Opera 5 presents the inaugural Toronto Opera Competition, which is able to happen from June 12 to 21, 2025 at Manufacturing unit Theatre. The occasion will symbolize town’s solely skilled opera competition, and can showcase opera, musical theatre, and new Canadian works.
Homegrown expertise is on the root of the Competition, and it’s a part of Opera 5’s mandate to advocate for and champion new Canadian operatic works. As a spot the place seasoned and rising artists will carry out collectively, it’s a possibility for studying and improvement as effectively.
The theme of the primary Toronto Opera Competition is loss, and the way we address it and categorical it. That theme is explored on the earth premiere of Come Nearer, a brand new chamber opera by composer Ryan Trew and librettist Rachel Krehm, with poetry by the late Elizabeth Krehm.
Right here’s a take a look at the very first Toronto Opera Competition.
Toronto Opera Competition 2025
Free Preview: Free Live performance Collection
Come Nearer: Sneak peek of a brand new Canadian opera
April 16, 2025
You may get a sneak peek at Come Nearer, a brand new Canadian chamber opera throughout the Canadian Opera Firm’s free lunchtime live performance collection.
Gala: A Evening of Opera & Musical Theatre
June 12
This yr’s Portfolio Artists sing beloved arias, ensemble items, and artwork songs from opera and musical theatre. It’s a celebration of the vocal arts in an occasion that’s designed to be reasonably priced and accessible.
Forged: Kyle Briscoe; Jayden Burrows; Len Crino; Kate Fogg; Brenna McFarland; Maddalena Ohrbach; MacKenzie Sechi; Emma Yee.
Come Nearer (World Premiere)
A brand new chamber opera by composer Ryan Trew and librettist Rachel Krehm, with poetry by the late Elizabeth Krehm
June 13, 14, 18, 19 & 21
This new opera examines the grief of dropping a sister, based mostly on the experiences of librettist Rachel Krehm. Her sister Elizabeth’s poetry is used within the work; Elizabeth misplaced her life to habit. The work delves into the grieving course of by way of a collection of fantasies and reminiscences that start with the innocence of childhood, then to a harder relationship throughout adolescence. How do you progress ahead after such a loss?
“Grief is a common expertise for all of us who’ve cherished and but it’s usually probably the most isolating of experiences. I needed to create a present that allowed us to attach and really feel much less alone. Ryan Trew’s music embodies nostalgia, melody, and each feeling you’ll be able to think about. His music lifts up my sister’s phrases and my story of discovering your self once more after experiencing loss. The workforce that’s bringing this opera to life is considerate and passionate. Their contribution to Come Nearer augments every phrase and each be aware of the rating. The opera has been years within the making and the entire workforce can’t wait to share Come Nearer with you,” says librettist and vocalist, Normal Director of Opera 5 Rachel Krehm.
Forged: Rachel Krehm (Large Sister) and Jacqueline Woodley (Little Sister), with conductor Evan Mitchell, Music Director of the Kingston Symphony, and stage director and creation dramaturg, Amanda Smith, Creative Director of FAWN Chamber Artistic; Trevor Chartrand (piano) with Allene Chomyn (violin) and Rebecca Morton (cello).
Artistic workforce: Shannon Lea Doyle (manufacturing designer), Noah Feaver (lighting designer), Patrick Lynn (manufacturing supervisor), and Tamara Vuckovic (stage supervisor). Interns Maddalena Ohrbach and Emma Yee will act as Assistant Director and Assistant Stage Supervisor respectively. All the opposite interns will carry out varied design, manufacturing or directing secondary abilities assignments.
Elegies: A Tune Cycle
by William Finn
June 15, 17 & 20
The Competition will current Opera 5’s first-ever musical theatre manufacturing, Elegies: A Tune Cycle by William Finn. Finn, the Tony Award-winning composer greatest identified for Falsettos and A New Mind, pays tribute to mates who’ve left this airplane within the intimate work.
“We’re so excited to showcase our Portfolio Artists with this lovely musical theatre piece. The six singers featured on this present are shiny shining upcoming superstars. William Finn’s Elegies is a loving tribute to folks he has misplaced all through his life. The hovering melodies and enjoyable ensembles in Elegies make for a touching and irreverent night honouring grief and discovering pleasure once more after loss,” says Jessica Derventzis, Creative Director of Opera 5.
The solid contains six of Opera 5’s Portfolio Artist Interns: Kyle Briscoe, Jayden Burrows, Kate Fogg, Brenna McFarland, MacKenzie Sechi, Emma Yee, together with intern assistant director intern, Len Crino.
Artistic workforce: Opera 5’s Creative Director Jessica Derventzis (director); Nate Ben-Horin (music director); M Fera (stage supervisor); Shannon Lea Doyle (manufacturing designer), Noah Feaver (lighting designer), Patrick Lynn (manufacturing supervisor).
Tickets & Notes
All interns are paid at customary trade charges throughout the manufacturing. All of them take the stage and fulfill secondary assignments to construct abilities that may serve them in constructing a profession as they transition out of being college students.
- The performances takes place on the Manufacturing unit Theatre. Discover tickets and extra particulars [HERE].
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Anya Wassenberg is a Toronto Metropolis Editor at Ludwig Van. She is an skilled freelance author, blogger and writing teacher.
