Bountiful Bel Canto
Sunday, October 16th
Oliveto Trattoria
Before embarking on a tour of Opera NUOVA’s newly commissioned Canadian Opera for children, “Mr Moreover’s Magic” , five of the 2011 Vocal Arts Festival alumni will share an evening full of ‘Bel Canto’ repertoire. The Italian term means ‘beautiful singing’ and our artists: Catherine Bergeron, Aaron Hutton, Giovanni Spanu, Amanda Hillestad and Sara Staples are all exceptional musicians who will bring sublime melodic lyricism to the early Italian repertoire created by Rossini, Donizetti and Bellini. They are sure to impress as they collaborate with the brilliant artistry of Simon Marc de Freitas. Celebrate Autumn’s bountiful splendour while basking in an evening of exceptional classical music and enjoying exquisite Italian cuisine at Oliveto.
Vibrant Verismo
Sunday, November 20th
Normands
We have lined up three of our outstanding alumni: Andrew Love(Baritone – Papageno in Magic Flute 2008), Michael Marino (Tenor – Romeo in Romeo et Juliette 2010) and Jessica Strong (Soprano – Rosalinda in Die Fledermaus 2008) to return to Edmonton and share their love of the verismo style of the operatic repertoire. Verismo is the term used to define the 19th century compositions written with a desire to create stories and characters based in realism and truth. The evening will be filled with arias and duets composed by Puccini, Verdi, Bizet and Gounod. Don’t miss this wonderful opportunity to be engulfed by the resounding resonance of these passionate artists as you relish in the exquisite menu created by Normands and share time with friends before we enter the busy Christmas season.
Romantic Miniatures
Sunday, February 5th
The Marc
Artsong, Lieder, Melodie…by any name these songs celebrate the glory of the human voice and are the perfect combination of music and literature. Each romantic miniature is a story set to music, breathing life into the works of some of our greatest poets. Frederic Beaudoin (Prince in Rusalka 2011), Natalie Fagnan (Lauretta in Gianni Schicchi 2010) and Adam Fisher (Fenton in Falstaff 2010)will perform the romantic melodies created by Strauss, Hahn, Brahms and others. They will be joined by special guest artist Justin Welsh who created the role of Blitch in our production of Susannah (2007). His resonant bass baritone instrument will be fondly remembered by many and we are excited to celebrate his recent completion of training with the COC ensemble and his debut role with Calgary Opera in their production of Moby Dick. We are also pleased to introduce to our patrons the intimate ambiance of The Marc, this new French restaurant owned by Patrick Saurette will set the perfect environment for our romantic miniatures.
Operatic Lassies
Sunday, March 18th
That’s Amore
Whitney Sloan is becoming well known to Edmonton audiences after her thrilling portrayal of Rusalka in this year’s Vocal Arts Festival. She will have exciting stories to share after returning from a European audition tour in January & February. Alongside Whitney will be alumnus mezzo-soprano Aidan Ferguson who has been performing in Montreal with Opera Atelier. Aidan returns home to share her rich resonant voice in this cabaret and then with Alberta Baroque on March 25th. These two refined artists, in collaboration with the extraordinary coach and accompanist Shannon Hiebert will share the stories of ‘operatic lassies’ while performing some of the beloved arias of famous divas. Join us in the beautiful surroundings of the newly renovated “That’s Amore” and celebrate these two brilliant emerging artists before they move on to grace the world stages, becoming well known operatic lassies themselves!
“Julie & Judy”
- A Tribute to Julie Andrews and Judy Garland
Sunday, April 15th
Century Grill
Long time friends and well known Edmonton artists Dawn Sadoway and Kim Mattice Wanat are featured in this tribute to two of the best known female vocalists of all time: Judy Garland and Julie Andrews. Their voices and the music they sang span many decades and have left behind a legacy of well known musical gems, never to be forgotten. Don’t miss this wonderful opportunity to enjoy a relaxed evening of listening to songs with melodies that will linger on, as you relish in a spectacular meal created by the chefs at Century Grill.
Enchanted Evenings – A Mother’s Day Special Event
Ted Baerg & Irena Welhasch Baerg
Sunday, May 13th
Edmonton Petroleum Club
Theodore Baerg and his wife Irena have enjoyed critically acclaimed opera and concert careers with appearances in North America, Europe and Asia. They are well known for creating beautiful concerts with a myriad of musical stylings. As part of this special Mother’s day event Ted and Irena will share artsongs from their CD, La Mystique D’Amour and Ted will share some of the highlights from his CD “Enchanted Evenings” released in 2007 including “Some Enchanted Evening”, “ Night and Day” and “Delovely” . With their exquisite interpretation of the music, relaxed stage presence and soaring voices they will captivate the audience. This will be the perfect gift for any mother!
L’Invitation du Voyage - A Father’s Day Event
June 17th
Sabor Divino
Opera NUOVA singers and pianists from across Canada invite you to voyage with them as they perform songs that centre around a theme of travel or embarking on a journey! This evening will feature the remarkable song cycle “Songs of Travel” by Ralph Vaughan Williams, and many other eclectic musical styles. This is the perfect opportunity to get a sneak peek of the exciting talent to be gracing the Timms Centre Stage as part of the Vocal Arts Festival. Treat dad and join us at Sabor Divino for an evening of inspired music, exquisite food and laughter shared with friends and family!
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