, character of text in his musical setting. His and bass-baritone Gordon Bintner, as the melodies perfectly portray the spirit of each pompous Sergeant Belcore. We checked in individual character and their unique tone of with them to find out what they love most expression.” about Donizetti’s popular comedy.

30 CANADIAN OPERA COMPANY 2017/2018 Andrew is also drawn to Donizetti’s Its approachability, along with its charm characterizations. “The characters are and levity, mean it’s no surprise that The relatable and endearing,” he says. “What I Elixir of Love is one of the most-performed love most about Nemorino is his honesty, operas of all time. “(It’s) a feel-good opera,” sincerity, and his determination. He is a says Gordon. “The music is joyful, beautiful, good, kind person who will stop at nothing exciting, and, at times, heart-wrenching.” to win the adoration of the girl he loves. Of Simone adds: “The comedic plot provides course, he’s also very naive but his optimism some much-needed respite from the and sincerity are traits we could all stand complicated times we find ourselves living to have a bit more of.” On playing Adina, in. It’s one of the few operas where nobody Simone agrees that “the characters are dies at the end, and (almost) everyone skips completely approachable, believable, and off the stage filled with glee!” in the case of Adina, multi-faceted. She’s headstrong and feisty, bright and well-read, The on-stage reunion of Andrew, Simone independent and forward thinking. She is a and Gordon will be a real treat for audience total feminist before her time! The role has members who have followed their always been on my bucket list and to debut burgeoning international careers from her at the COC is a dream come true.” their earliest days as promising young artists in the Ensemble Studio—Simone’s The familiar storyline is made all the more career has taken her from Japan to Zurich, charming by director James Robinson’s while Andrew and Gordon arrived at Elixir nostalgic production. Set in a quaint, rehearsals straight from the prestigious unnamed rural town just before the First Salzburg Festival. Returning home to sing World War, it’s reminiscent of Niagara- the lead roles in a COC production is on-the-Lake or, to fans of Canadian something the trio looks forward to as well, literature and television, even Avonlea. especially real-life husband and wife Gordon Previous incarnations of the production and Simone. “It’s always a complete delight incorporated local touches into the set and to come back and perform at the COC,” costumes, depending on the location of says Simone, “but this time it’s especially each performance—Napa Valley for San wonderful as I am joining two other recent Francisco, a frontier feel for Colorado—and Ensemble Studio graduates whose artistry the Toronto version is no exception. “I think I have long-admired. I hope we’ll be able to it’s a brilliant concept,” says Andrew. “I have create something quite special for all of you.” a great appreciation for making the story of an opera more relevant to the audience. Kristin McKinnon is the COC’s Publicist It makes the opera seem more real; more and Publications Co-ordinator like something that might actually have happened in your own hometown.” Simone agrees, adding that “we are fortunate with Elixir to not have any specific political figures or events referenced, so we are able Don’t miss Gordon and Simone in their to change the time period of the story while first recital together on October 19 as remaining completely true to the score. part of the Free Concert Series in the James has made the show fun and fresh for Richard Bradshaw Amphitheatre. Visit opera veterans and even more approachable coc.ca/FreeConcerts for more details! for new opera-goers.”

CANADIAN OPERA COMPANY 2017/2018 31 BACKSTAGE AND BEYOND!

Here is a look at some of our recent activities, many shared with our wonderful COC donors, including parties, galas, and backstage meet-and-greets with artists.

1

2 3 4

5 6 7

[1] Last spring, President’s Council and Golden Circle members took to the stage to hear from tenor Charles Sy and Music Director Johannes Debus about the unique relationship between singer, conductor, and orchestra.

[2] Long-time donor and Emeritus Council Executive Committee member Cathy Fauquier celebrates another successful opera season at the Golden Circle Summer Party, generously hosted by Canadian Opera Foundation Chair Phil Deck and Kim Bozak. 8

32 CANADIAN OPERA COMPANY 2017/2018 9 10

11 12

[7] Director Peter Hinton, Alexander Neef, and Johannes Debus illuminated some of the challenges and intricacies of Louis Riel at a donor dinner before the show’s working rehearsal performance.

[8] COC staff gathered on a sunny afternoon for an end-of-season celebration at the Joey and Toby [3] Adrianne Pieczonka, her wife Laura Tucker, and Tanenbaum Opera Centre. conductor Keri-Lynn Wilson toast the opening night of Tosca during a post-performance celebration in the [9] A very busy season of education and outreach Henry N. R. Jackman Lounge. events for all ages wound up with our youngest patrons giving their final performances of the [4] Golden Circle members John McVicker and Scotiabank After School Opera Program, now Bruce Thomas pose with our spirited statue of St. entering its 20th season! Michael at the COC’s administrative offices during our Season Closing Party. [10] Activity continued into the summer with summer camps for three age groups. Pictured here [5] Friend of the COC Deborah Holdsworth and is the final performance by participants of the Senior President’s Council member Joan Sinclair enjoy Company. a drink in the Rotman Terrace before the Tosca Working Rehearsal Dinner and Opera Insider Chat. [11] And suddenly it was August and we welcomed the new and returning members of the Ensemble [6] Members of our Encore Legacy program had Studio, in their first official photo shoot. a chance to learn more about the complex music of Louis Riel from interdisciplinary scholar, writer, and [12] On October 2, we unveiled a new recognition lecturer Stephan Bonfield, with live musical excerpts wall celebrating individuals and foundations whose performed by Canadian soprano Simone Osborne investment in the COC’s work is creating a bright (pictured), baritone James Westman, and pianist future for the art form. Stéphane Mayer.

CANADIAN OPERA COMPANY 2017/2018 33 LIFE TRUSTEES COUNCIL WELCOMES TWO GREAT CANADIANS BY NIKITA GOURSKI

We are delighted to announce two new appointments to the Life Trustees Council, a community of COC leaders whose efforts have been integral to the company’s artistic evolution.

MICHAEL LEVINE Set and Costume Designer

Michael Levine has advanced the operatic art form in Canada and abroad with a remarkable body of work, including his designs for the COC’s ambitious Ring Cycle. Evocative, stylish, and visually breathtaking, his work invites the audience into the emotional core of an opera, whether the setting is a plush room in a wood-paneled Victorian men’s club (as in our Rigoletto, coming to the stage this winter) or the human mind itself, fraught with internal conflict and unravelling at the seams, as in the COC’s Erwartung (the second half of a critically acclaimed double-bill that also features a Levine-designed Bluebeard’s Castle).

A highly sought-after artist across many disciplines, Michael Levine has worked with the National Ballet of Canada, Opéra de Lyon, Opernhaus Zürich, English National Opera, and many other prestigious companies all over the world.

Left: The gentleman’s club-inspired designs for the COC’s Rigoletto, returning to the mainstage this winter. In the company’s 2011 production, Alain Coulombe was Count Ceprano and Mireille Asselin his Countess.

34 CANADIAN OPERA COMPANY 2017/2018 JACK DIAMOND Architect

Opera relies on unamplified voices and unamplified instruments. This makes the venue in which it’s seen and heard critical to the total experience. pride. It is also an architectural and engineering marvel, featuring an auditorium With the Four Seasons Centre for the completely insulated (“an egg in a nest”) Performing Arts, the South African-born from the surrounding noisescape, with near- Canadian architect Jack Diamond created a perfect acoustical conditions and sightlines. performance venue that equalled, at last, the It has been rightly hailed as one of the company’s artistic aspirations. finest opera houses in the world, and its transformative effect on what the COC has An opera house that is literally transparent accomplished—and still aspires to achieve— to the city street, this is a building of civic continues to resonate in every note.

As leading practitioners in their respective fields—and creative partners to the COC in accomplishments of truly generational impact—Michael Levine and Jack Diamond exemplify the values of excellence and innovation that have made this company an internationally celebrated opera producer. We honour their contributions to our history and look forward to championing the possibilities of opera through the Life Trustees Council.

Nikita Gourski is the COC’s Strategic Advisor and Artistic Associate

CANADIAN OPERA COMPANY 2017/2018 35 CENTRE STAGE: TRUE NORTH BY JENNIFER PUGSLEY AND NIKITA GOURSKI

Centre Stage, the Canadian Opera Company’s glittering black-tie gala, returns to the Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts on November 1, 2017.

Taking its cue from Canada 150—a coast- “We both feel strongly that the passion, the to-coast moment of national celebration— drama, and the voices that are brought to the Centre Stage offers a timely reminder stage in this art form compare to no other,” that opera is a field where Canadians are says Julie, regarding her and Michael’s excelling like never before. While the Great decision to become philanthropically White North has been producing top- involved with the company and take on the tier singers, directors, and conductors for leadership of co-chairing Centre Stage. generations, the sheer volume and wealth of talent coming out of Canada these At the heart of the event is the Ensemble days is generating a global tipping point, Studio Competition, a vocal showcase of the with sources like The New York Times best up-and-coming singers from across the recognizing opera as “an increasingly country. Finalists perform accompanied by important Canadian export.” the full force of the COC Orchestra under Maestro Johannes Debus. On the line are For Centre Stage co-chairs Julie Lassonde cash prizes, including the Audience Choice and Michael Gibbens, it’s obvious that Award—a reliable bellwether of further the COC has been vital to building and accolades—and larger hopes of reaching sustaining that artistic ecosystem. In fact, the COC’s Ensemble Studio program, the couple met at a COC performance of Canada’s premier training ground for young Tristan und Isolde, starring the legendary opera professionals. The evening packs an Canadian tenor—not to mention Ensemble extraordinary atmosphere of high stakes and Studio graduate and Centre Stage master of exhilarating artistry. ceremonies—Ben Heppner.

36 CANADIAN OPERA COMPANY 2017/2018 And after the winners are announced, the an outstanding Canadian institution that gala portion of the evening unfolds with an produces world-class opera right here at exclusive dinner by Executive Chef David home,” says Michael Gibbens. “And if Centre Lee of Nota Bene on the mainstage of the Stage is someone’s first touch of opera, we Four Seasons Centre. hope that the small taste they get of the power and the drama of these incredibly “I love that moment when I realize I am trained voices leaves them in awe, and a standing where the performers normally desire to see what happens when those stand and I look out into the auditorium qualities come together in a full-length where there would be 2,000 audience opera.” members,” shares Lassonde. “It always gives me a frisson.” Jennifer Pugsley is the COC’s Senior “Our fervent hope is that a patron at Centre Development Officer, Partnerships. Stage walks away knowing that the COC is Nikita Gourski is the COC’s Strategic Advisor and Artistic Associate.

Tickets to Centre Stage are $100 for the cocktail reception and competition, and $1,500 for the gala dinner. Visit COCCentreStage.ca for details.

Above: the stage is set for the 2016 gala dinner with an unforgettable view into R. Fraser Elliott Hall. Left: 2016 Ensemble Studio Competition First Prize winner mezzo-soprano Simone McIntosh.

CANADIAN OPERA COMPANY 2017/2018 37 FIFTY YEARS YOUNG! THE CANADIAN CHILDREN’S OPERA COMPANY

In 1968, a small group of Torontonians led and the opportunity to work with creative by the legendary Ruby Mercer and Lloyd mentors. There are now several generations Bradshaw (the COC’s first permanent chorus of CCOC alumni, many of whom have master) created the Canadian Children’s gone on to professional careers in music Opera Chorus (Chorus was replaced by and the other arts. Each young participant Company in 2008). They were ready in had their horizons broadened, their circle time to take part in the Canadian Opera of friendships widened, and their lives Company’s season opening production of La enriched.” Bohème that September. A high standard was always paramount for In the crowd of children swarming around the chorus. The original music director Lloyd Parpignol in Act II was a very young David Bradshaw was succeeded by a succession Fallis, who would later found the Toronto of greatly experienced musicians including Consort and become a widely respected Donald Kendrick, Derek Holman, John conductor. A few years later, a young Tuttle, Ann Cooper Gay and more recently Karina Gauvin found her CCOC experience conductor Teri Dunn and composer Dean beneficial on so many levels, from greatly Burry. improved school grades, to finding her way in life to become one of Canada’s great Along with their own staged productions singers. In a limited edition anniversary (including 14 commissions), the CCOC has book (available later this year), author John performed hundreds of concerts on their own Terauds states: and with organizations such as the Toronto Symphony Orchestra and the National Ballet “This is a story that tells us, over and over of Canada, appeared in televised productions again, of how children can blossom and and made many recordings. The chorus has grow as individuals as well as collaborators also expanded from its original 32 into over when exposed to music, singing, acting, 150 children, divided by age, ability and

38 CANADIAN OPERA COMPANY 2017/2018 experience. And of course, the company has This year the CCOC celebrates this provided young singers for numerous COC milestone anniversary with a special concert productions. They have also had their offices named in honour of its founding wonder in the COC’s administrative building on Front woman, Ruby Mercer. Ruby’s Gold: CCOC’s Street East since 1993. 50th Anniversary Celebration takes place on October 26, 2017 and features opera stars, COC General Director Alexander Neef says including some CCOC alumni! For tickets, “Getting good children for operatic work is see below. a challenge anywhere in the world. Here, we have someone who can train them and have To learn more about everything the them ready for the stage. These are little CCOC is up to during their exciting things that turn you from a good company anniversary season, visit their website at into a great company, and the CCOC does canadianchildrensopera.com. this in an exceptional way.”

The CCOC has appeared in many COC productions over the decades. Just four of them are: (opposite page) Carmen (2016); (this page, clockwise from top left): The Magic Flute (2017, with tenor Andrew Haji), La Bohème, (2009) and A Midsummer Night’s Dream (2009, with soprano Laura Claycomb)

Tickets to Ruby’s Gold: CCOC’s 50th Anniversary Celebration start at $30 and can be purchased through the COC at 416-363-8231 or coc.ca/Tickets

CANADIAN OPERA COMPANY 2017/2018 39 LIFTING UP VOICES TIM AND FRANCES PRICE MAKE HISTORIC INVESTMENT IN COC CHORUS MASTER BY NIKITA GOURSKI

The high school Frances Price attended position, endowing the work of this critical in Surrey, England, just south of London, artistic post. was known for its stringent academics. “They really weren’t terribly interested in The groundwork for all this was put in place you unless you were going to Oxford or by Frances’ mother, a musically inclined Cambridge.” teacher and homemaker who would sing in the house; gather her family at an upright; The school also provided a rich musical and bring her children to professional education to lasting effect: “We had an performances of fare like Gilbert and extraordinarily strict music teacher,” Frances Sullivan in London. “Can’t bear it now,” recalls, “who also engendered a love of Frances says of the operettas, “but I liked singing. I particularly remember the year them then.” when we did [Schubert’s] ‘Der Erlkönig.’ We used to belt that out, we thought it was Later on, living in the capital and studying marvellous.” physiotherapy, Frances frequently attended Sadler’s Wells Theatre and the Royal Opera That passionate engagement with the House at Covent Garden, without necessarily human voice has been a mainstay of Frances’ thinking of herself as an opera aficionado— life and now finds a satisfying symmetry “it was just something that one did.” as she and her husband Tim make a major investment in the COC Chorus Master Equally part of the cultural milieu in ’60s London was a keen desire to travel and see

The COC Chorus performs in a wide variety of productions by very different composers, such as Bizet’s Carmen (below) and Wagner’s Götterdämmerung (right).

40 CANADIAN OPERA COMPANY 2017/2018 Frances and Tim spent a few years in Montreal before moving to Antigua for his business. They eventually came back from the Caribbean and settled in Toronto, where they’ve lived since, raising four children and supporting a variety of local organizations, including the COC.

“I spent many happy years singing in a choir and that seems like a very good fit,” Frances says of their most recent gift. In the past they have provided significant support to the Capital Campaign; underwritten individual opera productions; and, in fact, already lent multi-year support to Sandra Horst and the COC Chorus. Tim and Frances Price with Sandra Horst (centre) But this gift represents a completely new the world. “In those days, we were ready to magnitude of generosity—matching, in go. The idea of hanging around home was a way, the indelible power of music to unappealing.” So when Frances completed transform lives permanently. her qualifications as a physiotherapist, the question wasn’t so much whether to leave “Opera is extremely hard work,” says Chorus England as where to go first. Around the Master Sandra Horst. “I am grateful to same time, a friend had returned from a visit Frances and Tim for their generous support to Montreal and had no shortage of praise of the superb COC Chorus; I know our work for the city and its Expo 67 celebrations. will continue to make them proud.”

“I thought, ‘I’ll start there,’” Frances recalls. Nikita Gourski is the COC’s Strategic “And that’s where I met my husband.” Advisor and Artistic Associate

CANADIAN OPERA COMPANY 2017/2018 41 Reaching their Someday is music to everyone’s ears.

The hard work, perseverance and vision of emerging artists demonstrate the power of having – and the joy of realizing – a Someday™. Together with programs like Ensemble Studio at the Canadian Opera Company, we support a diverse range of Canadian talent in communities across the country through the RBC Emerging Artists Project.

TM

® / ™ Trademark(s) of Royal Bank of Canada. VPS93441 39782A (05/2015) AN OPERA FOR YOUNG AUDIENCES THE MAGIC

Music by Bizet, Delibes, Donizetti, VICTROLAMozart, Offenbach, and Puccini Libretto by David Kersnar and Jacqueline Russell

Gracie and Sam discover a mysterious trunk in their grandfather’s attic, full of costumes, opera recordings, and an old-fashioned record player... a Victrola. As they begin to play it, scenes from great operas magically come to life before them!

Duration is one hour. Suitable for ages five and up.

Saturday, Dec. 2 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 3 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.

Imperial Oil Opera Theatre, 227 Front St. E.

Adults: $30 each Children under 12: FREE (maximum of two free children’s tickets for each adult ticket sold) Additional children: $10 each coc.ca/OYA or 416-363-8231

School performances take place on Nov. 29 and Dec. 1. For more information, contact Madelyn Wilkinson at [email protected].

CANADIAN OPERA COMPANY 2017/2018 43 Proud to support Opera Under 30.

We are working together with the Canadian Opera Company to make a difference in our communities.

® The TD logo and other trade-marks are the property of The Toronto-Dominion Bank. M05234 (0314) ADMINISTRATION AND STAFF ALEXANDER NEEF, General Director

Managing Director Performance Kinetics Consultant Assistant Sound Robert Lamb Jennifer Swan Craig Kadoke Music Director Lyric Diction Coach Head Carpenter Johannes Debus Steven Leigh Paul Watkinson COC Ensemble Studio Assistant Carpenter Samuel Chan David Middleton EXECUTIVE OFFICE Lauren Eberwein Rachael Kerr Head Flyman Executive Assistant to the Danika Lorèn Michael Gelfand General Director Stéphane Mayer Marguerite Schabas Simone McIntosh Head of Properties Samantha Pickett Daniel Graham Strategic Advisor & Artistic Associate Megan Quick Nikita Gourski Bruno Roy Head of Front of House Alex Maitland

Company-in-Residence Core Crew MUSIC AND ARTISTIC Doug Closs Terry Hurley ADMINISTRATION Against the Grain Theatre Paul Otis Gregg Feor Director of Music & Artistic Administration Education and Outreach Scene Shop Co-ordinator Roberto Mauro Amy Cummings Associate Director, Contracts Manager Education & Outreach Head Scene Shop Carpenter Karen Olinyk Katherine Semcesen (on leave) David Retzleff Company Manager Interim Associate Director, Assistant Scene Shop Carpenter Olwyn Lewis Education & Outreach Andrew Walker Patty Jarvis Price Family Chorus Master Chair Head Scenic Artist Sandra Horst Children, Youth and Family Programs Richard Gordon Manager Assistant to the Music Director Bryna Berezowska Assistant Head Scenic Artist Derek Bate Katherine Lilley School Programs Manager Scheduling Manager Madelyn Wilkinson Rehearsal Head Technician Kathryn Garnett Scott Williamson

Assistant, Scheduling & Events Free Concert Series Properties Supervisor Gerry Egan Wulf Higgins Production Assistants Program Manager, Free Concert Series Dorian Cox Resident Properties Builder/ Andréane Christiansen Co-ordinator Proud to support Opera Under 30. Kaitlyn Smith Stephanie Tjelios Orchestra Personnel Manager PRODUCTION Resident Properties Buyer/ Ian Cowie Co-ordinator Director of Production Kathy Frost Music Librarian, Coach Chuck Giles Wayne Vogan Properties Builder/Co-ordinator Technical Director Tracy Taylor Assistant Music Librarian Mike Ledermueller Ondrej Golias Properties Builder Production Manager Carolyn Choo Music Staff Michael Freeman Roberto Kalb (The Elixir of Love) Costume Supervisor We are working together with the Canadian Anne Larlee (Arabella) Lighting Supervisor Sandra Corazza Matteo Pais (The Elixir of Love) Daniele Guevara Laurie Rogers (Arabella) Costume Co-ordinators Opera Company to make a difference in our Michael Shannon (The Elixir of Love) Assistant Technical Directors Chloe Anderson Autumn Coppaway Cassandra Spence Jake Gow Melynda Jurgenson Costume Assistants communities. COC ACADEMY Natassia Brunato Angela Cabrera Director, COC Academy Assistant Production Manager Shawna Green Nina Draganic Resident Cutter Head Electrician Tracey Glas Joe Nalepka Ensemble Studio Assisted by Assistant Electricians Karen Hancock Head of the Ensemble Studio & Coach Douglas Claus Erin Huitema Liz Upchurch Ashley Rose Sheila Ramsay Head Vocal Consultant Head of Sound Wendy Nielsen Bob Shindle

® The TD logo and other trade-marks are the property of The Toronto-Dominion Bank. M05234 (0314)

CANADIAN OPERA COMPANY 2017/2018 45 Additional Costumes Co-ordinators, Annual Programs & Rachel Barna Alexandra’s Bespoke Patron Engagement Sarah Basciano Chris Read Soojin Ahn Saskia Edwards Industry Costumes Meghan Carlow Taylor Balint Seamless Costumes Ltd Suitable Costume Ltd Senior Development Officer, Friends of the COC Avril Stevenson Victor Widjaja Call Centre assisted by Call Centre Representatives Rebecca Boyd Individual Giving Co-ordinator, Friends Dona Arbabzadeh of the COC Catherine Belyea Christine Audet Sarah Westgarth Frank Bushe assisted by Philip Clarke Judy MacDougall Senior Development Officer, Keith Fernandes Mary Furlong Institutional Gifts Tomasz Smereka Francesco Corsaro Margaret Terry Additional Painting and Dyeing Marjory Fielding Senior Development Officer, Partnerships Additional Millinery Francesca Perez FINANCE AND Kaz Chopcian Senior Development Officer, ADMINISTRATION Head of Wardrobe Partnerships Nancy Hawkins Jennifer Pugsley Director of Finance & Administration Lindy Cowan, CPA, CA Wardrobe Assistant Advancement Operations Officer Leslie Brown John Kriter Human Resources Manager Lorraine O’Connor, CHRP Wig & Make-up Supervisor Sharon Ryman Finance Manager COMMUNICATIONS Saptarsi Saha, CPA, CA Head of Wig & Make-up Crew Cori Ferguson Chief Communications Officer General Accountants Steve Kelley Florence Huang SURTITLES™ Producer Zoran Orlic (FSCPA) Nikita Gourski Senior Manager, Creative & Publications Accounting Clerk Associate SURTITLES™ Producer Gianna Wichelow Vera Brjozovskaia John Sharpe Manager, Direct Sales and Giving Payroll Accountants SURTITLES™ Assistants Richard Paradiso Jovana Bojovic Olwyn Lewis Jeanny Won Gerry Egan Associate Manager, Marketing & Customer Service Finance Assistant Supernumeraries Co-ordinators Eldon Earle Lorrie Element Analee Stein Elizabeth Walker Associate Manager, Digital Marketing Manager, IT Services Meighan Szigeti Steven Sherwood Publicist and Publications Database Reporting Specialist ADVANCEMENT Co-ordinator Brad Staples Kristin McKinnon Chief Advancement Officer IT Services Assistant Christie Darville Digital Marketing Co-ordinator Tony Sandy Tanner Davies Executive Assistant to the Archivist, Joan Baillie Archives Chief Advancement Officer Birthe Joergensen Elizabeth Scott Ticket Services Receptionist/Switchboard Manager, Government Relations Ticket Services Manager Katarina Božovic Amy Mushinski Anja Arvo Mailroom Clerk/Courier Foundation Development Group Sales Co-ordinator Branka Hrsum Janet Stubbs David Nimmo Director of Development Ticket Services Supervisor FOUR SEASONS CENTRE Stephen Gilles Lillian Fung FOR THE PERFORMING Senior Manager, Advancement Ticket Services Supervisor Operations Maureen Gualtieri ARTS Andrea Salin Ticket Services Representatives Director, Four Seasons Centre for the Manager, Special Events Alan Gawalko Performing Arts Erin Koth Amelia Smart Alfred Caron Cat Haywood Senior Development Officer, Events & Christine Brooks Associate Director, Business Engagement Christine Klein Development Alexandra Folkes Christopher Hackett Elizabeth Jones Dylan MacVicar Senior Development Officer, Special Ernest Cayemen Business & Events Co-ordinator Events Joseph Black Melissa McDonnell Brianna Chase Keith Lam Kevin Morris Patron Services Manager, Manager, Stewardship Manda Kennedy Front of House Emma Noakes Megan Miles Julia Somerville (on leave) Nick Davis Senior Development Officer, Annual Paulina Saliba Interim Patron Services Manager, Programs & Patron Engagement Peter Genoway Front of House Natalie Sandassie Christian Coulter

46 CANADIAN OPERA COMPANY 2017/2018 COME BACK THIS WINTER!

Experience all the emotion that opera has to offer through the power of the human voice, live this winter at the Canadian Opera Company, with Verdi’s heartbreaking Rigoletto and Mozart’s virtuosic The Abduction from the Seraglio. TICKETS FROM ONLY Visit coc.ca/Tickets or call 416-363-8231 or $35 1-800-250-4653.

Patron Services Manager, Building Services Security Guards Food & Beverage Natalia Juzyc Brigitte Lang Associate Director, Facilities George Balyasin Management Usman Khalid Assistant Manager, Joe Waldherr Nicholas Martin Patron Services Abdi Gulleed Kim Hutchinson-Barber Assistant Manager, Operations Pavithra Sugumar Christian Coulter Senior Patron Services Supervisors Building Operators Stuart Constable Maintenance Assistants (COC) Dan Bisca Kimberly Wu Ryszard Gad Dan Popescu Branislav Peterman Adrian Tudoran Patron Services Supervisors Julian Peters Jamieson Eakin Carillion Services Supervisor Christine Groom Maintenance Assistants (FSCPA) Paula Da Costa Sophia Wiens James Esposito Karol Carstensen Piotr Wiench Carillion Services Team Amelia Smart Enrique Covarrubias Cortes Jennifer Barros Deena Nicklefork Richard Moore Nash Lim Steven McDermott Jimmy Pacheco Susannah Mackay Security Supervisor Sugey Torres Dave Samuels Kinfe Wolde Nida Patron Services Lead Diana Pfeffer Security Administrator Kathleen Minor

CANADIAN OPERA COMPANY 2017/2018 47 WE’RE ONLY STEPS AWAY at the corner of York + Adelaide OPERA INSIGHTS Explore the operas of the COC’s 2017/2018 season by participating in big conversations and interactive events offered for FREE!

FALL 2017

HOW TO BUILD AN OPERA SINGER Thursday, Oct. 12, 2017 – 7 to 8:30 p.m. Join COC Ensemble coaches Liz Upchurch, Jennifer Swan and Wendy Nielsen for a live version of their popular 2016 TEDx Talk. THE TWO PERSONALITIES OF RICHARD STRAUSS Thursday, Oct. 19, 2017 – 7 to 8:30 p.m. Explore Strauss’ lushly-scored, late Romantic love story with musicologist Stephan Bonfield and COC Orchestra Associate Concertmaster Aaron Schwebel. WE’RE ONLY ELIXIR OF LOVE STEPS AWAY BOOTCAMP! at the corner of Thursday, Oct. 26, 2017 – 7 to 8:30 p.m. York + Adelaide Join Conductor Yves Abel as he prepares members of the COC Ensemble Studio for their understudy roles in Donizetti’s The Elixir of Love.

RESERVE YOUR PLACE FOR THESE FREE EVENTS AT coc.ca/OperaInsights

Education Centre Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts 145 Queen St. W. , Toronto

CANADIAN OPERA COMPANY 2017/2018 49 COC BOARD OF DIRECTORS

OFFICERS Ms. Helen Burstyn Ms. Judy Matthews Ms. Colleen Sexsmith, Chair Mr. Philip C. Deck Mr. Jonathan Morgan Mr. Justin Linden, Vice-Chair Mr. Peter M. Deeb Mr. James (Jim) Nicol Mr. Paul A. Bernards, Treasurer Mr. George S. Dembroski Ms. Frances Price Mr. John H. Macfarlane, Secretary Mr. William Fearn Mr. Jeffrey Remedios Mr. Alexander Neef, Mr. David Ferguson (ex officio) Mr. J. Allen Smith General Director (ex officio) Mr. Michael Gibbens Mr. Philip S. W. Smith Mr. Robert Lamb, Mr. Peter Hinman Mr. Paul B. Spafford Managing Director (ex officio) Dr. Linda Hutcheon Mr. David Spiro Ms. Carolyn Jarvis Ms. Kristine (Kris) Vikmanis MEMBERS Mr. Roy Linden Mr. Graham Watchorn Ms. Yael Woodward Amaral Mr. Jeff Lloyd Mr. John H. (Jack) Whiteside Mr. Tony Arrell Mr. Timothy Loftsgard Ms. Nora Aufreiter Mr. Huston Loke Ms. Marcia Lewis Brown Ms. Anne Maggisano

CANADIAN OPERA FOUNDATION DIRECTORS

Mr. Tony Arrell Mr. Philip C. Deck, Chair Ms. Colleen Sexsmith Mr. Jonathan Bloomberg Mr. Christopher Hoffmann Mr. David Spiro, Secretary Mr. J. Rob Collins

CREDITS AND COC OPERA ACKNOWLEDGMENTS GUILDS

The Canadian Opera Company would like to thank all those Brantford Opera Guild who volunteer both on a daily basis and for special events David M. Cullen, President with the company. Kingston Opera Guild Grace Orzech, President Michael Cooper, Official Photographer London Opera Guild Musical excerpts provided Ernest H. Redekop, by Universal Classics President Muskoka Opera Guild The COC is a member of Opera America, Opera.ca and TAPA. Dr. Hans Heeneman, President The COC operates in agreement with Canadian Actors’ Equity Sudbury Opera Guild Association. Dianne Moore, President

The COC operates in agreement with I.A.T.S.E., Local #58, Local For more information, #822, Local #828. visit coc.ca/Guilds.

SUPERNUMERARIES ARABELLA THE ELIXIR OF LOVE Madelyn Wilkinson Ali Amer Gerald King Caleb Miller Nigel Atkinson Todd Langis Madi Miller Marnie Bellemont Neef Alzan McAuliffe Xavier Solis Ray Bielawski Andrew McIntosh Patrick Scanlon Ella Keyes Conor McNeil Brian Talugende Ben Wismath 50 CANADIAN OPERA COMPANY 2017/2018 16_3626_FSCOR_COC_Support_Ad_FA_Outline.indd 1 2016-07-14 10:13 AM MANY THANKS TO OUR SUPPORTERS Life Trustees Council The Life Trustees Council salutes the leaders of the COC community whose efforts have been integral to the company’s artistic evolution and transformative history of accomplishment.

Earlaine Collins Jerry and Geraldine Heffernan Michael Levine J. Rob Collins Ben Heppner Adrianne Pieczonka A.J. Diamond Henry N. R. Jackman Arthur R. A. Scace, C. M. David Ferguson (Chair) David Stanley-Porter

Emeritus Council Executive Committee The COC Emeritus Council, led by the Executive Committee, salutes those Board Members who have completed their term and whose leadership efforts have been integral to the company’s artistic evolution and transformative history of accomplishment.

Michael Gough (Co-Chair) The Hon. Barbara McDougall Frances Price Catherine Fauquier Sue Mortimer Jack Whiteside (Co-Chair)

E. Louise Morgan Society A legacy of leadership, passion, and philanthropy achieved through individual lifetime giving in support of the Canadian Opera Company.

Anne & Tony Arrell The Catherine and Maxwell Meighen Foundation ARIAS: Canadian Opera Student Development Fund Roger D. Moore Earlaine Collins in memory of Gerard H. Collins Frances & Tim Price John A. Cook Arthur & Susan Scace Philip Deck & Kimberley Bozak Colleen Sexsmith Peter M. Deeb Joey & Toby Tanenbaum Jerry and Geraldine Heffernan Anonymous (2)

Major Gifts and Special Projects The COC offers its sincere thanks to the individuals listed below for their extraordinary support.

PRODUCTION PERFORMANCE AND Up to $24,999 UNDERWRITERS ARTIST SPONSORS Marjorie & Roy Linden Riki Turofsky & Charles Petersen Advancing the art form Building a community of world-class through visionary productions. artists, both established and emerging. ENSEMBLE STUDIO $500,000 + $100,000 + SUPPORTERS The Catherine and Maxwell Meighen George & Kathy Dembroski Encouraging the next generation Foundation Jack Whiteside of artists and celebrating Canada’s Colleen Sexsmith wealth of talent. $50,000 – $99,999 $100,000 – $499,999 Robert Sherrin $1,000,000 Mr. Phil Lind Peter M. Deeb $25,000 – $99,999 Earlaine Collins $500,000 – $999,999 Peter & Hélène Hunt Sheila K. Piercey The Tauba and Solomon Spiro Family The Slaight Family Foundation Foundation Kristine Vikmanis & Denton Creighton $100-000 - $499,999 Marjorie & Roy Linden

52 CANADIAN OPERA COMPANY 2017/2018 $25,000 – $99,999 Roger D. Moore $100,000 + Ethel Harris & the late Milton E. Harris Colleen Sexsmith Anne & Tony Arrell Hal Jackman Foundation Toronto Wagner Society Patrick and Barbara Keenan Brian Wilks $25,000 – $99,999 Foundation Keith Ambachtsheer & Virginia Atkin The Stratton Trust GENERAL PROGRAM SUPPORTERS Up to $24,999 Up to $24,999 James & Christine Nicol ARIAS: Canadian Opera Student Supporting the company’s broad array Simon Nyilassy Development Fund of programming in the opera house Anonymous (1) Marcia Lewis Brown and beyond. Margaret Harriett Cameron and the late Gary Smith $1,000,000 + Ninalee Craig Jerry and Geraldine Heffernan Catherine Fauquier The Henry White Kinnear Foundation David & Kristin Ferguson Frances & Tim Price Patrick Hodgson Family Foundation Anonymous (1) Jo Lander

Canadian Opera Foundation Securing the future and long-term vitality of the Canadian Opera Company through visionary, permanent investments

$2,000,000 + Dr. Daphne Bell Earlaine Collins in memory of John A. Cook John B. Lawson, C.M. Q.C. Gerard H. Collins Evelyn Ellen Elrick Anthony V. Mason Free Concert Endowment Fund Estate of N. Faye Wood Lilly Offenbach Strauss Jerry & Geraldine Heffernan Amy & Claire Stewart $100,000 – $249,999 Janet Stubbs $1,000,000 – $1,999,999 Estate of Isobel May Allen Sun Life Financial Dr. & Mrs. Larry M. Agranove Frances V. Blue TransCanada Corp. The Estate of Horst Dantz & Don Quick Ruth Eileen Day Anonymous (1) The Hon. Henry N. R. Jackman George & Kathy Dembroski The Henry White Kinnear Foundation Estate of Marion Gertrude Farr $25,000 – $49,999 Roger D. Moore Leonore Hetherington Mrs. Leonard G. (Anne) Delicaet Sheila K. Piercey Helen Inch Michael & Linda Hutcheon Michael V & Wanda Plachta Ruby Mercer Marjorie & Roy Linden Frances & Tim Price Edwin & Ann Mirvish Cecilia M. Longstaffe Frank and Emily Riddell Memorial Trust Estate of Howard Frederick Rock Estate of Esther Jean Macdonald The Estate of James Drewry Stewart J. M. Doc Savage Kenneth F. Read George J. Zebrowski David Stanley-Porter Rob & Penny Richards Mrs. Ruth E. Vanderlip David E. Spiro $500,000 – $999,999 Anonymous (5) Ann Sutton Ethel B. Jackson Anonymous (1) R. Samuel McLaughlin Foundation $50,000 – $99,999 The Catherine and Maxwell Meighen The J.P. Bickell Foundation Canada Cultural Investment Foundation David Bowen Fund—Endowment Incentives Mr. Walter Carsen, O.C.

$250,000 – $499,999 Dr. Rodney C. Ellis ARIAS: Canadian Opera Student Estate of Mildred H. M. Hamilton Ontario Arts Foundation Development Fund John G. Hunter

Individual Giving Annual Support GOLDEN CIRCLE SILVER, $25,000 – $49,999 BRONZE, $12,500 – $24,999 Mark & Gail Appel**** Dr. & Mrs. Hans G. Abromeit**** GOLD, $50,000 + Paul Bernards*** Ms Nora Aufreiter* Anne & Tony Arrell**** Barbara Black** Walter M. & Lisa Balfour Bowen**** David G. Broadhurst** Philip Deck & Kimberley Bozak*** Mr. Philip J. Boswell**** In memory of Gerard H. Collins**** Michael Gibbens & Julie Lassonde* Susanne Boyce & Brendan Mullen**** Jerry & Geraldine Heffernan**** Rennie & Bill Humphries**** Marcia Lewis Brown* The Catherine and Maxwell Meighen Ronald Kimel & Vanessa LaPerriere**** Helen Burstyn & Family Foundation**** Susan Loube & William Acton** Wendy M. Cecil & Jack Cockwell Colleen Sexsmith*** James & Christine Nicol Family**** Anonymous (1) Jack Whiteside*** Dr. John Chiu in memory of Anonymous (1) Yvonne Chiu, C.M.****

CANADIAN OPERA COMPANY 2017/2018 53 Stephen Clarke & Elizabeth Black** The Patrick & Barbara Keenan Mr. Harquail & Dr. Sigfridsson** The Max Clarkson Family Foundation**** Maggie Hayes** Foundation**** J. Hans Kluge** Hon. & Mrs. Paul Hellyer**** J. Rob Collins & Janet Cottrelle**** Dr. Elizabeth Kocmur & Michiel Horn & Cornelia Schuh**** Marilyn Cook** Mr. James C. Baillie**** Ken Hugessen & Jennifer Connolly** Sydney & Florence Cooper** Anne Lewitt** Peter & Hélène Hunt**** Ninalee Craig**** Jerry & Joan Lozinski**** Dr. Joshua Josephson & Jean Davidson & Paul Spafford**** Mr. & Mrs. J. S. A. MacDonald**** Ms Elaine Lewis**** Catherine Fauquier**** Frederick J. Marker & Anne W. Dupré Lorraine Kaake**** David & Kristin Ferguson**** Kathleen McLaughlin & Tim Costigan** James & Diane King** George Fierheller**** John & Esther McNeil**** Kimberley Fobert & Robert Lamb†**** Lloyd & Gladys Fogler*** Dr. Judith A. Miller**** Paul Lee & Jill Maynard**** Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts*** Bruce & Vladka Mitchell** Mr. J. Levitt & Ms E. Mah** Robert Fung** Douglas L. Parker**** Mr. Peter Levitt & Ms Mai Why*** Ira Gluskin & Dr. David Shaw** Dr. Vance Logan**** Maxine Granovsky Gluskin*** John & Ellen Spears**** Peter H. Lunney* The Hon. William C. Graham & Carol Swallow*** Peter & Jocelyn Luongo Mrs. Catherine Graham**** Wendy J. Thompson**** James & Connie MacDougall**** Ethel Harris & the late Milton Harris**** Helen Ziegler*** Mr. Jed MacKay**** William & Nona Heaslip Foundation**** Dr. Colin McGregor Mailer**** Mr. Peter Hinman & PATRON, $3,750 – $7,499 Mrs. J. L. Malcolm** Ms Kristi Stangeland Sue Armstrong**** Fernando Martinez-Caro Douglas E. Hodgson**** Ron Atkinson & Bruce Blandford**** Dr. & Mrs. Donald C. McGillivray**** Michael & Linda Hutcheon**** Mona H. Bandeen, C. M. *** Paul & Jean McGrath**** Bernhard & Hannelore Kaeser**** Henk Bartelink in memory of Ronan McGrath & Sarah Perry* Justin S. Linden* Oskar & Irmgard Gaube*** June McLean**** Jeff Lloyd & Barbara Henders** Dr. Frank Bartoszek & Don McQueen & Ms Anne Maggisano Mr. Daniel O’Brien**** Trina McQueen, O.C. *** Judy & Wilmot Matthews** Mr. & Mrs. Eric Belli-Bivar*** Mr. Ian McWalter* Hon. Margaret Norrie McCain*** Dr. Catherine Bergeron*** Mr. Ulrich Menzefricke**** John McVicker & B. W. Thomas**** Tom Bogart & Kathy Tamaki** Dr. M. L. Myers**** Delia M. Moog*** Dr. Jane Brissenden & Matt & Debbie Mysak*** Jonathan Morgan & Shurla Gittens** Dr. Janet Roscoe**** Dr. Shirley C. Neuman*** Sue Mortimer in memory of Mrs. Donna Brock*** Eileen Patricia Newell*** Clive Bennett Mortimer**** Alice Burton*** Dr. Emilie Newell** Peter M. Partridge**** Margaret Harriett Cameron**** Sally-Ann Noznesky**** Frances & Tim Price**** Sharon & Howard Campbell** Simon Nyilassy* Alan & Gwendoline Pyatt Cesaroni Management Limited*** Emile Oliana & Alvin Iu**** Ms R. Raso**** Neil Chander Janice Oliver*** David Roffey & Karen Walsh**** The Rt. Hon. Adrienne Clarkson* Julia & Liza Overs*** Barrie D. Rose, Karen Solomon Tony Comper** Dr. & Mrs. William M. Park**** and Family**** Fred & Anne Conlin John & Gwen Pattison** Annie & Ian Sale* Mr. & Mrs. William J. Corcoran*** Dr. Roger D. Pearce**** J. Allen Smith & Bram & Beth Costin John & Carol Peterson*** Katherine Megrue-Smith Lindy Cowan† & Chris Hatley*** M. J. Phillips**** Philip & Maria Smith*** Mr. & Mrs. Leslie Dan*** June C. Pinkney**** Stephen & Jane Smith**** Angelo & Carol DelZotto*** Polk Family Charitable Fund** Marion & Gerald Soloway*** Carol Derk & David Giles** Julian & Anna Porter David E. Spiro**** Mrs. Shirley Diamond & Family**** Margrit & Tony Rahilly**** Françoise Sutton*** Peter & Anne Dotsikas*** Douglas L. Ludwig & Karen J. Rice*** Ryerson & Michele Symons* Jeffrey Douglas Rob & Penny Richards*** Kiersten Taylor & Tim Loftsgard Dr. & Mrs. Dean G. Dover** Margaret A. Riggin** Riki Turofsky & Charles Petersen** Vreni & Marc Ducommun**** Ms Sharon Cookie Sandler**** Ms Kristine Vikmanis & Joseph Fantl & Moira Bartram** Judy & Hy Sarick**** Mr. Denton Creighton**** Darren Farwell Helen & John Scott** The Youssef-Warren Foundation**** Ms Lindsay Dale-Harris & June Shaw & the late Mr. Rupert Field-Marsham**** Dr. Ralph Shaw**** Margaret & David Fountain**** David & Hilary Short**** PRESIDENT’S COUNCIL Dr. & Mrs. Wm. O. Geisler*** Hume Smith**** Susan Gerhard** Mr. Philip Somerville** TRUSTEE, $7,500 – $12,499 The Hon. Irving Gerstein & Rosemary Speirs Dr. John Stanley & Keith Ambachtsheer & Mrs. Gail Gerstein*** Dr. Helmut Reichenbächer*** Virginia Atkin**** Ann J. Gibson**** Wayne Stanley & Marina Pretorius** Margaret Atwood & Graeme Gibson*** Michael & Anne Gough**** David Stanley-Porter**** The Rudolph P. Bratty Family Dr. Noëlle Grace & Doreen L. Stanton**** Foundation The Shohet Family**** Janet Stubbs†** Dr. David & Constance Briant**** Ronald & Birgitte Granofsky**** Anthea Thorp**** Frank Ciccolini Sr. **** Douglas & Ruth Grant* Ronald & Lee Till**** Jill Denham & Stephen Marshall** John & Judith Grant** Ian Turner*** Bud & Leigh Eisenberg*** John Groves & Vera Del Vecchio**** Sandra & Guy Upjohn*** Andrew Fleming*** Dr. Albert J. Haddad & Dita Vadron & Jim Catty** Peter & Shelagh Godsoe*** Mr. Rodney Rousseau Edmond & Sylvia Vanhaverbeke**** Chris Hoffmann & Joan Eakin** George & Irene Hamilton**** Scott & Ellen Hand*** Donald & Margaret Walter****

54 CANADIAN OPERA COMPANY 2017/2018 Hugh & Colleen Washington** Dr. & Mrs. Michael & Ute Davis*** Asma Jinnah Ruth Watts-Gransden**** Brian J. Dawson*** Ms Elizabeth Johnson** Dr. Virginia Wesson*** Jayne & Ted Dawson**** In Memory of Patricia Johnson** Mr. Brian Wilks** Honor & Michael de Pencier**** Dr. Albert & Bette Johnston** Ms Lilly Wong* Charles Dennis & Steve Kelley† Joyce Johnston*** Mrs. Richard Wookey**** Mr. & Mrs. A. J. Diamond** Miriam Kagan Linda Young* J. DiGiovanni** H. L. Katarynych*** Susan Zorzi** Dr. John H. Dirks Dr. Joel Keenleyside**** Anonymous (7) Olwen & Frank Dixon** Claire M. C. Kennedy James Doak & Patricia Best*** David W. & Sheryl L. Kerr* MEMBER, $2,250 – $3,749 Sandra Z. Doblinger** Ms Kristina Kerr D. C. Adamson-Brdar**** Ms Petrina Dolby*** Inta Kierans**** Dr. & Mrs. Larry M. Agranove**** Mr. Steven D. Donohoe**** Ellen & Hermann Kircher**** Donna & Lorne Albaum** Marko Duic and Gabriel Lau**** Michael & Sonja Koerner*** Mr. & Mrs. Roberto & Nancy Albis*** Mr. Albert D. Dunn* William & Eva Krangle**** Clive & Barbara Allen**** William & Gwenda Echard**** Peter Lamb & Veronica Tennant Mr. Thomas & Mrs. Claire Allen** Jean Patterson Edwards** Elizabeth & Goulding Lambert**** Dr. D. Amato & Ms J. Hodges**** Wendy & Elliott Eisen**** Jo Lander**** Mr. Mark Andrews Jordan Elliott & Lynne Griffin* Mr. Philip Lanouette** Stephanie, Kate, & Robert Elliott & Paul Wilson** M. J. Horsfall Large*** Anne-Marie H. Applin**** Christoph Emmrich & Srilata Raman Mr. Duncan & Mrs. Sondra Lear Valerie Armstrong**** George A. Farkass** Dr. Connie Lee*** Philip Arthur & Mary Wilson** Bill Fearn & Claudia Rogers**** Linda Lee & Michael Pharoah**** Gail Asper & Michael Paterson Lee & Shannon Ferrier**** Neal & Dominique Lee** Mr. Jeff Axelrod & Dr. John Goodhew* William & Rosemary Fillmore*** Dr. Richard Lee & Mr. Gary Van Haren** K.R.I. Bailey** Goshka Folda* Alexander & Anna Leggatt**** John Bailey** J. E. Fordyce**** Martin & Raja Leistner Marilyn & Charles Baillie**** Nick & Sally Forrest*** Joy Levine*** Andrew & Cornelia Baines**** Robert & Julia Foster** Leanne & George Lewis Janice A. Baker**** Leslie Foster L. Liivamagi & Dr. D. N. Cash* Richard J. Balfour**** Mrs. Ingrid Fratzl Marjorie & Roy Linden**** Annette Balgord Rev. Ivars Gaide & Dr. & Mrs. W. G. Lindley**** Alice & Tom Bastedo*** Rev. Dr. Anita Gaide*** Janet & Sid Lindsay*** Dr. Thomas H. Beechy**** Judy & David Galloway Anthony J. Lisanti*** Mr. N. Beilstein & Mr. A. Lee Ann Gawman*** Dr. Weldon Liu Ms Marie Bérard†*** Dr. Barry A. Gayle**** Tom C. Logan* Nani & Austin Beutel**** Dr. Eudice Goldberg* Mr. Huston Loke Dody Bienenstock** Aviva & Andrew Goldenberg** A. Benson Lorriman**** John & Mandy Birch* Dr. Fay Goldstep & Jonathan & Dorothea Lovat Dickson** Douglas Birkenshaw and Dr. George Freedman** Dr. Jan Lusis**** Ginger Sorbara Deanna A. Gontard**** Amy & John Macfarlane** Anneliese & Walter Blackwell**** Tina & Michael Gooding*** Dr. & Mrs. Richard Mackenzie**** Ian & Janet Blue*** Wayne A. Gooding†**** Tom MacMillan**** Howard & Caroline Booth David & Wendy Flores-Gordon** Macro Properties Ltd. ** Mr. W. Bowen & Ms. S. Gavinchuk**** David Gordon & Beth Greenblatt** R. Manke**** Mr. Christopher Bozek Bryan Grant Dr. & Mrs. M. A. Manuel** Mrs. Carolyn Bradley-Hall & Ms Carol Gray Mr. & Mrs. R. Gordon Marantz**** Mr. William Bradley*** Mr. Darryl Green Barbara Markman Mrs. Richard Bradshaw**** Mr. Finn Greflund & Mrs. M. Ortner*** Roberto Mauro† & Erin Wall Christopher & Elizabeth Buller Ellen & Simon Gulden**** Mrs. Ettore Mazzoleni*** Thomas J. Burton** James & Joyce Gutmann**** Diane McArthur Maureen Callahan & Douglas Gray** Dan Hagler & Family*** The Hon. Barbara McDougall**** Ken & Denise Cargill** Mrs. Pamela Hallisey Don McLean & Diane Martello* Brian & Ellen Carr**** Mr. Adrian J. Hamel* Guy & Joanne McLean**** Gail Carson**** Beverly Hargraft** Georgina McLennan**** Drs. Carol & David Cass Paul & Natalie Hartman** M. E. McLeod**** Lee Chambers Jacques & Elizabeth Helbronner*** Mr. Timothy McNicholas* Prof. Alfred L. Chan & Ms Dianne Henderson Shawn McReynolds & Elaine Kierans** Mr. Michael Farewell*** Thea Herman & Gregory King*** Dr. Don Melady & Dr. & Mrs. Albert Cheskes*** William E. Hewitt*** Mr. Rowley Mossop*** John D. Church* Mr. David J. Hiebert & Pauline Menkes Dr. Howard M. Clarke*** Dr. Paul E. Cooper Eileen Mercier**** Jacqueline R. Code* Ms Pamela Hoiles Mrs. Cornelia Mews Edward Cole & Adrienne Hood*** Sally Holton**** Dr. Alan C. Middleton*** Brian Collins & Amanda Demers** Mr. Roland Hoy*** Ms Elizabeth Paton Miller* Katherine Robb Corlett**** Frances Humphreys in memory of Patricia & Frank Mills*** Dr. Lesley S. Corrin**** Anthony C. J. Humphreys**** Dr. & Mrs. Steven Millward** Gay & Derek Cowbourne** Mr. Sumant Inamdar** Mr. David Milovanovic & Mary & John Crocker**** Dr. Melvyn L. Iscove*** Dr. Cinda Dyer* Ruth & John Crow*** Eva Innes & David Medhurst* Florence Minz Greg Cumming & Bianca Marcus*** Elliott Jacobson & Judy Malkin** Audrey & David Mirvish*** Mary Beth Currie & Jeff Rintoul Laurence Jewell** Varqa Mirzaagha Carrol Anne Curry**** The Norman & Margaret Jewison Dr. David N. Mitchell & Mr. Stuart Davidson* Charitable Foundation**** Dr. Susan M. Till***

CANADIAN OPERA COMPANY 2017/2018 55 Mr. Donald Mitchell* Oksana R. Stein**** James E. Brown** Mr. Robert Morassutti**** John D. Stevenson**** Dr. Wendy C. Chan* Alice Janet Morgan**** Martin Stone Patricia Clarke** Ms Rosalind Morrow** James H. Stonehouse** Mr. Darren Day*** Gael Mourant & Caroline Hubberstey* Dr. David Surplis Mr. Rohan D’souza Professor David J. Murray*** William Siegel & Margaret Swaine*** Dr. Christine Dunbar** David & Mary Neelands*** Anna Talenti**** Howard & Kathrine Eckler*** Dr. Steven Nitzkin**** Eric Tang & Dr. James Miller** Lawrence Enkin*** James Norcop** Peter A. Roy & Leah Taylor Roy R. Dalton Fowler**** Donald O’Born*** Tesari Charitable Foundation** Alison Girling & Paul Schabas** Annette Oelbaum* Dr. M. L. Thurling Les & Marion Green**** Dr. James & Mrs. Valda Oestreicher*** Elizabeth Tory**** Mr. Carmen & Mrs. Vittoria Guglietti** Mr. Ashkan Omidi Mr. Alex Tosheff* Ms Alison Harvison Young & Mr. Martin & Myrna Ossip** Dory Vanderhoof & Rosalind Bell**** Herman J. Wilton-Siegel** The Ouellette Family Foundation Stefan Varga & Dr. Marica Varga* Sylvie Hatch**** Eileen & Ralph Overend** Dr. Yvonne Verbeeten*** David Holdsworth & Nicole Senécal** Clarence & Mary Pace*** Dr. Helen Vosu & Donald Milner**** Richard & Susan Horner**** Dr. & Mrs. N. Pairaudeau**** Elizabeth & Michael Walker*** Mr. Josef Hrdina** Barbara & Peter Pauly** Ted & Erica Warkentin Dr. Ivan & Mrs. Diana Hronsky**** Elizabeth Paupst Peter Webb & Joan York**** Mr. David Hutton*** Dr. A. Angus Peller** Ms Eleanor Westney** Ms Suanne Kelman and John & Penelope Pepperell** Melanie Whitehead*** Dr. Allan J. Fox** Dr. R. G. Perrin** F. Whittaker** Dr. & Mrs. L. A. Kitchell**** Otto & Marie Pick Charitable Mr. Peter Wijnbergen* Mr. & Mrs. I. P. & O. M. Komarnicky*** Foundation Elizabeth Wilson & Ian Montagnes**** Alan & Marti Latta**** Robin B. Pitcher**** Lowell & Nataliya Wintrup Mr. Tom Le Seelleur*** Wanda Plachta**** Ms Durhane Wong-Rieger Daniel & Janet Li** Mr.& Mrs. Domenic Porporo** John Wright & Chung-Wai Chow** Andrew & Harriet Lyons Mary Jean & Frank Potter*** Dr. Jackson Wu & Dr. Viviana Chang* P. Anne Mackay**** Georgia Prassas**** Ms June Yee*** Mrs. Janet Maggiacomo** Ms Jill Presser & Mr. John Duffy* Morden Yolles**** Mary McClymont**** Dr. Mark Quigley**** Carole & Bernie Zucker*** Mr. Carl Morey**** Stephen Ralls & Bruce Ubukata*** Anonymous (26) Dr. Kevin Morse The Carol & Morton Rapp Sean O’Neill & Victoria Cowling**** Foundation**** Dr. F.E. Perera Dr. Reza Rastegar FRIENDS OF THE COC Mervyn Pickering Kenneth F. Read**** Ms Victoria Pinnington*** Grant L. Reuber**** SUSTAINING FRIENDS Dr. Alice Pitt & Dr. Deborah Britzman* Mrs. Gabrielle Richards*** Mr. Andrew Prodanyk $1,600 – $2,249 Carolyn Ricketts**** Dr. Peter Ray**** Carol & Ernest Albright**** Janet Rieksts-Alderman Examine Dr. Shelley Rechner**** Iivi Campbell**** Consultants Canada Mrs. Gertrude Rosenthal**** Geoffrey & Bilgi Chapman**** Ms Nada Ristich* Robert & Dorothy Ross**** Mr. Amar Choksi Emily & Fred Rizner** Ken & Helen Rotenberg** Robert D. Cook** Clara Robert** Ms Elisabeth Scarff**** Mrs. Sharon Dowdal J. E. Robinson Judge Nancy M. Siew Ricardo Gomez-Insausti* Steve & Richa Roder Dr. & Mrs. W. K. Stavraky*** Mr. James Hamilton* In memory of John & Norma Rogers Helga & Klaus Stegemann*** Roy & Gail Harrison**** Dr. Michael & Mary Romeo**** Norma & George Steiner**** Frieda and Vern Heinrichs Rainer & Sharyn Rothfuss**** Mr. & Mrs. David G. Trent**** Mr. Kazik Jedrzejczak**** The Roux Family Mr. John M. Welch**** Mr. Robert C. Jefferies**** David A. Ruston**** Nina & Norman Wright*** Lynne Jeffrey**** Mallory Morris Sartz & John Sartz**** Zorzella Family Dr. Paul & Mrs. Marcia Kavanagh Dr. Anabel M. Scaranelo Anonymous (5) Mrs. Mary Liitoja**** David Schauer Janina Milisiewicz**** Walter & Maria Schroeder CONTRIBUTING FRIENDS Dr. Christopher & Dr. Pippa Moss*** Fred & Mary Schulz** Mrs. Sara Nixon $700 – $1,099 Carol Seifert & Bruno Tesan*** Drs. Elizabeth & Norbert Perera**** Sean Adams Robert & Geraldine Sharpe**** Mr. Michael Samborsky*** Ms Jessie Albanese Allan & Helaine Shiff**** David Smukler & Patricia Kern** Ms Joy Alexander**** Dr. Bernie & Mrs. Bobbie Silverman** Ms Peg Thoen** Mr. Albert Alexanian Rod & Christina Simpson Ms Ruth Thornbury Nancy and Arthur Ameis Charitable Helen Sinclair & Paul Cantor Vernon & Beryl Turner**** Fund** Ms Joan Sinclair*** Dr. Peter Voore**** Leila Appleford*** In memory of Dr. Bernard Slatt* Anonymous (2) Dr. I. L. Babb Fund at the Toronto Jay Smith & Laura Rapp** Community Foundation**** Dr. Harley Smyth & ASSOCIATE FRIENDS In memory of M. Baptista*** Carolyn McIntire Smyth** Alyson Barnett Cowan** $1,100 – $1,599 Dr. Joseph So**** Peter & Leslie Barton*** Michael & Janet Barnard** The Sorbara Group of Companies**** Mrs. Lynn Bayer*** Michael Benedict & Martha Lowrie**** Martha E. Spears**** Jeniva Berger**** Don Biderman**** F. E. A. Specht**** Mr. Spencer Bibby* Ellen & Murray Blankstein* Ms Gillian Stacey Anthony Bird**** Darlene & Peter Blenich* R. Paul Steep & Anne McNeilly* M. I. Bohn*

56 CANADIAN OPERA COMPANY 2017/2018 Staunton St. C. M. Bowen Karen & Craig** Gabrielle Bray Kathy Marton* The Encore Legacy Mary Brock & Brian Iler**** Jil McIntosh** The Encore Legacy is the planned Murray & Judy Bryant*** Mr. Bruce McKeown**** giving program of the Canadian Opera Brian Bucknall & Sylvia M. McPhee**** Company. Mary Jane Mossman**** Ingrid & Daniel Mida* R + J Burkholder* Mr. James Milligan** Planned giving is making the decision Ms Judith Burrows*** Randy Mills* today to provide a gift for the Theresa & John Caldwell**** Kamini & Lynne Milnes* Canadian Opera Company that may Ms Josephine K. Caliendo* Frank & Anne Moir*** not be realized until after your lifetime. Mr. Bill Cameron** Blake Murray & Nancy Riley**** Betty Carlyle**** Marilyn & Amy Mushinski† Gifts planned today, that will ultimately Mark Cestnik & Natercia Sousa**** Peter Naylor* affect your estate, allow you to make a Dr. Paul & Joyce Chapnick** Liviu Constantin Nicolescu statement of support that will become George Clark** Ms Cristina Oke*** a lasting legacy to the COC. Joe T. R. Clarke**** Karen Olinyk†* Mr. Philip J. Conlon*** Miroslava Ondrack & The Canadian Opera Company Mr. Scott Connell and Bryn Greer-Wootten**** gratefully acknowledges and thanks Ms Anouchka Freybe Mr. Vlad Ovchinnikov & the following individuals who have Anita Corrigan*** Mrs. Lesia Menchynska* included the COC in their estate William Cowan & Elodie Fourquet** Joan Pape**** planning: Mr. & Mrs. Michael Davies**** Mr. James C. Pappas**** Anita Day Mr. Alexander C. Pathy Marie Agay Don DeBoer & Brent Vickar*** Dr. Wadermar A. Pieczonka**** Susan Agranove & Estate of Mr. Stephen F. Dineley & Mr. John Prezioso Dr. Larry M. Agranove Ms Penelope Rose*** Ed & Beth Price*** Ken R. Alexander Mr. Michael Disney** Robert Radke Estate of Isobel May Allen Wendy Drahovzal Ms Cecille Ratney**** Ms Sandra Alston Ms Eleanor L. Ellins**** Dufresne-Ray Family Fund Estate of John H. Anderson Mr. Arthur English** Mrs. Richard Gavin Reid** Ms Ann Andrusyszyn Joe & Helen Feldmann*** Mr. Jason Roberts*** Callie Archer Margaret & Jim Fleck* Ms Virginia Robeson** Renata Arens & Elizabeth Frey Jennifer & Frank Flower**** Gordon Robison & David Grant** Mrs. Rosalen Armstrong Marie-Lison Fougere** Mr. Anthony Rubin**** Tony & Anne Arrell Angelo Furgiuele & Family* Mr. Paul Sabourin Ron Atkinson & Bruce Blandford Hugh Furneaux**** Amye & DeeAnn Hagler Sagar Mr. L. H. Bartelink Douglas G. Gardner**** Patti & Richard Schabas** David K. Bernhardt Dr. Hugh Gayler & Ms Eileen Martin**** Front Desk Ltd./Toby Schertzer J. Linden Best & James G. Kerr Mr. M. Gerwin & Mrs. J. Rutledge** Valerie Schweritzer & Chris Reed**** Mr. Philip J. Boswell In Memory of Victoria Woods* Giuseppe Sferrazza Estate of David Bowen Ms Julianna Greenspan Marlene Pollock Sheff** Marnie M. Bracht Dr. & Mrs. Voldemars Gulens**** Ross Shin**** Estate of Shirley Anne Braithwaite Dr. & Mrs. Brian & Cynthia Hands**** Doug & Devika Short* Gregory Brandt Sandra Hausman** Alison Smith & James Morrow Ms Cindy Breslin-Carere Hana Havlicek Martinek* Mrs. Pamela Smith*** Marcia Lewis Brown W. L. B. Heath**** John Spears and Elisabeth Marsden**** Brian Bucknall & Mary Jane Mossman Barbara & John Hepburn* Phil Spencer**** Dita Vadron & Jim Catty In memory of Pauline Hinch** Georgina S. Steinsky Estate of Edith Chapman Sheila Hockin** Paul Straatman and Shane Toland Mrs. Ann Christie Dr. Elizabeth Hodby* Olga Streltchenko Earl Clark Mr. & Mrs. N. Hodges**** Piano Synergy (Dr. Ruslan Sviridov & Stephen Clarke & Elizabeth Black Richard & Donna Holbrook**** Dr. Irina Khovanskaya) The Rt. Hon. Adrienne Clarkson In loving memory of Dr. J. H. Tait** Brian Collins & Amanda Demers Joyce Whitney Hughes* Ms Michelle Tan** Earlaine Collins Margaret and Chris Ibey*** Larry & Judy Tanenbaum**** In Memory of John A. Cook Douglas & Dorothy Joyce**** Terry S. Tator*** David H. Cormack Lilian Kilianski† & Brian Pritchard* Dr. Claude Tousignant** Ninalee Craig Mai Kirch**** Dr. Nancy F. Vogan**** Estate of Jean Croggon Christopher Kowal* Mr. Wayne Vogan†**** Anita Day & Robert McDonald Dr. Milos Krajny**** Halina & Kurt von dem Hagen** Ruth Eileen Day Mrs. Natalie Kuzmich*** George Vona & Lark Popov** Ann De Brouwer Mr. James R. Lake**** Angela & Michael Vuchnich**** Estate of Anne Margaret Delicaet Harry Lane*** Dr. O. R. Waler* Helen Drake Giles le Riche & Rosemary Polczer*** Joan Williams**** Yvonne Earle Claus & Heather Lenk** Mr. Takahiro Yamanaka Estate of Philipp Eberhardinger Yakov Lerner†* Ms Diana Yenson* Estate of Evelyn Ellen Elrick Dr. David Levine* David A. Young Estate of Marion Gertrude Farr John & Michele Lewis Ms Iris Zawadowski** David & Kristin Ferguson Susan Lockwood* Yvonne Zhang Carol Fordyce Gil & Dorota Lorenson Anonymous (12) Rowland D. Galbraith Dr. Francois Loubert** Douglas G. Gardner Deidre Lynch & Thomas Keirstead* Susan Gerhard David Macfarlane Ann J. Gibson Mary P. MacLean*** Estate of Evelyn M. Glendenning

CANADIAN OPERA COMPANY 2017/2018 57 Tina & Michael Gooding J. M. Doc Savage MEMORIAL AND Michael & Anne Gough Estate of Norma Yvonne Sawden Donald I. F. Graham Estate of Helen F. H. Schaller HONORARY DONATIONS Colin Gruchy Fred & Mary Schulz The COC expresses its sincere David G. Hallman John & Helen Scott appreciation to all donors who George & Irene Hamilton Colleen Sexsmith have made memorial and honorary Estate of Claire Shaw donations. Mildred Helen Margaret Hamilton June Shaw, in memory of Joan L. Harris Dr. Ralph Shaw In Memory of Estate of Helen Kathleen Harrop R. Bonnie Shettler Victor Estate of Leonore Hetherington Dr. Joseph So Matina Chrones William E. Hewitt William Siegel & Margaret Swaine Margaret Hayes James Hewson Paul Spafford Bruce McMullan John R. Higgins David E. Spiro Penelope V. Nettlefold Mr. Kim Yim Ho & Estate of Helen Kathleen Allen Stacey Emily Rankin Walter Frederic Thommen Dr. D. P. Stanley-Porter Gordon Roberts Douglas E. Hodgson Doreen L. Stanton Nancy A. Shin Estate of Egon Homburger Drs. W. & K. Stavraky Joan Watson Estate of Mrs. Lucie Homburger Estate of James Drewry Stewart Walter Zwig Michiel Horn The Stratton Trust Matt Hughes Lilly Offenbach Strauss In Honour of Michael & Linda Hutcheon Janet Stubbs† Earlaine Collins Elaine Iannuzziello Ann Sutton Johannes Debus Estate of Helen Inch Ronald Taber Jenifer Kowal Dr. Ingrid Jarvis Susanne Tabur Justin Linden & Stephanie Orleans’ Lynne Jeffrey Wendy J. Thompson Wedding Estate of Mr. Gordon Cecil Johnson Mrs. Ann C. Timpson Ingrid Martin & Gary Corrin’s Wedding Ann Kadrnka Riki Turofsky & Charles Petersen David Spiro Estate of Betty Kalmanasch Tony & Mary van Straubenzee Ruth Watts-Gransden Estate of Barbara Lynn Kelsey N. Suzanne Vanstone Ben Kizemchuk Marie-Laure Wagner Estate of Henri Kolin Estate of Jeanie Irwin Walker Kathryn Kossow Hugh & Colleen Washington Corporate Estate of Borge John Kraglund William R. Waters Estate of Helen Lazier Estate of Harris Wetstein Matching Partners Jo Lander Brian Wilks The Canadian Opera Company Peggy Lau Estate of Marion Caroline Wilson gratefully acknowledges the following Marjorie & Roy Linden Estate of Mary Louise Wratten organizations that have matched gifts Tom C. Logan, A.R.C.T. Estate of Jean Elizabeth Yack Wright by their employees: Estate of Esther Jean Macdonald Estate of Nancy Faye Wood Ms Lenore MacDonald Marion York Burgundy Asset Management Ltd. Estate of Eluned MacMillan Tricia Younger Canadian Tire Corporation Limited Dr. Colin M. Mailer Estate of Susan Zador IBM Canada Inc. Estate of Pauline Mandsohn Estate of George Zebrowski R. Manke Anonymous (43) Estate of William Allan Henry Manula Tim & Jane Marlatt Mr. Shawn Martin Estate of Anthony V. Mason Margaret McKee Sylvia M. McPhee John McVicker & B. W. Thomas Dr. Alan C. Middleton Eleanor Miller Sigmund & Elaine Mintz Donald Morse Sue Mortimer Roald Nasgaard & Lori Walters The above Individual Support Gifts were made as of August 1, 2017. Mr. & Mrs. James D. Patterson Mervyn Pickering * five to nine years of support Gunther & Dorothy Piepke ** 10 to 14 years of support Wanda Plachta *** 15 to 19 years of support Ms Georgia Prassas **** 20 or more years of support K. F. Read † COC administration, chorus or orchestra member Dr. John Reeve-Newson ‡ Endowment Florence Richler Estate of Howard Frederick Rock Despite the staff’s extensive efforts to avoid errors and omissions, John & Norma Rogers mistakes can occur. If your name was omitted, listed incorrectly or Mrs. Margaret Russell misspelled, we apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused. Sharon Ryman† We would appreciate being notified of any errors at 416-847-4949. Cookie & Stephen Sandler Estate of Maneck Khurshed Sanjana

58 CANADIAN OPERA COMPANY 2017/2018 Six series—vocal, chamber, piano, dance, jazz and world music—feature a range of performers from international stars to emerging young artists. ALL FOR FREE!

Fall programming includes Songs and Duets (Simone Osborne, soprano; Gordon Bintner, bass-baritone and Liz Upchurch, piano); The World of Yesterday (Erin Wall, soprano and Sandra Horst, piano); From Another Planet (Lauren Eberwein, soprano and the Rosebud String Quartet); and Journeys of the Soul (Artists of the COC Ensemble Studio).

For complete listings, and to sign up for e-mail updates, visit coc.ca/FreeConcerts

CANADIAN OPERA COMPANY 2017/2018 59 2017/2018 CORPORATE SPONSORS AND FOUNDATION SUPPORTERS

Official Automotive Sponsor Presenting Sponsor, Opera Under 30, of the COC at the FSCPA Operanation, and Centre Stage

Supporter of Ensemble Studio Presenting Sponsor of Official Canadian Wine and Centre Stage Share the Opera of the COC at the FSCPA

Production Sponsor Production Sponsor Stravinsky’s The Nightingale Title Sponsor Donizetti’s Anna Bolena and Other Short Fables Children’s Education Programs

Artist Hosting Partner Ticket Back Sponsor Ensemble Studio Partner

GOVERNMENT SUPPORT The Canadian Opera Company gratefully acknowledges the generous support through operating grants from these government agencies and departments:

OPERATING ENSEMBLE STUDIO AND SUPPORT ENDOWMENT SUPPORT

an Ontario government agency un organisme du gouvernement de l’Ontario

SPECIAL PROJECT FUNDING For many programs and special initiatives undertaken each year by the Canadian Opera Company, we gratefully acknowledge project funding from:

Employment and Social Development Canada Ontario Arts Council

60 CANADIAN OPERA COMPANY 2017/2018 $100,000 + HOSTING SPONSORS FINE WINE AUCTION 2017 The Slaight Family Foundation Drake One Fifty Nota Bene Restaurant Presenting Sponsors $50,000 – $99,999 Graywood Developments The George Cedric Metcalf Charitable PREFERRED FLORISTS Michael Gibbens & Julie Lassonde Foundation Bloom The Flower Company Chair-man Mills Inc. Quince Flowers Partnering Sponsors The Hal Jackman Foundation at the Gillam Group Inc. Ontario Arts Foundation Donnelley Financial Solutions CENTRE STAGE GALA 2016 $10,000 – $49,999 Supporting Sponsor Audrey S. Hellyer Charitable Platinum Supporters Geoffrey Pennal of CIBC Wood Gundy Foundation Mercedes-Benz Canada The Azrieli Foundation RBC Capital Markets Official Storage Supplier of Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP the COC Fine Wine Auction Burgundy Asset Management Limited Opera Under 30 Sponsor Iron Gate – Private Wine Management Davies Ward Phillips & Vineberg LLP TD Bank Group Goldman Sachs Event Sponsors Great-West Life Assurance Company Competition Supporter 10tation Event Catering Guarantee Gold Hal Jackman Foundation The Cheese Boutique Jackman Foundation Trius J.P. Bickell Foundation Gold Sponsors Stephen Ranger Linden & Associates Brookfield Asset Management Waddingtons The Lloyd Carr-Harris Foundation Scotiabank McCarthy Tetrault The Mclean Foundation Norton Rose Fulbright Canada LLP OPERANATI0N 2017 Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt LLP PwC Presenting Sponsor Shangri-la hotel, Toronto TD Bank Group Tesari Charitable Foundation Anonymous (1) Platinum Sponsor Hampton Securities $5,000 – $9,999 The Hope Charitable Foundation Partnering Sponsor Local 58 Charitable Benefit Fund Burgundy Asset Management Limited Mill Street Brewery The Peterson Family Charitable Contributing Sponsors Foundation Altus-Wellington Private Wealth Shinex Window Cleaning Inc. The Catalyst Capital Group Inc. Unit Park Holdings Inc. Ewing Morris Investment Partners Ltd. Vida Peene Fund at the Canada GrowthandIncome.ca Council for the Arts Event Sponsors $2,500 – $4,999 BT/A Hicks Memorial Fund at the Calgary Chairman Mills Foundation Drake One Fifty FASHION Magazine $1,000 - $2,499 Faulhaber Communications Conam Charitable Foundation Mill St. Brewery D’Avignon Freight Services Inc. Nestle Waters Canada Gill Ratcliffe Foundation Perrier Jarvis & Associates Pink Twig Judith Teller Foundation Ryan Emberley Photography K.M. Hunter Charitable Foundation Shangri-La Hotel, Toronto Loch-Sloy Holdings Limited Spirit of York Distillery Co. The Powis Family Foundation 10tation Event Catering Toronto Life Trius Wellington Printworks

PHOTO CREDITS COVER: COC Wigs and Make-up Deparment, photo: COC, 2017. PAGE 5: Alexander Neef, photo: bohuang.ca, 2016. PAGES 6, 11 and 16: photos: Ken Howard. PAGE 18: photo courtesty of Jane Archibald. PAGE 19: Opera de Lyon, 2016, photo: Bertrand Stofleth. PAGE 20: photo: Ken Howard. PAGE 22: COC. PAGE 25: photo: Ken Howard. PAGES 32 and 33: photos 1–8, 11: Gaetz Photography; 9, 12: COC; 10: Chris Hutcheson. PAGE 34: Rigoletto photo: Chris Hutcheson. PAGE 35: R. Fraser Elliott Hall, photo: Lucia Graca; Jack Diamond photo: Cole Burston. PAGE 36: photo: Michael Cooper. PAGE 37: photo: Ryan Emberley. PAGE 38: photo: Gary Beechey. PAGE 39: top left photo: Chris Hutcheson; top right photo: Gary Beechey; bottom left: photo: Michael Cooper. PAGE 40: Zachary Nelson (centre), photo: Michael Cooper, 2016. PAGE 41: Ain Anger (left), photo: Michael Cooper, 2017. PAGE 43: photo: Todd Rosenberg/Lyric Opera of Chicago. PAGE 47: Ekaterina Sadovnikova and Dimitri Pittas in Rigoletto (COC, 2011), photo: Michael Cooper. PAGE 49: Photos: COC. PAGE 59 (clockwise from top right): Canada’s Ballet Jörgen, photo: Karen E. Reeves; Megan Quick, photo: Kevin Lloyd; Rossina Grieco, photo: Karen E. Reeves; Mike Downes Trio, photo: Kevin Lloyd; Ensemble Jeng Yi, photo: Karen E. Reeves; Jennifer Murphy, photo: Karen E. Reeves. PAGE 63: photo: Joey Lopez. BACK COVER: Sondra Radvanovsky in Anna Bolena (Washington Opera, 2012), promotional photo: Cade Martin

CANADIAN OPERA COMPANY 2017/2018 61 PATRON INFORMATION AND POLICIES

COC to take pictures of the production’s set or the stage before or during performances. GO SCENT FREE Any person using an unauthorized recording In consideration of patrons with allergies, device will be required to surrender or erase please avoid wearing perfumed beauty any recordings, photographic or digital images products and fragrances. and may be asked to leave. No refunds will be issued. Be sure to take a look at our Facebook page for official photos of our productions! COAT AND PARCEL CHECK LATECOMERS To uphold the safety of the building, oversized In the interest of safety and for the comfort of bags and parcels may be prohibited from all patrons and performers, latecomers may not entering R. Fraser Elliott Hall. Patrons enter the auditorium or be seated unless there attending COC performances may be offered is a suitable break in the performance (usually complimentary parcel check. Coat check is intermission). Patrons leaving the auditorium located in the Lower Lobby, where the following during the performance or returning late after services are also available: booster seats, back intermission may not be readmitted or may be supports, infrared hearing-assistive devices and accommodated in an alternate viewing location. rental of binoculars, on a first-come, first-served basis. FOOD AND BEVERAGE Outside food and beverages are prohibited NOISE ETIQUETTE from entering the venue. Patrons are reminded that R. Fraser Elliott Hall is an extremely lively auditorium and that all RECORDINGS audience noise will be accentuated and audible Patrons consent to appear in recorded material to other patrons. Turn off all electronic devices, by attending FSC performances/events. avoid talking, coughing, humming, moving loose seats, kicking the backs of seats, rustling OBJECTIONABLE BEHAVIOUR programs, and unwrapping candies or cough Management reserves the right to refuse drops. Please remain in your seat until the admission without refund, and expel from performance has completely ended and the the premises, any person whose presence or house lights have been turned on. conduct is deemed objectionable. ELECTRONIC DEVICES CHILDREN AND BABES-IN-ARMS The use of mobile and smartphones and all All patrons, including children, must have a other electronic devices is extremely disruptive ticket for the performance. All children must and is strictly prohibited during performances. be seated next to an accompanying adult. If a patron has an emergency and needs to Young children should be able to sit quietly be contacted during a performance, he or she throughout the performance. If unable to do so, should contact Patron Services for assistance children and their accompanying adult will be before the performance. asked to leave the auditorium. Babes-in-arms will not be admitted. CAMERAS/RECORDING DEVICES The use of cameras, video cameras or sound- MEDICAL EMERGENCIES AND FIRST AID recording devices of any kind is prohibited in R. A house doctor is present at all performances. Fraser Elliott Hall during performances. If you’d Please contact an usher if medical services are like to get a picture inside the auditorium, do required. so before the performance begins. However, the design and direction of the production LOST AND FOUND is restricted under intellectual property law, During performances please speak with an so patrons must have the permission of the usher or visit Patron Services at the Coat Check

62 CANADIAN OPERA COMPANY 2017/2018 in the Lower Lobby. Following performances, please e-mail [email protected] or call 416-342-5200 for information. TICKET SERVICES Canadian Opera Company subscriptions PARKING and individual tickets are available through There is parking on a first-come, first-served COC Ticket Services: basis for about 200 vehicles underneath the Four Seasons Centre. The entrance is located ONLINE: coc.ca on the west side of York Street, south of Queen Street. Additional parking is conveniently BY PHONE: located just steps away in the Green P lot 416-363-8231 or underneath Nathan Phillips Square. For long distance 1-800-250-4653 directions visit greenp.com. Monday to Friday – 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday – 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. FOUR SEASONS CENTRE FACILITY TOURS Tours of the Four Seasons Centre include IN PERSON: backstage access! For more information, visit Four Seasons Centre Box Office fourseasonscentre.ca. 145 Queen St. W. Monday to Saturday: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. or PRE-PERFORMANCE OPERA CHATS through first intermission COC Education and Outreach staff and Sunday (performance days only): 11 a.m. to guest speakers offer free, insightful chats 3 p.m. or through first intermission about the stories, music and background of all COC productions, 45 minutes prior to The Four Seasons Centre for the each performance in the Richard Bradshaw Performing Arts Box Office also services Amphitheatre. Doors open one hour before ticketing needs for The National Ballet of each performance. Seating is limited and Canada and all other Four Seasons Centre available on a first-come, first served events. basis. Please join the line-up early to avoid disappointment. GROUP SALES Groups of 10 or more enjoy savings on regular individual ticket prices. SPECIAL EVENTS AND CATERING For more information or to reserve seats The Four Seasons Centre is available for call 416-306-2356. rental for all of your presentation, meeting or special events needs, with spaces accommodating from 20 to 2,000 people and full catering services. For further details visit fourseasonscentre.ca or call 416-342-5233.

FOOD AND BEVERAGE SERVICE We are pleased to offer, for the convenience of all our patrons, a pre-order system for intermission purchases. Our pre-order system is designed to decrease your wait time at the bar during intermission and we invite you to make use of it at every COC performance. Bars are located throughout the Isadore and Rosalie Sharp City Room’s many levels. Food and beverages are not permitted in R. Fraser Elliott Hall.

CANADIAN OPERA COMPANY 2017/2018 63 FEEL THE MAGIC OF THE HUMAN VOICE ALL SEASON AT THE COC

A father’s curse. A daughter’s sacrifice. RIGOLETTO VERDI JAN 20 – FEB 23

True love can’t be held prisoner. THE ABDUCTION FROM THE SERAGLIO MOZART FEB 7 – 24

Lepage’s visionary creation. THE NIGHTINGALE AND OTHER SHORT FABLES STRAVINSKY APRIL 13 – MAY 19

The voice reigns supreme. ANNA BOLENA DONIZETTI APRIL 28 – MAY 26

Discover our new Opera for Young Audiences THE MAGIC VICTROLA FEATURING THE MUSIC OF PUCCINI, VERDI, ROSSINI AND MORE! DEC 2 – 3 See page 43 for more.

Visit coc.ca/Tickets or call 416-363-8231 or 1-800-250-4653.