Ottawa, ON – February 25, 2014
Opera Lyra’s General Director, Jeep Jeffries proudly announces the company’s 30th anniversary season and officially welcomes Conductor Kevin Mallon as Interim Artistic Director.
“Opera Lyra’s exciting 30th anniversary season features remarkable casts and creative teams assembled and conducted by Tyrone Paterson and Kevin Mallon.” Jeep Jeffries
Highlights of the 2014-2015 season include two lavish, fully-staged operas, an expanded Opera Lyra Studio program for aspiring young opera singers, family fare with an adapted opera for elementary schools and more opportunities for opera in Ottawa/Gatineau throughout the year. All will be showcased on the company’s newly revamped website to be launched later today. operalyra.ca
“I’m delighted to be presenting an exciting program for Opera Lyra, from lavish productions at the NAC to school shows, a new Studio program for young singers- something for everyone, young and old! Be part of the excitement!” Kevin Mallon
The company opens its 30th anniversary season with Giacomo Puccini’s enduring masterpiece, Tosca, a taut political game of deception and betrayal. The production stars Canadian Soprano Michelle Capalbo is the fiery singer Floria Tosca, Newfoundland’s own Baritone David Pomeroy is her lover, the patriot and painter, Mario Cavaradossi. American Baritone Todd Thomas is Baron Scarpia the Chief of the Secret Police who manipulates & betrays Tosca. The all-Canadian supporting cast has Bass-Baritone Giles Tompkins as Angelotti the escaped political prisoner, Baritone Dion Mazerolle and TenorJames McLennan as police agents’ Sciarrone and Spoleta. The Opera Lyra Chorus is led by Laurence Ewashko. Maestro Tyrone Paterson, the company’s outgoing Artistic Director, cast the production and returns as guest conductor to lead the Tosca company and the National Arts Centre Orchestra. (September 6, 8, 10, 13. Southam Hall, NAC)
In the spring, the mood lightens considerably with Mozart’s great comedy, The Marriage of Figaro. In this innovative production set in the Edwardian era, household servants Figaro and his fiancée Susanna are pitted in a battle of wits against their master. Plots and romantic misadventures ensue in this lively, Downton Abby-themed production. Ottawa Sopranos Wallis Giunta as Cherubino and Mirielle Asselin as Susanna lead a mostly Canadian cast, with Baritone James Westman as Count Almaviva and his long-suffering wife Soprano Nathalie Paulin as Countess Almaviva. American Baritone John Brancyis the frustrated bridegroom Figaro. Baritone Peter McGillivray is Bartolo, Mezzo-Soprano Lynne McMurtry is Marcellina. Tenor Aaron Ferguson is Basilo and Soprano Johane Ansel is Barbara. Bass Baritone Sean Watson as Antonio, and the Opera Lyra Chorus is led by Laurence Ewashko. Opera Lyra’s Artistic Director, Kevin Mallon, will conduct the National Arts Centre Orchestra. (March 21, 23, 25, 28. Southam Hall, NAC)
For families and elementary school students, Opera Lyra is pleased to continue its family friendly hour-long operas performed in the Arts Court Theatre. This season it’s Amadeus Mozart’s fairy-tale adventure, The Magic Flute, performed by Opera Lyra Studio artists. Join the (not so) brave birdcatcher Papageno as he helps the Prince to free Princess from the evil Queen of the Night.
Opera Lyra Studio has grown into a seven-week training and professional performance program for aspiring opera singers in Canada. After an intensive three-week period of coaching and classes, singers perform two programs – one in French and one in English – and are cast in The Magic Flute for students and families. Other outreach opportunities include performing at special eventssuch as the company’s The Annual Garden Party, Hockey Night at the Opera and the Winter Gala.
“Anyone who knows me knows I’m passionate about bringing more opera to the city and the opera for families and outreach concerts entertain and benefit everyone,” said Kevin Mallon.
Many of Mallon’s initiatives to bring more opera to the city will be part ofInHarmony – Opera Community Development Program. Other initiatives will enhance the company’s mainstage productions by showcasing Opera Lyra Chorus singers, bringing innovative opera companies from across the country to smaller venues in the region and by taking advantage of city events such asNuit Blanche and Open Doors.
About the company
Opera Lyra is dedicated to the music, the passion and the adventure that is opera, committed to nurturing and showcasing Canadian talent and to educating young audiences and instilling in them the love of opera and the arts.
On April 19, 21, 23, 26 2014 Opera Lyra will present on of the most famous and beautiful operas – Madama Butterfly . This haunting tale is set in Japan in the late 1880’s. Southam Hall, National Arts Centre. Tickets – NAC Box Office – 613-947-7000, x. 620.
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