THE ABDUCTION FROM THE SERAGLIO PROGRAM WINTER 2018 CONTENTS NEW YEAR, NEW WEBSITE! 5 A MESSAGE FROM ALEXANDER NEEF

8 WHAT’S PLAYING: RIGOLETTO coc.ca 20 RIGOLETTO AT A GLANCE 22 GET TO KNOW STEPHEN LORD Great 24 Q&A WITH ALEXANDER NEEF 26 WHAT’S PLAYING: THE ABDUCTION FROM lives here. THE SERAGLIO 38 JANE ARCHIBALD AND You can still find the same rich content and ABDUCTION media, but we’ve used your input to make some important changes: 42 BACKSTAGE AND BEYOND a contemporary look and feel w a responsive design 52 MANY THANKS TO accessible from any device OUR SUPPORTERS w find performances, Free Concert Series PATRON INFORMATION dates, Special Events, and Education events 62 all in one calendar AND POLICIES w learn.coc.ca — a dedicated online presence to explore the COC’s Education and Outreach programs, the COC Academy, and to learn more about the operatic art form! Correction: There was an error in our fall 2017 program. In the article about the Canadian Children’s We’re excited to share our new site with Opera Company (page 38), we stated that David Fallis you all, as we continue to make your online founded the Consort. The founder was in fact experience with the Canadian Opera Timothy McGee. Our apologies for the oversight. Company even better! Front cover: Inside a coaching studio at the COC COC Program is published three times a year by the . All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written GO SCENT FREE. consent is prohibited. Contents copyright Canadian We’re proud to be the In consideration of patrons Opera Company.

with allergies, please avoid Program edited by Kristin McKinnon, Publicist and Canadian Opera Company’s using perfumed beauty Publications Co-ordinator; and, Gianna Wichelow, products and fragrances. Senior Manager, Creative and Publications. Layout by Gianna Wichelow. All information is correct at time of 2017/2018 Season Sponsor. printing. Photo credits are on page 61.

CANADIAN OPERA COMPANY 2017/2018 3

17-1801 Canadian Opera Company Program Ad_Ev1.indd 1 2017-09-01 9:47 AM A MESSAGE FROM GENERAL DIRECTOR ALEXANDER NEEF

Art that’s truly about something has a way of addressing us in the present tense, regardless of when it was composed.

Rigoletto (1851)—based on a Victor Hugo play that had already been banned in its native France when Verdi selected it as his source material for an opera—was immediately seen as a problem by state authorities. As Singing. Verdi worked on the score, censors in Venice refused to grant the opera permission for performance and only allowed it to move Bidding. forward once the setting was changed from the royal court to a provincial duchy. By displacing the opera’s subject matter in this Cheers-ing. way—resituating Rigoletto’s searing critique from the very centre of power to a far-flung All in support of young province—censors sought to minimize the Canadian artists. incendiary nature of Verdi’s drama. hopeful voice, in so far as she gains what the $ But encountering the opera in 2018, in contemporary writer Rebecca Solnit identifies TICKETS 100 the era of #MeToo, invites us to approach in her book of essays, Men Explain Things Rigoletto on its own terms, those that elicited to Me, as a small but essential victory in coc.ca/Wine an allergic reaction from the powerful. By women’s ongoing struggle for equality: “The taking the opera seriously, in other words, one ability to tell your own story.” discovers at its centre a woman destroyed 6 p.m. not simply by a man, but by a world that Indeed, the brilliance of Wajdi Mouawad’s Cocktail Reception authorizes unchecked male privilege and production is in granting the opera’s female whitewashes it with laughter, or dismisses characters a new audibility and ownership & Silent Auction the worst examples of its predation as merely in the narrative: complex, fully human isolated phenomena. voices to share their perspectives on what 7:30 p.m. the ostensible culture clash of an East/West Ensemble Studio Verdi was far from what we would call a binary looks like from their lived experience Performance & Live Auction feminist, but with Rigoletto he reacted of it. strongly against this world of kings and jesters—a world with a contemporary iteration This deeply affecting production achieves in our own day, peopled with powerful CEOs an equilibrium of speech and music that lets and moguls. us enter into the profound ambivalence of Presenting Sponsor Mozart’s singspiel in a new way, to meet there If Gilda in 1850 can be easily imagined in a sense of urgency and wisdom that are as GRAYWOOD 2018 as one of Harvey Weinstein’s victims, undeniable as they are indispensable to our D E V E L O P M E N T S Konstanze in Mozart’s The Abduction from cultural moment, vexed as it is about who gets the Seraglio (1782) prefigures as a more to speak and who gets to be heard. Supporting Sponsor

CANADIAN OPERA COMPANY 2017/2018 5

Date: Jan 10, 2018 Filename_ Version# COC171612_FWA_HousePrgrmAd_FNL.indd Client: COC Artist: JS Desc: House Progrm Ad Acct. Mgr: CC Trim: 6.5" x 9.25" COLORS 4/0 559 College Street, Suite 401 Bleed: +0.125" Toronto, ON M6G 1A9 Visible Open: -- process CMYK 416-323-3282 Safety/Live: -0.25" File Built at: 100% (1:1) DISCOVER OUR NEW SEASON OPERA TRANSFORMS HOW WE PERCEIVE THE WORLD EUGENE ONEGIN HADRIAN Tchaikovsky In 2018/2019 we’re challenging ourselves to look at the fundamental human experience COSÌ FAN TUTTE of love through an unexpected array of Mozart works that have the capacity to reshape LA BOHÈME our understanding of our hearts and minds. Puccini Verdi

Date: Jan 10, 2018 Approvals: Date: Signature: Filename_ Version# Proofreader: COC171792_BTS_HousePrgrmAd_DPS_FNLr1 Acct Mngr: Client: COC Artist (build): Alexis Studio Mngr: Desc: Renewal Brochure Artist (edits): Josh Preflighter Supplier: Wellington Acct. Mgr: Caitlin Copywriter: Trim: 7.5" x 10" # Colours: 4/0 Art Director: 559 College Street, Suite 401 Toronto, ON M6G 1A9 Bleed: +0.25" 4 Col Process 416-323-3282 Safety/Live: -0.5" Client: File Built at: 100% (1:1) PMS PMS BY Melodrama in three acts w Libretto by Francesco Maria Piave First performance: Teatro La Fenice, Venice, Italy, March 11, 1851 RIGOLETTO COC PRODUCTION A co-production with Last performed by the COC in 2011 Jan. 20, 27, Feb. 1, 4, 6, 9, 11, 17, 21, 23, 2018 Sung in Italian with English SURTITLES™

THE CAST AND CREATIVE TEAM (in order of vocal appearance) The Duke Sparafucile Stephen Costello Goderdzi JanelidzeD Conductor Joshua GuerreroD* Stephen Lord Gilda Borsa Anna Christy Director John Kriter Christopher Alden Giovanna Countess Ceprano Megan Latham Set and Costume Designer Lauren Eberwein† Michael Levine Page Rigoletto Simone McIntosh†D Lighting Designer Roland Wood Duane Schuler Usher Marullo Samuel Chan†D Price Family Chorus Master Bruno Roy† Sandra Horst^ Maddalena Count Ceprano Carolyn SprouleD Stage Manager Neil Craighead^ Jenifer Kowal Monterone SURTITLES™ Producer Robert Pomakov Gunta Dreifelds

* Feb. 11, 17, 23

PRODUCTION ORIGINALLY MADE POSSIBLE IN PART BY TIM & FRANCES PRICE, JUDY & WILMOT MATTHEWS, AND GAIL & BOB FARQUHARSON

Bruno Roy’s performance is generously sponsored by Catherine Fauquier Lauren Eberwein’s performance is generously sponsored by Brian Wilks, Marjorie & Roy Linden Samuel Chan’s performance is generously sponsored by June Shaw Simone McIntosh’s performance is generously sponsored by David & Kristin Ferguson Sandra Horst and the COC Chorus are generously underwritten by Tim & Frances Price

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

Performance time is approximately two hours and 25 minutes, including one intermission. Ekaterina Sadovnikova was Gilda and was Rigoletto when this COC production premiered in 2011. ACT I: 55 minutes INTERMISSION 25 minutes ACTS II and III: 65 minutes

8 CANADIAN OPERA COMPANY 2017/2018 CANADIAN OPERA COMPANY 2017/2018 9 NOTES

Rigoletto is an incendiary work. Its dramatic he has climbed to the top of the ladder of dog Darwinian jungle. Gilda is an image of there. The trump card he holds over the source, Victor Hugo’s play Le roi s’amuse, power by dint of his malicious wit. Mocked Rigoletto’s soul, kept pure and uncorrupted, men of his court is that at any moment, in was banned after its first performance at the by others because of his physical deformity, far from the soulless marketplace. Rigoletto’s full view and fully within his feudal rights, Comédie Française and not performed again he has achieved success as a brilliant mistake is in thinking he can neatly he could seduce their women and humiliate for half a century. Although set in the mocker. In his private life, Rigoletto reveals divide himself into these two separate them in the process. Renaissance, it deals with the inequalities of a positively schizophrenic new personality, compartments. When the barriers between the social structure in Hugo’s and Verdi’s sweetly sentimental in his desire to keep them come crashing down, Rigoletto Hugo’s play offered Verdi the golden own time. Written in a heightened melodramatic his daughter pure and uncorrupted by the unwittingly kills the thing he loves. opportunity to move beyond the mode, it is pointedly accusatory regarding the outside world. conventional /soprano/ clichés abuses of monarchy. It is a nightmare about an In this production, instead of moving from of the era. He insisted on writing Rigoletto, all-powerful and irresponsible ruler. Rigoletto is a genius of denial. His obsession one naturalistic locale to the next, Michael despite warnings from all quarters that the with Monterone’s curse as the source of his Levine and I are placing all the events of censors would never let it pass. The result The title role of Rigoletto retains much of the misfortune is an easy way out of facing up Rigoletto in what we call “the gaming room,” is an opera which raises the Donizettian/ bile and acid humour of the jester in Hugo’s to his own responsibility as the master of his where the men retire after dinner to smoke Bellinian/Rossinian modes to new play, somewhat humanized by Verdi. The fate. He is a paradigm of the patriarchal 19th- and drink, read their papers, and play games expressive heights. anti-hero is dark and brooding, locked into century male whose power is built on the of power, control, and domination. The room his own obsessions and repressed fantasies. subjugation of women, disenfranchised and represents both sides of Rigoletto’s life, Christopher Alden In public life, as part of the nasty and locked safely away at home, while he goes the workplace and the home. The Duke, a Director, 2011 competitive little world of the Duke’s court, to work in the newly industrialized, dog-eat- personification of unbounded libido, rules

In the COC’s 2011 production, Rigoletto (Quinn Kelsey, second from right) mocked a cuckolded Count Ceprano (Alain Coulombe, seated far right), in a “gaming room” where mischief and cruelty abound.

10 CANADIAN OPERA COMPANY 2017/2018 CANADIAN OPERA COMPANY 2017/2018 11 Ekaterina Sadovnikova as Gilda and Quinn Kelsey as Rigoletto (COC, 2011). SYNOPSIS

ACT I The Duke arrives at a party in his palace and boasts to his guests of his conquests with women, telling them that he has just seen a beautiful young woman in a nearby church, but that her identity is unknown to him. Count Monterone then enters and publicly accuses the Duke of ruining his daughter. Monterone is arrested and is mocked by Rigoletto, the Duke’s jester, as he is led away. Monterone responds by laying a curse on Rigoletto. Later, following a brief meeting with the assassin Sparafucile who offers to rid Rigoletto of any enemies he might have, Rigoletto returns to his home where he lives with his beautiful daughter, Gilda. The Duke has since learned that the girl he saw at the church lives in this house and he enters the courtyard. He waits for Rigoletto to leave, and proceeds to woo the innocent Gilda, telling her that he is a poor student. Meanwhile some of the Duke’s courtiers enter, wishing to avenge the cruel taunts of the hated jester and plot to punish Rigoletto. They believe Gilda is Rigoletto’s mistress and trick him into helping them kidnap her. Only when they are taking her away does Rigoletto realize he’s been fooled. Rigoletto remembers Monterone’s curse.

INTERMISSION

ACT II The courtiers return to the palace with Gilda. The Duke is relieved to learn she has not disappeared, and takes her to his private chambers. Rigoletto arrives and is refused entry to the chamber by the Duke’s courtiers. He reveals to all assembled that Gilda is his daughter and, soon after, she rushes out and into the arms of her father. Gilda tells Rigoletto how the Duke stole her heart by playing the role of a humble student, and although he has ruinously deceived her, she still loves him. Rigoletto swears vengeance on the Duke.

ACT III Maddalena, Sparafucile’s sister, has lured the Duke to an inn. Rigoletto has hired Sparafucile to carry out the offer proposed earlier and pays him. He instructs Sparafucile to deliver the Duke’s corpse to him by midnight. Maddalena has become fond of the Duke and convinces Sparafucile to spare his life and take the life of the next person to enter the inn. Gilda, overhearing their conversation, decides to sacrifice herself out of love for the Duke; she enters and is stabbed. Rigoletto returns to claim his corpse, and upon hearing the Duke in the distance, opens the sack to discover the body of Gilda. As Gilda dies asking for forgiveness, Monterone’s curse is fulfilled.

12 CANADIAN OPERA COMPANY 2017/2018 CANADIAN OPERA COMPANY 2017/2018 13 MUSIC STAFF ASSISTANT STAGE MANAGERS UNDERSTUDIES CANADIAN OPERA COMPANY ORCHESTRA Ben Malensek (Head Coach) Lesley Abarquez Rigoletto Gregory Dahl Andrea Grant Kate Porter Gilda Danika Lorèn VIOLIN I Paul Widner, Assistant Principal BASS TROMBONE Rachael Kerr Sparafucile Neil Craighead Marie Bérard, Concertmaster Daniel Wachsmuth, Acting Herbert Poole (Ensemble Studio Coach) ASSISTANT LIGHTING DESIGNERS Giovanna Megan Quick The Concertmaster’s chair has Assistant Principal* Davida Tkach Marullo Samuel Chan been endowed in perpetuity by Maurizio Baccante CIMBASSO ASSISTANT CONDUCTOR Mikael Kangas Count Ceprano Jan Vaculik Joey and Toby Tanenbaum Kimberly Jeong** Scott Irvine, Principal (leave of Derek Bate Countess Ceprano Simone McIntosh Aaron Schwebel, Associate Olga Laktionova absence) Page Lauren Eberwein Concertmaster (leave of Elaine Thompson Jennifer Stephen*, Acting Principal ASSISTANT DIRECTOR absence) Marilyn Gronsdal DANCER Jamie Kruspe, Assistant BASS TIMPANI Sarah Williamson Concertmaster Tony Flynt, Acting Principal* Michael Perry, Principal Anne Armstrong, Acting Assistant Robert Speer, Assistant Principal Concertmaster Tom Hazlitt PERCUSSION Sandra Baron Paul Langley Trevor Tureski, Principal Bethany Bergman Freddy Speer** Mireille Asselin as Countess Ceprano and Alain Coulombe as Count Ceprano (COC, 2011). Terri Croft* Robert Wolanski* Hiroko Kagawa* Banda Nancy Kershaw FLUTE PICCOLO Dominique Laplante Douglas Stewart, Principal Maria Pelletier* Yakov Lerner Shelley Brown (leave of absence) Felipe Muñoz Garcia** Leslie Newman* CLARINET Jayne Maddison James Ormston* Neria Mayer PICCOLO Michele Verheul* Leslie Newman* VIOLIN II BASSOON Paul Zevenhuizen, Principal OBOE William Cannaway* Csaba Koczó, Assistant Principal Mark Rogers, Principal James Aylesworth (leave of Lesley Young HORN absence) Roslyn Black* Jennie Baccante* ENGLISH HORN Michele Gagnon* Kimberly Durflinger** Lesley Young David Quackenbush* Corey Gemmell* Elizabeth Johnston CLARINET TRUMPET Aya Miyagawa James T. Shields, Principal (leave Andrew Dubelsten* Lynn Kuo* of absence) Renée * Dominic Desautels, Acting TROMBONE Alexey Pankratov* Principal* David Pell* Louise Tardif (leave of absence) Colleen Cook Marianne Urke PERCUSSION Joanna Zabrowarna (leave of BASSOON Ryan Scott* absence) Eric Hall, Principal (leave of absence) VIOLA Samuel Banks, Acting Principal* MUSIC LIBRARIAN Keith Hamm, Principal Lisa Chisholm Wayne Vogan Joshua Greenlaw, Assistant Principal HORN ASSISTANT MUSIC LIBRARIAN Carolyn Blackwell* Mikhailo Babiak, Principal Ondrej Golias Lucas Alan Blekeberg** Janet Anderson Catherine Gray Bardhyl Gjevori STAGE LIBRARIAN Sheila Jaffé Gary Pattison Paul Langley Rory McLeod* Nicholaos Papadakis* TRUMPET PERSONNEL MANAGER Beverley Spotton Robert Weymouth, Principal Ian Cowie Yosef Tamir (leave of absence) Michael Fedyshyn* *extra musician CELLO TROMBONE ** Member of COC Orchestra Academy Bryan Epperson, Principal Charles Benaroya, Principal Alastair Eng, Associate Principal Ian Cowie (leave of absence)

CANADIAN OPERA COMPANY CHORUS

TENORS /BASSES Vanya Abrahams Jason Lamont Kenneth Baker Jan Vaculik Stephen Bell James Leatch Bruno Cormier Marcus Wilson Taras Chmil Stephen McClare Michael Downie Gene Wu Stephen Erickson Eric Olsen Jason Nedecky Michael York William Ford Michael Sproule

14 CANADIAN OPERA COMPANY 2017/2018 CANADIANCANADIAN OPERAOPERA COMPANYCOMPANY 2017/20182017/2018 1511 MARILYN GRONSDAL, Assistant Director (Toronto, ON) COC CREDITS: The Elixir of Love, Götterdämmerung (2017); (2016); Associate Director, BIOGRAPHIES: RIGOLETTO (2015/2016); Director, La Bohème (2009). RECENT: (as director) (UofT Opera); Director, La Cecchina (The Glenn Gould School). UPCOMING: Revival Director, The Nightingale and Other Short Fables (COC).

CHRISTOPHER ALDEN, Director (New York City, NY, USA) JOSHUA GUERRERO, Duke of Mantua, Tenor (Los Angeles, CA, USA) COC CREDITS: Pyramus and Thisbe (with Lamento d’Arianna and Il combattimento di Clorinda e COC DEBUT. RECENT: Edgardo, (Florida Grand Opera); Duke of Mantua ) (2015); (2013); Die Fledermaus (2012); Rigoletto (2011); The Flying (English National Opera and Michigan Opera Theatre); Macduff, Macbeth (Opernhaus Zürich Dutchman (2009, 2000, 1996). RECENT: Il Turco in Italia (Polish National Opera); Partenope and ); Alfredo, La Traviata (Pécs Placido Domingo Classics Summer Festival). (English National Opera); (Wuppertaler Bühnen); Sweeney Todd UPCOMING: Pinkerton, (Glyndebourne and ); Alfredo, La (Glimmerglass Festival). UPCOMING: Berstein’s Peter Pan (Bard SummerScape Festival); The Traviata (Washington National Opera). Makropulos Case (Oper Bonn); and La Vida Breve (Opera North).

DEREK BATE, Assistant Conductor (Toronto, ON) SANDRA HORST, Price Family Chorus Master Chair (Toronto, ON) COC CREDITS: Louis Riel, , Götterdämmerung (2017); Norma (2016); , Siegfried, SELECT COC CREDITS: Arabella, The Elixir of Love, , Götterdämmerung (2017); Pyramus and Thisbe (with Lamento d’Arianna and Il combattimento di Clorinda e Tancredi) Ariodante (2016); Norma (2016, 1998). RECENT: (as conductor), Prima Zombie: The Diva that (2015); Conductor, (2014); Carmen (1979). RECENT: (as conductor) , The just wouldn’t stay dead (UofT Opera). UPCOMING: The Nightingale and Other Short Fables, Pirates of Penzance (Toronto Operetta Theatre); Rigoletto (Opéra de Québec). UPCOMING: The (COC). UPCOMING: Vengeance; Of Thee I Sing (U of T Opera). ADDITIONAL: Nightingale and Other Short Fables (COC). Director of Musical Studies at the Opera.

SAMUEL CHAN, Usher (Baritone, Calgary, AB) GODERDZI JANELIDZE, Sparafucile (Bass, Moscow, Russia) COC DEBUT. RECENT: Morales, Carmen (Brott Music Festival); Don Asdrubale/Calandrino/ COC DEBUT. RECENT: Zaretsky/Company Commander, Eugene Onegin (Festival d’Aix-en- Gomatz, Lo sposo deluso, L’oca del Cairo, and Zaide (City Opera Vancouver); Jacob Grimm/the Provence); Frate, Don Carlo; Grenvil, La Traviata; Konchak, Prince Igor; Yushko Velebin, The Maid Donkey, The Brothers Grimm/The Bremen Town Musicians (Highlands Opera Studio). of Pskov; Second Guest, The Stone Guest; Mill-hand/Officer,Katerina Izmaylova; A Sergeant, UPCOMING: 2nd Japanese Envoy, The Nightingale and Other Short Fables (COC). Manon Lescaut (Bolshoi Theatre).

ANNA CHRISTY, Gilda (Soprano, Pasadena, CA, USA) JENIFER KOWAL, Stage Manager (Thornhill, ON) COC CREDITS: Lucia, Lucia di Lammermoor (2013). RECENT: Sophie, Werther (Metropolitan SELECT COC CREDITS: Arabella, (2017); Norma (2016); Maometto II, The Marriage of Opera); Morgana, ( and Santa Fe Opera); Lucia, Lucia di Lammermoor Figaro and Pyramus and Thisbe (with Lamento d’Arianna and Il combattimento di Clorinda e (Florida Grand Opera and Opera Colorado); Gilda, Rigoletto (English National Opera); Soeur Tancredi) (2015). UPCOMING: The Nightingale and Other Short Fables (COC). Constance, Dialogues des Carmélites (Bayerisches Staatsoper). UPCOMING: Adele, Die Fledermaus (Des Moines Metro Opera).

STEPHEN COSTELLO, Duke of Mantua (Tenor, Philadelphia, PA, USA) JOHN KRITER, Borsa (Tenor, Toronto, ON) COC CREDITS: Edgardo, Lucia di Lammermoor (2013). RECENT: Rodolfo, La Bohème (Teatro COC CREDITS: Magistrate, A Masked Ball (2013); Spoletta, Tosca (2012); Borsa, Rigoletto (2011); Real Madrid); Camille, The Merry Widow (); Duke of Mantua, Rigoletto and Roméo, Hotel Porter, Death in Venice (2010); Goro, Madama Butterfly(2009); COC Chorus member Roméo et Juliette (). UPCOMING: Duke of Mantua, Rigoletto (Deutsch Oper (1986 – Present). RECENT: Thomas Scott, Louis Riel (Festival d’opéra de Québec); Goro, Berlin and Semperoper Dresden); Dvorák’s Stabat Mater (Munich Philharmonic); Rodolfo, La Madama Butterfly (); Second Jew, (Edmonton Opera). Bohème (Semperoper Dresden); Fernand, La Favorite (Gran Teatre del ).

NEIL CRAIGHEAD, Count Ceprano (Bass-baritone, Calgary, AB) MEGAN LATHAM, Giovanna (Mezzo-soprano, Abbotsford, BC) SELECT COC CREDITS: Second Armed Man, The Magic Flute (2017); Dr. Grenvil, La Traviata SELECT COC CREDITS: Fortune Teller, Arabella (2017); Rossweisse, Die Walküre (2015); (2015); Nottingham’s Servant, (2014); Publio, La clemenza di Tito (Ensemble Giovanna, Rigoletto (2011); Florence Pike, Albert Herring (2004). RECENT: Emilia, Otello Studio Performance, 2013). RECENT: Pietro, (); (); Third Lady, The Magic Flute (Pacific Opera Victoria); Ruth,Dark Sisters Leporello, #UncleJohn (Against the Grain Theatre); Sarastro, The Magic Flute (Edmonton (Vancouver Opera); Alisa, Lucia di Lammermoor (Edmonton Opera); Genevieve, Pelléas et Opera). UPCOMING: Zuniga, Carmen (Opéra de Québec). Mélisande (Against The Grain Theatre). UPCOMING: Madame Larina, Eugene Onegin (Vancouver Opera); Soloist, Verdi’s (Victoria Symphony Orchestra).

LAUREN EBERWEIN, Countess Ceprano (Soprano, Qualicum Beach, BC) MICHAEL LEVINE, Set and Costume Designer (Toronto, ON) COC CREDITS: Giannetta, The Elixir of Love (2017); Wellgunde, Götterdämmerung (2017). SELECT COC CREDITS: The Ring Cycle; Bluebeard’s Castle/ (2015); Dialogues des RECENT: Artist in Residence (Marlboro Music Festival); Soloist (Gamut Bach Ensemble, Carmélites (2013); Oedipus Rex/Symphony of Psalms (2002); Director, (2006). Philadelphia); : Holy and Infernal Genius (Alice Tully Hall, Lincoln Center); Olivia, Cold RECENT: Madama Butterflyand Wozzeck (Opernhaus Zürich); Wings (Young Vic London); The Mountain; Clairon, Capriccio; Der Komponist, (Opera Philadelphia); Handel’s Rakes Progress (Festival d’Aix-en-Provence); Billy Budd (Teatro Real Madrid); Le Petit Prince Israel in Egypt (New York Choral Society/Carnegie Hall). ADDITIONAL: Recipient of a 2016 (National Ballet of Canada); Benjamin Dernière Nuit (Opera de Lyon); Between Worlds (English Sullivan Foundation Career Grant. National Opera); The Encounter (Complicite). UPCOMING: Die tote Stadt (Komische Oper Berlin); Sweeney Todd (Opernhaus Zürich).

16 CANADIAN OPERA COMPANY 2017/2018 CANADIAN OPERA COMPANY 2017/2018 17 STEPHEN LORD, Conductor (Bolton, MA, USA) COC CREDITS: Norma (2016 and 1998); A Masked Ball (2014); Lucia di Lammermoor (2013). RECENT: (Michigan Opera Theatre); La Traviata and La clemenza di Tito (Opera Theatre of Saint Louis); Norma (English National Opera).

SIMONE MCINTOSH, Page (Mezzo-soprano, Vancouver, BC) COC DEBUT. RECENT: Donna, Crush (Banff Centre). UPCOMING: Mottetti di Montale (College New Music); The Nightingale and Other Short Fables (COC).

ROBERT POMAKOV, Monterone (Bass, Toronto, ON) COC CREDITS: Alberich, Götterdämmerung (2017); Bartolo, (2016); Hobson, (2013). RECENT: The Bonze, Madama Butterfly (Metropolitan Opera); Luther/Crespel, The Tales of Hoffman (Metropolitan Opera); Monterone, Rigoletto (Opéra National de Paris and Metropolitan Opera); Prince Gremin, Eugene Onegin (Oper Frankfurt); Mathieu, Andrea Chénier (). UPCOMING: Oroveso, Norma (Oper Frankfurt).

BRUNO ROY, Marullo (Baritone, Montreal, QC) COC CREDITS: Count Lamoral, Arabella; Second Priest, The Magic Flute (2017). RECENT: Mercutio, Roméo et Juliette (Canadian Vocal Arts Institute); Matt, Crush (Banff Centre); Belcore, The Elixir of Love (Atelier lyrique de l’Opéra de Montréal and Opera McGill); John Brooke, Little Women; Count Almaviva, The Marriage of Figaro (Opera McGill). UPCOMING: The Nightingale and Other Short Fables (COC).

DUANE SCHULER, Lighting Designer (Seattle, WA, USA) COC CREDITS: Rigoletto (2011), Maometto II (2016), Norma (2017). RECENT: Thaïs (Metropolitan Opera); Madama Butterfly (Dallas Opera); Tosca (Houston Grand Opera); Bel canto (); Ragtime (5th Ave Theatre). UPCOMING: (Lyric Opera of Chicago); Luisa Miller and Cendrillon (Metropolitan Opera); Candide (Santa Fe Opera).

CAROLYN SPROULE, Maddalena (Mezzo-soprano, Montreal, QC) COC DEBUT. RECENT: Ulrica, A Masked Ball (Teatro Lirico di Cagliari); Page of Herodias, Salome Proud to support Opera Under 30. (Metropolitan Opera); Carmen, Carmen (Lakes Area Music Festival); Soloist, Bravissimo! New Year’s Eve Concert (). UPCOMING: Olga, Eugene Onegin (Vancouver Opera); Maddalena, Rigoletto; Flosshilde, Das Rheingold (Opéra de Montréal).

ROLAND WOOD, Rigoletto (Baritone, Sandford, Scotland) COC CREDITS: Renato, A Masked Ball (2014). RECENT: Rigoletto, Rigoletto (Michigan Opera We are working together with the Canadian Theatre); Scarpia, Tosca (Grange Park Opera); Conte di Luna, ; Golaud, Pelléas et Mélisande (Scottish Opera); Macbeth, Macbeth (Opera Theatre of Saint Louis); Ford, (Royal , Covent Garden). UPCOMING: Renato, A Masked Ball (Grange Park Opera); Opera Company to make a difference in our Germont, La Traviata (Welsh National Opera). communities.

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18 CANADIAN OPERA COMPANY 2017/2018 cavatina (made up of a slow, lyrical section followed Lester Lynch (opposite page) was by an agile portion designed to highlight the singer’s Rigoletto and (below) Simone dramatic power) to the arioso form, which combines Osborne his daughter Gilda, in the the flexibility of recitative (a conversational style that COC’s 2011 production. “I have in mind a subject more closely mimics natural speech) with the deep that would be one of the expressive possibilities of a full-scale aria. greatest creations of the Act III’s beloved quartet “Bella figlia dell’amore,” was similarly innovative for its time, in how it modern theatre if the ingeniously retained the musical identities of the police would only allow it.” four characters—a departure from the unified grand concerto finale, prominent in earlier Italian of Giuseppe Verdi composers like Donizetti, Bellini, and Rossini.

MUSICAL SECRECY In an effort to prevent his new melodies from being heard before Rigoletto’s premiere, Verdi demanded utmost secrecy from his singers. It is rumoured that tenor Raffaelle Mirate, who originated the role of the Duke, was given his music only a few days prior to the opening and that Verdi forbade him from even whistling the melody to “La donna è mobile,” arguably RIGOLETTO AT A GLANCE one of opera’s most well-known arias, in which the musical charm belies a monstrous attitude towards BY TAYLOR LONG women.

THE STORY IN A MINUTE Verdi and Piave encountered similar AN IMPRESSIVE CAST Rigoletto is desperate to hide his daughter, difficulties with censorship in bringing Singing the part of Gilda is American soprano Gilda, from his lecherous employer, the this subject to operatic life, but Verdi was Anna Christy, who made her role debut in this very Duke. However she has secretly fallen in love resolute in his approach to the material. production when it was performed at English National with the man (who has disguised himself In a letter to Carlo Marzari, the President Opera in 2014. You may remember Christy’s last as a student). After Gilda is violated in the of Teatro la Fenice, Verdi railed against appearance at the COC in the 2012/2013 season when Duke’s court, Rigoletto vows , but his proposed changes to the plot that would she shared a “brilliantly sung and presented” (The daughter overhears his plans and sacrifices soften the character of the Duke: “The Duke Globe and Mail) rendition of the title role in Lucia di herself to save her lover. must be an utter libertine; otherwise there Lammermoor. is no reason why [Rigoletto] should be HISTORICAL BACKGROUND afraid to let his daughter out of concealment With his “deeply impressive… attractive baritone” “I have in mind a subject that would be and therefore the drama is impossible… (Toronto Star), English baritone Roland Wood, last one of the greatest creations of the modern my music is not just written casually for seen on the COC stage in 2014 as Renato in A Masked theatre if the police would only allow it,” any situation; I try to give it a character Ball, takes on one of the most challenging baritone Verdi wrote in a letter to his trusted librettist, appropriate to the drama.” roles as the court jester Rigoletto. Francesco Maria Piave. He was referring to Victor Hugo’s controversial five-act play, INNOVATIVE MUSICAL STRUCTURE OVERWHELMING POPULARITY Le roi s’amuse, which served as the source “It is the piece where Verdi turned a corner Rigoletto is one of the 10 most popular operas of material for Rigoletto. in a major way and got rid of a lot of the old all time. In a recent annual survey, more than 900 structure and old styles that opera had been companies worldwide performed Verdi’s masterpiece, Verdi’s concerns about “the police” were fixed in,” says director Christopher Alden. offering 2,285 opportunities to hear this timeless well-founded, as some 20 years earlier, music in a given year. Hugo’s Le roi s’amuse was shut down after Structurally, the opera represents an only one performance by order of the evolution away from the standard two-part government. Taylor Long is the COC’s Advancement Communications Officer. 20 CANADIAN OPERA COMPANY 2017/2018 CANADIAN OPERA COMPANY 2017/2018 21 It’s always a treat to welcome the warm What’s your biggest guilty pleasure? and witty Stephen Lord back to the COC. Reading a book in my hammock at This winter, he conducts our Rigoletto! my home in Maine and falling asleep 2018/2019 after two paragraphs. BEHIND Who are three people, alive or dead GET TO or fictional, that you would like to have dinner with? THE Arturo Toscanini, Queen Elizabeth I, KNOW Charles Dickens. SEASON Art | Craft | Opera If you could ask one composer any question, who and what would it be? STEPHEN WEDNESDAY, MARCH 28, 2018 I would ask a group of modern opera composers why they often seem to 6:30 p.m. Doors open to the LORD be ignorant of how voices work. 7 p.m. R. Fraser Elliott Hall opens Do you have any pre-performance 7:30 p.m. Behind the Season What would people be surprised to learn If you could be anywhere in the world rituals? presentation about you? right now, where would it be? A two-hour nap after lunch. THAT I AM A COMPLETE AND TOTAL Although I love Toronto a whole lot, it To celebrate the company’s highly anticipated INTROVERT. would be London where I feel most at 18/19 season, we’re throwing a party for you, Is there an opera you’ve never home for a big city. Other than that, at my our incredible community of subscribers. conducted but would like to? Which home in Massachusetts with a cat on my Who or what are your biggest one? Join COC General Director Alexander Neef lap. inspirations, musically or personally? Die Walküre because it is so visceral. and a line-up of special guests and performers My inspiration when I was a kid was to discover the passion and commitment Caruso. That voice! And for instruments, Coffee or tea? behind every opera season. What’s the best thing about being a the incredible Artur Rubinstein, whom I Coffee. conductor? heard in live performance quite often. Being in the middle of sounds and Appetizer or dessert? sights I always dreamed about. Who would play you in the movie about Am I allowed to say both? your life? What’s your favourite thing about I fear it might be Boris Karloff! Read the book or see the movie? Toronto? Both. It doesn’t matter what order, either. The people, old and new friends, and a long and warm relationship with the COC.

What the most important thing people should know about Far left: Stephen working on Rigoletto? a couple of paragraphs in his It is the first opera of Verdi where the favourite hammock. Left: in the Verdi baritone emerges as a vocal orchestra pit with Roberto Mauro type and is a completely fleshed out (COC’s Director, Music and character dramatically and musically. Watch for your Artistic Administration). invitation in the mail!

22 CANADIAN OPERA COMPANY 2017/2018 145 Queen St. W.

Date: Dec 06, 2017 Filename_ Version# COC171792_BTS_HousePrgrmAd_FNL Client: COC Artist (build): Josh Pub: House Program Artist (edits): Ship Date: 00 Month 2017 Acct. Mgr: Caitlin Insert Date: 00 Month 2017 559 College Street, Suite 401 Ad Size: 3.125" x 9.25" # Colours: 4/0 Toronto, ON M6G 1A9 Bleed: 0" x 0" 4 Col Process 416-323-3282 Safety/Live: 0" x 0" File Built at: 100% (1:1) PMS PMS to our society. Imagine if the vast majority You’ve been rethinking how the company’s “I think what’s so of people really believed that art was administrative headquarters (Joey and exciting about Toronto inseparable from the health of our country— Toby Tanenbaum Opera Centre at 227 what would the arts and culture scene in Front St. E.) should interact with its is that it’s one of Toronto look like? surrounding community and we’ve seen some public programming animating that the few cities in the Building a case for that is our responsibility, space, specifically an opera for young Western world today not just so that the COC can exist three audiences, The Magic Victrola, presented generations from now, but because on a last December. that is still growing and more fundamental, organizationally-agnostic We want that building to become much more level, I think that life without art is not worth open to the street and to the neighbourhood, developing.” living. and to start transforming into a public culture hub that serves and reflects that part What’s the hardest thing about getting of the city. Almost like a grass-roots branch people to try opera? of our operations. It’s an art form that requires you to spend some money on a ticket, come downtown, Even though it wasn’t a mainstage and then be there for the larger part of an performance with orchestra, our production afternoon or an evening. of The Magic Victrola brought audiences much closer to experiencing what opera is And after committing to that experience, actually about. And looking around at those Q&A WITH you have to trust your own reactions, and performances, we had an audience that overcome the fear of not understanding it, really reflected Toronto’s diversity and that’s because opera is complex. what live theatre should be about—people ALEXANDER NEEF from different parts of life spending time BY NIKITA GOURSKI On the other hand, precisely because of what in a space, holding it together as a shared opera asks of you, I think it can create an experience. With a recently signed contract that will take his leadership through to the 2025/2026 season, emotional experience that is so much deeper General Director Alexander Neef is building on his first decade in Toronto by continuing to and stronger than almost anything else out What’s surprised you the most these last attract opera’s biggest names to the stage, investing in young artist training like never before, there. That’s the point of departure for me. I 10 seasons? and advancing the conversation about the art form’s relevance and challenges in the 21st always like to think that if music causes you How there’s always new potential that opens century. to have an emotional reaction, you should try up for this company, but also for the art opera. form. You never quite come to the end of it. You generate new possibilities and new NG: Looking back over the past decade, or the director . We’ve also How has Toronto changed in the time that opportunities through what you do—and I what are you most proud of? made this place a serious launching pad for you’ve been here? think that’s quite wonderful. AN: I think our biggest accomplishment has young Canadian talent. The pace of growth is staggering. I think been to make the COC a major destination what’s so exciting about Toronto is that it’s for the greatest operatic artists of our time. When you look ahead to the next 10 years, one of the few cities in the Western world Nikita Gourski is the COC’s Strategic In a more specific way, we’ve created a very what’s the biggest challenge? today that is still growing and developing. Advisor and Artistic Associate. strong Canadian identity for the COC, not Well I think that not only for us, but for any It’s a city of city-builders. only as the biggest opera producer in the arts organization in this country, the biggest country, but a leader internationally. You can challenge is to become relevant to a large see this in our commitment to bringing great number of people. The genius of Stanley Kubrick and why Wi-Fi on airplanes is a and established Canadian artists back to bad idea—read more in the unedited version of this conversation, the company, like , or forming That has to with do with access and financial more permanent relationships with them, barriers, but it’s much bigger than that. It’s available online at coc.ca/Q&A. like our Artist-in-Residence Jane Archibald about making a case for the centrality of art

24 CANADIAN OPERA COMPANY 2017/2018 CANADIAN OPERA COMPANY 2017/2018 25 THE ABDUCTION FROM THE SERAGLIO (DIE ENTFÜHRUNG AUS DEM SERAIL)

BY A German Singspiel in three acts Libretto by Christoph Friedrich Bretzner with adaptations by Gottlieb Stephanie. Edited for the Neue Mozart Ausgabe by Gerhard Croll. Used by arrangement with European American Music Distributors Company, Canadian agent and U.S. agent for Baerenreiter-Verlag, publisher and copyright owner. First performance: Vienna Burgtheater, July 16, 1782 NEW COC PRODUCTION Co-production with Opéra de Lyon February 7, 10, 13, 16, 18, 22, 24, 2018 Sung in German with English SURTITLES™ THE CAST AND CREATIVE TEAM (in order of vocal appearance)

Belmonte’s Father/Bassa Selim Conductor Lighting Designer Raphael WeinstockD Johannes Debus Eric ChampouxD Belmonte Director and additional Price Family Chorus Master Mauro PeterD dialogues Sandra Horst^ Wajdi MouawadD Konstanze Stage Manager Jane Archibald Revival Director Stephanie Marrs Valérie NègreD Pedrillo SURTITLES™ Producer Owen McCausland^ Set Designer Gunta Dreifelds Emmanuel ClolusD Blonde Claire de Sévigné^ Costume Designer Emmanuelle ThomasD Osmin Goran Juric

PRODUCTION GENEROUSLY UNDERWRITTEN IN PART BY THE HOWARD & SARAH D. SOLOMON FOUNDATION IN HONOUR OF GERARD MORTIER

Johannes Debus is generously underwritten by George & Kathy Dembroski Wajdi Mouawad is generously sponsored by Robert Sherrin ’s performance is generously sponsored by Kristine Vikmanis & Denton Creighton Jane Archibald’s performance is generously sponsored by Jack Whiteside Sandra Horst and the COC Chorus are generously underwritten by Tim & Frances Price

Left: Jane Archibald (centre) starred in Wajdi Mouawad’s D COC mainstage debut ^ Graduate of the COC Ensemble Studio production of The Abduction from Program information is correct at time of printing. All casting is subject to change. the Seraglio when it premiered at Opera de Lyon in 2016. Performance time is approximately three hours and 30 minutes, including one intermission.

PART I: 95 minutes INTERMISSION 25 minutes PART II: 90 minutes

26 CANADIAN OPERA COMPANY 2017/2018 CANADIAN OPERA COMPANY 2017/2018 27 NOTES

If I have a unique perspective to bring to Indeed, my first goal has been to take the Mozart’s The Abduction from the Seraglio, it individual situations and feelings of all is the fact that I have been shaped equally the characters in this opera very seriously. by Eastern and Western culture, and, as a Regardless of their gender, geography, result, I’m incapable of condemning one or religion, all of them are capable of civilization at the expense of the other. great love. They all fear that love might be withheld from them or that they will It is not difficult to see that an 18th-century be misunderstood. And they are all in an comedy about European women kidnapped impossible situation. by Turkish Muslims might appear, in 2018, as an exercise in caricature, or casual racism. To go even deeper, however, I chose to ask Even more brutally, it could constitute an myself the question of what happens “after.” argument for the wholesale rejection of What happens once Belmonte, Konstanze, Islam and the East, thereby falling into larger Blonde, and Pedrillo return to their patterns of Islamophobia in the West which homeland? How will they resume their lives would have us blame all our problems on the after a period of captivity and separation threat of an undifferentiated “Arabic” Other. that has so completely transformed their relationships? The challenge, then, is to enter an opera that was composed at a moment when To address this, we have created two European culture was held up as the ultimate narrative timelines: the present and the source of truth, goodness, and beauty: past. The present unfolds during a party Osmin is irredeemably appalling, on this in a ballroom celebrating Konstanze and view, because he is a Muslim. Bassa Selim Blonde’s homecoming to Europe. The past is a “good Muslim,” not because there are is the characters’ rendering of what they positive qualities in Islam, but because experienced in the East, as relived during he has been elevated by the principles of the party. This effectively makes the opera a the Enlightenment and his contact with flashback and introduces a new dimension to European education. Everything that makes everything that has happened, including the him barbaric and malicious, on the other radical possibility that there is something hand, remains exclusively the provenance of worth loving in Bassa Selim’s culture; that his Muslim identity. there might be a basis, in the East, for a that challenges the dominance of So when I agreed to direct this project, it Western masculinity; and that the women was critical for me that I would be able to in this opera might represent the most approach the text in a new way and see enlightened characters of all. a different point of view on these issues. Because I’m a writer, I think through writing, Wajdi Mouawad and I have placed a great deal of importance Director on reworking the spoken dialogues in a way that honours the complexity of actual people rather than advancing untenable, and possibly dangerous, clichés. Right: A scene from The Abduction from the Seraglio (Opera de Lyon, 2016).

28 CANADIAN OPERA COMPANY 2017/2018 CANADIAN OPERA COMPANY 2017/2018 29 SYNOPSIS

1. PROLOGUE: The Turk’s Head At the palace of Selim, Osmin, it seems, is a Belmonte’s father gives a party* at his rival with Pedrillo for Blonde’s love. Osmin home in Vienna to celebrate the return of threatens Pedrillo with terrible punishments. his son Belmonte, Konstanze, Pedrillo and Pairs perfectly Blonde from captivity. After extolling the 6. Reunion virtues of Western Enlightenment, he invites Belmonte finds his former servant, Pedrillo, his guests to play a game at the expense who informs Belmonte that he, Blonde, and of “those appalling Mohammedans”—a Konstanze were bought by the Bassa, and fairground game called “Tête de turc” the Bassa has made Konstanze his favourite. with Puccini. (“Turk’s Head”). The Bassa also offered Blonde to Osmin. “So many things have upset us since we * By exploring the future beyond the end of the opera, have been here! Blonde and I were forced to we can see how the protagonists view their adventures in the East and their escape from the Bassa’s harem convert—we have to pray five times a day, (seraglio). and have been initiated into a world that goes from right to left when we go from left 2. OVERTURE to right! Everything is different, everything The game does not appeal to either is surprising! And the hardest thing to Konstanze or her maid, Blonde: “How recognize is that they are not as barbaric can you strike someone you know?” The as we have always believed.” Belmonte two years they spent in the seraglio have announces that he has a boat waiting which transformed them: the discovery of a will take them all to safety. But before they culture, a human adventure. Konstanze asks can do that, they have to gain the confidence Belmonte to tell the story of his trip, and she of the Bassa. Pedrillo suggests that he will will tell hers. present Belmonte as an architect, so that he can live in the palace. He also says that the ACT I Bassa will arrive soon with Konstanze. 3. Belmonte’s arrival He arrived, destitute, in an unknown and 7. Concerns threatening world. In front of the palace of Alone, knowing that he will soon see Bassa Selim where he believes Konstanze Konstanze again, Belmonte worries. He is held captive, Belmonte expresses his hides, as the Bassa arrives. anguish and his hope for her rescue. 8. Selim’s entrance 4. Osmin The Bassa Selim enters accompanied by The offi cial Canadian Osmin, the Bassa’s overseer, although surly, Konstanze and is greeted by his Janissaries wine selection of the confirms that this is indeed the Bassa’s (an elite military group of troops and Canadian Opera Company palace and that he detests Pedrillo. bodyguards).

5. Osmin against Pedrillo 9. Love does not diminish At the party in Vienna, Blonde recalls Selim sees the sadness of Konstanze. He Osmin’s true love for her, and her own love knows that despite his power, he cannot for Pedrillo. force her heart. Konstanze tells him that it is her love for another and her pledge of fidelity that keeps her from reciprocating. Selim is torn between generosity and his triuswines.com

30 CANADIAN OPERA COMPANY 2017/2018 jealousy. Konstanze leaves him some hope and her passion for freedom. “We once SCOTIABANK by suggesting that she may have an answer were mistress and servant; here we are two for him the next day. women, side by side.” SUMMER 10. An architect 15. Threats OPERA At the party in Vienna, Konstanze tells Selim enters to once more press his case Belmonte about the disquiet she felt when with Konstanze, who remains adamant. CAMPS confronted by Selim’s love and desire. The He demands that she love him tomorrow, July 2018, Grades 1 – 12 Turk’s head also had a heart! threatening torture and even a slow and Four Seasons Centre painful death. But Konstanze is not swayed. for the Performing Arts Pedrilllo presents Belmonte to Selim as a great architect who can serve the Bassa. INTERMISSION REGISTRATION OPEN NOW! Selim accepts the proposal and welcomes him into his household. 16. Prayers coc.ca/Camps

Selim, horrified by the threats he has just TITLE 11. Anguish uttered, is called away by muezzin. The hour SPONSOR: During the party, Konstanze explains her of prayer will give him back some sanity. anxiety and past anguish to Belmonte. She Meanwhile, Pedrillo alerts Blonde of the asks him to accept her as a woman different arrival of Belmonte and the planned escape ACT III largesse and proposes that his family, one of from the one he once knew, and the freedom for the coming night and asks her to warn 20. The challenge of the truth the richest in Spain, pay a ransom for their to be loved as she sees fit. Konstanze. During the party, Blonde and Konstanze freedom. When he mentions his family’s remember with regret their confused name—Lostados, son of the governor of 12. The Palace gates 17. Doubles feelings for Osmin and Selim. Oran—Selim declares that Belmonte’s father Once Selim has left, Belmonte and Pedrillo During the party, Pedrillo remembers having Lostados is his worst enemy, the man who try to enter the palace, but Osmin bars the second thoughts about escaping. There, 21. Love is my guide heartlessly took everything away from way and threatens them. They outmaneuver as here, you must serve a master, but there Belmonte sings about the power of love. Selim by stealing away the only woman he him and enter. is the sun, here it rains. But in thinking of ever loved, Maria Magdalena de Heredia, his friends, he overcomes his doubts and 22. Signal Belmonte’s mother. Selim orders that the ACT II decides to confront his enemy—Osmin. In the middle of the night, Belmonte and execution be prepared, despite Osmin’s plea 13. Blonde and her men Pedrillo are ready. They give the agreed- for mercy: Blonde is pregnant, the baby she Blonde complains about her lovers, 18. In vino veritas upon signal—the music of a mandolin and carries is innocent. reminding them that it is through tenderness Equipped with two bottles, Pedrillo manages Pedrillo hums a romantic tune. The two and love that you can conquer a woman’s to convince Osmin to drink with him. Osmin women appear at the window, a ladder is 25. Adieux heart, not through orders and anger. Blonde is quickly drunk, and Pedrilllo manages to placed, and Konstanze and Blonde descend. Konstanze and Belmonte say their goodbyes, and Pedrilllo quarrel during the party. get rid of him. happy to die together. Osmin, she explains, was not a monster. “He 23. One step too far aspired to greatness.” 19. Back to the beginning While all are preparing to flee, they are 26. The clemency Konstanze and Belmonte finally meet stopped by Osmin and his janissaries. Selim finally grants his pardons, not At the palace, Blonde and Osmin quarrel. He and embrace each other. They are joined Belmonte tries to bribe him with a purse full wanting to resemble Belmonte’s ruthless is no match for her and can only conclude by Blonde and Pedrillo. The two couples of ducats, a gesture that Osmin refuses with father and to teach the Europeans a lesson that the English are too liberal with their express their happiness, a moment clouded indignation. He orders the two couples be in forbearance. Osmin, hopeless, sees the women. by suspicion from Belmonte and Pedrillo: taken before the Bassa. Then, alone, he is one he loves depart in joy. All sing to the have their beloveds been faithful? Konstanze triumphant. goodness, greatness, and nobility of Selim. 14. Friendship is in tears and Blonde slaps Pedrillo, but they Konstanze unburdens herself to Blonde, forgive and reconcile: “Long live love!” 24. A man without pity Wajdi Mouawad despairing that Belmonte has not rescued The fugitives must explain themselves Director her. Blonde supports her with her energy before the Bassa. Belmonte demands Selim’s

32 CANADIAN OPERA COMPANY 2017/2018 CANADIAN OPERA COMPANY 2017/2018 33 MUSIC STAFF ASSISTANT STAGE MANAGERS DANCERS CANADIAN OPERA COMPANY ORCHESTRA Rachel Andrist (Head Coach) Michael Barrs Andrea Ciacci Hyejin Kwon Jessica Severin Neesa Kenemy Stéphane Mayer (Ensemble Studio Shelley Kenney VIOLIN I CELLO HORN Intern Coach) ASSISTANT LIGHTING Natalie Moore Marie Bérard, Concertmaster Bryan Epperson, Principal Mikhailo Babiak, Principal DESIGNERS Apolonia Velasquez The Concertmaster’s chair has Alastair Eng, Associate Principal Gary Pattison ASSISTANT CONDUCTOR Mikael Kangas Sarah Williamson been endowed in perpetuity by (leave of absence) Dionysis Grammenos Davida Tkach Joey and Toby Tanenbaum Paul Widner, Assistant Principal TRUMPET PRAYER LEADER Aaron Schwebel, Associate Daniel Wachsmuth, Acting Robert Weymouth, Principal UNDERSTUDY Ahmed Moneka Concertmaster (leave of Assistant Principal* Michael Fedyshyn* Osmin Robert Pomakov absence) Maurizio Baccante Jamie Kruspe, Assistant Olga Laktionova TIMPANI Concertmaster Elaine Thompson Michael Perry, Principal Bethany Bergman, Acting A scene from The Abduction from the Seraglio (Opera de Lyon, 2016). Assistant Concertmaster BASS PERCUSSION Anne Armstrong Tony Flynt, Acting Principal* Trevor Tureski, Principal Sandra Baron Robert Speer, Assistant Principal Michelle Colton* Nancy Kershaw Tom Hazlitt Ryan Scott* Dominique Laplante Paul Langley Jayne Maddison Neria Mayer FLUTE MUSIC LIBRARIAN Douglas Stewart, Principal Wayne Vogan VIOLIN II Shelley Brown (leave of absence) Paul Zevenhuizen, Principal Leslie Newman* ASSISTANT MUSIC LIBRARIAN Csaba Koczó, Assistant Principal Ondrej Golias James Aylesworth (leave of PICCOLO absence) Maria Pelletier* STAGE LIBRARIAN Terri Croft* Paul Langley Elizabeth Johnston OBOE Hiroko Kagawa* Mark Rogers, Principal PERSONNEL MANAGER Yakov Lerner Lesley Young Ian Cowie Aya Miyagawa Louise Tardif CLARINET AND BASSET HORN *extra musician Marianne Urke (leave of absence) James Shields, Principal (leave of Joanna Zabrowarna absence) Dominic Desautels, Acting VIOLA Principal* Keith Hamm, Principal Colleen Cook Joshua Greenlaw, Assistant Principal BASSOON Carolyn Blackwell* Eric Hall, Principal Catherine Gray Lisa Chisolm Sheila Jaffé Beverley Spotton Yosef Tamir (leave of absence)

CANADIAN OPERA COMPANY CHORUS

SOPRANOS MEZZO-SOPRANOS BARITONES/BASSES Lindsay Barrett Sandra Boyes Stephen Bell Bruno Cormier Margaret Evans Wendy Hatala Foley Taras Chmil Michael Downie Alexandra Lennox-Pomeroy Lilian Kilianski Stephen Erickson Jason Nedecky Eve Rachel McLeod Laura McAlpine William Ford Michael Sproule Jennifer Robinson Anne McWatt Stephen McClare Jan Vaculik Teresa van der Hoeven Karen Olinyk Eric Olsen Michael York

34 CANADIAN OPERA COMPANY 2017/2018 CANADIAN OPERA COMPANY 2017/2018 35 GORAN JURIC, Osmin (Bass, Karlovac, Croatia) COC CREDITS: Sarastro, The Magic Flute (2017). RECENT: Brander, The Damnation of Faust BIOGRAPHIES: (Teatro dell’Opera di Roma); Priest, Lady Macbeth of Mtsensk (Bayerische Staatsoper; Münchner Opernfestspiele); Sarastro, The Magic Flute; Colline, La Bohème (Opera di Firenze); Mosè, Mosè in Egitto (Bregenz Festival). UPCOMING: Priest, Lady Macbeth of Mtsensk (Teatro di THE ABDUCTION FROM THE SERAGLIO San Carlo).

JANE ARCHIBALD, Konstanze (Soprano, Truro, NS) STEPHANIE MARRS, Stage Manager (Toronto, ON) COC CREDITS: Zdenka, Arabella (2017); Ginevra, Ariodante (2016); Susanna, The Marriage SELECT COC CREDITS: Louis Riel, The Magic Flute (2017); Ariodante; Carmen (2016); La of Figaro (2016); Donna Anna, Don Giovanni (2015). RECENT: Adele, Die Fledermaus (Santa Traviata (2015); Madama Butterfly (2014); Hercules (2013); Assistant Stage Manager, Arabella Fe Opera); Donna Anna, Don Giovanni (); Cunegonde, Candide (Musik (2017), Siegfried (2016). RECENT: Tapestry Briefs: Winter Shorts (); 7Sould Fest Hamburg). UPCOMING: Armida, (The English Concert Tour); Nightingale, The presents Underneath (The Beaches Jazz Festival); Apocalypsis (Luminato Fesitval); Panamania Nightingale and Other Short Fables (COC). (Pan Am Games 2015 Arts and Culture Festival). UPCOMING: Anna Bolena (COC).

ERIC CHAMPOUX, Lighting Designer (Montreal, QC) OWEN MCCAUSLAND, Pedrillo (Tenor, Saint John, NB) COC DEBUT. RECENT: Crystal and OVO (Cirque du Soleil); The Magic Flute (Pacific Opera COC CREDITS: Tamino, The Magic Flute (2017); Lurcanio, Ariodante (2016); Testo, Il Victoria); Princess of Circus (Musical Theater Of Moscow); Aïda and Falstaff (L’Opéra de combattimento di Tancredi e Clorinda (2015); Don Juan, Don Quichotte (2014); Lord Cecil, Montréal); The Abduction from the Seraglio (Opéra de Lyon). UPCOMING: Rinaldo (Pacific Roberto Devereux (2014). RECENT: Tenor soloist, Musik für das Ende (Soundstreams Canada); Opera Victoria); Roméo et Juliette (L’Opéra de Montréal). Lord Arturo Bucklaw, Lucia di Lammermoor (Pacific Opera Victoria).UPCOMING : The Fisherman, The Nightingale and Other Short Fables (COC)

EMMANUEL CLOLUS, Set Designer (France) WAJDI MOUAWAD, Director (Deir al-Qamar, Lebanon) COC DEBUT. RECENT: Phèdre (Festival Palazzetto Bru Zane à Paris and Théâtre de Caen); The COC DEBUT. RECENT: Director, The Abduction from the Seraglio (Opéra de Lyon); Writer/ Abduction from the Seraglio (Opéra de Lyon); La Vestale (La Monnaie/De Munt) Director, Tous des Oiseaux (La Colline – théâtre national). UPCOMING: Writer/Director, Victoires (La Colline – théâtre national). ADDITIONAL: Director of Théâtre national de la Colline; Officer of the Order of Canada (2009); Chevalier de l’Ordre National des Arts et des Lettres de France (2002); Governor General Award-winning playwright for Inflammation du verbe vivre (2016).

CLAIRE DE SÉVIGNÉ, Blonde (Soprano, Hudson, QC) VALÉRIE NÈGRE, Revival Director (Paris, France) SELECT COC CREDITS: The Fiakermilli, Arabella (2017); First Niece, Peter Grimes (2013). COC DEBUT. RECENT: (as Assistant Director) Tous des oiseaux (La Colline); Il ritorno d’Ulisse in RECENT: Blonde, The Abduction from the Seraglio (Savonlinna Opera Festival/Opernhaus patria (Théâtre des Champs Elysées); The Abduction from the Seraglio (Opéra de Lyon). Zürich); Le Feu/La Princesse/Le Rossignol, L’Enfant et les sortilèges (Internationale Opernstudio, Zurich); Hermione, Orest (Opernhaus Zürich); Queen of the Night, The Magic Flute (Opera Theatre of Saint Louis). UPCOMING: Claire de Sévigné in Concert (Niagara Symphony Orchestra and Edmonton Symphony Orchestra).

JOHANNES DEBUS, COC Music Director (Berlin, Germany/Toronto, ON) MAURO PETER, Belmonte (Tenor, Lucerne, Switzerland) SELECT COC CREDITS: Louis Riel, Götterdämmerung (2017); Ariodante, Siegfried and The COC DEBUT. RECENT: Tamino, The Magic Flute (, Covent Garden); Belmonte, Marriage of Figaro (2016). RECENT: The Tales of Hoffmann and Salome (Metropolitan Opera); The Abduction from the Seraglio (Teatro alla Scala); Andres, Wozzeck (); The Tales of Hoffmann (Bregenz Festival); (Oper Frankfurt); The Don Ottavio, Don Giovanni; Medoro, Orlando paladino (Opernhaus Zürich); Ferrando, Così fan Marriage of Figaro (Komische Oper Berlin); Engagements with the National Arts Centre tutte (Bayerische Staatsoper). UPCOMING: Tamino, The Magic Flute (Salzburg Festival and Orchestra, San Diego Symphony, Cleveland Orchestra, Houston Symphony, BBC Philharmonic, Nationaltheatre Mannheim). Aspen Music Festival, Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, Oregon Symphony and Seattle Symphony. UPCOMING: The Nightingale and Other Short Fables (COC).

DIONYSIS GRAMMENOS, Assistant Conductor (Athens, Greece) EMMANUELLE THOMAS, Costume Designer (Chambéry, France) COC DEBUT. RECENT: (as music director) Inaugural Concert (Greek Youth Symphony COC DEBUT. SELECT: The Abduction from the Seraglio (Opéra de Lyon); Tous des oiseaux (La Orchestra), The Flying Dutchman (Thailand Philharmonic Orchestra); L’lsola disabitata (Vienna Colline); Haute surveillance (Le Bateau Feu); Macbeth (Palais du Littoral); Psychose 4.48 (La Young Philharmonic Orchestra). UPCOMING: Odessa Philharmonic Orchestra debut. Loge); Richard II (Théâtre de l’Archipel); Sœurs and Des Mourants (Le Grand T).

SANDRA HORST, Price Family Chorus Master Chair (Toronto, ON) RAPHAEL WEINSTOCK, Bassa Selim (Actor, Haifa, Israel) SELECT COC CREDITS: Louis Riel, Tosca, The Magic Flute, Götterdämmerung (2017); Ariodante COC DEBUT. RECENT: David, Tout des Oiseaux (La Colline – théâtre national); The Absolute (2016); Norma (2016, 1998). RECENT: Conductor, Prima Zombie: The Diva that just wouldn’t Brightness of Leonard Pelkey (Cameri Theatre); Benedict, Much Ado About Nothing (Ramat Gan stay dead (UofT Opera). UPCOMING: Rigoletto, The Abduction from the Seraglio; The Theatre); Orlando, As You Like It (Be’er Sheva Municipal Theatre); Jesus, Jesus Christ Superstar Nightingale and Other Short Fables, Anna Bolena (COC); Vengeance and Of Thee I Sing (UofT (Theater Basel); Dorian Gray, Dorian Gray (Statini Opera). Opera). ADDITIONAL: Director of Musical Studies at University of Toronto Opera.

36 CANADIAN OPERA COMPANY 2017/2018 CANADIAN OPERA COMPANY 2017/2018 37 Jane Archibald was initially nervous a company set up by Austrian Emperor about performing in Wajdi Mouawad’s Joseph II to promote German language production of The Abduction From The works. Mozart, together with Stephanie, “AN ACTUAL Seraglio (Die Entführung aus dem Serail) made changes to Bretzner’s original libretto, during its first staging at Opéra de Lyon ones that the composer felt greatly aided the in 2016. Theatre directors, while meaning work’s musical and theatrical impacts. HUMAN BEING” well, can often make demands on singers that aren’t technically feasible, and with no The work features a Eurocentric orientalism experience in opera, approach productions that presents challenges for 21st-century JANE ARCHIBALD TALKS ABOUT KONSTANZE with what she calls “a great many opinions” audiences and artists. When asked about a AND WORKING WITH WAJDI MOUAWAD on revolutionizing the art form. Working work considered to be firmly rooted in its with the Lebanese-Canadian theatre artist, time, Archibald is quick to respond. “Are BY CATHERINE KUSTANCZY however, she experienced an open exchange there many operas that aren’t? They are all a of ideas and respect for music. product of their time but it’s more overt (in Seraglio). Wajdi addresses it head on.” At the start of production, Archibald says the director “sent out a wonderful long Mouawad added his own original dialogue introductory letter, with an almost-essay into the work in French; it was translated on his feelings about the piece and what into German by dramaturge and translator he wanted to do. He had really thought Uli Menke. “The text is complex and full of about it—it wasn’t, “opera is easy; I’ll throw layers,” Archibald notes, “but we come off it together!” It was, “I’ve thought about this; thinking in a higher way. Things are not this is what I think about the women and black and white.” characters and their development.” That was automatically a lot more interesting.” This Seraglio is notable, the soprano says, for the opportunity it presents for conversation. Mozart’s 1782 opera, which revolves around “We are saying, wait a minute, nobody’s all the hero Belmonte (Mauro Peter) rescuing bad or all good.” She adds that Mouawad his love Konstanze (Archibald) from the approached Seraglio “very much through a seraglio of Bassa Selim (Raphael Weinstock), feminist lens.” with help from his servant Pedrillo (Owen McCausland). The work went through The character of Konstanze, usually several re-writes in its original iteration, with presented as simpering, is here allowed to the initial libretto by Christoph Friedrich be what Archibald terms “an actual human Bretzner adjusted and adapted by Gottlieb being. When I get to speak that kind of text Stephanie; Stephanie, whom Mozart had and have that exchange (with Belmonte) lobbied for an opera commission, was onstage, my arias are different—we understand the inspector of the Nationalsingspiel, the emotion behind them in a deeper way.”

The celebrated director Wajdi Mouawad is a graduate of the National Theatre School of Canada, and is known for politically charged themes throughout his plays, novels and directorial endeavors. His work brims with ideas around loss, betrayal, and struggle. In 2000, Mouawad received the Governor General’s Award for Literature in Drama, and in 2009, was made an Officer of the Order of Canada. His award-winning 2003 work Incendies (Scorched) has been produced around the world, with the subsequent film version, directed by Denis Villeneuve, being Canada’s official selection for the 2011 Academy Awards.

38 CANADIAN OPERA COMPANY 2017/2018 CANADIAN OPERA COMPANY 2017/2018 39 “We are saying, wait a minute, nobody’s all bad or all good.” PROUD SPONSOR OF CANADIAN OPERA COMPANY

Mouawad’s Konstanze holds more nuanced performed the role of Ginevra last season views, ones Archibald has clearly thought in Handel’s Ariodante, she was on the stage a good deal about, having performed in the of the Four Seasons Centre this past fall, as original production in Lyon. “For Konstanze, Zdenka in Strauss’ Arabella. In the spring, it’s a case of, ‘I can’t hate these people; I’ve she’ll be the titular Nightingale in the COC lived with them in captivity. I don’t want revival of Stravinsky’s The Nightingale And to play this racist game; I’ve changed and Other Short Fables. I can’t be the same person I was before I was taken. Love me for me. If we are to have “It’s sort of a long-term goal,” Archibald says any hope of resuming this relationship, you of performing the great works. “All the bel can’t say, okay, go back to being a vapid, canto repertoire requires coloratura facility. noble young woman who is going to enter I’ve done Lucia and Sonnambula, so you society and continue with shallow ways—I’ve know, everything comes incrementally and had this experience, and it’s changed me.’ slowly, and that’s all right.” It’s nice to have a chance to play her in this way and not just, ‘oh, woe is me!’ It elevates the story and makes the rest of it worthy of Catherine Kustanczy is a freelance arts Mozart’s music.” journalist with a speciality in classical coverage, and has had work published in the While known for performing the roles Toronto Star, the National Post, of both Konstanze (in Seraglio) and the and Opera Canada magazines. Queen Of The Night (in The Magic Flute), Archibald, who is the Canadian Opera On February 20, Jane will be performing Company’s first Artist-in-Residence (for a recital as part of the COC’s Free the 2017/2018 season), has expanded her Concert Series. With Liz Upchurch at repertoire and performs Donna Anna (from the piano, the program is titled Vienna Don Giovanni) and Susanna (from The to Paris and includes music by Franz Marriage Of Figaro), and looks forward to Schubert. For details, visit doing more bel canto roles, as well as being coc.ca/FreeConcerts back on stage in Toronto regularly. Having

40 CANADIAN OPERA COMPANY 2017/2018 Sentry, Sentry Investments and the Sentry Investments logo are trademarks of Sentry Investments Corp, a wholly owned subsidiary of CI Financial Corp. Falstaff (COC, 2014), photo: Michael Cooper. BACKSTAGE AND BEYOND! 7 8 Here is a look at some of our recent activities, many shared with our wonderful COC donors, including parties, galas, and backstage meet-and-greets with artists.

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[1] Proving that this stage was made for selfies, new Mayer (pianist), Samantha Pickett (soprano), Simone [6] Supporting incomparable artistry: Jane [8] Pictured here are some of the amazing staff and COC Board Chair Justin Linden poses with guests McIntosh (mezzo) and Megan Quick (mezzo), who Archibald with her sponsor and COC Board Member artists who came out to run, walk, and cheer for the at the company’s annual gala—Centre Stage—in performed arias and ensembles requested by the Jack Whiteside at the opening night of Arabella, 2017 Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon. celebration of Canada’s emerging opera talent. And attendees. a production that received unanimous praise and backstage [2] the winners celebrated: Ensemble a shout-out in the New York Times’ “Best Classical [9] Holiday traditions: General Director Alexander Studio Competition Second Prize winner Joel Allison, [4] Back when the leaves were turning gold, Music Performances of 2017.” Neef and COC Board Member Colleen Sexsmith First Prize and Audience Choice Award winner President’s Council and Opera Club member play piano four-hands to lead party-goers through Simona Genga, and Third Prize winner Anna-Sophie Christopher Bozak and Opera Club member Sadhisha [7] Opera Club is a membership program a songbook of seasonal carols, while [10] soprano Neher. Ambagahawita feted the company’s season opening. specifically tailored for young arts supporters. The lent her voice to the festivities. homegrown star of The Elixir of Love, soprano [3] The Spotlight Series offers Friends members [5] Guests of the Season Opening Party were among Simone Osborne (second from left) mingled with [11] Alex Josephson, co-founder of Toronto-based and other company supporters unique performances the first to hear the company’s new Ensemble Studio OC Committee members Alia Rosenstock, Lauren Di architecture firm PARTISANS and a Committee and audience-centric events, including this special artists and enjoy a surprise performance by Artist-in- Pede (Opera Club co-chair), and Diana Goodwin. member of Opera Club, chats with guests at the concert with Ensemble Studio artists Stéphane Residence Jane Archibald. COC’s Cocktails and Carols party.

42 CANADIAN OPERA COMPANY 2017/2018 CANADIAN OPERA COMPANY 2017/2018 43 ADMINISTRATION AND STAFF ALEXANDER NEEF, General Director

Managing Director Performance Kinetics Consultant Head of Sound Robert Lamb Jennifer Swan Bob Shindle Music Director Lyric Diction Coach Assistant Sound Johannes Debus Steven Leigh Craig Kadoke Executive Director, Philanthropy & COC Ensemble Studio Head Carpenter Audiences Samuel Chan Paul Watkinson Christie Darville Lauren Eberwein Rachael Kerr Assistant Carpenter Danika Lorèn David Middleton Stéphane Mayer EXECUTIVE OFFICE Simone McIntosh Head Flyman Samantha Pickett Michael Gelfand Executive Assistant to the Megan Quick General Director Bruno Roy Head of Properties Marguerite Schabas Daniel Graham

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

Production Assistants Free Concert Series Properties Supervisor Andréane Christiansen Wulf Higgins Taryn Dougall Program Manager, Free Concert Series Dorian Cox Properties Buyer/Co-ordinator Orchestra Personnel Manager Tracy Taylor Ian Cowie Properties Builder/Co-ordinator Music Librarian, Coach PRODUCTION Carolyn Choo Wayne Vogan Director of Production Properties Builders Assistant Music Librarian Chuck Giles Sophie Moynan Ondrej Golias Eugene Paunil Technical Director Music Staff Mike Ledermueller Costume Supervisor Rachel Andrist (Abduction) Sandra Corazza Dionysis Grammenos (Abduction) Production Manager Andrea Grant (Rigoletto) Michael Freeman Costume Co-ordinators Hyejin Kwon (Abduction) Chloe Anderson Ben Malensek (Rigoletto) Lighting Supervisor Cassandra Spence Daniele Guevara Costume Assistants Assistant Technical Directors Natassia Brunato COC ACADEMY Autumn Coppaway Angela Cabrera Director, COC Academy Jake Gow Melynda Jurgenson Resident Cutter Nina Draganic Tracey Glas Assistant Production Manager Murphy Diggon Assisted by Ensemble Studio Karen Hancock Head Electrician Erin Huitema Head of the Ensemble Studio & Coach Joe Nalepka Kiyomi Hidaka Liz Upchurch Assistant Electricians Head Vocal Consultant Douglas Claus Wendy Nielsen Josh McGill

CANADIAN OPERA COMPANY 2017/2018 45 Additional Costumes Manager, Stewardship Ticket Services Representatives Chris Read Emma Noakes Taylor Balint Industry Costumes Rachel Barna Seamless Costumes Ltd Senior Development Officer, Events & Joseph Black ALL THE Engagement Ernest Cayemen Carl Bezanson Alexandra Folkes Saskia Edwards assisted by Peter Genoway Angela Colburne Senior Development Officer, Annual Christopher Hackett Elena Atanassova Programs & Patron Engagement Cat Haywood MAGIC! Natalie Sandassie Manda Kennedy Avril Stevenson Christine Klein assisted by Development Officer, Annual Programs Keith Lam Rebecca Boyd & Patron Engagement Dylan MacVicar Soojin Ahn Megan Miles Last fall, the COC initiated a Christine Audet Kevin Morris assisted by Co-ordinator, Annual Programs & new performance program, Judy MacDougall Patron Engagement Mary Furlong Meghan Carlow Opera for Young Audiences. Call Centre The first production,The Additional Painting and Dyeing Advancement Communications Officer Manager, Direct Sales and Giving Marjory Fielding Taylor Long Richard Paradiso Magic Victrola, ran from Nov. 29 to Dec. 3 at the Additional Millinery Senior Development Officer, Call Centre Representatives Kaz Chopcian Friends of the COC Margaret Terry COC’s Imperial Oil Opera Victor Widjaja Catherine Belyea Head of Wardrobe Dona Arbabzadeh Theatre (227 Front St. E.), Nancy Hawkins Individual Giving Co-ordinator, Frank Bushe Friends of the COC Keith Fernandes entertaining and delighting Wardrobe Assistant Sarah Westgarth Tomasz Smereka both the young and the Leslie Brown Matthew Timmermans Senior Development Officer, Diona Dolabaille Wig & Make-up Supervisor Institutional Gifts young at heart. Sharon Ryman Francesco Corsaro Head of Wig & Make-up Crew Senior Development Officer, FINANCE AND The one-act opera featured Cori Ferguson Partnerships Francesca Perez ADMINISTRATION popular excerpts by Bizet, SURTITLES™ Producer Gunta Dreifelds Senior Development Officer, Director of Finance & Administration Delibes, Donizetti, Mozart, Partnerships Lindy Cowan, CPA, CA SURTITLES™ Editor Jennifer Pugsley Offenbach, and Puccini with Zane Kaneps Human Resources Manager a libretto by David Kersnar Advancement Operations Officers Lorraine O’Connor, CHRP SURTITLES™ Assistants John Kriter and Jacqueline Russell, and tenor Andrew Haji, fresh from his opera creation workshop Olwyn Lewis Amelia Smart Finance Manager John Sharpe Saptarsi Saha, CPA, CA was performed by COC mainstage Elixir of Love triumph. led by composer and Supernumeraries Co-ordinators General Accountants Ensemble Studio artists, Pre-performance activities were artist-educator Chris Analee Stein Communications Pamela Curva with Ensemble graduate supplemented by an interactive Thornborrow. Elizabeth Walker Florence Huang Strategic Advisor & Artistic Associate Nikita Gourski Accounting Clerk Vera Brjozovskaia PHILANTHROPY & Senior Manager, Creative & Publications Payroll Accountants Keep up to date with all the COC’s programs for young people at AUDIENCES Gianna Wichelow Jovana Bojovic learn.coc.ca. Jeanny Won Executive Director, Philanthropy & Associate Manager, Marketing & Audiences Customer Service Finance Assistant Christie Darville Eldon Earle Lorrie Element Associate Director, Business Sophia Wiens Security Supervisor Executive Assistant to the Executive Associate Manager, Digital Marketing Development Karol Carstensen Dave Samuels Manager, IT Services Elizabeth Jones Deena Nicklefork Director, Philanthropy & Audiences Meighan Szigeti Steven Sherwood Elizabeth Scott Steven McDermott Security Administrator Publicist and Publications Business & Events Co-ordinator Susannah Mackay Kathleen Minor Database Reporting Specialist Melissa McDonnell Senior Manager Operations, Co-ordinator Brad Staples Philanthropy & Audiences Kristin McKinnon Patron Services Lead Security Guards Andrea Salin Patron Services Manager, Diana Pfeffer Natalia Juzyc IT Services Assistant Front of House George Balyasin Public Relations Assistant Tony Sandy Mischa Jackson Julia Somerville (on leave) Usman Khalid Nicholas Martin Advancement Archivist, Joan Baillie Archives Interim Patron Services Manager, Building Services Abdi Gulleed Birthe Joergensen Front of House Associate Director, Facilities Pavithra Sugumar Associate Director, Public Affairs Ticket Services Christian Coulter Amy Mushinski Receptionist/Switchboard Management Joe Waldherr Building Operators Ticket Services Manager Katarina Božovic Patron Services Manager, Dan Bisca Advancement Associate Chris Mercredi Food & Beverage Assistant Manager, Operations Dan Popescu Janet Stubbs Mailroom Clerk/Courier Brigitte Lang Adrian Tudoran Group Sales Co-ordinator Branka Hrsum Christian Coulter Director of Development David Nimmo Assistant Manager, Carillion Services Supervisor Stephen Gilles Maintenance Assistants (COC) Patron Services Ryszard Gad Paula Da Costa Ticket Services Supervisor FOUR SEASONS CENTRE Kim Hutchinson-Barber Manager, Special Events Lillian Fung Branislav Peterman Julian Peters Carillion Services Team Erin Koth FOR THE PERFORMING Senior Patron Services Supervisors Jennifer Barros Part-time Ticket Services Supervisors Stuart Constable Maintenance Assistants (FSCPA) Nash Lim Senior Development Officer, Special Nick Davis ARTS Kimberly Wu Jimmy Pacheco Events Alan Gawalko James Esposito Piotr Wiench Sugey Torres Brianna Chase Director, Four Seasons Centre for the Patron Services Supervisors Kinfe Wolde Nida Performing Arts Enrique Covarrubias Cortes Jamieson Eakin Richard Moore Alfred Caron Christine Groom

46 CANADIAN OPERA COMPANY 2017/2018 CANADIAN OPERA COMPANY 2017/2018 47 OPERA INSIGHTS Explore the COC’s 2017/2018 opera season with our popular and FREE interactive events and exciting conversations.

WINTER 2018

BARITONE BRAVADO Thursday, January 18, 2018 – 7 to 8:30 p.m. Richard Bradshaw Amphitheatre Join head of the COC Ensemble Studio Liz Upchurch, Ensemble Studio singers Samuel Chan and Bruno Roy, and Ensemble Studio alumnus Neil Craighead as they explore the baritone voice in all its fascinating facets. MOZART’S STYLE: THE ABDUCTION FROM THE SERAGLIO Thursday, February 8, 2018 – 7 to 8:30 p.m. Education Centre Explore Mozart’s first big opera hit with musicologists Catherine Willshire and Matthew Timmermans. Includes an intimate performance by COC Orchestra violinists Elizabeth Johnston and Sandra Baron. OPERA TRIVIA: BEGINNER TO EXPERT Thursday, February 15, 2018 – 7 to 8:30p.m. Education Centre Join trivia master Russel Harder of Trivia Club! for this fun, gameshow-inspired opera quiz night. You don’t need to be an expert! Come solo or as a team.

ALL EVENTS ARE FREE. SKIP THE LINE AND RESERVE ONLINE AT coc.ca/OperaInsights WALK-UPS WELCOME Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts 145 Queen St. W., Toronto CANADIAN OPERA COMPANY 2017/2018 49 COC BOARD OF DIRECTORS

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

CANADIAN OPERA FOUNDATION DIRECTORS

Mr. Tony Arrell Mr. Philip C. Deck, Chair Mr. Christopher Hoffmann Mr. Jonathan Bloomberg Mr. Michael Gibbens Mr. Justin Linden Mr. J. Rob Collins Mr. David Spiro, Secretary

CREDITS AND COC OPERA ACKNOWLEDGMENTS GUILDS

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

The COC operates in agreement with IATSE Local #58, Local For more information, #822, Local #828. visit coc.ca/Guilds.

SUPERNUMERARIES RIGOLETTO Ralph Iorio Lee Perenack THE ABDUCTION FROM John Allemang Ward Jardine Yuan Ren THE SERAGLIO Liz Allemang Caroline Lanese Tania Scanlon Ida Bigger Nyla Jeffrey Matt Bernstein Todd Langis Jim Vanderlip Saga Bigger Micaela Silvey Maria Braico Verlin Lloyd James Jamie Whitaker Clara Facchinelli Chloe Walker Mark Garron Jim Lucas Art Grierson Eric Matto

50 CANADIAN OPERA COMPANY 2017/2018

16_3626_FSCOR_COC_Support_Ad_FA_Outline.indd 1 2016-07-14 10:13 AM $25,000 – $99,999 The Estate of James Drewry Stewart Derek Genova MANY THANKS TO OUR SUPPORTERS Keith Ambachtsheer & Virginia Atkin Anonymous (1) Catherine Glasgow Ethel Harris & the late Milton E. Harris Bryan Grant Hal Jackman Foundation $100,000 + Sarah Heim Patrick and Barbara Keenan Anne & Tony Arrell Kathryn Holland Life Trustees Council Foundation Linda & Michael Hutcheon Deborah Moorthy $25,000 – $99,999 Alex Maitland† The Life Trustees Council salutes the leaders of the COC community whose efforts have been The Stratton Trust The Estate of Shirley Anne Braithwaite Sophie Malek James & Christine Nicol Elan Marko integral to the company’s artistic evolution and transformative history of accomplishment. Up to $24,999 Roberto Mauro† & † ARIAS: Canadian Opera Student Up to $24,999 Ian McIntosh Earlaine Collins Jerry and Geraldine Heffernan Michael Levine Development Fund Simon Nyilassy Terry McIntosh J. Rob Collins Ben Heppner Adrianne Pieczonka Marcia Lewis Brown Margaret Taylor-Sevier John McKinnon A.J. Diamond Henry N. R. Jackman Arthur R. A. Scace, C. M. Margaret Harriett Cameron & Anonymous (1) Kat McKinnon David Ferguson, Chair David Stanley-Porter the late Gary Smith Kim McKinnon Ninalee Craig 2017 SCOTIABANK Kimberlee McKinnon Catherine Fauquier Sue Mortimer David & Kristin Ferguson TORONTO WATERFRONT David Nimmo† Patrick Hodgson Family Foundation MARATHON—TEAM COC Kenneth Noakes & Rosemary Taylor Emeritus Council Executive Committee Jo Lander Lorraine O’Connor† Barbara Markman SUPPORTERS Bill Pugsley The COC Emeritus Council, led by the Executive Committee, salutes those Board Members who Roger D. Moore Jennifer Pugsley† Colleen Sexsmith Jennifer Alias Hank Salin have completed their term and whose leadership efforts have been integral to the company’s June Shaw Bob Anderson Dawn Marie Schlegel artistic evolution and transformative history of accomplishment. Toronto Wagner Society Karin Anderson Dr. Harley Smyth & Brian Wilks Anne & Tony Arrell Carolyn McIntire Smyth Rosemary Dover Anne Maggisano Colleen Sexsmith Melanie Beech Jeff Snow Catherine Fauquier The Hon. Barbara McDougall Keith Sjögren GENERAL PROGRAM Maria Braico David E. Spiro Michael Gough, Co-Chair Sue Mortimer Jack Whiteside, Co-Chair Ms Marta Braun Ms Maryellen Symons SUPPORTERS Flavio Daniel Cruz Caracas Frances Price Giles Tomkins Providing general program support is Ms Cecily Carver Adriana Triggs critical to the COC’s artistic mission. Samuel Chan† Melina Vacca-Pugsley Dr. John Chiu Alysha Vazquez $1,000,000 + Isabel Cruz & Flavio Caracas Dr. Yvonne Verbeeten E. Louise Morgan Society Jerry and Geraldine Heffernan Lucas Cugini Gianna Wichelow† The Henry White Kinnear Foundation David Folkes Anonymous (4) A legacy of leadership, passion, and philanthropy achieved through individual lifetime giving in Frances & Tim Price Ian Folkes support of the Canadian Opera Company.

Anne & Tony Arrell The Catherine and Maxwell Meighen Foundation ARIAS: Canadian Opera Student Development Fund Roger D. Moore Earlaine Collins in memory of Gerard H. Collins Frances & Tim Price Canadian Opera Foundation John A. Cook Arthur & Susan Scace Securing the future and long-term vitality of the Canadian Opera Company through visionary, Philip Deck & Kimberley Bozak Colleen Sexsmith permanent investments Peter M. Deeb Joey & Toby Tanenbaum Jerry and Geraldine Heffernan Anonymous (2) $2,000,000 + Dr. Bell Michael & Linda Hutcheon Earlaine Collins in memory of John A. Cook John B. Lawson, C.M. Q.C. Gerard H. Collins Evelyn Ellen Elrick Anthony V. Mason Free Concert Endowment Fund Estate of N. Faye Wood Rob & Penny Richards Jerry & Geraldine Heffernan David E. Spiro Major Gifts and Special Projects $100,000 – $249,999 Lilly Offenbach Strauss $1,000,000 – $1,999,999 Estate of Isobel May Allen Amy & Claire Stewart The COC offers its sincere thanks to the individuals listed below for their extraordinary support. Dr. & Mrs. Larry M. Agranove Frances V. Blue Janet Stubbs The Estate of Horst Dantz & Don Quick Ruth Eileen Day Sun Life Financial The Hon. Henry N. R. Jackman George & Kathy Dembroski TransCanada Corp. PRODUCTION PERFORMANCE AND Up to $24,999 The Henry White Kinnear Foundation Estate of Marion Gertrude Farr Anonymous (1) UNDERWRITERS ARTIST SPONSORS Marjorie & Roy Linden Roger D. Moore Leonore Hetherington & Charles Petersen Advancing the art form Building a community of world-class Sheila K. Piercey Helen Inch $25,000 – $49,999 through visionary productions. artists, both established and emerging. Michael V. & Wanda Plachta Ruby Mercer Mrs. Leonard G. (Anne) Delicaet COC ACADEMY Frances & Tim Price Edwin & Ann Mirvish Marjorie & Roy Linden $500,000 + $100,000 + SUPPORTERS Frank and Emily Riddell Memorial Trust Estate of Howard Frederick Rock Cecilia M. Longstaffe The Estate of James Drewry Stewart J. M. Doc Savage Estate of Esther Jean Macdonald The Catherine and Maxwell Meighen George & Kathy Dembroski Encouraging the next generation George J. Zebrowski David Stanley-Porter Kenneth F. Read Foundation Jack Whiteside of artists and celebrating Canada’s Colleen Sexsmith Mrs. Ruth E. Vanderslip Ann Sutton wealth of talent. Anonymous (5) Anonymous (1) $50,000 – $99,999 $500,000 – $999,999 Ethel B. Jackson $100,000 – $499,999 Robert Sherrin $1,000,000 Mr. Phil Lind R. Samuel McLaughlin Foundation $50,000 – $99,999 Canada Cultural Investment Peter M. Deeb The J.P. Bickell Foundation Fund—Endowment Incentives $25,000 – $99,999 The Catherine and Maxwell Meighen Foundation David Bowen $50,000 – $99,999 Earlaine Collins $500,000 – $999,999 Mr. Walter Carsen, O.C. Howard & Sarah D. Solomon Peter & Hélène Hunt Sheila K. Piercey Dr. Rodney C. Ellis Foundation in honour of Gerard The Tauba and Solomon Spiro Family $250,000 – $499,999 The Slaight Family Foundation Estate of Mildred H. M. Hamilton Arts Foundation Mortier Foundation ARIAS: Canadian Opera Student Development Fund John G. Hunter Kristine Vikmanis & Denton Creighton $100,000 - $499,999 Anonymous (1) Marjorie & Roy Linden

52 CANADIAN OPERA COMPANY 2017/2018 CANADIAN OPERA COMPANY 2017/2018 53 Don McQueen & Trina McQueen O.C.*** Janice A. Baker**** J. E. Fordyce**** Individual Giving Annual Support Mr. Ian McWalter* Richard J. Balfour**** Nick & Sally Forrest*** Mr. Ulrich Menzefricke**** Annette Balgord Robert & Julia Foster** GOLDEN CIRCLE Jim & Christine Nicol Mrs. Donna Brock*** Dr. M. L. Myers**** Alice & Tom Bastedo*** Leslie Foster Peter M. Partridge**** Alice Burton*** Matt & Debbie Mysak*** Dr. Thomas H. Beechy**** Mrs. Ingrid Fratzl Dr. Shirley C. Neuman*** Mr. N. Beilstein & Mr. A. Lee Rev. Ivars Gaide & GOLD, $50,000 + Riki Turofsky & Charles Petersen** Margaret Harriett Cameron**** Eileen Patricia Newell*** Ms Marie Bérard†*** Rev. Dr. Anita Gaide*** Anne & Tony Arrell**** Frances & Tim Price**** Sharon & Howard Campbell** Dr. Emilie Newell** James Doak & Patricia Best*** Judy & David Galloway David G. Broadhurst** Alan & Gwendoline Pyatt Dita Vadron & Jim Catty ** Sally-Ann Noznesky**** Nani & Austin Beutel**** Mr. W. Bowen & Ms S. Gavinchuk**** In memory of Gerard H. Collins**** Ms R. Raso**** Cesaroni Management Limited*** Simon Nyilassy* Dody Bienenstock** Dr. Barry A. Gayle**** Jerry & Geraldine Heffernan**** Barrie D. Rose, Karen Solomon and Neil Chander Emile Oliana & Alvin Iu**** John & Mandy Birch* Dr. Eudice Goldberg* The Catherine and Maxwell Meighen Family*** The Rt. Hon. Adrienne Clarkson* Janice Oliver*** Douglas Birkenshaw and Aviva & Andrew Goldenberg** Foundation**** Annie & Ian Sale* Tony Comper** Julia & Liza Overs*** Ginger Sorbara Dr. Fay Goldstep & Colleen Sexsmith*** J. Allen Smith & Mary and Bill Corcoran*** Dr. & Mrs. William M. Park**** Anneliese and Walter Blackwell**** Dr. George Freedman** Anonymous (1) Katherine Megrue-Smith Bram & Beth Costin Philip & Maria Smith*** Lindy Cowan† & Chris Hatley*** Douglas L. Parker**** Ian & Janet Blue*** Mr. Jeff Axelrod & Dr. John Goodhew John & Gwen Pattison** Howard & Caroline Booth Tina & Michael Gooding*** SILVER, $25,000 – $49,999 Stephen & Jane Smith**** Mr. & Mrs. Leslie Dan*** Marion & Gerald Soloway*** Peter Deeb* Dr. Roger D. Pearce**** Mr. Christopher Bozek Wayne A. Gooding†**** Mark & Gail Appel**** David E. Spiro**** Angelo & Carol DelZotto*** John & Carol Peterson*** Mrs. Carolyn Bradley-Hall & David & Wendy Flores-Gordon** Paul Bernards*** Françoise Sutton*** Carol Derk & David Giles** M. J. Phillips**** Mr. William Bradley*** David Gordon & Beth Greenblatt** Barbara Black** Ryerson & Michele Symons* Mrs. Shirley Diamond & Family**** Otto and Marie Pick Charitable Mrs. Richard Bradshaw**** Bryan Grant Philip Deck & Kimberley Bozak*** Ms Kristine Vikmanis & Peter & Anne Dotsikas*** Foundation Dr. David & Constance Briant**** Ms Carol Gray Michael Gibbens & Julie Lassonde* Mr. Denton Creighton**** Jeffrey Douglas June C. Pinkney**** Thomas J. Burton** Mr. Darryl Green Rennie & Bill Humphries**** David Roffey & Karen Walsh**** Dr. & Mrs. Dean G. Dover** Polk Family Charitable Fund** Maureen Callahan & Douglas Gray** Mr. Finn Greflund & Mrs. M. Ortner*** Ronald Kimel & LaPerriere**** The Youssef-Warren Foundation**** Vreni & Marc Ducommun**** Julian and Anna Porter Ken & Denise Cargill** Ellen & Simon Gulden**** Susan Loube & William Acton** Joseph Fantl & Moira Bartram** Margrit & Tony Rahilly**** Brian & Ellen Carr**** Joyce Gutmann**** Jack Whiteside*** Darren Farwell Douglas L. Ludwig & Karen J. Rice*** Gail Carson**** Dan Hagler & Family*** Anonymous (1) Ms Lindsay Dale-Harris & Rob & Penny Richards*** Drs. Carol & David Cass Mrs. Pamela Hallisey Mr. Rupert Field-Marsham**** Margaret A. Riggin** Wendy M. Cecil & Jack Cockwell Mr. Adrian J. Hamel* BRONZE, $12,500 – $24,999 PRESIDENT’S COUNCIL Margaret & David Fountain**** Ms Sharon Cookie Sandler**** Family**** Beverly Hargraft** Dr. & Mrs. Hans G. Abromeit**** Dr. & Mrs. Wm. O. Geisler*** Judy & Hy Sarick**** Lee Chambers Paul & Natalie Hartman** Ms Nora Aufreiter* TRUSTEE, $7,500 – $12,499 Susan Gerhard** Helen & John Scott** Prof. Alfred L. Chan & Jacques & Elizabeth Helbronner*** Walter M. & Lisa Balfour Bowen**** Keith Ambachtsheer & The Honourable Irving & June Shaw & Mr. Michael Farewell*** Ms Dianne Henderson Mr. Philip J. Boswell**** Virginia Atkin**** Mrs. Gail Gerstein*** the late Dr. Ralph Shaw**** Dr. & Mrs. Albert Cheskes*** William E. Hewitt*** Marcia Lewis Brown* Margaret Atwood & Graeme Gibson*** Ann J. Gibson**** David & Hilary Short**** Mr. Amar Choksi Mr. David J. Hiebert & Helen Burstyn & Family Mr. & Mrs. Rudy Bratty Deanna A. Gontard**** Hume Smith**** John D. Church Dr. Paul E. Cooper Dr. John Chiu in memory of Frank Ciccolini Sr.**** Michael & Anne Gough**** Mr. Philip Somerville** Dr. Howard M. Clarke*** Ms Pamela Hoiles Yvonne Chiu, C.M.**** Bud & Leigh Eisenberg*** Dr. Noëlle Grace & The Shohet Rosemary Speirs Ms Jacqueline Code* Sally Holton**** Stephen Clarke & Elizabeth Black** Andrew Fleming** Family**** Dr. John Stanley & Edward Cole & Adrienne Hood*** Mr. Roland Hoy*** The Max Clarkson Family Peter & Shelagh Godsoe*** Ronald & Birgitte Granofsky**** Dr. Helmut Reichenbächer*** Brian Collins & Amanda Demers** Frances Humphreys in memory of Foundation**** Chris Hoffmann & Joan Eakin** Douglas & Ruth Grant* Wayne Stanley & Marina Pretorius** Fred & Anne Conlin Anthony C. J. Humphreys**** J. Rob Collins & Janet Cottrelle**** Dr. Joshua Josephson & John & Judith Grant** Doreen L. Stanton**** Katherine Robb Corlett**** Peter & Hélène Hunt**** Marilyn Cook** Ms Elaine Lewis**** John Groves & Vera Del Vecchio**** Janet Stubbs†** Dr. Lesley S. Corrin**** Dr. Melvyn L. Iscove*** Sydney & Florence Cooper** J. Hans Kluge** Dr. Albert J. Haddad & Anthea Thorp**** Gay & Derek Cowbourne** Elliott Jacobson & Judy Malkin** Ninalee Craig**** Dr. Elizabeth Kocmur & Mr. Rodney Rousseau Ronald & Lee Till**** Mary & John Crocker**** Laurence Jewell** Jean Davidson & Paul Spafford**** Mr. James C. Baillie**** George & Irene Hamilton**** Ian Turner*** Ruth & John Crow*** The Norman & Margaret Jewison David & Kristin Ferguson**** Anne Lewitt** Scott & Ellen Hand*** Sandra & Guy Upjohn*** Greg Cumming & Bianca Marcus*** Charitable Foundation**** George Fierheller**** Mr. & Mrs. J. S. A. MacDonald**** Mr. Harquail & Dr. Sigfridsson** Edmond & Sylvia Vanhaverbeke**** Mary Beth Currie & Jeff Rintoul Asma Jinnah Lloyd & Gladys Fogler*** Amy & John Macfarlane** Maggie Hayes** Donald & Margaret Walter**** Carrol Anne Curry**** Dr. Albert & Bette Johnston** Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts*** Frederick J. Marker & Anne W. Dupré Hon. & Mrs. Paul Hellyer**** Hugh & Colleen Washington** Mr. Stuart Davidson* Ms Elizabeth Johnson** Robert Fung** Jill Denham & Stephen Marshall** Michiel Horn & Cornelia Schuh**** Ruth Watts-Gransden**** Dr. & Mrs. Michael & Ute Davis*** Miriam Kagan* Ira Gluskin & Kathleen McLaughlin & Tim Costigan** Ken Hugessen & Jennifer Connolly** Virginia Wesson*** Brian J. Dawson*** In Memory of Patricia Johnson** Maxine Granovsky Gluskin*** Robert Neil McMillan Lorraine Kaake**** Mr. Brian Wilks** Jayne & Ted Dawson**** H. L. Katarynych*** The Hon. William C. Graham & John & Esther McNeil**** The Patrick & Barbara Keenan Ms Lilly Wong* Honor & Michael de Pencier**** Dr. Joel Keenleyside**** Mrs. Catherine Graham**** Dr. Judith A. Miller**** Foundation**** Linda Young* Mr. & Mrs. A. J. Diamond** Claire M. C. Kennedy Ethel Harris & the late Milton Harris**** Bruce & Vladka Mitchell** James & Diane King** Susan Zorzi** J. DiGiovanni** David W. & Sheryl L. Kerr* William & Nona Heaslip Foundation**** Dr. David Shaw** Valarie Koziol* Anonymous (7) Dr. John H. Dirks Ms. Kristina Kerr Mr. Peter Hinman & John & Ellen Spears**** Kimberley Fobert & Robert Lamb†**** Olwen & Frank Dixon** Inta Kierans**** Ms Kristi Stangeland Carol Swallow*** Paul Lee & Jill Maynard**** MEMBER, $2,250 – $3,749 Sandra Z. Doblinger** Thea Herman & Gregory King*** Douglas E. Hodgson**** Wendy J. Thompson**** Mr. J. Levitt & Ms E. Mah** D. C. Adamson-Brdar**** Ms Petrina Dolby*** Ellen & Hermann Kircher**** Michael & Linda Hutcheon**** Helen Ziegler*** Mr. Peter Levitt & Ms Mai Why*** Joan H. Addison Mr. Steven D. Donohoe**** Michael & Sonja Koerner*** Bernhard & Hannelore Kaeser**** Marjorie & Roy Linden**** Dr. & Mrs. Larry M. Agranove**** Mrs. Sharon Dowdal William & Eva Krangle**** Justin S. Linden* PATRON, $3,750 – $7,499 Dr. Vance Logan**** Donna & Lorne Albaum** Dr. James & Mrs. Ellen Downey** Peter W. Lamb & Veronica Tennant Jeff Lloyd & Barbara Henders** Sue Armstrong**** Peter H. Lunney* Mr. & Mrs. Roberto & Nancy Albis*** Marko Duic and Gabriel Lau**** Elizabeth & Goulding Lambert**** Kiersten Taylor & Tim Loftsgard Philip Arthur & Mary Wilson** Peter & Jocelyn Luongo Clive & Barbara Allen**** Mr. Albert D. Dunn* Jo Lander**** Jerry & Joan Lozinski**** Ron Atkinson & Bruce Blandford**** James & Connie MacDougall**** Mr. Thomas & Mrs. Claire Allen** William & Gwenda Echard**** Mr. Philip Lanouette** Ms Anne Maggisano Mona H. Bandeen, C.M.*** Mr. Jed MacKay**** Dr. D. Amato & Ms J. Hodges**** Jean Patterson Edwards** M. J. Horsfall Large*** Judy & Wilmot Matthews** Henk Bartelink in memory of Tom MacMillan**** Mr. Mark Andrews Wendy & Elliott Eisen**** John B. Lawson, C.M., Q.C. Hon. Margaret Norrie McCain*** Oskar & Irmgard Gaube*** Dr. Colin McGregor Mailer**** Stephanie, Kate & Jordan Elliott & Lynne Griffin* Mr. Duncan & Mrs. Sondra Lear John McVicker & B. W. Thomas**** Dr. Frank Bartoszek & Mrs. J. L. Malcolm** Anne-Marie H. Applin**** George A. Farkass** Dr. Connie Lee*** Delia M. Moog*** Mr. Daniel O’Brien**** Fernando Martinez-Caro Valerie Armstrong**** Catherine Fauquier**** Neal & Dominique Lee** Jonathan Morgan & Shurla Gittens** Mr. & Mrs. Eric Belli-Bivar*** Dr. & Mrs. Donald C. McGillivray**** K. R. I. Bailey** Bill Fearn & Claudia Rogers**** Alexander & Anna Leggatt**** Sue Mortimer in memory of Dr. Catherine Bergeron*** Paul & Jean McGrath**** John Bailey** Lee & Shannon Ferrier**** Martin & Raja Leistner Clive Bennett Mortimer**** Tom Bogart & Kathy Tamaki** Ronan McGrath & Sarah Perry* Marilyn & Charles Baillie**** William & Rosemary Fillmore*** Joy Levine*** Susanne Boyce & Brendan Mullen**** Dr. Jane Brissenden & June McLean**** Andrew & Cornelia Baines**** Goshka Folda* Leanne & George Lewis Dr. Janet Roscoe****

54 CANADIAN OPERA COMPANY 2017/2018 CANADIAN OPERA COMPANY 2017/2018 55 L. Liivamagi & Dr. D. N. Cash* Dr. Reza Rastegar FRIENDS OF THE COC Dr. J. H. Tait** In loving memory of Dr. & Mrs. W. G. Lindley**** Kenneth F. Read**** Mr. Robert P. Tomas and Joyce Whitney Hughes* The Encore Legacy Janet & Sid Lindsay*** Grant L. Reuber**** SUSTAINING FRIENDS Dr. Allan Peterkin* Margaret and Chris Ibey*** The Encore Legacy is the planned Anthony Lisanti*** Mrs. Gabrielle Richards*** $1,750 – $2,249 Mr. & Mrs. David G. Trent**** Dr. Ingrid Jarvis** giving program of the Canadian Opera Company. Tom C. Logan* Carolyn Ricketts**** Carol & Ernest Albright**** Mr. John M. Welch**** Lilian Kilianski† & Brian Pritchard* Mr. Huston Loke Janet Rieksts-Alderman Examine Iivi Campbell**** Zorzella Family Mai Kirch**** Planned giving is making the decision Jonathan & Dorothea Lovat Dickson** Consultants Canada Geoffrey & Bilgi Chapman**** Anonymous (5) Christopher Kowal* today to provide a gift for the Dr. Jan Lusis**** Ms Nada Ristich* Ms Hope Elizabeth Anna Clement Dr. Milos Krajny**** Canadian Opera Company that may Dr. & Mrs. Richard Mackenzie**** Emily & Fred Rizner** Mr. James Hamilton* CONTRIBUTING FRIENDS Mrs. Natalie Kuzmich*** not be realized until after your lifetime. Macro Properties Ltd.** Clara Robert** Roy & Gail Harrison**** $750 – $1,149 Mr. James R. Lake**** Dr. & Mrs. M. A. Manuel** J. E. Robinson Dr. Paul & Mrs. Marcia Kavanagh Sean Adams Harry Lane*** Gifts planned today, that will ultimately Mr. & Mrs. R. Gordon Marantz**** In memory of John & Norma Rogers Janina Milisiewicz**** Ms Joy Alexander**** Mr. Darcy Latremouille affect your estate, allow you to make a Barbara Markman Dr. Michael & Mary Romeo**** Mrs. Sara Nixon Mr. Albert Alexanian Giles le Riche & Rosemary Polczer*** statement of support that will become Roberto Mauro† & Erin Wall† Rainer & Sharyn Rothfuss**** Drs. Elizabeth & Norbert Perera**** Nancy and Arthur Ameis Charitable Claus & Heather Lenk** a lasting legacy to the COC. Mrs. Ettore Mazzoleni*** The Roux Family Andy Pringle* Fund** Yakov Lerner†* Diane McArthur Mallory Morris Sartz & John Sartz**** Mr. Michael Samborsky*** Leila Appleford*** Dr. David Levine* The Canadian Opera Company Don McLean & Diane Martello* Dr. Anabel M. Scaranelo Ms Elisabeth Scarff**** Mr. Alfonso M. Arias John & Michele Lewis gratefully acknowledges and thanks Guy & Joanne McLean**** David Schauer David Smukler & ** Dr. I. L. Babb Fund at the Toronto Susan Lockwood* the following individuals who have Georgina McLennan**** Walter & Maria Schroeder Ms Peg Thoen** Community Foundation**** Gil & Dorota Lorenson included the COC in their estate M. E. McLeod**** Fred & Mary Schulz** Ms Ruth Thornbury In memory of M. Baptista*** Dr. Francois Loubert** planning: Mr. Timothy McNicholas* Carol Seifert & Bruno Tesan*** Vernon & Beryl Turner**** Alyson Barnett Cowan** David Macfarlane Shawn McReynolds & Elaine Kierans** Robert & Geraldine Sharpe**** Lowell & Nataliya Wintrup Peter & Leslie Barton*** Mary P. MacLean*** Eva Innes & David Medhurst* Allan & Helaine Shiff**** Mrs. Lynn Bayer*** Jil McIntosh** Marie Agay Dr. Don Melady & Dr. Bernie & Mrs. Bobbie Silverman** Mr. Bruce McKeown**** Susan Agranove & Estate of ASSOCIATE FRIENDS Jeniva Berger**** Mr. Rowley Mossop*** Rod & Christina Simpson Sylvia M. McPhee**** Dr. Larry M. Agranove $1,150 – $1,749 Mr. Spencer Bibby* Pauline Menkes Helen Sinclair & Paul Cantor Ingrid & Daniel Mida* Ken R. Alexander Louis Amato-Gauci & David Hopley Anthony Bird**** Eileen Mercier**** Ms Joan Sinclair*** Randy Mills* Estate of Isobel May Allen Michael & Janet Barnard** M. I. Bohn* Mrs Cornelia Mews In memory of Dr. Bernard Slatt* Kamini & Lynne Milnes* Ms Sandra Alston Michael Benedict & Martha Lowrie**** Staunton St. C. M. Bowen Dr. Alan C. Middleton*** Jay Smith & Laura Rapp** Peter Naylor* Estate of John H. Anderson Don Biderman**** Gabrielle Bray Ms Elizabeth Paton Miller* Dr. Harley Smyth & Liviu Constantin Nicolescu Ms Ann Andrusyszyn Ellen & Murray Blankstein* Mary Brock & Brian Iler**** Patricia & Frank Mills*** Carolyn McIntire Smyth** Karen Olinyk†* Callie Archer Darlene & Peter Blenich* Murray & Judy Bryant*** Dr. & Mrs. Steven Millward** Dr. Joseph So**** Mr. Vlad Ovchinnikov & Renata Arens & Elizabeth Frey James E. Brown** R + J Burkholder* Mr. David Milovanovic & Dr. Cinda Dyer The Sorbara Group of Companies**** Mrs. Lesia Menchynska* Mrs. Rosalen Armstrong Dr. Wendy C. Chan* Ms Judith Burrows*** Florence Minz Cameron Rusaw & Anne-Marie Sorrenti Joan Pape**** Tony & Anne Arrell Patricia Clarke** Mr. & Mrs. George Butterfield** Audrey & David Mirvish*** Martha E. Spears**** Mr. Alexander C. Pathy Ron Atkinson & Bruce Blandford Robert D. Cook** Dr. Barbara Caffery Varqa Mirzaagha F.E.A. Specht**** Dr. Wadermar A. Pieczonka**** Mr. L. H. Bartelink Mr. Darren Day*** Theresa & John Caldwell**** Dr. David N. Mitchell & Ms Gillian Stacey Ed & Beth Price*** David K. Bernhardt Howard & Kathrine Eckler*** Ms Josephine K. Caliendo* Dr. Susan M. Till*** R Paul Steep & Anne McNeilly* Robert Radke J. Linden Best & James G. Kerr Lawrence Enkin*** Mr. Bill Cameron** Mr. Donald Mitchell* Oksana R. Stein**** Ms Cecille Ratney**** Mr. Philip J. Boswell R. Dalton Fowler**** Betty Carlyle**** Mr. Robert Morassutti**** John D. Stevenson**** Mr. Jason Roberts*** Estate of David Bowen Mr. Anthony Georges Mark Cestnik & Natercia Sousa**** Alice Janet Morgan**** Martin Stone Ms Virginia Robeson** Marnie M. Bracht Alison Girling & Paul Schabas** Dr. Paul & Mrs. Joyce Chapnick** Ms Rosalind Morrow** James H. Stonehouse** Gordon Robison & David Grant** Estate of Shirley Anne Braithwaite Les & Marion Green**** George Clark** Gael Mourant & Caroline Hubberstey* Dr. David Surplis Mr. Anthony Rubin**** Gregory Brandt Mr. Carmen & Mrs. Vittoria Guglietti** Joe T. R. Clarke**** Mr. Noel Mowat** William Siegel & Margaret Swaine*** Mr. Paul Sabourin Ms Cindy Breslin-Carere Ms Alison Harvison Young & William Cowan & Elodie Fourquet** Professor David J. Murray*** Anna Talenti**** Amye & DeeAnn Hagler Sagar Marcia Lewis Brown Mr. Herman J. Wilton-Siegel** Mrs. Heather Craigie David & Mary Neelands*** Eric Tang & Dr. James Miller** Patti & Richard Schabas** Brian Bucknall & Mary Jane Mossman Sylvie Hatch**** Anita Day Dr. Steven Nitzkin**** Peter A. Roy & Leah Taylor Roy Valerie Schweritzer & Chris Reed**** Dita Vadron & Jim Catty David Holdsworth & Nicole Senécal** Mr. Stephen F. Dineley & James Norcop** Tesari Charitable Foundation** Giuseppe Sferrazza Estate of Edith Chapman Richard & Susan Horner**** Ms Penelope Rose*** Donald O’Born*** Elizabeth Tory**** Marlene Pollock Sheff** Mrs. Ann Christie Mr. Josef Hrdina** Mr. Michael Disney** Annette Oelbaum* Mr. Alex Tosheff* Ross Shin**** Earl Clark Dr. Ivan & Mrs. Diana Hronsky**** Wendy Drahovzal Dr. James & Mrs. Valda Oestreicher*** Dr. Richard Lee & Mr. Gary Van Haren** Kevin and Sabine Smart Stephen Clarke & Elizabeth Black Mr. David Hutton*** Ms Eleanor L. Ellins**** Mr. Ashkan Omidi Dory Vanderhoof & Rosalind Bell**** Alison Smith & James Morrow The Rt. Hon. Adrienne Clarkson Ms Suanne Kelman and Mr. Arthur English** Martin & Myrna Ossip** Stefan Varga & Dr. Marica Varga* David Hogarth Smith**** Brian Collins & Amanda Demers Dr. Allan J. Fox** Janice and Paul Sabourin Eileen & Ralph Overend** Dr. Yvonne Verbeeten*** Donald A. Smith** Earlaine Collins Dr. & Mrs. L. A. Kitchell**** Joe & Helen Feldmann*** Sherrill Owen Dr. Helen Vosu & Donald Milner**** Mrs. Pamela Smith*** In Memory of John A. Cook Mr. & Mrs. I. P. & O. M. Komarnicky*** Margaret & Jim Fleck* Clarence & Mary Pace*** Elizabeth & Michael Walker*** John Spears and Elisabeth Marsden**** David H. Cormack Alan & Marti Latta**** Jennifer & Frank Flower**** Dr. & Mrs. N. Pairaudeau**** Ted & Erica Warkentin Pavel and Vera Straka*** Ninalee Craig Mr. Tom Le Seelleur*** Marie-Lison Fougere** Gail Asper, O.C., O.M., LL. D., and Ms Eleanor Westney** Piano Synergy (Dr. Ruslan Sviridov & Estate of Jean Croggon Andrew & Harriet Lyons Angelo Furgiuele & Family* Michael Paterson Melanie Whitehead*** Dr. Irina Khovanskaya) Anita Day & Robert McDonald P. Anne Mackay**** Hugh Furneaux**** Barbara & Peter Pauly** Frank Whittaker** Terry S. Tator*** Ruth Eileen Day Mrs. Janet Maggiacomo** Dr. Hugh Gayler & Ms Eileen Martin**** Elizabeth Paupst Mr. Peter Wijnbergen* Dr. Claude Tousignant** Ann De Brouwer Mary McClymont**** Mr. M. Gerwin & Mrs. J. Rutledge** Dr. A. Angus Peller** Elizabeth Wilson & Ian Montagnes**** Dr. Nancy F. Vogan**** Estate of Anne Margaret Delicaet Mr. Carl Morey**** Mr. Vadim Gouterman & John & Penelope Pepperell** Robert Elliott & Paul Wilson** Mr. Wayne Vogan†**** Helen Drake Dr. Kevin Morse Ms Yana Gouterman Dr. R. G. Perrin** Ms Durhane Wong-Rieger George Vona & Lark Popov** Yvonne Earle Sean O’Neill & Victoria Cowling**** In Memory of Victoria Woods* Linda Lee & Michael Pharoah**** John Wright & Chung-Wai Chow** Dr. Peter Voore**** Estate of Philipp Eberhardinger Mervyn Pickering Ms Julianna Greenspan Robin B. Pitcher**** Dr. Jackson Wu & Dr. Viviana Chang* Dr. Leonard Waverman and Estate of Evelyn Ellen Elrick Ms Victoria Pinnington*** Dr. & Mrs. Voldemars Gulens**** Wanda Plachta**** Ms June Yee*** Dr. Eva Klein Estate of Marion Gertrude Farr Dr. Peter Ray**** Dr. & Mrs. Brian & Cynthia Hands**** Mr. & Mrs. Domenic Porporo** Morden Yolles**** Peter Webb & Joan York**** David & Kristin Ferguson Dr. Shelley Rechner**** Sandra Hausman** Mary Jean & Frank Potter*** Carole & Bernie Zucker*** Mr. Takahiro Yamanaka Carol Fordyce Mrs. Gertrude Rosenthal**** Hana Havlicek Martinek* Georgia Prassas**** Anonymous (18) Ms Diana Yenson* Rowland D. Galbraith Robert & Dorothy Ross**** W. L. B. Heath**** Dr. Mark Quigley**** Yvonne Zhang Douglas G. Gardner Dr. & Mrs. W. K. Stavraky*** In memory of Pauline Hinch** Stephen Ralls & Bruce Ubukata*** Anonymous (5) Susan Gerhard Helga & Klaus Stegemann*** Dr. Elizabeth Hodby* Christoph Emmrich & Srilata Raman Ann J. Gibson Norma & George Steiner**** Mr. & Mrs. N. Hodges**** Carol & Morton Rapp**** Richard & Donna Holbrook**** Estate of Evelyn M. Glendenning

56 CANADIAN OPERA COMPANY 2017/2018 CANADIAN OPERA COMPANY 2017/2018 57 Tina & Michael Gooding Estate of Norma Yvonne Sawden MEMORIAL AND Michael & Anne Gough Estate of Helen F. H. Schaller Six series—vocal, chamber, Donald I. F. Graham Fred & Mary Schulz HONORARY DONATIONS Colin Gruchy John & Helen Scott The COC expresses its sincere piano, dance, jazz and world Donald Gutteridge and Anne Millar Colleen Sexsmith appreciation to all donors who David G. Hallman Claire Shaw have made memorial and honorary George & Irene Hamilton June Shaw, in memory of donations. music—feature a range of Estate of Dr. Ralph Shaw Mildred Helen Margaret Hamilton R. Bonnie Shettler In Memory of performers from international Joan L. Harris Dr. Joseph So Frank Bertin Estate of Helen Kathleen Harrop William Siegel & Margaret Swaine Matina Chrones stars to emerging young Estate of Leonore Hetherington Paul Spafford Norma Hazan William E. Hewitt David E. Spiro Nancy Lymburner James Hewson Estate of Helen Kathleen Allen Stacey Dr. Kenneth Read artists. ALL FOR FREE! John R. Higgins Dr. D. P. Stanley-Porter R. Bredin Stapells Q.C. Mr. Kim Yim Ho & Doreen L. Stanton Joan Watson Walter Frederic Thommen Drs. W. & K. Stavraky Douglas E. Hodgson Estate of James Drewry Stewart In Honour of Winter programming includes solo recitals by Joshua Guerrero, tenor (Jan 23); Claire Estate of Egon Homburger The Stratton Trust Dr. Ken Balderson Estate of Mrs. Lucie Homburger Lilly Offenbach Strauss Earlaine Collins de Sévigné, soprano (Feb 14); Jane Archibald, soprano (Feb 20); Artists of the COC Michiel Horn Janet Stubbs† Ninalee Craig Ensemble Studio (Jan 25, Feb 8, Feb 15, March 15); and Artists of the COC Orchestra Matt Hughes Ann Sutton Margaret Hayes Michael & Linda Hutcheon Ronald Taber Justin Linden & Stephanie Orleans’ and Orchestra Academy (Jan 25). Elaine Iannuzziello Susanne Tabur Wedding Estate of Helen Inch Wendy J. Thompson Ingrid Martin & Gary Corrin’s Wedding Frances & Tim Price Dr. Ingrid Jarvis Mrs. Ann C. Timpson For complete listings, and to sign up for e-mail updates, visit Lynne Jeffrey Riki Turofsky & Charles Petersen Iain & Barbara Scott Estate of Mr. Gordon Cecil Johnson Tony & Mary van Straubenzee Ruth Watts-Gransden Ann Kadrnka N. Suzanne Vanstone coc.ca/FreeConcerts Estate of Betty Kalmanasch Marie-Laure Wagner Estate of Barbara Lynn Kelsey Estate of Jeanie Irwin Walker Corporate Ben Kizemchuk Hugh & Colleen Washington Estate of Henri Kolin William R. Waters Matching Partners Kathryn Kossow Estate of Harris Wetstein The Canadian Opera Company Estate of Borge John Kraglund Brian Wilks gratefully acknowledges the following Estate of Helen Lazier Mr. Leonard J. Willschick organizations that have matched gifts Jo Lander Estate of Marion Caroline Wilson by their employees: Peggy Lau Estate of Mary Louise Wratten Marjorie & Roy Linden Estate of Jean Elizabeth Yack Wright Burgundy Asset Management Ltd. Tom C. Logan, A.R.C.T. Estate of Nancy Faye Wood Canadian Tire Corporation Limited Estate of Esther Jean Macdonald Marion York IBM Canada Inc. Ms Lenore MacDonald Tricia Younger Estate of Eluned MacMillan Estate of Susan Zador Dr. Colin M. Mailer Estate of George Zebrowski Estate of Pauline Mandsohn Anonymous (43) R. Manke Estate of William Allan Henry Manula Tim & Jane Marlatt Mr. Shawn Martin Estate of Anthony V. Mason Margaret McKee Sylvia M. McPhee John McVicker & B. W. Thomas Dr. Alan C. Middleton Eleanor Miller Sigmund & Elaine Mintz Donald Morse Sue Mortimer Roald Nasgaard & Lori Walters Mr. & Mrs. James D. Patterson Mervyn Pickering Gunther & Dorothy Piepke The above Individual Support Gifts were made as of January 2, 2018. Wanda Plachta * five to nine years of support Ms Georgia Prassas ** 10 to 14 years of support K. F. Read *** 15 to 19 years of support Dr. John Reeve-Newson **** 20 or more years of support Florence Richler † COC administration, chorus or orchestra member Estate of Howard Frederick Rock ‡ Endowment John & Norma Rogers Mrs. Margaret Russell Despite the staff’s extensive efforts to avoid errors and omissions, mistakes Sharon Ryman† can occur. If your name was omitted, listed incorrectly or misspelled, Cookie & Stephen Sandler we apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused. We would Estate of Maneck Khurshed Sanjana appreciate being notified of any errors at 416-847-4949. J. M. Doc Savage

58 CANADIAN OPERA COMPANY 2017/2018 CANADIAN OPERA COMPANY 2017/2018 59 $100,000 + HOSTING SPONSORS FINE WINE AUCTION 2017 2017/2018 CORPORATE SPONSORS The Slaight Family Foundation Drake One Fifty Nota Bene Restaurant Presenting Sponsors $50,000 – $99,999 Graywood Developments AND FOUNDATION SUPPORTERS The George Cedric Metcalf Charitable PREFERRED FLORISTS Michael Gibbens & Julie Lassonde Foundation Bloom The Flower Company Chair-man Mills Inc. Quince Flowers Partnering Sponsors The Hal Jackman Foundation at the Gillam Group Inc. Ontario Arts Foundation Donnelley Financial Solutions CENTRE STAGE GALA 2017 $10,000 – $49,999 Supporting Sponsor Audrey S. Hellyer Charitable Platinum Supporter Geoffrey Pennal of CIBC Wood Gundy Foundation RBC Capital Markets The Azrieli Foundation Official Storage Supplier of Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP Opera Under 30 Sponsor the COC Fine Wine Auction Burgundy Asset Management Limited TD Iron Gate – Private Wine Management Presenting Sponsor, Opera Under 30, Davies Ward Phillips & Vineberg LLP Operanation, and Centre Stage Goldman Sachs Competition Supporter Event Sponsors Great-West Life Assurance Company Hal Jackman Foundation 10tation Event Catering Guarantee Gold The Cheese Boutique Jackman Foundation Gold Sponsors Trius J.P. Bickell Foundation Brookfield Asset Management Stephen Ranger Linden & Associates Gluskin Sheff & Associates Waddingtons The Lloyd Carr-Harris Foundation Scotiabank McCarthy Tetrault The Mclean Foundation Supporter of Ensemble Studio Presenting Sponsor of Official Canadian Wine Norton Rose Fulbright Canada LLP OPERANATI0N 2017 and Centre Stage Share the Opera of the COC at the FSCPA Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt LLP PwC Presenting Sponsor Shangri-La hotel, Toronto TD Bank Group Tesari Charitable Foundation Anonymous (1) Platinum Sponsor Hampton Securities $5,000 – $9,999 The Hope Charitable Foundation Partnering Sponsor Local 58 Charitable Benefit Fund Burgundy Asset Management Limited Mill Street Brewery Production Sponsor Shinex Window Cleaning Inc. Contributing Sponsors Production Sponsor Stravinsky’s The Nightingale Title Sponsor Unit Park Holdings Inc. Altus-Wellington Private Wealth The Catalyst Capital Group Inc. Donizetti’s Anna Bolena and Other Short Fables Children’s Education Programs Vida Peene Fund at the Canada Council for the Arts Ewing Morris Investment Partners Ltd. GrowthandIncome.ca $2,500 – $4,999 Hicks Memorial Fund at the Calgary Event Sponsors Foundation BT/A Chairman Mills $1,000 - $2,499 Drake One Fifty FASHION Magazine Artist Hosting Partner Conam Charitable Foundation Ticket Back Sponsor Ensemble Studio Partner D’Avignon Freight Services Inc. Faulhaber Communications Gill Ratcliffe Foundation Mill St. Brewery Jarvis & Associates Nestle Waters Canada Judith Teller Foundation Perrier K.M. Hunter Charitable Foundation Pink Twig The Powis Family Foundation Ryan Emberley Photography Anonymous Shangri-La Hotel, Toronto Spirit of York Distillery Co. 10tation Event Catering Toronto Life Trius GOVERNMENT SUPPORT Wellington Printworks The Canadian Opera Company gratefully acknowledges the generous support through operating grants from these government agencies and departments:

OPERATING ENSEMBLE STUDIO AND SUPPORT ENDOWMENT SUPPORT PHOTO CREDITS COVER: photo: COC, 2018. PAGE 3: screen capture of COC website features Ensemble Studio soprano Lauren Eberwein, photo: Gaetz Photography. PAGE 5: Alexander Neef, photo: bohuang.ca, 2016. Pages 8, 10-12: photos: Michael Cooper.

an Ontario government agency PAGES 15, 20, 21: photos: Chris Hutcheson. PAGE 22: photos courtesy of Stephen Lord. PAGE 23: photo: Tom Arban. un organisme du gouvernement de l’Ontario PAGE 24: Alexander Neef, photo: bohuang.ca, 2016. PAGE 26, 29: photos: Bertrand Stofleth. PAGE 33: photos: COC. PAGES 35, 38: photos: Bertrand Stofleth. PAGES 42-43: photo 1: Ryan Emberley; photo 2: Michael Cooper; photos 3–11: Gaetz Photography. PAGE 47: top right: Ensemble Studio soprano Danika Lorèn; bottom right: Ensemble studio members, soprano Samantha Pickett, mezzo-soprano Simone McIntosh, and mezzo-soprano Megan Quick, with (laying down) SPECIAL PROJECT FUNDING Ensemble Studio graduate tenor Andrew Haji; photos; Gaetz Photography. PAGE 49: photos: COC. PAGE 59 (clockwise For many programs and special initiatives undertaken each year by the Canadian Opera Company, we gratefully from top right): Canada’s Ballet Jörgen, photo: Karen E. Reeves; Megan Quick, photo: Kevin Lloyd; Rossina Grieco, photo: acknowledge project funding from: Karen E. Reeves; Mike Downes Trio, photo: Kevin Lloyd; Ensemble Jeng Yi, photo: Karen E. Reeves; Jennifer Murphy, photo: Karen E. Reeves. PAGE 63: photo: Joey Lopez. BACK COVER: (top to bottom) Fine Wine Auction, 2017, photo: Gaetz Photography; Kiesza performing at Operanation, 2017, photo: Ryan Emberley; Centre Stage Gala, 2016, photo: Ryan Employment and Social Development Canada Ontario Arts Council Emberley.

60 CANADIAN OPERA COMPANY 2017/2018 CANADIAN OPERA COMPANY 2017/2018 61 PARKING There is parking on a first-come, first-served PATRON INFORMATION basis for about 200 vehicles underneath the TICKET SERVICES Four Seasons Centre. The entrance is located Canadian Opera Company subscriptions on the west side of York Street, south of Queen AND POLICIES and individual tickets are available through Street. Additional parking is conveniently COC Ticket Services: located just steps away in the Green P lot issued. Be sure to take a look at our Facebook underneath Nathan Phillips Square. For page for official photos of our productions! ONLINE: coc.ca GO SCENT FREE directions visit greenp.com. LATECOMERS BY PHONE: In consideration of patrons with allergies, FOUR SEASONS CENTRE FACILITY TOURS In the interest of safety and for the comfort of 416-363-8231 or please avoid wearing perfumed beauty Tours of the Four Seasons Centre include all patrons and performers, latecomers may not long distance 1-800-250-4653 products and fragrances. backstage access! For more information, visit enter the auditorium or be seated unless there Monday to Friday – 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. fourseasonscentre.ca. is a suitable break in the performance (usually Saturday – 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. COAT AND PARCEL CHECK intermission). Patrons leaving the auditorium PRE-PERFORMANCE OPERA CHATS To uphold the safety of the building, oversized during the performance or returning late after IN PERSON: COC Education and Outreach staff and bags and parcels may be prohibited from intermission may not be readmitted. Four Seasons Centre Box Office guest speakers offer free, insightful chats entering R. Fraser Elliott Hall. Patrons 145 Queen St. W. about the stories, music and background attending COC performances may be offered FOOD AND BEVERAGE Monday to Saturday: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. or of all COC productions, 45 minutes prior to complimentary parcel check. Coat check is Outside food and beverages are prohibited through first intermission each performance in the Richard Bradshaw located in the Lower Lobby, where the following from entering the Four Seasons Centre. Sunday (performance days only): 11 a.m. to Amphitheatre. Doors open one hour before services are also available: booster seats, back Food and beverages are not allowed in the 3 p.m. or through first intermission each performance. Seating is limited and supports, infrared hearing-assistive devices and auditorium. available on a first-come, first served rental of binoculars, on a first-come, first-served The Four Seasons Centre for the basis. Please join the line-up early to avoid basis. RECORDINGS Performing Arts Box Office also services disappointment. Patrons consent to appear in recorded material ticketing needs for The National Ballet of NOISE ETIQUETTE by attending FSC performances/events. Canada and all other Four Seasons Centre SPECIAL EVENTS AND CATERING Patrons are reminded that R. Fraser Elliott Hall events. The Four Seasons Centre is available for is an extremely lively auditorium and that all OBJECTIONABLE BEHAVIOUR rental for all of your presentation, meeting audience noise will be accentuated and audible Management reserves the right to refuse GROUP SALES Groups of 10 or more enjoy or special events needs, with spaces to other patrons. Turn off all electronic devices, admission without refund, and expel from savings on regular individual ticket prices. accommodating from 20 to 2,000 people and avoid talking, coughing, humming, moving the premises, any person whose presence or For more information or to reserve seats full catering services. For further details visit loose seats, kicking the backs of seats, rustling conduct is deemed objectionable. call 416-306-2356. programs, and unwrapping candies or cough fourseasonscentre.ca or call 416-342-5233. drops. Please remain in your seat until the CHILDREN AND BABES-IN-ARMS performance has completely ended and the All patrons, including children, must have a house lights have been turned on. ticket for the performance. All children must be seated next to an accompanying adult. ELECTRONIC DEVICES Young children should be able to sit quietly The use of mobile and smartphones and all throughout the performance. If unable to do so, other electronic devices is extremely disruptive children and their accompanying adult will be and is strictly prohibited during performances. asked to leave the auditorium. Babes-in-arms If a patron has an emergency and needs to will not be admitted. be contacted during a performance, he or she FOOD AND should contact Patron Services for assistance MEDICAL EMERGENCIES AND FIRST AID BEVERAGE SERVICE before the performance. A house doctor is present at all performances. Please contact an usher if medical services are We are pleased to offer, for the convenience CAMERAS/RECORDING DEVICES required. of all our patrons, a pre-order system for The use of cameras, video cameras or sound- intermission purchases. Our pre-order system recording devices of any kind is prohibited LOST AND FOUND is designed to decrease your wait time at the in R. Fraser Elliott Hall during performances. During performances please speak with an bar during intermission and we invite you to The design and direction of the production usher or visit Patron Services at the Coat Check make use of it at every COC performance. is restricted under intellectual property law. in the Lower Lobby. Following performances, Bars are located throughout the Isadore and Any person using an unauthorized recording please e-mail [email protected] or call Rosalie Sharp City Room’s many levels. Food device will be required to surrender or erase 416-342-5200 for information. and beverages are not permitted in R. Fraser any recordings, photographic or digital images Elliott Hall. and may be asked to leave. No refunds will be

62 CANADIAN OPERA COMPANY 2017/2018 CANADIAN OPERA COMPANY 2017/2018 63 FINE WINE AUCTION APRIL 12, 2018

OPERANATION MAY 17, 2018

CENTRE STAGE NOVEMBER 1, 2018

coc.ca

Date: Jan 04, 2018 Approvals: Date: Signature: Filename_ Version# Proofreader: COC171541 BeyondMainstage_PgrmAd_FP_FNL_R1.indd Acct Mngr: Client: COC Artist (build): JM Studio Mngr: Desc: House Prgm Ad Artist (edits): Preflighter Supplier: Acct. Mgr: CC Copywriter: Trim: 6.5" x 9.25" # Colours: 4/0 Art Director: 559 College Street, Suite 401 Toronto, ON M6G 1A9 Bleed: 6.8" x 9.55" 4 Col Process 416-323-3282 Safety/Live: 6" x 8.75" Client: File Built at: 100% (1:1) PMS PMS