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1 Conditions apply. All Air Canada benefi ts are fulfi lled by Air Canada, or its designated affi liates or other third parties, and are subject to change at any time without notice. The Toronto-Dominion Bank and its affi liates are not responsible for fulfi lling these benefi ts. Priority travel services (the complimentary fi rst checked bag, priority check-in and priority boarding) are applicable whenever the Primary Cardholder travels on a fl ight operated by Air Canada, Air Canada rouge or under the Air Canada express banner. Flights operated by other airlines are not eligible. To access these benefi ts, the Primary Cardholder must include their Aeroplan Number on their reservation at time of booking, or redeem their Aeroplan fl ight reward (defi ned as a Fixed Mileage Flight Rewards, formerly called ClassicFlight Reward, or Market Fare Flight Reward) with miles from their Aeroplan account. Please allow two (2) weeks from receiving your credit card for all Air Canada benefi ts to be activated. To access Air Canada benefi ts, you may be required to show your TD Aeroplan Visa Infi nite Privilege Card to the Air Canada agent. Additional conditions apply and are outlined on aircanada.com/tdbenefi ts. 2 Welcome Bonus of 25,000 Aeroplan Miles (“Welcome Bonus Miles”) will be awarded to the Aeroplan Member account associated with the TD Aeroplan Credit Card Account (“Account”) only after the fi rst Purchase is made on the Account. To get an additional 25, 000 Aeroplan Miles (“Additional Miles”), you must also: (a) apply for an Account between September 1 and October 30, 2015; and (b) spend $1,000 in Purchases on your Account, including your fi rst Purchase, within 90 days of Account approval. If you have opened an Account in the last 6 months, you will not be eligible for this offer. We reserve the right to limit the number of Accounts opened by and the number of miles awarded to any one person. Please allow 8 weeks after your fi rst Purchase is posted to the Account for the Welcome Bonus Miles to be credited to your Aeroplan Member account. Please allow up to 8 weeks after you fulfi ll the eligibility criteria for the 25,000 Bonus Miles to be credited to your Aeroplan Member account. Offer may be changed, withdrawn or extended at any time and cannot be combined with any other offer unless otherwise specifi ed. All trade-marks are property of their respective owners. ® The Air Canada logo, Air Canada, Air Canada express, and Air Canada rouge are registered trademarks of Air Canada, used under license. ® The Aeroplan logo and Aeroplan are registered trade-marks of Aimia Canada Inc. ® The TD logo and other trade-marks are the property of The Toronto-Dominion Bank.

924529A04_M5676_1C.indd 1 2015-08-13 1:05 PM

1 Round M5676-1C.indd

Job Description: Mechanical Specifications: Contact:

Client: TD Bleed: 8.625” x 11.125” Colours: 4C Acct. Mgr: Sari Producer: Barry D Docket #: 112-LTDCOFM5676 Trim: 8.375” x 10.875” Start Date: 8-4-2015 2:32 PM Crea. Dir: Dave F Studio: Kim C Project: Aeroplan IP Print Live: 7.875” x 10.375” Revision Date: 8-12-2015 4:01 PM Art Dir: Luceyed Proofreader: Peter and Claude Ad #: M5676-1C File built at 100% 1” = 1” Print Scale: 100% Writer: -

Publication: Canadian Opera In House Comments: None

Leo Burnett 175 Bloor Street E. North Tower, 13th Floor Toronto, ON M4W 3R9 (416) 925-5997 CONTENTS A MESSAGE FROM GENERAL DIRECTOR 4 “WHAT BETTER JOB ALEXANDER NEEF COULD THERE BE?” Sandra Horst, COC Chorus Master Your paradise doesn’t Welcome to a new season at the include waiting in line. 7 BIOGRAPHIES Canadian Opera Company! With a Who’s Who at new beginning, we are also introducing the COC this Fall a newly designed house program. This bigger, richer program gives 15 OPERA INSIGHTS everyone, from the most devoted to A new free series! the most casual operagoer, up-to-date 16 WHAT’S PLAYING: information about the COC. You’ll LA TRAVIATA find interviews with artists, features on the operas we’re presenting, 21 IN THE SPOTLIGHT behind-the-scenes information on the David Roffey and productions as well as highlights from Karen Walsh the company’s special events, profiles 22 CENTRE STAGE of our donors, and stories about our Discover a new generation education and outreach activities. of Canadian opera talent Not only is the program provided to all ticket holders at the theatre, but WHAT’S PLAYING: 26 it’s also available on our website, PYRAMUS AND THISBE coc.ca/Publications, at least one week 30 OVID RECONFIGURED before opening night. Notes on Barbara Monk Feldman’s Pyramus and Thisbe A redesigned house program is not the Until Oct 30, you could Your experience is our priority. only change you’ll see this fall at the premiere of a new Canadian opera, 2 MANY THANKS get a Welcome Bonus of 38 Four Seasons Centre. Under the Grand Pyramus and Thisbe. Gaspé native When you travel, the last thing on your mind is the Acknowledging our up to 50,000 Aeroplan Miles many supporters Staircase you will discover a newly Barbara Monk Feldman’s only opera fi rst thing on ours. The TD® Aeroplan® Visa Infi nite created space, designed to offer new delves into the emotional core of the Privilege* Card gives you the speed and convenience 44 PATRON INFORMATION points of contact with your Company Greco-Roman myth about lovers forced AND POLICIES you deserve. As Primary Cardholder, you and your and the art form in general as well as apart. It’s a delicate, ephemeral piece interactive opportunities for engaging that exists in a kind of suspended companions can enjoy priority check-in and priority BACKSTAGE AND 46 with our productions. In these early animation, poised on the threshold 1 ® BEYOND boarding on Air Canada fl ights. So get more of an of action and stillness. Pyramus Looking back on some stages of implementation, we welcome elevated travel experience. unforgettable events your feedback as the space continues and Thisbe is paired with two short to evolve and develop over the course Monteverdi pieces creating a bold and of the season. fascinating program.

I’m so pleased that we can open Finally, on November 3, join us for COC Program is published three times a our 2015/2016 season with two new Centre Stage, our annual celebration year by the Canadian Opera Company. All COC productions. We begin with of young Canadian talent. This rights reserved. Reproduction in whole a new production of the classic vocal competition and search for the or in part without written consent is country’s next opera stars features Visit tdaeroplan.com/privilege/opera prohibited. Contents copyright Canadian favourite, La Traviata. Arin Arbus, Opera Company. Direct all advertising one of North America’s most exciting the most talented young singers in or 1-866-827-0385 inquiries to [email protected]. theatre directors, has teamed up with Canada, a full orchestra, and audience designer/artist Cait O’Connor to create participation. There’s nothing more Program edited by Claudine Domingue, a visual feast. With a stunning cast and exciting than seeing the future on Director of Public Relations; Kristin 1 Conditions apply. All Air Canada benefi ts are fulfi lled by Air Canada, or its designated affi liates or other third parties, and are subject to change at any time without notice. The Toronto-Dominion Bank and its affi liates are not maestro Marco Guidarini conducting, stage! responsible for fulfi lling these benefi ts. Priority travel services (the complimentary fi rst checked bag, priority check-in and priority boarding) are applicable whenever the Primary Cardholder travels on a fl ight operated by Air Canada, McKinnon, Assistant Publicist; and, Gianna Air Canada rouge or under the Air Canada express banner. Flights operated by other airlines are not eligible. To access these benefi ts, the Primary Cardholder must include their Aeroplan Number on their reservation at time of booking, Wichelow, Senior Manager, Creative and it will be a musical treat as well. or redeem their Aeroplan fl ight reward (defi ned as a Fixed Mileage Flight Rewards, formerly called ClassicFlight Reward, or Market Fare Flight Reward) with miles from their Aeroplan account. Please allow two (2) weeks from Publications. Layout by Gianna Wichelow. I welcome you to our season as we receiving your credit card for all Air Canada benefi ts to be activated. To access Air Canada benefi ts, you may be required to show your TD Aeroplan Visa Infi nite Privilege Card to the Air Canada agent. Additional conditions apply and are outlined on aircanada.com/tdbenefi ts. 2 Welcome Bonus of 25,000 Aeroplan Miles (“Welcome Bonus Miles”) will be awarded to the Aeroplan Member account associated with the TD Aeroplan Credit Card Account (“Account”) All information is correct at time of Another highlight of the season that explore 400 years of operatic brilliance only after the fi rst Purchase is made on the Account. To get an additional 25, 000 Aeroplan Miles (“Additional Miles”), you must also: (a) apply for an Account between September 1 and October 30, 2015; and (b) spend $1,000 printing. Photo credits on page 43. I’m especially proud of is the world together. in Purchases on your Account, including your fi rst Purchase, within 90 days of Account approval. If you have opened an Account in the last 6 months, you will not be eligible for this offer. We reserve the right to limit the number of Accounts opened by and the number of miles awarded to any one person. Please allow 8 weeks after your fi rst Purchase is posted to the Account for the Welcome Bonus Miles to be credited to your Aeroplan Member account. Please allow up to 8 weeks after you fulfi ll the eligibility criteria for the 25,000 Bonus Miles to be credited to your Aeroplan Member account. Offer may be changed, withdrawn or extended at any time and cannot be combined with CANADIAN OPERA COMPANY 2015/2016 3 any other offer unless otherwise specifi ed. All trade-marks are property of their respective owners. ® The Air Canada logo, Air Canada, Air Canada express, and Air Canada rouge are registered trademarks of Air Canada, used under license. ® The Aeroplan logo and Aeroplan are registered trade-marks of Aimia Canada Inc. ® The TD logo and other trade-marks are the property of The Toronto-Dominion Bank.

924529A04_M5676_1C.indd 1 2015-08-13 1:05 PM

1 Round M5676-1C.indd

Job Description: Mechanical Specifications: Contact:

Client: TD Bleed: 8.625” x 11.125” Colours: 4C Acct. Mgr: Sari Producer: Barry D Docket #: 112-LTDCOFM5676 Trim: 8.375” x 10.875” Start Date: 8-4-2015 2:32 PM Crea. Dir: Dave F Studio: Kim C Project: Aeroplan IP Print Live: 7.875” x 10.375” Revision Date: 8-12-2015 4:01 PM Art Dir: Luceyed Proofreader: Peter and Claude Ad #: M5676-1C File built at 100% 1” = 1” Print Scale: 100% Writer: -

Publication: Canadian Opera In House Comments: None

Leo Burnett 175 Bloor Street E. North Tower, 13th Floor Toronto, ON M4W 3R9 (416) 925-5997 SANDRA HORST, COC CHORUS MASTER “What better job could there be?”

BY GIANMARCO SEGATO

Chorus Master extraordinaire Sandra It was at this stage of her training Horst estimates she has prepared the that Sandra was lucky to meet her COC’s critically acclaimed chorus most valued mentor, Donald Palumbo, for over 70 different operas since she currently chorus master at the took over its leadership in 1998. “It’s she soon realized “solo piano was Metropolitan Opera. During the 1990s, outrageous!” she exclaims. That first perhaps not the most interesting he held that position with the COC, season included a particularly chorus- thing!” This led to a master’s degree and in the 1997/1998 season, the year heavy roster of operas including in piano accompaniment at the New before Sandra became full-time chorus Norma, Xerxes, Tosca, Il trovatore and England Conservatory in Boston master, their time with the company the world premiere of Randolph Peters’ where she spent equal amounts of overlapped. Fortuitously, as it turned The Golden Ass. Sandra would be the time playing for vocalists and out, since it was a bit of a “baptism first to admit “not many people start instrumentalists. At the time, Sandra’s of fire—in the fall I did [chorus for] their music training thinking they’re husband Steven was a baritone in the Hansel and Gretel and in the winter, going to be an opera chorus master.” COC Ensemble Studio, and they spent Cunning Little Vixen—those were my Her beginnings in Saskatchewan didn’t their summers at opera programs first operas! They’re both so all over include much opera but the ubiquity like Opera East where Sandra was the place with all those little kids and of school and church choirs were increasingly drawn to collaborating chickens!” That season, Sandra worked definitely a sign of things to come. Her with singers. Subsequently she spent as Palumbo’s assistant preparing the involvement with choirs continued time at New York City’s prestigious chorus for Beethoven’s Symphony at Wilfred Laurier University in Juilliard Opera Center, honing her No. 9 (as part of the concert series Waterloo, Ontario, where she studied skills in vocal coaching and playing for the COC then presented at the North piano performance. There, she also rehearsals. This led to the start of her York Centre for the Performing Arts) began to accompany instrumentalists long association with the COC when as well as for Madama Butterfly and and singers—those collaborative she became an apprentice coach with Fidelio: “I played for his rehearsals experiences were so compelling that the Ensemble Studio in the fall of 1993. and followed him all around for those

4 CANADIAN OPERA COMPANY 2015/2016 three shows. I learned more in those produced]—it can’t be vibrato-less new for a lot of the chorus—oh, the fall two and a half months than I could [the “white” or “straight” tone usually of 2002 was a tough time!” ever have imagined and it was after associated with church choirs]. They’re that that [late COC General Director] trained to be solo singers so, although Although the majority of her work Richard Bradshaw asked me to be they’re singing together, they’re not happens behind the scenes, a chorus master. As part of the deal, the trying to sound like the other voices. personal highlight for Sandra COC offered to send me to Chicago Yet, it’s the collaborative approach that was her appearance out front, on [Palumbo’s next post was at Lyric makes an opera chorus successful; the conductor’s podium for one Opera] to work with Donald, and I’ve when everyone’s part of that team they performance of Rossini’s Il viaggio continued to consult with him ever can make a unified sound.” a Reims in 2002. However, it is in since. There are only a few operas that conducting off-stage choruses where I’ve ever worked on before he has— Given the dizzying variety of the chorus master most often must then he calls me!” outstanding productions Sandra has prove her mettle. In that regard, Sandra worked on during her time at the COC, recounts: “I learned everything I know Fifteen seasons later, Sandra’s vast there have been many highlights, from Richard Bradshaw—you can’t experience (she is also Director of but when asked for her favourite, she just go on your own, you have to know Musical Studies for the University of does not hesitate to single out 2007’s who’s leading and who’s following. The Toronto’s Opera Division and past Lady Macbeth of Mtsensk, conducted challenges are very much related to chorus master at Opera Theatre of by Richard Bradshaw and directed by the natural delay between conductor St. Louis) has granted her enviable Paul Curran. “That was the one set and orchestra which are compounded insight into what distinguishes an in a chicken factory, the first year we by the delay from the sound monitor opera chorus from other types of were in the new opera house. It was as well; with so much potential for choral groups: “It’s fascinating: with an fantastic; the whole rehearsal process delay, at a certain point, I just have amateur or church choir, because the was so great; Richard Bradshaw was to go for it and the conductor has to singers are generally not professionals, on fire. The entire team loved what follow me—tricky, but I think it’s fun!” they rely more on each other; they want they were doing so much; everything Having taught his protégé the tricks to sound more like each other and that came together and that doesn’t always of the trade, Richard Bradshaw often helps to achieve a blended sound. It’s happen.” The COC’s summer 2002 made surprise appearances backstage kind of the opposite with an opera tour to the Edinburgh Festival with when he wasn’t himself on the podium chorus. I think the big distinction is Oedipus Rex/Symphony of Psalms was conducting, lending his voice to that [all COC chorus members] are also memorable: “we had rehearsed Tosca’s famous Act II offstage chorus: professional level singers so you can [Tchaikovsky’s] Queen of Spades “all of a sudden he’d be in the very ask them to do things with the colour before going to Edinburgh and when back, skulking around!” of their voices; certainly with their we came back a few weeks later, we had vibrato [the subtle, quick alternation to start staging it immediately—and Reflecting on her time with the COC, between pitches that occurs when nobody remembered any of it! There’s Sandra flashes a broad smile: “It’s been a voice is properly and naturally just so much Russian in it and it was so, so good—the whole run of Russian repertoire; the Janácekv cycle; The Opposite, top: A Horst highlight, the COC’s Lady Macbeth of Mtsensk, 2007. Below: Seeing red with Handmaid’s Tale [Poul Ruders’ opera Sandra and the COC Chorus backstage after a performance of last season’s hugely popular Falstaff. based on the iconic Margaret Atwood novel]... it’s been great, it’s been exciting; then the move to the new opera house… the chorus is fantastic; they work so hard; they love what they do—what better job could there be?”

Gianmarco Segato is Adult Programs Manager at the COC.

Sandra Horst and the COC Chorus are generously underwritten by Tim and Frances Price

CANADIAN OPERA COMPANY 2015/2016 5 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 supporter of SURTITLES™ at the Canadian Opera Company and proudly Canadian. BIOGRAPHIES Who’s Who at the COC This Fall

PHILLIP ADDIS CHRISTOPHER ALDEN ARIN ARBUS CHRISTOPHER ASH Baritone (Stratford, ON) Director (New York City, NY, U.S.A) Director (Brooklyn, NY, U.S.A.) Projection Designer (New York City, Pyramus, Pyramus and Thisbe Pyramus and Thisbe (with Lamento La Traviata NY, U.S.A.) Tancredi, Il combattimento di Tancredi d’Arianna and Il combattimento di La Traviata e Clorinda Tancredi e Clorinda) COC DEBUT COC DEBUT COC DEBUT COC DEBUT RECENT Schaunard/Marcello, La Bohème, 2013 The Flying Dutchman, 2009 The Rape of Lucretia (Houston Grand RECENT Opera) Carmina Burana (Chautauqua RECENT RECENT King Lear, Much Ado About Nothing, Institution) Jaufré Rudel, L’Amour de Loin (Féstival Partenope (San Francisco Opera) The Taming of the Shrew, Macbeth, Merrily We Row Along (Cutler Majestic Opéra de Québec) Norma (Opéra National de Bordeaux) Measure for Measure and Othello Theatre) Lt. Audebert, Silent Night (Opéra de Il Turco in Italia (Teatro Regio di Torino) (Theatre for a New Audience) A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Guthrie Montréal) The Rake’s Progress (Staatstheater Theater, Wurtele Thrust Theater) Billy Budd, Billy Budd (Teatro Carlo Braunschwieg) UPCOMING Fairytale Lives of Russian Girls (Yale Felice) A Doll’s House and The Father (Theatre Repertory Theater) Pelléas, Pelléas et Melisande UPCOMING for a New Audience) (Semperoper Dresden) Norma (English National Opera) UPCOMING Sweeney Todd (Glimmerglass Festival) Set Designer, Bye Bye Birdie (Drury UPCOMING Tristan und Isolde (Badisches Lane Theatre, Oakbrook, Illinois) Pelléas, Pelléas et Melisande Staatstheater Karlsruhe) (Staatsoper Hamburg) The Flying Dutchman (Seattle Opera) Don Giovanni, Don Giovanni (Teatro Carlo Felice)

CANADIAN OPERA COMPANY 2015/2016 7 For security, privacy, safety and time management charter a private jet.

152,000 pilots voted Skycharter Best in Canada

FBO SERVICES AIRCRAFT MANAGEMENT CHARTER SERVICES www.skycharter.com [email protected] 905-677-6901 DEREK BATE CHARLES CASTRONOVO TIM CLAYDON NEIL CRAIGHEAD Assistant Conductor (Toronto, ON) Tenor (New York City, NY, U.S.A.) Choreographer (Hertfordshire, UK) Bass-baritone (Calgary, AB) Pyramus and Thisbe (with Lamento Alfredo, La Traviata Pyramus and Thisbe (with Lamento Dr. Grenvil, La Traviata d’Arianna and Il combattimento di d’Arianna and Il combattimento di Tancredi e Clorinda) COC DEBUT Tancredi e Clorinda) COC DEBUT Trojan Soldier 2, Idomeneo, 2010 COC DEBUT RECENT COC DEBUT Conductor, Carmen, 1979 Faust, Faust (Teatro Regio di Torino) RECENT Lensky, Eugene Onegin (Vienna State RECENT Leporello, #UncleJohn (Against the RECENT Opera) Così fan tutte (Garsington Opera) Grain Theatre) Bluebeard’s Castle/Erwartung (COC) Faust, Damnation de Faust (Berlin La Vida Breve/Gianni Schicchi (Opera Sarastro, The Magic Flute (Edmonton Die Walküre (COC) Philharmonic and Baden Baden) North) Opera) Falstaff (COC) Rodolfo, La Bohème (Metropolitan Parsifal (Lyric Opera of Chicago) Nottingham’s Servant, Roberto Devereux Opera) Peter Grimes (Aldeburgh Beach) (COC) UPCOMING Ruggero, La Rondine (Deutsche Oper Siegfried (COC) Berlin) UPCOMING Carmen (COC) Andrea Chénier (Opera North) Conductor, The Student Prince (Toronto UPCOMING L’elisir d’amore (Opera North/Houston Operetta Theatre) Edgardo, Lucia di Lammermoor (Royal Grand Opera) Opera House, Covent Garden) Ferrando, Così fan tutte (Opera Australia) Faust, Mefistofele (Baden Baden)

JOHANNES DEBUS MARCUS DOSHI JOYCE EL-KHOURY JEAN-PHILIPPE COC Music Director (Berlin, Germany/ Lighting Designer (Chicago, IL, U.S.A.) Soprano (Ottawa, ON) FORTIER-LAZURE Toronto, ON) La Traviata Violetta, La Traviata Tenor (Kitchener-Waterloo, ON) For security, privacy, safety and time management Pyramus and Thisbe (with Lamento Giuseppe, La Traviata d’Arianna and Il combattimento di COC DEBUT COC DEBUT Tancredi e Clorinda) Musetta/Mimì, La Bohème, 2013 COC DEBUT charter a private jet. RECENT Count Almaviva, The Barber of Seville COC DEBUT Svadba (Festival d’Aix-en-Provence) RECENT (Ensemble Studio Performance), 2015 War and Peace, 2008 Les mamelles de Tirésias (La Monnaie/ Violetta, La Traviata (Savonlinna Aldeburgh Festival/Festival d’Aix-en- Festival) RECENT RECENT Provence) Musetta, La Bohème (Dutch National Pelléas, Pelléas et Mélisande (Nova Aspen Chamber Symphony (Aspen El Niño (Spoleto Festival) Opera) Scotia Opera Company) 152,000 pilots voted Skycharter Best in Canada Music Festival) Elektra (Seattle Opera) Emmeline, Emmeline, (Opera Theatre of Chevalier de la Force, Dialogues Bluebeard’s Castle/Erwartung (COC) Professor of Stage Design, Northwestern Saint Louis) des Carmélites (Atelier d’Opéra, Die Walküre (COC) University University of Montreal) The Tales of Hoffmann (Bregenz Festival) UPCOMING Beppe, Pagliacci (Opera Lyra Ottawa) Prom 74 (BBC Proms) UPCOMING Rossini’s Stabat Mater (Orchestre de FBO SERVICES AIRCRAFT MANAGEMENT CHARTER SERVICES Les mamelles de Tirésias (Dutch Paris) UPCOMING UPCOMING National Opera) Musetta, La Bohème (Bayerische Don Curzio, The Marriage of Figaro (COC) The Marriage of Figaro (COC) The Cocoanuts (Guthrie Theatre) Staatsoper) Don Basilio, The Marriage of Figaro www.skycharter.com Siegfried (COC) Der Kaiser von Atlantis (Juilliard School) Maria Stuarda, Maria Stuarda, (Seattle (COC Ensemble Studio performance) The Art of Music (San Diego Symphony) Opera) Le Remendado, Carmen (COC) [email protected] A Little Night Music (National Arts Centre) Tatyana Bakst, Great Scott (San Diego Opera) 905-677-6901 CANADIAN OPERA COMPANY 2015/2016 9 AVIVA FORTUNATA ROBERT GLEADOW THOMAS GOERZ MARILYN GRONSDAL Soprano (Calgary, AB) Bass-baritone (Mississauga, ON) Bass-baritone (Kitchener, ON) Assistant Director (Toronto, ON) Annina, La Traviata Dr. Grenvil, La Traviata Baron Douphol, La Traviata Pyramus and Thisbe (with Lamento d’Arianna and Il combattimento di COC DEBUT COC DEBUT COC DEBUT Tancredi e Clorinda) Fiordiligi, Così fan tutte (Ensemble Colline, La Bohème, 2004 Nikitich/Chernikovsky, Boris Godunov, Studio performance), 2014 2002 COC DEBUT RECENT Director, La Bohème, 2009 RECENT Don Basilio, The Barber of Seville (COC) RECENT Berta, The Barber of Seville (COC) Figaro, The Marriage of Figaro Father Palmer, Silent Night (Opéra de RECENT Helmwige, Die Walküre (COC) (Drottningholms Slottsteater Theatre, Montréal) Madama Butterfly (Saskatoon Opera) Song Prize Finalist, 2015 BBC Cardiff Sweden) Zuniga, Carmen (Vancouver Opera) Bluebeard’s Castle/Erwartung (COC) Singer of the World Publio, La clemenza di Tito (Théâtre des Don Basilio, The Barber of Seville Associate Director, Die Walküre (COC) Champs-Elysées) (Edmonton Opera) Falstaff (COC) UPCOMING Mikado, The Mikado (Calgary Opera) The Countess, The Marriage of UPCOMING UPCOMING Figaro (COC, Ensemble Studio Figaro, The Marriage of Figaro (Royal UPCOMING Associate Director, Siegfried (COC) performance) Opera of Versailles) Prophet/King, Dark Sisters (Vancouver Maometto II (COC) Lindorf/Coppélius/Dr. Miracle/ Opera) Dappertutto, The Tales of Hoffmann (Oper Köln)

MARCO GUIDARINI ANDREW HAJI RICCARDO HERNANDEZ SANDRA HORST Conductor (Genoa, Italy) Tenor (London, ON) Set Designer (Hamden, CT, U.S.A.) Chorus Master (Toronto, ON) La Traviata Alfredo, La Traviata La Traviata La Traviata and Pyramus and Thisbe (with Lamento d’Arianna and COC DEBUT COC DEBUT COC DEBUT Il combattimento di Tancredi e Simon Boccanegra, 2009 Ferrando, Così fan tutte (Ensemble Clorinda) Studio performance), 2014 RECENT RECENT A Coffin in Egypt (Houston Grand Opera) COC DEBUT Mefistofele (Prague State Opera) RECENT Charlie Parker’s Yard Bird (Opera Norma, 1998 Il viaggio a Reims (Cité de la Musique Count Almaviva, The Barber of Philadelphia) with the Paris Conservatoire) Seville (COC, Ensemble Studio Die Entführung aus dem Serail (Opéra RECENT Le convenienze e inconvenienze teatrali performance) de Nice) The Barber of Seville (COC) (Teatro alla Scala) Rodriguez, Don Quichotte (COC) Il Postino (Los Angeles Opera) Semele (COC/Brooklyn Academy of Turandot (Bolshoi Theatre) Rodolfo, La Bohème (Centre for Opera Music) Studies in Italy) UPCOMING Conductor, Postcard from Morocco UPCOMING Don Giovanni (Santa Fe Opera) (UofT Opera) Roméo et Juliette (Prague State Opera) UPCOMING La Bohème (Opera Theatre of Saint The International Vincenzo Bellini Bel Condulmiero, Maometto II (COC) Louis) UPCOMING Canto Competition Prize-winner’s Jacquino, Fidelio (Opera Lyra Ottawa) The Marriage of Figaro (COC) Concert (Opéra de Marseille) Carmen (COC) National Chinese Youth Orchestra, State Maometto II (COC) University (Beijing, China)

10 CANADIAN OPERA COMPANY 2015/2016 PROG15_COC_Fall2015_FortunesJewellers_ad.indd 1 2015-09-10 11:18 AM JOEL IVANY QUINN KELSEY JENIFER KOWAL IAIN MACNEIL Assistant Director (Toronto, ON) Baritone (Honolulu, HI, U.S.A.) Stage Manager (Thornhill, ON) Bass-baritone (Brockville, ON) La Traviata Giorgio Germont, La Traviata Pyramus and Thisbe (with Lamento Marquis d’Obigny, La Traviata d’Arianna and Il combattimento di COC DEBUT COC DEBUT Tancredi e Clorinda) COC DEBUT La Bohème, 2009 Rigoletto, Rigoletto, 2011 Commissioner, Madama Butterfly, 2014 COC DEBUT RECENT RECENT Assistant Stage Manager, Falstaff, 1992 RECENT Program Director, Open Space: Opera in Germont, La Traviata (Metropolitan Dr. Bartolo, The Barber of Seville (COC the 21st Century (The Banff Centre) Opera/Opernhaus Zürich) RECENT Ensemble Studio performance) Director, #UncleJohn (Ottawa Conte di Luna, Il Trovatore (Lyric Opera Bluebeard’s Castle/Erwartung (COC) Fiorello, The Barber of Seville (COC) International Chamber Festival) of Chicago) Don Giovanni (COC) Guglielmo, Così fan tutte (Centre for Director, Death & Desire (Against the Rigoletto, Rigoletto (Santa Fe Opera) Falstaff (COC) Opera Studies in Italy) Grain Theatre) Director, Marilyn Forever (Adelaide UPCOMING UPCOMING UPCOMING Festival) Marcello, La Bohème (Metropolitan The Marriage of Figaro (COC) Figaro, The Marriage of Figaro (COC Opera) Maometto II (COC) Ensemble Studio performance) UPCOMING Enrico, Lucia di Lammermoor (Opera Le Dancaïre, Carmen (COC) Director, Carmen (COC) Frankfurt) Director, Mozart’s Requiem (Toronto Germont, La Traviata (Royal Opera Symphony Orchestra) House, Covent Garden) Rigoletto, Rigoletto (Opéra National de Paris/Opernhaus Zürich)

STEPHANIE MARRS OWEN MCCAUSLAND AUSTIN MCCORMICK JAX MESSENGER Stage Manager (Toronto, ON) Tenor (Saint John, NB) Choreographer (New York City, NY, Lighting Designer (New York, NY, U.S.A.) La Traviata Narrator, Pyramus and Thisbe U.S.A.) Pyramus and Thisbe (with Lamento Testo, Il combattimento di Tancredi e La Traviata d’Arianna and Il combattimento di COC DEBUT Clorinda Tancredi e Clorinda) Madama Butterfly, 2003 COC DEBUT COC DEBUT COC DEBUT RECENT Messenger, Il Trovatore, 2012 RECENT Madama Butterfly (COC) Founder, Company XIV RECENT Hercules (COC) RECENT Eliogabalo and Orientale (Gotham Princess Butterfly (The Wanda Culture Dialogues des Carmélites (COC) Arturo, Lucia di Lammermoor (Pacific Chamber Opera) Industry Group, Xishuangbanna Opera Victoria) Much Ado About Nothing (Theatre for A Yunnan, China) UPCOMING Juan, Don Quichotte (COC) New Audience) The Wreckers (Bard SummerScape) Centre Stage (COC) Lord Cecil, Roberto Devereux (COC) Orlando (WhiteBox Lab>SoundLounge) Tito, La clemenza di Tito (COC) UPCOMING Rusalka (Metropolitan Opera) UPCOMING UPCOMING Cinderella, Nutcracker Rouge and Snow In The Penal Colony (Boston Lyric Soloist, AtG’s Messiah (Against the White (Company XIV) Opera) Grain Theatre)

12 CANADIAN OPERA COMPANY 2015/2016

BARBARA MONK CAIT O’CONNOR LAUREN SEGAL EKATERINA SIURINA FELDMAN Costume and Puppetry Designer Mezzo-soprano (Toronto, ON) Soprano (Ekaterinburg, Russia) Composer (Eastern Townships, QC) (New York City, NY, U.S.A.) Flora, La Traviata Violetta, La Traviata Pyramus and Thisbe La Traviata COC DEBUT COC DEBUT COC DEBUT COC DEBUT Third Lady, The Magic Flute, 2006 RECENT RECENT COMPOSITIONS RECENT RECENT Gilda, Rigoletto (Wiener Staatsoper and Poems by Gerard Manley Hopkins, Inspiré (Cirque du Soleil) Katisha, The Mikado (Calgary Opera) Bayerische Staatsoper) choral, 2014 The Seagull (Anton’s Week LLC) Meg Page, Falstaff (COC) Nannetta, Falstaff (Bayerische Soft Horizons, piano, 2012 A Lie of the Mind (Trinity Repertory M’Dea, M’Dea Undone (Tapestry New Staatsoper) The Pale Blue Northern Sky, Company) Opera/Scottish Opera) Zerlina, Don Giovanni (Metropolitan chamber, 2007 Titus Andronicus (Public Theater) Suzuki, Madama Butterfly (Opera Opera) Landscape Near La Pocatière, Québec, Tampa) chamber, 2007 UPCOMING Maddalena, Rigoletto (Opera Tampa) UPCOMING The Love of the Nightingale (Trinity Leila, Les pêcheurs de perles (Opera EDUCATION Repertory Company) UPCOMING Australia) Ph.D., University at Buffalo, The State Emilia, Otello (Opéra de Montréal) Giulietta, I Capuleti e i Montecchi (Gran University of New York Hermia, A Midsummer Night’s Dream Teatre del Liceu) M.Mus., McGill University (Pacific Opera Victoria) Handel’s Messiah (San Francisco Symphony)

JORDAN DE SOUZA PAUL STEINBERG CHARLES SY KRISZTINA SZABÓ Assistant Conductor (Montréal, QC) Set Designer (New York City, NY, U.S.A.) Tenor (Toronto, ON) Mezzo-soprano (Toronto, ON) La Traviata Pyramus and Thisbe (with Lamento Gastone, La Traviata Thisbe, Pyramus and Thisbe d’Arianna and Il combattimento di Clorinda, Il combattimento di Tancredi e COC DEBUT Tancredi e Clorinda) COC DEBUT Clorinda Dialogues des Carmélites, 2013 Arianna, Lamento d’Arianna COC DEBUT RECENT RECENT Falstaff, 2014 Adolfo, La Rondine (Opera Theatre of COC DEBUT Conductor, Verdi Requiem (Ottawa Saint Louis) Clothilde, Norma, 1998 Symphony) RECENT Mr. Owen, Postcard from Morocco Conductor, Mass in B Minor (Ensemble Falstaff (Metropolitan Opera/Dutch (UofT Opera) RECENT Caprice) National Opera/Teatro alla Scala/Royal Tamino, Die Zauberflöte (Hawaii The Woman, Erwartung (COC) Conductor, M’dea Undone (Tapestry Opera House, Covent Garden [ROH]) Performing Arts Festival) The Woman, Death & Desire (Against New Opera) Khovanshchina (Vlaamse Opera) the Grain Theatre) Assistant Conductor (Houston Grand Der Rosenkavalier (Glyndebourne UPCOMING Judith, Bluebeard’s Castle (Colorado Opera/Bregenzer Festspiele) Festival) Rooster, The Bremen Town Musicians Music Festival) The Master Singers of Nuremberg (Glencore Ensemble Studio School Cherubino, The Marriage of Figaro UPCOMING (English National Opera) Tour at the COC) (Calgary Opera) Assistant Conductor and Conductor, The Marriage of Figaro (COC) UPCOMING UPCOMING Tristan und Isolde, (Badisches Judas Maccabeus (Music of the Staatstheater Karlsruhe) Baroque) Semiramide (Bayersiche Staatsoper, Handel’s Messiah (Calgary Philharmonic co-production with ROH) and Symphony Nova Scotia)

14 CANADIAN OPERA COMPANY 2015/2016 NEW FREE SERIES! Opera Insights BIG CONVERSATIONS JAN VACULIK TERESE WADDEN Baritone (Toronto, ON) Costume Designer (Brooklyn, NY, AND INTERACTIVE Messenger, La Traviata U.S.A.) EVENTS TO TAKE YOU Pyramus and Thisbe (with Lamento COC DEBUT d’Arianna and Il combattimento di INSIDE THE COC’S Polish Father, Death in Venice, 2011 Tancredi e Clorinda) 2015/2016 SEASON RECENT COC DEBUT Figaro, The Marriage of Figaro A Florentine Tragedy/Gianni Schicchi, 2012 (Highlands Opera Studio) Fiorello, The Barber of Seville (COC RECENT Ensemble Studio performance) Orlando (WhiteBox Art Center) This Fall Officer, The Barber of Seville (COC) La clemenza di Tito (COC) Sharpless, Madama Butterfly (State Lizzie Borden (Boston Lyric Opera and Opera Slovakia) Tanglewood Festival) OPERATIC BEGINNINGS: MONTEVERDI STYLE Kat’a Kabanova (Spoleto Festival) Wednesday, October 14, 2015, 7 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. UPCOMING Dialogues des Carmélites (Opera Take a trip back to 17th-century Italy with COC Orchestra Robber and others, The Bremen Town Philadelphia) violinists Paul Zevenhuizen and Liz Johnston, joined by Musicians (Glencore Ensemble Studio School Tour at the COC) UPCOMING musicologist and COC speaker, Stephan Bonfield. The Penal Colony (Boston Lyric Opera) Ariodante (Performa) SING ALONG WITH LA TRAVIATA Monday, October 26, 2015, 7 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. A unique opportunity to sing some of opera’s most popular choruses under the expert baton of the COC’s celebrated Chorus Master, Sandra Horst. All levels of singers are welcome!

LA TRAVIATA AND THE HISTORY OF THE BALL GOWN Monday, November 2, 2015, 7 p.m. – 9 p.m. Featuring period costumes from Ryerson University’s Fashion Research Centre, guests speakers include Dr. Alison Matthews; David and Ingrid Mida from Ryerson University’s School of Fashion; COC Costume Supervisor, Sandra Corazza; and, Globe and Mail Social Columnist, Nolan Bryant. JAMES WESTMAN GENE WU Baritone (Stratford, ON) Baritone (Calgary, AB) These three events take place at the Education Centre, Baron Douphol/Germont, La Traviata Flora’s Servant, La Traviata Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts, 145 Queen St. W.

COC DEBUT COC DEBUT Sharpless, Madama Butterfly, 2003 Yakuside, Madama Butterfly, 2014 Due to overwhelming demand, most of our fall events are already at capacity. Last minute spots may become available, RECENT RECENT so please sign up for the waitlist at coc.ca/OperaInsights or Scarpia, Tosca (Opéra de Québec) Mandarin, Turandot (Manitoba Opera) call 416-363-8231. Handel’s Messiah (New York Prince Yamadori, Madama Butterfly Philharmonic) (Opera Lyra) Salieri, Mozart and Salieri (Vancouver Chorus, Falstaff and Don Giovanni FREE TICKETS REQUIRED FOR ALL EVENTS Symphony) (COC) Free tickets become available on Monday, December 14, 2015 for winter events and Monday, March 7, 2015 for spring UPCOMING Enrico, Lucia di Lammermoor (Utah events. Sign up at coc.ca/eOpera to receive reminders right in Opera) your inbox. Conte di Luna, Il Trovatore (English National Opera) REGISTRATION POLICY As these events are free, it is our policy to overbook. In case of a full program, your reservation may not guarantee admission. Unclaimed reservations will be released to standby patrons 10 minutes prior to the start of the program. We recommend that you arrive early.

CANADIAN OPERA COMPANY 2015/2016 15 LA TRAVIATA

BY GIUSEPPE VERDI Opera in Three Acts w Libretto by Francesco Maria Piave, after a play adapted from Alexandre Dumas fils’ novel La Dame aux camélias First performance: Teatro La Fenice, Venice, March 6, 1853

NEW COC PRODUCTION Co-production with Lyric Opera of Chicago and Houston Grand Opera Last performed by the COC in 2007

October 8, 13, 16, 17, 21, 24, 29, 30, November 1, 4, 6, 2015 Sung in Italian with English SURTITLES™

THE CAST (in order of vocal appearance) Violetta Valéry Ekaterina SiurinaD Joyce El-Khoury (Oct. 16, 30, Nov. 6) Flora Bervoix Lauren Segal^ Marquis d’Obigny Iain MacNeil†** Baron Douphol James Westman^ Thomas Goerz (Oct. 16, 30, Nov. 6) Gastone, Viscount de Letorières Charles Sy†D***** Alfredo Germont Charles CastronovoD Andrew Haji†* (Oct. 16, 30, Nov. 6) Annina Aviva Fortunata†**** Dr. Grenvil Robert Gleadow^ Neil Craighead^ (Oct. 16, 30, Nov. 4, 6) Giuseppe Jean-Philippe Fortier-Lazure†*** Giorgio Germont Quinn Kelsey James Westman^ (Oct. 16, 30, Nov. 6) A Messenger Jan Vaculik Flora’s Servant Gene Wu

Conductor Marco Guidarini Director Arin ArbusD Set Designer Riccardo HernandezD Costume and Puppetry Designer Cait O’ConnorD Lighting Designer Marcus DoshiD Projection Designer Christopher AshD Choreographer Austin McCormickD Chorus Master Sandra Horst^****** Stage Manager Stephanie Marrs SURTITLES™ Producer Gunta Dreifelds

Performance time is approximately two hours and 50 minutes, including two intermissions

Generously underwritten in part by

DAVID ROFFEY AND KAREN WALSH

*Andrew Haji’s performance is generously sponsored by Brian Wilks, Roy and Marjorie Linden **Iain MacNeil’s performance is generously sponsored by Roger D. Moore ***Jean-Philippe Fortier-Lazure’s performance is generously sponsored by Margaret Harriett Cameron and the late Gary Smith ****Aviva Fortunata’s performance is generously sponsored by COVC Jean A. Chalmers Award *****Charles Sy’s performance is generously sponsored by an anonymous donor ******Sandra Horst and the COC Chorus are generously underwritten by Tim and 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.

16 CANADIAN OPERA COMPANY 2015/2016 Orchestra Chorus SOPRANOS VIOLIN I BASSOON Lindsay Barrett Marie Bérard, Concertmaster Eric Hall, Principal Andrea Cerswell The Concertmaster’s chair has been Elizabeth Gowen Margaret Evans endowed in perpetuity by Joey and Toby Ilona Karan Tanenbaum HORN Alexandra Lennox-Pomeroy Aaron Schwebel, Associate Concertmaster Scott Wevers, Acting Principal* Ingrid Martin Jamie Kruspe, Assistant Concertmaster Janet Anderson Eve Rachel McLeod Anne Armstrong Bardhyl Gjevori Jennifer Robinson James Aylesworth Gary Pattison Teresa van der Hoeven Sandra Baron (leave of absence) Ilana Zarankin Bethany Bergman TRUMPET Hiroko Kagawa* Robert Grim, Principal MEZZO-SOPRANOS Nancy Kershaw Robert Weymouth Susan Black Dominique Laplante Sandra Boyes Yakov Lerner TROMBONE Wendy Hatala Foley Jayne Maddison Charles Benaroya, Principal Erica Iris Huang Neria Mayer Ian Cowie Lilian Kilianski Kathryn Knapp VIOLIN II BASS TROMBONE Anne McWatt Paul Zevenhuizen, Principal Herbert Poole Karen Olinyk Csaba Koczó, Assistant Principal Vilma Indra Vitols (leave of absence) CIMBASSO Paula Wickberg Aya Miyagawa, Acting Assistant Principal Scott Irvine, Principal Jennie Baccante* TENORS Elizabeth Johnston TIMPANI Vanya Abrahams Boris Kupesic* Michael Perry, Principal Stephen Bell Renée London* Taras Chmil Laurel Mascarenhas* PERCUSSION Sam Chung Louise Tardif Trevor Tureski, Principal Sean Clark Marianne Urke Ryan Scott* Stephen Erickson Joanna Zabrowarna John Kriter James Leatch VIOLA Banda Stephen McClare Keith Hamm, Principal Eric Olsen Joshua Greenlaw, Assistant Principal FLUTE PICCOLO (leave of absence) Maria Pelletier* BARITONES/BASSES Sheila Jaffé, Acting Assistant Principal Grant Allert Rory McLeod* PICCOLO Kenneth Baker Nicholaos Papadakis* Tristan Durie* James Baldwin Angela Rudden* Sung Chung Laurence Schaufele* CLARINET Michael Downie Beverley Spotton James Ormston* Jason Nedecky Yosef Tamir Michele Verheul* Michael Sproule Jan Vaculik CELLO HORN Gene Wu Bryan Epperson, Principal Roslyn Black* Michael York Alastair Eng, Associate Principal Michele Gagnon* Paul Widner, Assistant Principal Micajah Sturgess* Maurizio Baccante Olga Laktionova TRUMPET Elaine Thompson Andrew Dubelsten*

BASS TROMBONE Alan Molitz, Principal David Pell* Robert Speer, Assistant Principal Tom Hazlitt PERCUSSION Paul Langley Trevor Tureski, Principal Robert Wolanski* HARP FLUTE Sarah Davidson, Principal Douglas Stewart, Principal Shelley Brown LIBRARIAN PICCOLO Wayne Vogan Shelley Brown ASSISTANT MUSIC LIBRARIAN OBOE Ondrej Golias Mark Rogers, Principal Lesley Young STAGE LIBRARIAN Paul Langley CLARINET James Shields, Principal (leave of absence) PERSONNEL MANAGER Dominic Desautels, Acting Principal* Ian Cowie Colleen Cook

* extra musician

CANADIAN OPERA COMPANY 2015/2016 17 Director’s Notes

One must remember La Traviata conventional, rigid ideas about right scandalized the censors when it was and wrong. He values appearances written. Why? Because Verdi chose and reputation more than love or to write about the hypocrisies of the happiness. This is a world which Verdi society in which he was living. As knew well. much as the opera is a deeply drawn psychological portrait of a woman Years after his wife and children had struggling to love and survive, it’s died, Verdi endured admonishments a social critique. The story depicts for living outside of marriage with a woman destroyed by a brutal and the renowned soprano Giuseppina petty world. The love which Violetta Strepponi. In an extraordinary letter and Alfredo create together is a to his former father-in-law, Verdi rebellion against that world. wrote what Violetta does not say to Germont: “I am not accustomed to The chorus embodies the “teeming interfere in other people’s business, desert of Paris” from which Violetta because I demand that no one interfere attempts to escape. It’s a stratified in mine... In my house there lives a free, and monied sphere, filled with independent lady who loves seclusion courtesans who are briefly kept by as I do... Neither she nor I owe any upperclass and aristocratic patrons account of our action to anyone. Who until they are discarded, often to knows whether she is my wife or not? destitution. And who knows in this special case what our thoughts and reasons are In The Lady of the Camellias, upon for not making it public? Who knows which the opera is based, Dumas fils whether this is good or bad? Why writes: “[Courtesans of Paris] might it not be a good thing? And even are suns which set as they rose, if it were bad, who has the right to hurl unobserved. Their death, when the ban against us?” they die young, is heard of by all their lovers at the same moment, We have set this production in the 19th for in Paris almost all the lovers of century, as Verdi intended, because a well-known woman are friends. the dramaturgy rests so deeply upon A few recollections are exchanged, 19th-century bourgeois concepts of and everybody’s life goes on as if morality. And because the life and the incident had never occurred, trade of a Parisian courtesan were without so much as a tear... one has so specific. Violetta’s shame and her friends only when one is perfectly precarious financial situation are well.” rooted in the values of her time and sit at the crux of the tragedy. Violetta’s life is a solitary and empty one, despite the crowds, the But the period is just the surface. pleasures and the parties. She has The immediacy of the music, the no friends. No family. This kind of characters, their situations and life has made her sick—physically passions remain vital and relevant. and psychically. How different is Violetta’s world from our own? Giorgio Germont reveals the bourgeois principles from which Arin Arbus Alfredo rebels. Germont has

18 CANADIAN OPERA COMPANY 2015/2016 Synopsis

ACT I A messenger then delivers the letter to Alfredo, in which While entertaining members of the demi-monde of she tells him that she has left him forever to return to French society in her Parisian home, the beautiful but her former life in Paris. Germont returns, asking Alfredo frail courtesan Violetta Valéry is introduced to Alfredo to return to their family home but Alfredo, hurt and Germont, a young man from Provence. Alfredo tells angered by Violetta’s rejection, sets off to find her in her that he has adored her since he first set eyes on her, Paris. and proclaims that no one could ever love her as much as he now does. Violetta gently rebuffs him but invites Scene ii him to call on her the next day. Later, when alone, she A party is in progress at the home of Violetta’s friend, ponders the possibility of finding true love, then laughs Flora. Alfredo enters and proceeds to gamble. Violetta off the idea, declaring that her life will remain a whirl of has returned to Baron Douphol, her rich protector. pleasure. Fearing their confrontation could lead to a duel, Violetta begs Alfredo to leave. He is overcome with rage and, INTERMISSION in front of all the guests, he insults Violetta who faints. Germont, in search of his son, arrives to witness the ACT II whole scene. Scene i Violetta has renounced her life as a Parisian courtesan INTERMISSION and is now living happily in the country with Alfredo. Alfredo is surprised to learn that Violetta has been ACT III secretly selling off her possessions in Paris to pay for Violetta lies dying of consumption. She comforts their living expenses, and, disturbed by this, he departs herself by re-reading a letter from Germont, in which for Paris to raise enough money to buy back Violetta’s he explains that he has told his son the true reason for belongings. After he has left, Alfredo’s father, Giorgio Violetta’s sudden break with him. Violetta’s maid Annina Germont, pays a visit to Violetta. He tells her that he has informs her that Alfredo has arrived and he rushes in, a daughter who is currently engaged to a young man begging her to leave Paris with him forever. Violetta from a respectable family. He explains that Alfredo’s eagerly agrees but collapses. The doctor is summoned affair with a woman of Violetta’s reputation is a threat and he arrives with Alfredo’s deeply remorseful father. to his daughter’s marriage and begs Violetta to leave After saying her final farewell to Alfredo, Violetta dies in Alfredo forever. At his insistence Violetta agrees to his arms. break with Alfredo and writes a letter to him. Alfredo returns unexpectedly and Violetta quickly takes her leave, promising to return later.

MUSIC STAFF ASSISTANT STAGE MANAGERS DANCERS Matteo Pais (Head Coach) Lesley Abarquez Paul Charbonneau Hyejin Kwon (Ensemble Studio Intern Kristin McCollum Emilio Colalillo Coach) Kiri Figueiredo Jennifer Szeto (Ensemble Studio Intern ASSISTANT LIGHTING DESIGNERS Ashley St. John Coach) Davida Tkach Kaileigh Krysztofiak UNDERSTUDIES ASSISTANT CONDUCTOR Flora Bervoix Lindsay Barrett Jordan de Souza ASSISTANT CHOREOGRAPHER The Marquis d’Obigny Michael York Laura Careless Baron Douphol Thomas Goerz ASSISTANT DIRECTOR Gastone/Giuseppe Aaron Sheppard Joel Ivany FIGHT DIRECTOR James Binkley

CANADIAN OPERA COMPANY 2015/2016 19 Great performances live here.

BMO Financial Group is proud to sponsor the Canadian Opera Company and this season’s production of Verdi’s La Traviata.

15-1969 - Corporate Donations - Canadian Opera Company AD EDITS_Traviata Ad_Ev1.indd 1 15-08-27 10:38 AM IN THE SPOTLIGHT DAVID ROFFEY AND KAREN WALSH BY NIKITA GOURSKI

“We travel a fair amount to see opera,” world-class opera house in Toronto and co-production of La Traviata. They Karen Walsh says, listing destinations usher in a new era of artistic excellence spoke at length to the show’s director, both familiar—London, Berlin, for the COC. Arin Arbus, a young New York-based Munich—but also off the beaten path, artist widely acclaimed for her Off- like Buenos Aires and Copenhagen. “Fabulous memories,” Karen says. Broadway renditions of Shakespeare, but relatively new to the opera stage. These trips offer a global perspective Since then they have been delighted on just how good the COC has become to witness and participate in the “Arin was just so full of creative energy in recent years. “It stands up very well company’s continuing evolution. “It and intriguing perspective on the to the best in the world,” David Roffey has always been clear to David and theatricality of opera,” Karen says. says of the COC’s productions. “No me,” Karen says, “that opera depends “There are so many unfortunate clichés question.” on the generosity of its supporters. surrounding the art form but Arin is We believe if you can help out, you the opposite of that, she is the anti- Indeed, in the two decades that Karen absolutely must.” cliché. She understands the piece, the and her husband David have been history of the piece, and David and generous supporters of the COC, The magnitude of their support has I just thought she had a fascinating the company has transformed into been enormous, encompassing annual approach.” a powerhouse opera producer and membership through the Golden staked out a place alongside top tier Circle, support for major projects such The show fit the priorities they had organizations like the Metropolitan as international touring, special event as philanthropic ambassadors of the Opera in New York, La Scala in involvement, and much more. COC, so David and Karen decided to Milan, and the Royal Opera House in become partial underwriters. London, in terms of artistic quality and “We have so much to be proud of production values. with this company,” Karen says. “The “We’re just happy to chip in,” Karen house is one of the best in the world; says in a characteristic understatement A watershed moment was the 2006 we are so lucky to have Alexander of their continuing commitment to completion of the Four Seasons Centre and Johannes; the quality of our keep the COC a home to the best. for the Performing Arts. David played productions is amazing and the range an active role in that accomplishment of programming is so diverse. We’re as a member of the Capital Campaign really fortunate to have it all.” Nikita Gourski is Development Cabinet, while Karen was serving on Communications Officer at the COC. the company’s Board of Directors. In 2013, David and Karen had the Both have fond memories of working opportunity to travel with the General For more information about supporting the COC, call 416-363-5801 or visit alongside Richard Bradshaw, the man Director’s Tour to the Lyric Opera of coc.ca/Support. who spearheaded the effort to build a Chicago to see the COC’s eventual

CANADIAN OPERA COMPANY 2015/2016 21 CANADA’S FUTURE OPERA STARS TAKE Centre Stage BY JENNIFER PUGSLEY

Toronto tenor Charles Sy still remembers the first time he rehearsed with the Canadian Opera Company Orchestra and heard the musicians play the introduction to “Una furtiva lagrima” from Donizetti’s L’elisir d’amore. He describes the feeling as akin to getting the keys to a brand new sports car: “You can feel the power and efficiency within your grasp and because of that you feel no need to have any inhibitions whatsoever.”

The rehearsal was in anticipation of Charles singing in the 2014 Ensemble Studio competition at Centre Stage, the COC’s premier annual celebration of Canadian talent. After that run-through, Charles let loose and won the competition (and Audience Choice Award) and earned a spot in the company’s Ensemble Studio. He joined the COC’s prestigious training program this fall hoping “to push myself to the limits, learn what those limits are and dare to push them even further.”

In the Ensemble Studio this season, Charles is reunited with fellow 2014 competitor, third-prize winner tenor Aaron Sheppard, of St. John’s, NL. Like Charles, Aaron’s fondest memory of Centre Stage was his first step onto the stage of the Four Seasons Centre, but it’s the expectation of what’s to come that now has his full attention.

“I want to take advantage of everything thrown at me and use it to mould myself into a more complete singer and performer,” shares Aaron.

The thrill of becoming a member of the Ensemble Studio isn’t exclusive to singers; intern coach Hyejin Kwon also joins the program this season. Born in Seoul, South Korea, she began studying piano at age four, made her public debut at age seven and her orchestra debut at age 11. Hyejin moved to the United States at age 15 and then to Canada in the fall of 2012, where she recently completed the operatic répétiteur diploma program at the University of Toronto. This is in addition to her time at Lyric

22 CANADIAN OPERA COMPANY 2015/2016 Opera Baltimore as their répétiteur and the Ensemble Studio competition. the Repertory Theater of Washington Following the competition, dinner as music director. The gifted pianist ticket-holders join the finalists, notable says she’s still in shock to be joining COC artists, as well as key supporters Centre “one of the most prestigious young of the opera company at an elegant artist programs in the world. Every day formal dinner on the Four Seasons and each moment will be a precious Centre stage to enjoy a gastronomic Stage learning experience for me.” feast created by Nota Bene’s Executive Chef David Lee. As for the young Tickets are now For Charles and Aaron, though, their artists following in his footsteps, it’s Ensemble Studio membership will to those operatic voices that Charles available online at feel especially rewarding when it offers this sage advice: “Acknowledge COCCentreStage.ca comes time to attend Centre Stage on that all you can do is give what you November 3, 2015. From his place in can in that particular moment and or by calling the audience, Aaron will be enjoying trust that it’s enough. Regardless of 416-363-8231. this “crazy awesome time”—as he what happens, I promise you will leave puts it—with other patrons who will knowing so much more about yourself be getting a front-row seat to the as a singer and as a person.” $100 for the cocktail emerging careers of some of Canada’s reception and competition most exciting young voices. Charles will have his own special vantage Jennifer Pugsley is Media Relations point, as he’ll be co-hosting the event Manager at the Canadian Opera $1,500 for the on-stage with Ensemble Studio soprano Karine Company. dinner and competition Boucher, herself a former winner of

MEET THE 2015/2016 ENSEMBLE STUDIO On September 22, the members of the 2015/2016 COC Ensemble Studio performed in the opening concert of the Free Concert Series in the Richard Bradshaw Amphitheatre. They are, from left to right, Andrew Haji (tenor), Iain MacNeil (bass-baritone), Gordon Bintner (bass-baritone), Jennifer Szeto (pianist/intern coach) , Karine Boucher (soprano), Aaron Sheppard (tenor), Charles Sy (tenor), Aviva Fortunata (soprano), Jean-Philippe Fortier-Lazure (tenor), and Hyejin Kwon (pianist/intern coach).

CANADIAN OPERA COMPANY 2015/2016 23 ENSEMBLE STUDIO COMPETITION TUESDAY, NOV 3, 2015 Photo: Sam Javanrouh Cocktails 5:30p.m. Competition 6:30p.m. Tickets: COCCentreStage.ca or 416-363-8231

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Lamento d’Arianna BY CLAUDIO MONTEVERDI Solo for soprano and orchestra from Monteverdi’s opera L’Arianna Libretto by Ottavio Rinuccini w First performance: Court of Duke Vincenzo Gonzaga, Mantua, May 28, 1608 w Sung in Italian with English SURTITLES™

Il combattimento di Tancredi e Clorinda BY CLAUDIO MONTEVERDI Operatic scena for three voices w Libretto from La Gerusalemme Liberata by Torquato Tasso w First performance: Palazza di Girolamo Mocenigo, Venice, 1624 Sung in Italian with English SURTITLES™

Pyramus and Thisbe BY BARBARA MONK FELDMAN Canadian World Premiere Opera in One Act Libretto based on texts from Ovid’s Metamorphoses, William Faulkner’s The Long Summer, St. John of the Cross’s Dark Night of the Soul, and Rainer Maria Rilke’s Die Sonette an Orpheus. One line of the libretto used with kind permission from De Gruyter GmbH, Berlin, from Karl Jaspers’ Die Geistige Situation der Zeit (Walter De Gruyter, 1931, Berlin, p.162).

Sung in English, with sections in German and Latin, with English SURTITLES™

NEW COC PRODUCTION October 20, 23, 25, 28, November 5, 7 (two performances), 2015

THE CAST (in order of vocal appearance)

Arianna/Clorinda/Thisbe Krisztina Szabó^ Tancredi/Pyramus Phillip Addis** Testo/Narrator Owen McCausland^***

Conductor Johannes Debus* Director Christopher Alden Set Designer Paul Steinberg Costume Designer Terese Wadden Lighting Designer JAX MessengerD Choreographer Tim ClaydonD Chorus Master Sandra Horst^**** Stage Manager Jenifer Kowal SURTITLES™ Producer Gunta Dreifelds

Performance time is approximately one hour and eight minutes, with no intermission

* Johannes Debus is generously underwritten by George and Kathy Dembroski

** Phillip Addis’s performance is generously sponsored by Robert Sherrin *** Owen McCausland’s performance is generously sponsored by Peter and Hélène Hunt **** Sandra Horst and the COC Chorus are generously underwritten by Tim and Frances Price

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

26 CANADIAN OPERA COMPANY 2015/2016 Director’s Notes and Synopses on Three Musical Tales

During the past 400 or so years since then helps him escape from the it was first “invented” in Renaissance Labyrinth and kill her half-brother, Italy, the operatic art form has always the monstrous Minotaur. After this had an intriguingly schizophrenic betrayal of her culture, Ariadne nature. On one hand, it has always flees her homeland with Theseus, depended for its survival on the who rewards her by summarily support of the rich and powerful dumping her on the first island they patrons for whom a night at the pass. He sails victoriously back to opera is just as much a social as it his kingdom as she laments her is an esthetic experience. But on abandonment, alternating between the other hand, with its magically extremes of sorrow, anger, fear, self- alchemical mingling of words pity and desolation. and music, opera has managed to penetrate into dark, mysterious From a modern feminist perspective, and even painful realms of human Ariadne’s predicament is the perfect experience, soothing its audience metaphor of a woman’s position in with sweet sounds while it tells its our patriarchal world. She trades subversive stories. her heritage, throne and power for a relationship with a powerful man. The three musical tales which share Worried that his people will not the stage in tonight’s “exotic and accept a foreign princess as their irrational entertainment” (as Dr. queen, he leaves her in the dust after Samuel Johnson described it) span she has given up everything for the entire history of opera, but share him, placing a higher value on his similar themes. Claudio Monteverdi’s societal role than on hers. Ironically, and Barbara Monk Feldman’s audiences of Monteverdi’s time pieces, all drawn from classical/ might well have perceived Ariadne’s mythological sources, address the story as teaching a moral lesson spikily ambivalent nature of male/ wherein a dangerously proud woman female relationships, the societal is justly punished for defying gender forces which conspire to throw roles, betraying her father and roadblocks in the way of the deep choosing her own mate. human need to find spiritual and physical connection with another In Il combattimento di Tancredi e human being, and the eternal quest Clorinda, the “heroine” confronts the of us mortal beings to move beyond Christian patriarchy head on. Taken our ego fixations and find a richer from an episode in Torquato Tasso’s and more organic relationship with epic poem, Gerusalemme Liberata, existence. the piece thrillingly enacts the encounter of the Christian crusader Lamento d’Arianna, the only existing knight Tancredi by the walls of fragment from Monteverdi’s second Jerusalem with a mysterious Saracen opera, became the composer’s most opponent. They fight and the celebrated and emulated piece in unknown infidel warrior is mortally his day. Drawn from Ovid and other wounded. Dying, the stranger asks classical sources, the story tells of to be baptized and is ultimately the Cretan princess, Ariadne, who recognized by the traumatized falls in love with Theseus of Thebes, Tancredi as his beloved Clorinda.

CANADIAN OPERA COMPANY 2015/2016 27 The knock-out-drag-out fight to the the script mercilessly but mirthfully coming to terms with existence. The death on the marital battlefield in mangled by the mechanicals in first section, using a Faulkner text Albee’s Who’s Afraid of Virginia A Midsummer Night’s Dream), but by about a man collapsing the moment Woolf? has nothing on Monteverdi’s Nicolas Poussin’s painting depicting a after he has been fatally shot, shows us terse depiction of male/female pivotal moment in the tragic story. Pyramus in the moment of his suicide, aggression. It is the definitive struggling with his own death-wish. dramatization of the Battle of the The composer’s libretto is a fascinating The second section is taken from Sexes, portraying men and women collage of fragments of disparate the opening poem of Dark Night of as two separate species, forever texts which does not attempt to the Soul, a religious text by the 16th- unknowable to each other, locked in recount Ovid’s tale in a literal manner. century Spanish mystic, St. John of an enmity as everlasting as that of The story concerns a pair of lovers the Cross. It equates Thisbe’s secret Christians and Muslims endlessly separated by a wall which their fathers, nocturnal journey to meet Pyramus fighting for possession of the holy city mortal enemies, have constructed. with the journey of the soul to its Jerusalem. Tasso’s metaphorical joust The lovers, having found a chink in blissful union with God, achieved functions on multiple levels, showing the wall, use it to communicate with through spiritual negation of worldly us in painstaking detail how each man each other, eventually devising a things. The rapturous atmosphere of kills the thing he loves. The Narrator secret plan to meet by night. Thisbe this episode is tempered by Thisbe’s tells us that “Three times the knight is the first to arrive at the agreed- awareness of worldly danger (the holds the woman/in his strong arms upon location, but is frightened away lioness). The pivotal moment in the and as often/she escapes his tenacious when she sees a lioness approach. opera occurs at the beginning of the embrace,/the embrace of a proud Escaping, she drops her veil, which the third section, when Thisbe, in a text by enemy and not of a lover.” Yet there is lioness rips apart, leaving it torn and the 20th-century German psychiatrist something undeniably erotic about this smeared in the blood from a recent and philosopher Karl Jaspers, says to sadomasochistic encounter between kill. After the lioness departs, Pyramus Pyramus, “Don’t sacrifice yourself, be ambivalent lovers, suggesting that arrives, sees the torn and bloody veil, yourself!” In doing so, she urges him the flip side of the fearful mysteries and assumes that Thisbe has been to transcend the endless mortal cycles and secrets which men and women murdered. Grief-stricken, he stabs of desire, aggression and ego fixation (or people in general) hide from each himself only moments before Thisbe which are exemplified in the stories other is actually an intense attraction returns to find her dying lover. She of tormented human interactions, to the mysteriously seductive Other. then uses his bloody dagger to end her like those of Ariadne and Theseus From a modern cultural perspective, it own life. This tale (which Shakespeare and Tancredi and Clorinda. When, seems a shame that Tasso’s gloriously also used as the basis for the plot of climactically, Pyramus responds with fearless female Saracen Clorinda is not Romeo and Juliet) is a classic reminder stanzas from Rilke’s ecstatic Sonnets only put down by the male crusader that “the course of true love never did to Orpheus, he takes up Thisbe’s Tancredi but, before dying, begs to run smooth.” With its warring fathers, challenge and steps outside the box be baptized so that she may convert veritable Berlin Wall and climactic of traditionally dogmatic patriarchal to his faith (once again depicting Liebestod, Ovid’s story suggests assumptions to embrace a wider the inevitable triumph of patriarchal that the true union of two souls is connection to existence, moving Christianity). But who can deny the impossible in this imperfect world, beyond his fear of the unknown, the beauty of this denouement, which achievable only after death. unconscious, and finally of death itself. sings so exquisitely of forgiveness and transcendence? Ovid’s story is used as a jumping-off Christopher Alden point to address the wider issue of Pyramus and Thisbe is all about transcendence, even going so far as to transcend a conventional narrative MUSIC STAFF ASSISTANT LIGHTING DESIGNERS structure in order to work its subtle Rachel Andrist (Head Coach) Davida Tkach Jenna Douglas Kaileigh Krysztofiak magic as a theatre piece built not on action but on contemplation, stillness, ASSISTANT CONDUCTOR UNDERSTUDIES Derek Bate Arianna/Clorinda/Thisbe Lauren Segal even silence. Barbara Monk Feldman Tancredi/Pyramus Christopher Enns was initially inspired to write the ASSISTANT DIRECTOR Testo/Narrator Jean-Philippe Marilyn Gronsdal Fortier-Lazure opera not so much by the Pyramus Performers Emilio Colalillo and Thisbe story (recounted by Ovid, ASSISTANT STAGE MANAGERS Kiri Figueiredo Maureen Callaghan then famously used by Shakespeare as Chris Porter

28 CANADIAN OPERA COMPANY 2015/2016 Orchestra Chorus SOPRANOS VIOLIN I CLARINET Lindsay Barrett Marie Bérard, Concertmaster James Shields, Principal (leave of absence) Alexandra Lennox-Pomeroy The Concertmaster’s chair has been Colleen Cook, Acting Principal Eve Rachel McLeod endowed in perpetuity by Joey and Toby Michele Verheul Jennifer Robinson Tanenbaum Aaron Schwebel, Associate Concertmaster BASSOON MEZZO-SOPRANOS Jamie Kruspe, Assistant Concertmaster Eric Hall, Principal Susan Black Anne Armstrong Elizabeth Gowen Wendy Hatala Foley Sandra Baron (leave of absence) Erica Iris Huang Bethany Bergman HORN Karen Olinyk Nancy Kershaw Scott Wevers, Acting Principal* Dominique Laplante Gary Pattison TENORS Yakov Lerner Stephen Bell Jayne Maddison TRUMPET Taras Chmil Neria Mayer Robert Grim, Principal Sam Chung Louise Tardif Robert Weymouth Sean Clark VIOLIN II TROMBONE BARITONES/BASSES Paul Zevenhuizen, Principal Charles Benaroya, Principal Jason Nedecky Csaba Koczó, Assistant Principal Ian Cowie Jan Vaculik (leave of absence) Gene Wu Aya Miyagawa, Acting Assistant Principal BASS TROMBONE Michael York James Aylesworth Herbert Poole Christine Chesebrough* Elizabeth Johnston TUBA Sarah Kim* Scott Irvine, Principal Alexey Pankratov* Marianne Urke (leave of absence) TIMPANI Joanna Zabrowarna Michael Perry, Principal (leave of absence)

VIOLA PERCUSSION Keith Hamm, Principal Trevor Tureski Joshua Greenlaw, Assistant Principal Chung Ling Lo* (leave of absence) Ryan Scott* Sheila Jaffé, Acting Assistant Principal Rory McLeod* HARP Angela Rudden* Sarah Davidson, Principal Beverley Spotton Yosef Tamir MANDOLIN Nancy Kershaw CELLO Bryan Epperson, Principal Alastair Eng, Associate Principal Monteverdi Continuo Paul Widner, Assistant Principal Maurizio Baccante HARPSICHORD Olga Laktionova Johannes Debus Elaine Thompson CELLO BASS Paul Widner Alan Molitz, Principal Robert Speer, Assistant Principal BASS Tom Hazlitt Alan Molitz Paul Langley THEORBO FLUTE Sylvain Bergeron* Douglas Stewart, Principal (leave of absence) Shelley Brown, Acting Principal LIBRARIAN Marie Pelletier Wayne Vogan

PICCOLO ASSISTANT MUSIC LIBRARIAN Maria Pelletier Ondrej Golias

OBOE STAGE LIBRARIAN Mark Rogers, Principal Paul Langley Lesley Young PERSONNEL MANAGER ENGLISH HORN Ian Cowie Lesley Young

* extra musician

CANADIAN OPERA COMPANY 2015/2016 29 Ovid Reconfigured PROGRAM NOTES ON BARBARA MONK FELDMAN’S PYRAMUS AND THISBE BY AMY BEAL

Canadian composer Barbara Monk further inspired by a Baroque painting he takes his own life with his sword. Feldman (b. 1953) considers her opera titled Stormy Landscape with Pyramus Thisbe returns to find her would-be a “non-opera” in the sense that she and Thisbe (1651) by Nicolas Poussin, lover opening his eyes to her for the feels it is closer to the genre of a tone which the composer first encountered last time. Realizing that the bloody veil poem: it is in one act (three sections in Frankfurt in 1983. The painting misled Pyramus into believing she had performed without breaks), and about continued to resonate with her, and been killed, she takes her own life as 50 minutes long. The opera focuses in 1997 she published an article titled well. In response to this tragedy, their not on action, or on “the traditional “Music and the Picture Plane: Poussin’s families agree to bury the ashes of both arrow of time,” but on a man and ‘Pyramus and Thisbe’ and Morton in the same urn under the mulberry woman’s interior emotional states Feldman’s ‘For Philip Guston.’” Clearly tree. The berries, formerly white, now as separated by a metaphoric wall of she has been thinking about these star- turn dark red each year, symbolizing the “subtlety of the unconscious;” the crossed lovers for a very long time. the blood of the united, tragic young presence of nature; and a stillness lovers. evocative of Samuel Beckett’s most The Roman poet Ovid included the static work. She composed it over a story of Pyramus and Thisbe in his Ovid’s story, however, provides period of two years, completing the magnum opus Metamorphoses. It tells only a referential starting point for work in 2010. The libretto consists the now-familiar tale of a young man Monk Feldman’s opera. Though the of diverse excerpts from literature and young woman who fall in love, but characters of Pyramus and Thisbe stretching over a long arc of time. whose parents forbid from marrying. might be well known to many opera There are four lines from Ovid’s Through a crack in the wall separating goers, she treats them not so much as Metamorphoses, 20 or so lines from their houses, they communicate distinct personalities, but as abstract The Long Summer (1931) by William secretly, and plan to meet outside their figures undergoing various subtle Faulkner, another 10 or so lines from city under a specific mulberry tree. shifts in their unconscious. It should be the 16th-century mystic St. John of When Thisbe arrives, she is confronted pointed out that Monk Feldman gives the Cross, two lines by the composer, by a lioness with jaws bloodied from careful consideration to the “character” one line from German philosopher a kill. Thisbe flees, and loses her veil of the lioness. The composer explains: Karl Jaspers, and two nearly complete to the lioness. Pyramus arrives to find poems from the Sonnets to Orpheus the bloody veil and the lioness’s tracks. “The challenge for integrating the by Rainer Maria Rilke. The opera is Believing that Thisbe has been killed, lioness into the opera setting was

30 CANADIAN OPERA COMPANY 2015/2016 A keen student of visual art, Monk Feldman has various ideas about the visual aspects of the opera: “stylistically minimal, yet soft-edged,” as she writes in the suggestions for staging.

how to include it in a non-narrative of the entire opera.” Integrated into exploration of instrumental color, way. In Ovid, the lioness is part of a the orchestral and choral writing are texture, and registral shapes and story: I was interested in something the subtle sounds of a string quartet, contours.” These pivotal moments else. I wanted the lioness to point in mandolin, harp, and ringing percussion of subtle change in the opera are the direction of aspects in nature that like the chimes and vibraphone. The intended to reflect, in the words of arouse both fear and consolation and, opera has no climactic moment of the composer, “small moments of as such, have unpredictable workings tragedy in a traditional sense. Thisbe’s shifting catharsis, rather than a single on the unconscious.” call to Pyramus—“Don’t sacrifice moment of catharsis.” Although the yourself, be yourself!”—is intended as inherent nature of each of the texts in The opera represents a departure an invitation to throw off the dogma the libretto is very diverse, the music from the age-old story of forbidden of the past, as the two lovers enter the provides a backdrop for a sonic field love—in its Ur-form embodied by vulnerable world of stillness reflected of consistency, and searches to make Ovid’s Pyramus and Thisbe, and in the nature-evoking German poetry manifest “a thread of similarity” among also by Tristan and Isolde, Romeo of Rilke. the texts. All of these stylistic musical and Juliet, and others. In this setting techniques allow for a compelling and Thisbe’s decision not to run from the A keen student of visual art, Monk hypnotic performance experience that lioness changes the fate of the two Feldman has various ideas about eschews traditional notions of drama. lovers: instead of a death, the lovers the visual aspects of the opera: are left to face a vulnerability in the “stylistically minimal, yet soft-edged,” face of ongoing stillness that is framed as she writes in the suggestions for Amy C. Beal is Professor of Music at by the shimmering yet sparse sonic staging. Likewise, in the music, the the University of California, Santa landscape. The composer writes: “I variation of the musical colour is key. Cruz. She is the author of three books: thought of Thisbe’s decision not to In the words of scholar Benjamin Levy, New Music, New Allies: American flee from the lioness as being symbolic who provided liner notes for a recently Experimental Music in West Germany of a break in the way women are released selection of Monk Feldman’s from the Zero Hour to Reunification traditionally portrayed, and I wanted piano and chamber works: “In Monk (2006), Carla Bley (2011), and Johanna the music to discretely highlight this Feldman’s work the melodic figures, Beyer (2015). moment in a continuous way, like a while beautiful and expressive, are thread that is woven into the fabric the starting point for more intensive

CANADIAN OPERA COMPANY 2015/2016 31 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 the 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.

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OFFICERS Ms. Marcia Lewis Brown Mr. Jeff Lloyd Mr. Tony Arrell, Chair Ms. Helen Burstyn Ms. Anne Maggisano Ms. Colleen Sexsmith, Vice Chair Mr. Stewart Burton Mr. Stephen O. Marshall Mr. Paul A. Bernards, Treasurer Mr. Philip C. Deck Ms. Judy Matthews Mr. John H. Macfarlane, Secretary Mr. Peter M. Deeb Mr. Jonathan Morgan Mr. Alexander Neef, General Director Mr. George S. Dembroski Ms. Frances Price (ex officio) Mr. William Fearn Mr. Arthur R.A. Scace, C.M. Mr. Robert Lamb, Managing Director Mr. David Ferguson (ex officio) Mr. J. Allen Smith (ex officio) Mr. Adam Froman Mr. Philip S.W. Smith Mr. Michael Gibbens Mr. Paul B. Spafford MEMBERS Mr. Peter Hinman Ms. Michele Symons Mr. Mark Appel Dr. Linda Hutcheon Ms. Kristine (Kris) Vikmanis Ms. Nora Aufreiter Ms. Carolyn Jarvis Mr. Graham Watchorn Mr. Robert Brouwer Mr. Justin Linden Mr. John H. (Jack) Whiteside

Canadian Opera Foundation Directors Mr. Tony Arrell Mr. Philip C. Deck, Chair Mr. Christopher Hoffmann Mr. Jonathan Bloomberg Mr. Gary Grad Mr. David Spiro, Secretary Mr. J. Rob Collins

COC Opera Guilds Credits and Acknowledgments

Brantford Opera Guild The Canadian Opera Company would like to thank all those who David M. Cullen, President volunteer both on a daily basis and for special events with the Kingston Opera Guild company. Grace Orzech, President London Opera Guild Michael Cooper, Official Photographer Ernest H. Redekop, President Muskoka Opera Guild The COC is a member of Opera America, Opera.ca and TAPA. Dr. Hans Heeneman, President Northumberland Opera Guild The COC operates in agreement with Canadian Actors’ Equity Thais Donald, President Association. Oakville Opera Guild Maureen (Mo) Crossman, President The COC operas in agreement with I.A.T.S.E., Local #58, Local Sudbury Opera Guild #822, Local #828. Dianne Moore, President Western New York Opera Guild Dorothy K. Piepke, President For more information, visit coc.ca/Guilds. Supernumeraries

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® The TD logo and other trade-marks are the property of The Toronto-Dominion Bank. M05234 (0314) Costume Supervisor Senior Development Officer, Administration and Staff Sandra Corazza Events & Engagement Erin Koth ALEXANDER NEEF, General Director Costume Co-ordinators Chloe Anderson Development Officer, Events & Cassandra Spence Engagement Alexandra Folkes Managing Director PRODUCTION Costume Assistants Robert Lamb Natassia Brunato Senior Development Officer, Director of Production Christina Del Monte Stewardship Music Director Peter W. Lamb Emma Noakes Johannes Debus Resident Tailor Production Manager Sue Furlong Senior Development Officer, Lee Milliken Annual Programs & Patron EXECUTIVE OFFICE Resident Women’s Cutter Engagement Executive Assistant to the General Technical Director Tracy Glas Natalie Sandassie Director Chuck Giles Marguerite Schabas Assisted By Co-ordinator, Annual Programs & Associate Technical Director Gulay Cokgezen Patron Engagement Barney Bayliss Ellie Furtney Brianna Chase MUSIC AND ARTISTIC Karen Hancock ADMINISTRATION Lighting Co-ordinator Jordan Johnstone Co-ordinator, Annual Programs & Daniele Guevara Carolyn Kasperski Patron Engagement Director of Music & Artistic Sheila Ramsay Eileen Hanratty Administration Assistant Technical Directors Rebecca Zimmerman Roberto Mauro Autumn Coppaway Senior Development Officer, Melynda Jurgenson Additional Costumes By Friends of the COC Contracts Manager Industry Costumes Victor Widjaja Karen Olinyk Head Electrician Avril Stevenson Janice Fraser Chris Read Individual Giving Co-ordinator, Company Manager Friends of the COC Olwyn Lewis Assistant Electrician Additional Painting and Dyeing by Soojin Ahn Joel Thoman Marjory Fielding Chorus Master Senior Development Officer, Sandra Horst Head of Sound Additional Millinery Institutional Gifts Bob Shindle Kaz Chopcian Francesco Corsaro Assistant to the Music Director Derek Bate Assistant Sound Head of Wardrobe Senior Development Officer, Craig Kadoke Nancy Hawkins Partnerships Scheduling Manager Sarah Heim Kathryn Garnett Head Carpenter Wardrobe Assistant Paul Watkinson Leslie Brown Development Communications Scheduling Assistant Officer Hannah Gordon Assistant Carpenter Wig & Make-up Supervisor Nikita Gourski David Middleton Sharon Ryman Production Assistants Donations Database Officer Kaitlyn Smith Head Flyman Head of Wig & Make-up Crew John Kriter Katie Powe David Alexander Cori Ferguson

Orchestra Personnel Manager Head of Properties Production Co-ordinator COMMUNICATIONS Ian Cowie Daniel Graham Shawna Green Chief Communications Officer Music Librarian, Coach Core Crew SURTITLES™ Producer Steve Kelley Wayne Vogan Scott Clarke Gunta Dreifelds Doug Closs Director of Public Relations Assistant Librarian Terry Hurley SURTITLES™ Editor Claudine Domingue Ondrej Golias Paul Otis Zane Kaneps Senior Manager, Creative & Music Staff Scene Shop Co-ordinator SURTITLES™ Assistants Publications Rachel Andrist (Pyramus and Amy Cummings Olwyn Lewis Gianna Wichelow Thisbe) Ariel Martin-Smith Jordan de Souza (La Traviata) Head Scene Shop Carpenter Media Relations Manager Proud to support Opera Under 30. Jenna Douglas (Pyramus and David Retzleff Supernumeraries Co-ordinators Jennifer Pugsley Thisbe) Analee Stein Matteo Pais (La Traviata) Assistant Scene Shop Carpenter Elizabeth Walker Associate Manager, Digital Andrew Walker Marketing Meighan Szigeti COC ENSEMBLE STUDIO AND Head Scenic Artist ADVANCEMENT ORCHESTRA ACADEMY Richard Gordon Assistant Manager, Marketing & Chief Advancement Officer Customer Service Director, COC Ensemble Studio Assistant Head Scenic Artist Christie Darville Eldon Earle and Orchestra Academy Katherine Lilley Nina Draganic Executive Assistant to the Chief Digital Marketing Co-ordinator Rehearsal Head Technician Advancement Officer Kiersten Hay We are working together with the Canadian Head of the Ensemble Studio & Scott Williamson Elizabeth Scott Coach Assistant Publicist Elizabeth Upchurch Properties Supervisor Manager, Government Relations Kristin McKinnon Guy Nokes Amy Mushinski Opera Company to make a difference in our Head Vocal Consultant Wendy Nielsen Resident Properties Builder/ Foundation Development EDUCATION AND OUTREACH Co-ordinator Janet Stubbs COC Ensemble Studio Stephanie Tjelios Associate Director, Education & communities. Gordon Bintner Director of Development Outreach Karine Boucher Resident Properties Builder/ Stephen Gilles Katherine Semcesen Jean-Philippe Fortier-Lazure Co-ordinator Aviva Fortunata Kathy Frost Senior Manager, Advancement Program Manager, Free Concert Andrew Haji Operations Series Hyejin Kwon Properties Builder/Co-ordinator Peter Hussell Claire Morley Iain MacNeil Tracy Taylor Aaron Sheppard Senior Manager, Events & Adult Programs Manager Charles Sy Properties Builders Engagement Gianmarco Segato Jennifer Szeto Carolyn Choo Tracy Abergel Wulf School Programs Manager Vanessa Smith

CANADIAN OPERA COMPANY 2015/2016 35 ® The TD logo and other trade-marks are the property of The Toronto-Dominion Bank. M05234 (0314) Children & Youth Programs Call Centre Representatives Mailroom Clerk/Courier BUILDING SERVICES Co-ordinator Catherine Belyea Branka Hrsum Amber Yared Taisa Dackiw Associate Director, Facilities Ion Handrabur Management Margaret Terry FOUR SEASONS CENTRE FOR Joe Waldherr TICKET SERVICES THE PERFORMING ARTS Assistant Manager, Operations Ticket Services Manager FINANCE AND Director, Four Seasons Centre for Christian Coulter Andrea Salin ADMINISTRATION the Performing Arts Alfred Caron Maintenance Assistants Assistant Ticket Services Manager Director of Finance & Ryszard Gad (COC) Nikki Tremblay Administration Associate Director, Business Branislav Peterman (COC) Lindy Cowan, CPA, CA Development Julian Peters (COC) Group Sales Co-ordinator Elizabeth Jones James Esposito (FSCPA) David Nimmo Human Resources Manager Mark Healy (FSCPA) Lorraine O’Connor, CHRP Business & Events Co-ordinator Piotr Wiench (FSCPA) Ticket Services Supervisor Shannon Churm NEW DIRECTIONS IN MUSIC Lillian Fung Finance Manager Security Supervisor Amalie Vanderzwet, CPA, CA Administrator Dave Samuels Ticket Services Supervisor Jennifer Toulmin Maureen Gualtieri General Accountants Security Officers Florence Huang Interim Manager, Front of House George Balyasin Ticket Services Representatives Zoran Orlic (FSCPA) Julia Somerville Agostino Cogliano James Baldwin Abdi Gulleed Ernest Cayemen Accounting Clerk Interim Manager, Food & Beverage Natalia Juzyc Nick Davis Vera Brjozovskaia Brigitte Lang Usman Khalid Aurelie Dufour Nicholas Martin Anna Kay Eldridge Payroll Accountants Assistant Manager, Patron Services Kathleen Minor Peter Genoway Jovana Bojovic Kim Hutchinson-Barber Heather Reid Cat Haywood Jeanny Won Karla Kampars Patron Services Supervisors Building Operators Manda Kennedy Manager, IT Services Stuart Constable Dan Bisca Keith Lam Steven Sherwood Enrique Covarrubias Cortes Dan Popescu Megan Miles Jamieson Eakin Adrian Tudoran Kevin Morris Database Reporting Specialist Christine Groom Rafael Renderos Brad Staples Lori MacDonald Eurest Services Supervisor Paulina Saliba Melissa McDonnell Paula Da Costa Kat Smiley IT Services Assistant Kimberly Wu Darcy Stoop Tony Sandy Eurest Services Team Patron Services Leads Jennifer Barros Archivist, Joan Baillie Archives Grace Cacciatore Malaku Godana CALL CENTRE Birthe Joergensen Karol Carstenson Nash Lim Evan Steingarten Jimmy Pacheco NEW DIRECTIONS IN MUSIC Call Centre Manager Receptionist/Switchboard Sophia Wiens Sugey Torres Richard Paradiso Katarina Božovic Rosemary Williams

A stunning 21st-century operatic take on August Strindberg’s Miss Julie JULIE COMPOSED BY PHILIPPE BOESMANS LIBRETTO BY LUC BONDY & MARIE-LOUISE BISCHOFBERGER

North American Premiere November 17–29, 2015

A Canadian Stage production presented in association with Soundstreams . Photo by: Gérard with support from The Theatre D’Orleans, France. Julie

PRODUCTION SPONSOR: Bezard/La République du Centre. Photo: Carolina Bruck-Santos and Bruck-Santos Photo: Carolina Alexander Knop in

Tickets start at just $30! Call 416-368-3110 or visit canadianstage.com

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NEW DIRECTIONS IN MUSIC

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Pantone SUPPORTING TORONTO’S GROWING ARTS COMMUNITY TODAY, AND FOREVER

As Naming Donor of the Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts, we are proud to be a lifelong friend of the fine arts experience for the patrons here and from around the world.

ENJOY THE PERFORMANCE

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15_3112_FSCOR_COC_Support_Ad.indd 1 2015-08-25 10:51 AM 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 Henry N. R. Jackman David Ferguson (Chair) Ben Heppner Adrianne Pieczonka

E. Louise Morgan Society The E. Louise Morgan Society was created to reflect the vision and commitment of its founder and the members who have created a legacy of leadership, passion and philanthropy in support of the goals of the Canadian Opera Company.

Each of these donors has contributed a cumulative total of more than one million dollars over the past 15 years. Their support is critical to the company’s success and we are forever indebted to their commitment and generosity.

Tony and Anne Arrell Kolter Communities The Estate of Dr. Larry M. Agranove The Catherine and Maxwell Meighen Foundation ARIAS: Canadian Opera Student Development Fund Roger D. Moore The Gerard & Earlaine Collins Foundation E. Louise Morgan The late John A. Cook Tim & Frances Price The Estate of Horst Dantz and Don Quick Colleen Sexsmith Jerry and Geraldine Heffernan Joey & Toby Tanenbaum Anonymous (3)

Major Gifts and Special Projects The COC offers its sincere thanks to the individuals listed below for their extraordinary support. PRODUCTION ENSEMBLE STUDIO Jack Whiteside LEGACY AND BEQUEST UNDERWRITERS SUPPORTERS Brian Wilks GIFTS Demonstrating their leadership Encouraging the next Anonymous (2) The COC honours the memory and generosity, these donors generation of artists, these of the following patrons whose have underwritten the COC’s donors support the COC vision and generosity has mainstage productions. Ensemble Studio. GENERAL PROGRAM provided lasting support. SUPPORTERS $500,000 + $1,000,000 Providing general program Estate of Horst Dantz and Jerry & Geraldine Heffernan Peter M. Deeb support is critical to the COC’s Don Quick‡ The Catherine and Maxwell artistic mission. Estate of Vida Peene Meighen Foundation $500,000 – $999,999 Estate of J.M. (Doc) Savage‡ Colleen Sexsmith The Slaight Family Foundation $1,000,000+ Estate of Helen Allen Stacey Tim & Frances Price Estate of Jeanie Irwin Walker $100,000 – $499,999 $25,000 – $499,999 Anonymous (1) Anonymous (1) Mark & Gail Appel Ethel Harris & the late Paul Bernards Milton E. Harris $100,000+ ‡ designates funds directed to the COC’s David Roffey & Karen Walsh Hal Jackman Foundation Anne & Tony Arrell Endowment Barbara Keenan PERFORMANCE AND ARTIST Roy and Marjorie Linden $25,000 – $50,000 SPONSORS The Stratton Trust Simon Nyilassy MEMORIAL AND HONORARY The following donors extend W. Garfield Weston DONATIONS their generous support Foundation Up to $25,000 The COC expresses its sincere to individual artists and Bruce C. Bailey appreciation to all donors productions Up to $25,000 James & Christine Nicol who have made memorial and ARIAS: Canadian Opera Gretchen & Donald Ross honorary donations. $100,000 + Student Development Fund George & Kathy Dembroski In honour of Walter and In Memory of Jack Whiteside Anneliese Blackwell ENDOWMENT SUPPORT John Henry Rogers Marcia Lewis Brown Making a gift to the Emily Rankin $25,000 – $50,000 Margaret Harriett Cameron Endowment ensures the long- C. Roy Horney Earlaine Collins and the late Gary Smith term stability for the COC and Clarice Carson Françoise Sutton Earlaine Collins its artists. Joan Watson Anonymous (1) Ninalee Craig Patricia Johnson Catherine Fauquier $100,000 + Up to $25,000 Patrick Hodgson Family Hon. Henry N. R. Jackman In Honour of Peter & Hélène Hunt Foundation Walter and Lisa Bowen J. Hans Kluge Alexandra Jonsson $25,000 – $99,999 Ruth Watts-Gransden Robert Sherrin Jo Lander Dr. Rodney C. Ellis Earlaine Collins Sarah Billinghurst Solomon & Tom C. Logan John B. Lawson C.M., Q.C. John Feund Howard Solomon Dr. & Mrs. Donald C. Michael W. & Wanda Plachta Anitta Lantos Kristine Vikmanis & McGillivray Endowment Fund Vivian Rosenberg Denton Creighton Roger D. Moore Rob Collins and Dr. David Shaw Up to $25,000 Janet Cottrelle June Shaw and the late June McLean Walter & Anneliese Blackwell Dr. Ralph Shaw Anonymous (1) As of August 25, 2015

38 CANADIAN OPERA COMPANY 2015/2016 Sue Mortimer in memory of Vreni & Marc Ducommun*** Helen & John Scott** Individual Giving Clive Bennett Mortimer**** Mr. Albert D. Dunn* June Shaw & the late Donald O’Born*** Bud & Leigh Eisenberg*** Dr. Ralph Shaw**** Peter M. Partridge**** Joseph Fantl & Moira Bartram** Allan & Helaine Shiff**** Annual Support Mr. Tim & Mrs. Frances Price**** Mr. & Mrs. Fraser M. Fell**** David & Hilary Short*** Ms R. Raso**** Margaret & David Fountain**** Hume Smith**** GOLDEN CIRCLE David Roffey & Karen Walsh**** Dr. & Mrs. Wm. O. Geisler*** Dr. Harley Smyth & Barrie D. Rose & Family*** Ann J. Gibson**** Carolyn McIntire Smyth** GOLD, $50,000 + J. Allen Smith & Rose & Roger Goldstein**** Philip Somerville* Anne & Tony Arrell**** Katherine Megue-Smith Michael & Anne Gough**** Cameron Rusaw & Cecily & Robert Bradshaw* Philip & Maria Smith** Dr. Noëlle Grace & Anne-Marie Sorrenti David G. Broadhurst** Stephen & Jane Smith**** Mr. Morris Shohet**** Dr. John Stanley & In memory of Gerard H. Collins**** Marion & Gerald Soloway** Ronald & Birgitte Granofsky**** Dr. Helmut Reichenbächer*** Jerry & Geraldine Heffernan**** David E. Spiro*** Douglas & Ruth Grant* Wayne Stanley & Marina Pretorius* The Catherine and Ryerson & Michele Symons John & Judith Grant** Doreen L. Stanton**** Maxwell Meighen Foundation**** Kiersten Taylor & Tim Loftsgard Al & Malka Green** Janet Stubbs†** Colleen Sexsmith*** Riki Turofsky & Charles Petersen** John Groves & Wendy J. Thompson**** Anonymous (1) Ms Kristine Vikmanis & Vera Del Vecchio**** Anthea Thorp**** Mr. Denton Creighton**** James & Joyce Gutmann**** Ian Turner*** SILVER, $25,000 – $49,999 The Youssef-Warren Dr. Albert Haddad Sandra & Guy Upjohn*** Andrew Peller Limited* Foundation**** George & Irene Hamilton**** Dita Vadron & James Catty** Mark & Gail Appel*** Scott & Ellen Hand*** Donald & Margaret Walter**** Paul Bernards*** Mr. Harquail & Dr. Sigfridsson* Hugh & Colleen Washington** Barbara Black** PRESIDENT’S COUNCIL Maggie Hayes** William R. Waters**** Philip Deck & Kimberley Bozak*** Hon. & Mrs. Paul Hellyer**** Ruth Watts-Gransden**** Michael Gibbens & Julie Lassonde* TRUSTEE, $7,500 – $12,499 Michiel Horn & Cornelia Schuh**** Dr. Virginia Wesson*** Douglas E. Hodgson**** à la Carte Kitchen Inc. Ken Hugessen & Mr. Brian Wilks* Rennie & Bill Humphries**** Margaret Atwood & Jennifer Connolly** Ms Lilly Wong* Ronald Kimel & Graeme Gibson*** Dr. Melvyn L. Iscove*** Mrs. Richard Wookey**** Vanessa LaPerriere**** Mr. & Mrs. Avie Bennett**** Mr. Robert C. Jefferies**** Linda Young* Susan Loube & William Acton** Marilyn Cook* Ms Elizabeth Johnson** Helen Ziegler*** James & Christine Nicol Ms Lindsay Dale-Harris & Alexandra Jonsson Susan Zorzi** David Stanley-Porter**** Mr. Rupert Field-Marsham**** Dr. Joshua Josephson & Sharon Zuckerman**** Jack Whiteside*** Andrew Fleming** Ms Elaine Lewis**** Anonymous (4) Anonymous (1) Peter & Shelagh Godsoe** Lorraine Kaake**** Chris Hoffmann & Joan Eakin** The Patrick & Barbara Keenan MEMBER, $2,250 – $3,749 BRONZE, $12,500 – $24,999 Bernhard & Hannelore Kaeser**** Foundation**** D. C. Adamson-Brdar**** Dr. & Mrs. Hans G. Abromeit**** J. Hans Kluge** James & Diane King** Donna & Lorne Albaum** Ms Nora Aufreiter* Mr. Gurney Kranz**** Mr. Martin Kirr & Mr. & Mrs. Roberto & Mr. Philip J. Boswell**** Mr. Philip Lanouette** Ms. Suzanne McCuaig Nancy Albis*** Walter M. & Lisa Balfour Bowen**** Paul Lee & Jill Maynard**** Dr. Elizabeth Kocmur**** Clive & Barbara Allen**** Susanne Boyce & Anne Lewitt** Kimberley Fobert & Mr. Thomas & Mrs. Claire Allen** Brendan Mullen**** Jerry & Joan Lozinski**** Robert Lamb†**** Dr. D. Amato & Ms J. Hodges**** Marcia Lewis Brown* Amy & John Macfarlane* John B. Lawson, C.M. Q.C. **** Anne-Marie H. Applin*** Stewart & Gina Burton* Kathleen McLaughlin & Mr. J. Levitt & Ms E. Mah** Valerie Armstrong**** Helen Burstyn & Family Tim Costigan* Daniel & Janet Li** Philip Arthur & Mary Wilson* Wendy M. Cecil**** Dr. Judith A. Miller*** Jonathan & Dorothea Lovat Virginia Atkin*** Dr. John Chiu in memory of Douglas L. Parker**** Dickson** Mr. Jeff Axelrod & Yvonne Chiu, C.M.**** Annie & Ian Sale* Peter H. Lunney* Dr. John Goodhew Stephen Clarke & Elizabeth Black** Dr. David Shaw** James & Connie MacDougall**** K.R.I. Bailey* The Max Clarkson Family Françoise Sutton*** Mr. Jed MacKay**** John Bailey** Foundation**** Carol Swallow*** Mrs. R. MacMillan **** James C. Baillie** J. Rob Collins & Janet Cottrelle**** Dr. Colin McGregor Mailer**** Marilyn & Charles Baillie**** Sydney & Florence Cooper** PATRON, $3,750 – $7,499 Mrs. J. L. Malcolm* Andrew & Cornelia Baines**** Ninalee Craig*** Laurie & Fareed Ali** Dr. & Mrs. M. A. Manuel* Janice A. Baker**** Mr. & Mrs. Leslie Dan*** Sue Armstrong**** Frederick J. Marker & Richard J. Balfour**** Jean Davidson & Paul Spafford**** Ron Atkinson & Anne W. Dupré Karen & Bill Barnett* David & Kristin Ferguson**** Bruce Blandford**** Fernando Martinez-Caro Alice & Tom Bastedo*** George Fierheller**** Mona H. Bandeen, C. M. ** Dr. & Mrs. Donald C. McGillivray**** Ms Marie Bérard†*** Lloyd & Gladys Fogler*** Henk Bartelink in memory of Paul & Jean McGrath**** Nani & Austin Beutel**** Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts*** Oskar & Irmgard Gaube*** Ronan McGrath & Sarah Perry* Dody Bienenstock** Robert Fung** Dr. Frank Bartoszek & June McLean**** John & Mandy Birch* Roger & Kevin Garland** Mr. Daniel O’Brien**** Mr. Ian McWalter* Douglas Birkenshaw & The Hon. William C. Graham & Dr. Gail Beck, O. Ont. & Mr. Ulrich Menzefricke**** Ginger Sorbara Mrs. Catherine Graham**** Mr. Andrew Fenus* Bruce & Vladka Mitchell* Anneliese & Walter Blackwell**** Ira Gluskin & Maxine Granovsky Dr. Thomas H. Beechy**** Dr. M. L. Myers & the late Ian & Janet Blue*** Gluskin*** Mr. & Mrs. Eric Belli-Bivar*** Dr. W. P. Hayman*** John & Ila Bossons** Ethel Harris & the late Dr. Catherine Bergeron*** Dr. Shirley C. Neuman** Mr. W. Bowen & Milton Harris**** Tom Bogart & Kathy Tamaki** Eileen Patricia Newell*** Ms. S. Gavinchuk**** William & Nona Heaslip Dr. David & Constance Briant**** Sally-Ann Noznesky**** Mr. Stephen Bradley Foundation**** Dr. Jane Brissenden & E. Oliana & A. Iu*** Mrs. Carolyn Bradley-Hall & Mr. Peter Hinman & Dr. Janet Roscoe**** Janice Oliver*** Mr. William Bradley*** Ms Kristi Stangeland Mrs. Donna Brock*** Keith & Brenda Ottaway*** Mrs. Richard Bradshaw*** Michael & Linda Hutcheon**** Alice Burton*** The Ouellette Family Foundation Rob & Teresa Brouwer** Justin S. Linden* Margaret Harriett Cameron**** Julia & Liza Overs**** Jane Budrevics** Jeff Lloyd & Barbara Henders* Sharon & Howard Campbell** Dr. & Mrs. William M. Park**** Brian Bucknall & Mr. & Mrs. J. S. A. MacDonald**** Cesaroni Management Limited*** John & Gwen Pattison** Mary Jane Mossman**** Bobby & Gordon MacNeill** Frank Ciccolini Jr.**** John & Carol Peterson*** Christopher & Elizabeth Buller Ms Anne Maggisano The Rt. Hon. Adrienne Clarkson* June C. Pinkney**** Thomas J. Burton** Judy & Wilmot Matthews* Mr. & Mrs. William J. Corcoran*** Polk Family Charitable Fund** Maureen Callahan & Hon. Margaret Norrie McCain*** Lindy Cowan† & Chris Hatley*** Julian Porter, Q.C. ** Douglas Gray** John & Esther McNeil**** Brian J. Dawson*** Margrit & Tony Rahilly**** Ken & Denise Cargill** Don McQueen & Peter Deeb* Douglas L. Ludwig & Brian & Ellen Carr**** Trina McQueen, O.C. ** Dr. Jeanne Deinum**** Karen J. Rice*** Gail Carson**** John McVicker & B. W. Thomas**** Angelo & Carol DelZotto*** Rob & Penny Richards*** Drs. Carol & David Cass Delia M. Moog*** Carol Derk & David Giles** Margaret A. Riggin* Lee Chambers Jonathan Morgan & Mrs. Shirley Diamond & Family**** Gordon Robison & David Grant* Prof. Alfred L. Chan & Shurla Gittens** Peter & Anne Dotsikas** Judy & Hy Sarick**** Mr. Michael Farewell*** Jeffrey Douglas Sam & Esther Sarick**** Dr. & Mrs. Albert Cheskes***

CANADIAN OPERA COMPANY 2015/2016 39 John D. Church In Memory of Patricia Johnson** Robin B. Pitcher**** FRIENDS OF THE COC Dr. Howard M. Clarke*** Dr. Albert & Bette Johnston** Wanda Plachta**** Edward Cole & Adrienne Hood*** Joyce Johnston*** Mary Jean & Frank Potter*** SUSTAINING FRIENDS Brian Collins & Amanda Demers* Miriam Kagan Georgia Prassas**** $1,600 - $2,249 Tony & Elizabeth Comper* H. L. Katarynych*** Ms Jill Presser & Mr. John Duffy* Carol & Ernest Albright**** Murray & Katherine Corlett**** Dr. Joel Keenleyside**** Mr. Alan Pyatt Iivi Campbell**** Anita Corrigan*** David W. & Sheryl L. Kerr* Dr. Mark Quigley**** Jayne & Ted Dawson**** Dr. Lesley S. Corrin**** Joseph Kerzner & Lisa Koeper**** Stephen Ralls & Bruce Ubukata*** Mr. Steven D. Donohoe**** Bram & Beth Costin Inta Kierans**** The Carol & Morton Rapp Mr. James Hamilton* Gay & Derek Cowbourne** Ellen & Hermann Kircher**** Foundation**** Bill Heaslip**** Mary & John Crocker**** Mr. Douglas Klaassen** Lola Rasminsky & Bob Presner Mr. Josef Hrdina* Ruth & John Crow*** Tesari Charitable Foundation** Professor C. Edward Rathé**** Mr. Sumant Inamdar** Carrol Anne Curry*** Michael & Sonja Koerner*** Kenneth F. Read**** Dr. Paul & Mrs. Marcia Kavanagh Dr. & Mrs. Michael & Ute Davis** Valarie Koziol* Mrs. Richard Gavin Reid** Mrs. Mary Liitoja**** Michael & Honor de Pencier**** William & Eva Krangle**** Grant L. Reuber**** Georgina McLennan**** Charles Dennis & Steve Kelley† Richard T. La Prairie* Mrs. Gabrielle Richards** Mrs. Annette Oelbaum* Mr. & Mrs. A. J. Diamond* Elizabeth & Goulding Lambert*** Carolyn Ricketts**** Ms Marianne Orr* J. DiGiovanni* Jo Lander**** Ms Nada Ristich* Barbara & Peter Pauly** Olwen & Frank Dixon** M. J. Horsfall Large** Emily & Fred Rizner** Norbert & Elizabeth Perera**** James Doak & Patricia Best*** Marc Lebeau & Guylaine Lefebvre Clara Robert* Ms Adrianne Pieczonka Sandra Z. Doblinger** Dr. Connie Lee*** Steve & Richa Roder Mr. & Mrs. Domenic Porporo** Ms Petrina Dolby*** Linda Lee & Michael Pharoah**** Dr. Michael & Mary Romeo**** Ms Joan Sinclair** Dr. James & Mrs. Ellen Downey** Neal & Dominique Lee** John & Hannah Rosen* David Smukler & Patricia Kern** Bernita Drenth Dr. Richard Lee & Mrs. Gertrude Rosenthal**** The Sorbara Group of Marko Duic and Gabriel Lau**** Mr. Gary Van Haren** Ken & Helen Rotenberg** Companies**** William & Gwenda Echard**** Alexander & Anna Leggatt*** Rainer & Sharyn Rothfuss**** Ms Peg Thoen** Jean Patterson Edwards** Joy Levine*** Drs. Orest & Maureen Rudzik**** Dr. M. Lynne Thurling & Wendy & Elliott Eisen**** Mr. Peter Levitt & Ms Mai Why*** David A. Ruston*** Dr. John Treilhard*** Jordan Elliott & Lynne Griffin* Mr. Kejun Liang Ms Sharon Cookie Sandler**** Vernon & Beryl Turner**** Christoph Emmrich & L. Liivamagi & Dr. D. N. Cash Mallory Morris Sartz & Gordon Waugh**** Srilata Raman Marjorie & Roy Linden**** John Sartz**** F. Whittaker** Dr. & Mrs. John Evans*** Dr. & Mrs. W. G. Lindley**** Go Sato**** Anonymous (2) Fabris Inc.* Janet & Sid Lindsay*** Bruce Schaef**** George A. Farkass** Anthony J. Lisanti*** Fred & Mary Schulz** ASSOCIATE FRIENDS Mrs. Rosario de Wit-Farro*** Dr. Vance Logan**** Dr. Marianne Seger**** $1,100 - $1,599 Darren Farwell Dr. & Mrs. Richard Mackenzie**** Carol Seifert & Bruno Tesan*** Gail Asper & Michael Paterson Catherine Fauquier*** Tom MacMillan**** Robert & Geraldine Sharpe**** Michael & Janet Barnard** Bill Fearn & Claudia Rogers**** Macro Properties Ltd. ** Milton & Joyce Shier**** Michael Benedict & Lee & Shannon Ferrier**** Mr. A. Mafrici**** Dr. Bernie & Martha Lowrie**** William & Rosemary Fillmore*** R. Manke**** Mrs. Bobbie Silverman** Don Biderman**** Goshka Folda* Mr. & Mrs. R. Gordon Marantz**** Rod & Christina Simpson Ellen & Murray Blankstein* J. E. Fordyce**** Roberto Mauro† & Erin Wall In memory of Dr. Bernard Slatt* Darlene & Peter Blenich* Robert & Julia Foster** Mrs. Ettore Mazzoleni*** Dr. & Mrs. Jeremy Sloan** Ms Marlene Bohn* Mrs. Ingrid Fratzl Diane McArthur Jay Smith & Laura Rapp* Dr. Wendy C. Chan* Rev. Ivars Gaide & Dr. & Mrs. John A. McCallum**** Ms Muriel Smith & Patricia Clarke** Rev. Dr. Anita Gaide*** Darcy & Joyce McKeough* Mr. Eric Ojala**** Robert D. Cook** Ann Gawman*** Mr. Brent Mclaughlin Dr. Joseph So*** Mr. Neil Crawford* Dr. Barry A. Gayle**** Don McLean & Diane Martello John & Ellen Spears**** Mr. Stuart Davidson* The Honourable Irving Gerstein & Guy & Joanne McLean**** Martha E. Spears*** Mr. Darren Day*** Mrs. Gail Gerstein** M. E. McLeod**** Rosemary Speirs Dr. Christine Dunbar** Ben & Sarah Glatt**** Mr. Timothy McNicholas* Ms Gillian Stacey Howard & Kathrine Eckler*** Dr. Eudice Goldberg* Shawn McReynolds & Oksana R. Stein*** Lawrence Enkin** Aviva & Andrew Goldenberg** Elaine Kierans* Mr. & Mrs. Gary & Sula Stern* R. Dalton Fowler**** Dr. Fay Goldstep & Dr. Don Melady & John D. Stevenson**** Linda & Ken Foxcroft* Dr. George Freedman** Mr. Rowley Mossop*** James H. Stonehouse** John H. Galloway**** Deanna A. Gontard**** Eileen Mercier**** William Siegel & Alison Girling & Paul Schabas** Dr. Paul W. Gooch Lee Milliken† & Margaret Swaine** Ricardo Gomez-Insausti* Tina & Michael Gooding*** Doug MacNaughton** Eric Tang & Dr. James Miller** Roy & Gail Harrison**** Wayne A. Gooding**** Patricia & Frank Mills*** Mr. Arthur Paul Tarasuk* Sylvie Hatch**** David & Wendy Flores-Gordon* Dr. & Mrs. Steven Millward** Peter A. Roy & Leah Taylor Roy In memory of Janet Lo** Mr. Finn Greflund & Florence Minz Mr. Ronald L. W. Till**** David Holdsworth & Mrs. M. Ortner** Audrey & David Mirvish*** Elizabeth Tory**** Nicole Senécal* Mr. Carmen & Dr. David N. Mitchell & Mr. Alex Tosheff* Richard & Susan Horner**** Mrs. Vittoria Guglietti** Dr. Susan M. Till*** Dr. R. B. Van Winckle* James Hughes*** Ellen & Simon Gulden**** Mr. Donald Mitchell Dory Vanderhoof & Rosalind Bell** Mr. Kazik Jedrzejczak**** Dan Hagler & Family*** Eva Mocarski* Edmond & Sylvia Ms Elisa Kearney Mrs. Pamela Hallisey Mr. Robert Morassutti**** Vanhaverbeke**** Ms Suanne Kelman & Francess G. Halpenny**** Alice Janet Morgan*** Stefan Varga & Dr. Marica Varga* Dr. Allan J. Fox** Mr. Adrian J. Hamel Ms Rosalind Morrow** Dr. Yvonne Verbeeten** Dr. & Mrs. L. A. Kitchell**** Beverly Hargraft** Drs. Christopher & Pippa Moss*** Dr. Helen Vosu & The Hon. Dennis Lane, Q.C. & Michael Harris & Carol Rak** Gael Mourant & Donald Milner**** Mrs. Sandra Lane**** Paul & Natalie Hartman* Caroline Hubberstey* Richard & Nathalie Wachsberg* Andrew & Harriet Lyons Caroline Helbronner*** Mr. Joseph Mulder** Elizabeth & Michael Walker*** P. Anne Mackay**** Jacques & Elizabeth Marilyn & Amy Mushinski† Peter Webb & Joan York**** Mrs. Janet Maggiacomo** Helbronner*** Matt & Debbie Mysak*** Dr. Bogomila Welsh** Karen and Craig** Thea Herman & Gregory King*** David & Mary Neelands*** Ms Eleanor Westney** Mary McClymont**** William E. Hewitt*** Dr. Steven Nitzkin**** Melanie Whitehead*** Janina Milisiewicz**** Pamela Hoiles Simon & Marlene Nyilassy* Elizabeth Wilson & Mr. David Milovanovic & Richard & Donna Holbrook**** Dr. James & Ian Montagnes**** Dr. Cinda Dyer Sally Holton**** Mrs. Valda Oestreicher*** Gregory Wilson Mr. Carl Morey**** Ms Judith Hull Mr. Marwan Osseiran Robert Elliott & Paul Wilson** Sean O’Neill & Victoria Anthony C. J. Humphreys**** Eileen & Ralph Overend* John Wright & Chung-Wai Chow* Cowling**** Peter & Hélène Hunt**** Clarence & Mary Pace** Dr. Jackson Wu & Marjorie & Tony Pepper** Eva Innes & David Medhurst* Dr. & Mrs. N. Pairaudeau**** Dr. Viviana Chang* Ms Victoria Pinnington*** Elliott Jacobson & Judy Malkin** Lee Parsons* Ms June Yee** Mr. Andrew Prodanyk Lynne Jeffrey**** Dr. Roger D. Pearce*** Morden Yolles**** Dr. Peter Ray**** Laurence Jewell** Dr. A. Angus Peller* Walter Zwig**** Dr. Shelley Rechner**** The Norman & Margaret Jewison John & Penelope Pepperell* Anonymous (25) Amye & DeeAnn Hagler Sagar Charitable Foundation**** M. J. Phillips****

40 CANADIAN OPERA COMPANY 2015/2016 William & Meredith Saunderson**** Ms Eva Kukiel* Mr. & Mrs. James D. Patterson Dr. Anabel M. Scaranelo Gediminas P. Kurpis**** The Encore Mervyn Pickering Ms Elisabeth Scarff**** Mr. James R. Lake**** Gunther & Dorothy Piepke Dr. & Mrs. W. K. Stavraky*** Harry Lane*** Legacy Wanda Plachta Norma & George Steiner**** Alan & Marti Latta**** Ms Georgia Prassas Dr. & Mrs. Stephen Stern*** Giles le Riche & The Encore Legacy is the planned K. F. Read Vera & Pavel Straka*** Rosemary Polczer*** giving program of the Canadian Dr. John Reeve-Newson Mr. & Mrs. David G. Trent**** Mr. Tom Le Seelleur** Opera Company. Florence Richler Dr. Peter Voore**** Claus & Heather Lenk* Mrs. Margaret Russell Ms Virginia Wai Mr. Yakov Lerner* Planned giving is making the Sharon Ryman† Nina & Norman Wright*** Mr. & Mrs. G. Lorenson decision today to provide a gift Cookie & Stephen Sandler Carole & Bernie Zucker*** Dr. Francois Loubert* for the Canadian Opera Company John & Helen Scott Anonymous (7) Deidre Lynch* that may not be realized until Claire Shaw Tyler & Claire Macnamara after your lifetime. R. Bonnie Shettler CONTRIBUTING FRIENDS Kathy Marton* David E. Spiro $700 - $1,099 Dr. Lynn McAslan Gifts planned today, that will Dr. D. P. Stanley-Porter Ms I. M. Allen**** Mary McGowan**** ultimately affect your estate, Doreen L. Stanton Dr. M. Al Sayyab Dentistry Jil McIntosh** allow you to make a statement of Lilly Offenbach-Strauss Professional Corp. Mr. Bruce McKeown**** support that will become a lasting Drs. W. & K. Stavraky Dr. I. L. Babb Fund at the Toronto David & Jean McLay**** legacy to the COC. Janet Stubbs† Community Foundation**** Sylvia McPhee**** Ann Sutton In memory of M. Baptista*** Janis Medland* The Canadian Opera Company Ronald Taber Peter & Leslie Barton** Dr. Alan C. Middleton*** gratefully acknowledges and Mrs. L. Treutler Mrs. Lynn Bayer*** Kamini & Lynne Milnes* thanks the following individuals Riki Turofsky & Charles Petersen Catherine Belyea+ Frank & Anne Moir*** who have included the COC in N. Suzanne Vanstone Jeniva Berger**** Peter Naylor their estate planning: Marie-Laure Wagner Anthony Bird**** Larry Nevard Hugh & Colleen Washington Mary Brock & Brian Iler**** Mrs. Jean O’Grady** Ruth Watts-Gransden Murray & Judy Bryant*** Ms Cristina Oke*** Susan Agranove & Estate of Marion C. Wilson Ms Judith Burrows*** Karen Olinyk+* Dr. Larry M. Agranove Marion York Ms E. Burton*** Mr. Vlad Ovchinnikov & Ken R. Alexander Tricia Younger Mr. Bill Cameron** Mrs. Lesia Menchynska* Isobel Allen Anonymous (63) Mary Campbell**** Joan Pape**** Renata Arens & Elizabeth Frey Betty Carlyle**** Mr. James C. Pappas**** Mrs. Rosalen Armstrong Jack A. Carr**** Mr. Joseph & Mrs. Letizia Ron Atkinson & Bruce Blandford Mark Cestnik & Natercia Sousa**** Paradiso*** Lindy Barrow OperaTours Geoffrey & Bilgi Chapman**** David Peachey & Mr. L. H. Bartelink Harold Chmara & Danny Hoy**** Georgia Henderson** J. Linden Best & James G. Kerr Donors Joe T. R. Clarke**** Justice Michael L. Phelan & David Bowen Ms Rovena Cooper* Susan Phelan Mr. Philip J. Boswell $700 + William Cowan & Dr. Wadermar A. Pieczonka**** Marnie M. Bracht Ms E. Burton*** Elodie Fourquet** Dr. Alice Pitt & Gregory Brandt William & Rosemary Fillmore*** Mr. Sylvain Crozon Dr. Deborah Britzman Mrs. Ann Christie Janice Oliver*** M. P. Davies** Ed & Beth Price*** Earl Clark Joan Pape**** Anita Day Robert Radke Stephen Clarke & Elizabeth Black Rainer & Sharyn Rothfuss**** Don DeBoer & Brent Vickar*** James Rausch The Rt. Hon. Adrienne Clarkson Melanie Whitehead*** Mr. Michael Disney* Annette & Jim Ray Brian Collins & Amanda Demers Ms June Yee** Wendy Drahovzal Marat Ressin Earlaine Collins Ms Eleanor L. Ellins**** Mr. Jason Roberts*** David H. Cormack As of August 25, 2015 Susan Elliott Ms Virginia Robeson** Ninalee Craig Mr. Arthur English** Dorothy & Robert Ross*** Anita Day & Robert McDonald Joe & Helen Feldmann*** M. & G. Sanvido**** Ann De Brouwer Brian A. Ferguson**** Patti & Richard Schabas** Mrs. Leonard G. (Anne) Delicaet Corporate Dr. James Ferguson Nancy A. Schiefer in memory of Helen Drake Bruce & Mary Fillier Walter Schiefer**** Rowland D. Galbraith Matching Russell Finch Valerie Schweritzer & Douglas G. Gardner Jennifer & Frank Flower*** Chris Reed**** Ann J. Gibson Partners Angelo Furgiuele & Family* Marlene Pollock Sheff* Michael & Anne Gough Douglas G. Gardner**** Mrs. Pamela Smith*** L. A. Grover The Canadian Opera Company Mr. M. Gerwin & Mrs. J. Rutledge** John Spears**** George & Irene Hamilton gratefully acknowledges the Girish & Bharati Ghatalia Phil Spencer**** Joan L. Harris following organizations that have Elinor Gill Ratcliffe C.M., O.N.L., Mr. Paul Steep & James Hewson matched gifts by their employees: LLD (hc)* Ms Anne McNeilly* John R. Higgins Dr. Wilfred S. Goodman**** Helga & Klaus Stegemann*** Mr. Kim Yim Ho & Canadian Tire Corporation Les & Marion Green**** Anna Talenti**** Walter Frederic Thommen Limited Mrs. Suzy Greenspan** Ria Tietz**** Douglas E. Hodgson IBM Canada Ltd. Dr. & Mrs. Voldemars Gulens**** Dr. Claude Tousignant** Matt Hughes Ivanhoe Cambridge Inc Dr. & Mrs. Brian & Maria & Ian Tulip**** Michael & Linda Hutcheon Goodman & Company, Investment Cynthia Hands**** Dr. Nancy F. Vogan**** Lynne Jeffrey Counsel Ltd. Sandra Hausman** Mr. Wayne Vogan+**** Ann Kadrnka FM Global Foundation Mrs. Hana Havlicek-Martinek* George Vona & Lark Popov** Ben Kizemchuk W. L. B. Heath**** Angela & Michael Vuchnich**** Kathryn Kossow Mr. Gurney Kranz The above Individual Support Gifts Dr. Paul Cooper & Barbara J. Weider* were made as of August 25, 2015 Mr. David Hiebert Mr. John M. Welch**** Jo Lander Peggy Lau In memory of Pauline Hinch** James & Margaret Whitby**** * five to nine years of support Istvan & Gilian Hlinyanszky Joan Williams**** Marjorie & Roy Linden ** 10 to 14 years of support Mr. Sylvain Houle* Mr. Takahiro Yamanaka Tom C. Logan, A.R.C.T. *** 15 to 19 years of support Dr. Ivan & Mrs. Diana Hronsky**** Ms Diana Yenson* Ms Lenore MacDonald **** 20 or more years of support In loving memory of David A. Young Dr. Colin M. Mailer † COC administration, chorus or Joyce Whitney Hughes* Ms Iris Zawadowski* R. Manke orchestra member ‡ Endowment Mr. David Hutton*** Anonymous (10) Tim & Jane Marlatt Mr. Chris Ibey*** Mr. Shawn Martin Margaret McKee Despite the staff’s extensive efforts to Douglas & Dorothy Joyce**** avoid errors and omissions, mistakes Lilian Kilianski+ & Brian Pritchard* Sylvia M. McPhee can occur. If your name was omitted, Mai Kirch**** Dr. Alan C. Middleton listed incorrectly or misspelled, we Mr. & Mrs. I. P. & Eleanor Miller apologize for any inconvenience this O. M. Komarnicky*** Sigmund & Elaine Mintz may have caused. We would appreciate Mr. Christopher J. Kowal* Donald Morse being notified of any errors at 416-847-4949. Mr. Jonathan Krehm* Sue Mortimer

CANADIAN OPERA COMPANY 2015/2016 41 2015/2016 Season Major Corporate Sponsors

BMO Financial Group Pre-Performance Opera Chats BMO Financial Group Student Dress Rehearsals Verdi’s La Traviata generously underwritten in part by

Presenting Sponsor Official Automotive Sponsor Presenting Sponsor Opera Under 30, Preferred Credit Card of the COC at the FSCPA of SURTITLESTM Operanation, and Centre Stage TD® Aeroplan® Visa Infinite Privilege*

Supporter of Ensemble Studio and Centre Stage Glencore Ensemble Studio School Tour

Official Canadian Wine Production Sponsor Production Sponsor of the COC at the FSCPA Rossini’s Maometto II Bizet’s Carmen

Program Sponsor Preferred Hospitality Sponsor Preferred Dry Cleaner After School Opera Program

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

OPERATING SUPPORT ENSEMBLE STUDIO

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: Department of Canadian Heritage Employment and Social Development Canada

42 CANADIAN OPERA COMPANY 2015/2016 2015/2016 Sponsors PERFORMANCE SPONSORS $2,500 – $4,999 Bonnie Shore Barrick Gold Hicks Memorial Fund at The Calgary Canaccord Genuity Blake, Cassels & Graydon Foundation Element Financial Corp. Burgundy Asset Management Milgram Group of Companies Ltd. Torkin Manes LLP Davies Ward Phillips & Vineberg LLP Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts $1,000 – $2,499 Event Supporters Linden & Associates Aimia BT/A Norton Rose Fulbright LLP D’Avignon Freight Services Inc. Chairman Mills Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt Gill Ratcliffe Foundation Mill St. Jarvis & Associates Perrier Judith Teller Foundation Quince Flowers HOSTING SPONSORS Loch-Sloy Holdings Ltd. Ryan Emberley Photography Drake One Fifty MAC Cosmetics 10tation Event Catering Nota Bene Restaurant O’Shanter Development Company Ltd. The Knot Group The Powis Family Foundation The Room Vida Peene Fund at the Canada Council Toronto Life PREFERRED PIANO PROVIDER for the Arts Trius Wines Wellington Printworks Steinway Piano Gallery Toronto J.P. Wiser’s ® Canadian Whisky Lot No. 40™ Canadian Whisky CENTRE STAGE: ENSEMBLE STUDIO Pike Creek™ Canadian Whisky PREFERRED FLORISTS COMPETITION 2015 Jameson® Irish Whiskey Bloom The Flower Company The Glenlivet® Single Malt Scotch Whisky Quince Flowers Competition Supporters Aberlour® Single Malt Scotch Whisky RBC and RBC Foundation Beefeater® Gin Peter M. Deeb CORPORATE AND FOUNDATION Hal Jackman Foundation DONORS SEASON LAUNCH CELEBRATION Platinum Sponsor 2015 $100,000+ Mercedes-Benz The Peter Cundill Foundation Lead Sponsor The Slaight Family Foundation Opera Under 30 Sponsor TD® Aeroplan® Visa Infinite Privilege* Card TD Bank Group $50,000 The Hal Jackman Fund at the Ontario Gala Reception Sponsor Arts Foundation Maison Birks FINE WINE AUCTION 2015

$10,000 – $49,999 Gold Sponsors Presenting Sponsor Audrey S. Hellyer Charitable Foundation Brookfield Asset Management Graywood Group The Chawkers Foundation Linden & Associates Cineplex Scotiabank Partnering Sponsors Great West Life, London Life and Element Financial Canada Life Gillam Group Inc. RR Donnelley Canada Inc. J.P. Bickell Foundation OPERANATI0N 2015 The Lloyd Carr-Harris Foundation OCC Lasik Supporting Sponsor Presenting Sponsor Geoffrey Pennal of CIBC Wood Gundy The McLean Foundation TD Bank Group The W. Garfield Weston Foundation Anonymous (1) Wine Sponsor Dinner Sponsor Trius Wines Hampton Securities $5,000 to $9,999 The Hope Charitable Foundation Catering Preferred Fragrance 10tation Event Catering JMV Food Services Canada Ltd. REVEAL by Calvin Klein Local 58 Charitable Benefit Fund Metcalf Foundation Cheese Sponsor Jewellery Partner The Cheese Boutique Mill Street Brewery Maison Birks Shinex Window Cleaning Inc. Tesari Charitable Foundation Auctioneer Partnering Sponsor Stephen Ranger Fine Art Valuation Unit Park Holdings Inc. Burgundy Asset Management The WholeNote Magazine & Consultancy Contributing Sponsors Bloomberg

PHOTO CREDITS COVER: R. Fraser Elliott Hall, photo: Lucia Graca, 2014. PAGE 3: Alexander Neef, photo: bohuang.ca. PAGE 4: A scene from Lady Macbeth of Mtsensk (COC, 2007), photo: Michael Cooper. PAGE 5: The COC Chorus in 2014, photo: Gene Wu. PAGE 7: Stage door of the Four Seasons Centre, photo: COC. PAGES 15 to 19: Preliminary costume sketches for La Traviata by designer Cait O’Connor. PAGE 21: Karen Walsh and David Roffey, photo courtesy of Karen Walsh. PAGE 22: Charles Sy at Centre Stage, 2014, photo: Michael Cooper. PAGE 23: The 2015/2016 COC Ensemble Studio, photo: Chris Hutcheson. PAGE 24: (top) Four Seasons Centre, photo: Sam Javanrouh; (bottom) R. Fraser Elliott Hall, photo Lucia Graca. PAGES 26, 27 and 29: Kristina Szabó and Phillip Addis star in Pyramus and Thisbe, photos: Michael Cooper, 2015. PAGE 30: Detail from Nicolas Poussin’s Landscape during a Thunderstorm with Pyramus and Thisbe, 1651. Photo: U. Edelmann–Stadel Museum–ARTOTHEK. PAGE 31: Barbara Monk Feldman, photo: Jeff Higgins Photography. PAGE 44: A bar at the Four Seasons Centre, photo: Joey Lopez. PAGE 46: photos 1, 3 and 4: Enchanting Photo; photos 2, 5, 6 and 8: Joey Lopez; photo 7: COC

CANADIAN OPERA COMPANY 2015/2016 43 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 intermisison 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.

Patron Information and Policies

ETIQUETTE LOST AND FOUND To uphold the safety of the building, oversized bags and parcels During performances please speak with an usher or visit may be prohibited from entering R. Fraser Elliott Hall. Patrons Patron Services at the Coat Check in the Lower Lobby. are reminded that R. Fraser Elliott Hall is an extremely lively Following performances, please e-mail [email protected] auditorium and that all audience noise will be accentuated and or call 416-342-5200 for information. audible to other patrons. Turn off all electronic devices, avoid talking, coughing, humming, moving loose seats, kicking the TICKET SERVICES backs of seats, rustling programs, and unwrapping candies Canadian Opera Company subscriptions and individual tickets or cough drops. In consideration of patrons with allergies are available through COC Ticket Services please avoid wearing strongly perfumed beauty products and ONLINE: coc.ca fragrances. Please remain in your seat until the performance has BY PHONE: 416-363-8231 or long distance 1-800-250-4653 completely ended and the house lights have been turned on. Monday to Friday – 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday – 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. ELECTRONIC DEVICES IN PERSON: Four Seasons Centre Box Office The use of mobile and smartphones and all other electronic 145 Queen St. W. devices is extremely disruptive and is strictly prohibited during Monday to Saturday – 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. or through performances. If a patron has an emergency and needs to be first intermission contacted during a performance, he or she should contact Sunday (performance days only) – 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Patron Services for assistance before the performance. or through first intermission The Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts Box Office also CAMERAS/RECORDING DEVICES services ticketing needs for The National Ballet of Canada and all The use of cameras, video cameras or sound-recording other Four Seasons Centre events. devices of any kind is prohibited in R. Fraser Elliott Hall during performances. Any person using an unauthorized recording GROUP SALES device while the performance is in progress will be required Groups of 10 or more enjoy savings on regular individual ticket to surrender or erase any recordings, photographic or digital prices. For more information or to reserve seats call 416-306- images and may be asked to leave. No refunds will be issued. 2356.

LATECOMERS PARKING In the interest of safety and for the comfort of all patrons There is parking on a first-come, first-served basis for about 200 and performers, latecomers may not enter the auditorium or vehicles underneath the Four Seasons Centre. The entrance is be seated unless there is a suitable break in the performance located on the west side of York Street, south of Queen Street. (usually intermission). Patrons leaving the auditorium during Additional parking is conveniently located just steps away in the the performance or returning late after intermission may not be Green P lot underneath Nathan Phillips Square. For directions readmitted or may be accommodated in an alternate viewing visit greenp.com. location. FOUR SEASONS CENTRE FACILITY TOURS CHILDREN AND BABES-IN-ARMS Tours of the Four Seasons Centre include backstage access! For All patrons, including children, must have a ticket for more information, visit fourseasonscentre.ca. the performance. All children must be seated next to an accompanying adult. Young children should be able to sit quietly BMO FINANCIAL GROUP PRE-PERFORMANCE OPERA CHATS throughout the performance. If unable to do so, children and COC Education and Outreach staff and guest speakers offer free, their accompanying adult will be asked to leave the auditorium. insightful chats about the stories, music and background of all Babes-in-arms will not be admitted. COC performances, 45 minutes prior to each performance in the Richard Bradshaw Amphitheatre. PATRON SERVICES Located in the Lower Lobby, the following services are available: SPECIAL EVENTS AND CATERING coat and parcel check, booster seats, back supports, infrared The Four Seasons Centre is available for rental for all of your hearing-assistive devices and rental of binoculars, on a first- presentation, meeting or special events needs, with spaces come, first-served basis. accommodating from 20 to 2,000 people and full catering services. For further details visit fourseasonscentre.ca or call MEDICAL EMERGENCIES AND FIRST AID 416-363-6671. A house doctor is present at all performances. Please contact an usher if medical services are required.

44 CANADIAN OPERA COMPANY 2015/2016 15. 16 ®

SEASON WOLFGANG AMADEUS MOZART’S COSÌ FAN TUTTE FRI • FEB 19, 2016 • 8PM . SUN • FEB 21, 2016 • 2PM FERGUSON HALL 15 16 SEASON GIUSEPPE VERDI’S LA TRAVIATA FRI • MAR 11, 2016 • 8PM SUN • MAR 13, 2016 • 2PM LUST. MORSANI HALL

WOLFGANG AMADEUS MOZART’S LOVE. DON GIOVANNI FRI • APR 8, 2016 • 8PM SUN • APR 10, 2016 • 2PM MORSANI HALL

2015•2016 Festival Sponsors and Underwriters: LOSS. Helen Torres Foundation; Dr. Zena Lansky and Mr. Warren Rodgers; Dr. Yi-Hwa Outerbridge and Mr. Felix Cannella, Jr.; Charlene and Mardy Gordon; Mary Ann and Brad Morse; Greenberg Traurig, P.A.; Florida Health Care News/Dr. Barry Levine and Gina d’Angelo; Raymond James; Neiman Marcus

STRAZ CENTER IT’S GRAND OPERA AT ITS GRANDEST!

@Tickets and dining: 813.229.STAR (7827) Outside Tampa Bay: 800.955.1045 Group Sales (10+ get a discount): 813.222.1018 OPERATAMPA.ORG

Photo of Cecilia Violetta López by Vanessa Preziose Photography

SUN • NOV 1, 2015 • Event: 12:00-6:30PM Concert begins at 3PM • Curtis Hixon Park, Downtown TampA BACKSTAGE AND BEYOND! 3 Last spring, our wonderful COC donors helped us celebrate the end of a great season at some unforgettable events, including parties, galas, and backstage meet-and-greets with artists.

1 2

5 4 6

7 8

1 Great minds think alike as Life Trustees Council member 5 Music Director Johannes Debus with Marjorie and Roy Linden at Earlaine Collins, Chief Advancement Officer Christie Darville, and a reception following the Ensemble Studio mainstage performance Golden Circle member Ninalee Craig find themselves in matching of The Barber of Seville. The Lindens generously underwrote the prints of black and white at the company’s Summer Recital. performance, making possible this critical component of our young artist training program. 2 COC Board of Directors Treasurer Paul Bernards, Arlene Baker, and Golden Circle members Shurla Gittens and Jonathan Morgan 6 Ensemble Studio pianist Jennifer Szeto and Ensemble Studio (COC Board of Directors) at the Opening Night Party for the COC’s soprano Karine Boucher celebrate the Ensemble Studio mainstage new production of The Barber of Seville in April 2015. performance of The Barber of Seville with Vice Chair, COC Board of Directors Colleen Sexsmith. 3 President’s Council member and artist sponsor Margaret Harriett Cameron embraces Ensemble Studio soprano Aviva Fortunata at 7 The young artists of the Ensemble Studio perform a special the Summer Recital. recital at a Behind-the-Scenes event for our Friends of the COC, President’s Council and Golden Circle members. 4 Chair of the Life Trustees Council David Ferguson and Chair of the Canadian Opera Foundation Phil Deck share a toast at the 8 General Director Alexander Neef and members of the Ensemble Summer Recital. Studio bid adieu to COC Music Administrator Sandra Gavinchuk (centre), whose retirement in 2015 capped a four-decade career that moved from performer to administrator. 46 CANADIAN OPERA COMPANY 2015/2016

488university.com Bold new overture. Introducing the new GLE-Coupe. © 2016 Mercedes-Benz CanadaInc. File Location: SGL_MercedesBenzCanada:Volumes:SGL_MercedesBenzCanada:Magazine Ads:2015:O55381_GLE Coupe_COC magazine:MBZ_OOS_P2 Coupe_COC Ads:2015:O55381_GLE SGL_MercedesBenzCanada:Volumes:SGL_MercedesBenzCanada:Magazine File Location: rn cl: 100% x11.125” 8.625” Print Scale: 1:1 Scale: Artwork Bleed: JanoK Trim: Live: Retoucher: None Tom Burton Print Production: None Copy Writer: Director: Art Mercedes-Benz O55381 COR SMZ Main Docket#: Docket#: Agency Coupe O55381 GLE OOS COC MBZ Creative Name: Client: JOB SPECIFICS Publication(s): COC HouseProgram Magazine COC Communications This adpreparedby:SGL Publication(s): Ad Number:

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