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OPERA WEST PRESENTS:

The 2025 Season

The 2025 season for Opera West promises to be thrilling and unforgettable. Highlights include a captivating production of the opera Manon, and a potential touring show. Stay tuned for more details

The 2024/2025 season for Opera West promises to be thrilling and unforgettable. Stay tuned for more details.

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OPERA WEST PRESENTS:

Maria Callas Tribute Concert

Step into the world of Maria Callas with our tribute concert featuring the incomparable Sondra Radvanovsky. Celebrate the legacy of one of opera’s most iconic figures as we showcased Ms. Radvanovsky’s remarkable talent alongside the Festival Orchestra of Vancouver, under the direction of maestro Tania Miller. 

Step into the world of Maria Callas with our tribute concert featuring the incomparable Sondra Radvanovsky.

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OPERA WEST PRESENTS:

Tosca

Experience the drama and passion of Giacomo Puccini’s Tosca in our debut production, where the talents of the UBC Opera Ensemble and renowned soloists came together to create an unforgettable evening of music and emotion. 

Experience the drama and passion of Giacomo Puccini’s Tosca in our debut production.

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About

Opera West Society is a registered charity organization dedicated to presenting captivating operatic performances in Vancouver and beyond. From our debut production of Tosca to our recent tribute concert honouring Maria Callas, we strive to bring the beauty and grandeur of opera to diverse audiences across Western Canada.

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About

Additionally, we are committed to advancing education in the performance of opera and vocal technique, providing accessible opportunities for students to enhance their skills and deepen their understanding of this art form. Through our comprehensive programs, workshops, scholarships, and financial assistance, we empower aspiring performers, nurture emerging talent, and contribute to the richness and diversity of our cultural landscape.

Our Singer Behind the Song series further supports this mission, offering masterclasses where students can learn directly from acclaimed opera stars, gaining invaluable insights from world-class professionals.

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Mission

At Opera West Society, our mission is to bring together acclaimed international opera stars and emergent and developing Canadian operatic talent in open collaboration and performance, fostering learning opportunities and enriching experiences for all. Join our newsletter to stay updated on our future collaborations and performances.

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UPCOMING SHOW:

Manon

Manon

In collaboration with UBC OPERA

Join us for an unforgettable experience as UBC Opera presents Jules Massenet’s Manon at the historic Old Auditorium. Premiering in Paris in 1884, this captivating French Romantic opera has become a mainstay of the Opéra-Comique. The story follows the passionate and tumultuous romance between Chevalier des Grieux and the enchanting Manon Lescaut. Faced with difficult choices and intense emotions, Manon’s journey is filled with love, betrayal, and dramatic twists. Manon promises a riveting plot and beautiful music, offering a truly unforgettable performance.

Cast and Ensemble

Jules Massenet | Composer
Henri Meilhac & Philippe Gille | Librettists

Jacques Lacombe | Conductor 
Nancy Hermiston | Director

Emily Pogorelc | Manon
Frédéric Antoun | Des Grieux

Schedule

March 28, 2025 | 7:30pm
March 30, 2025 | 2pm
UBC Old Auditorium – Directions
 
 
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AUDIENCE FAVOURITE, A SERIES. 

Singer Behind the Song

Singer Behind the Song: A Series

“Singer Behind the Song” is a captivating series where celebrated opera singers are invited to perform, engage in interviews, and conduct masterclasses for UBC Opera students. This series provides a unique opportunity for audiences to enjoy world-class performances while gaining insight into the personal and professional lives of the artists through in-depth interviews. Additionally, the masterclasses serve as an invaluable learning experience for budding opera students, allowing them to learn directly from distinguished professionals in the field.

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Javier Camarena

UBC Opera presents Singer Behind the Song, featuring the world-renowned tenor, Javier Camarena, in his Canadian debut. 

Known as the “King of the high C’s,” Camarena’s rich, warm timbre and thrilling high notes promise an unforgettable performance. This rare event includes an interview with the star, offering a unique glimpse into the life of this extraordinary artist. The evening also features a masterclass, allowing ticket holders to watch and gain an in-depth peek at how opera studies are conducted.

Event was on October 3rd 2024

Simone Osborne
& Gordon Bintner

In this intimate presentation, attendees got to know the artists and gained insight into the life of an opera singer working in Germany through an interview with UBC Head of Voice and Opera, Prof. Nancy Hermiston. Following the interview, Simone and Gordon performed opera favorites from Mozart’s The Magic Flute and The Marriage of Figaro, Gounod’s Roméo et Juliette, Wagner’s Tannhäuser, Dvořák’s Rusalka, and many more. A masterclass featuring members of the UBC Opera ensemble closed the evening.

Event was on May 25th 2022

RECENT NEWS, AND LOCAL SHOWS

Announcements

Street Scene – Kurt Weill

Street Scene challenges the students to combine this form of Opera, Musical Theatre, Jazz and Blues and gives the students the opportunity to play very realistic characters in a truthful and realistic way, as they portray the wealth of real characters in this opera. Its tragic end gives them an opportunity to portray a real life situation that does not always turn out well.

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UBC Opera Subscriptions

As a UBC Opera Subscriber, you can enjoy early access to ticket sales and 25% off ticket purchases. Manon and Singer Behind the Song featuring Javier Camarena will be produced in collaboration with UBC Opera and the Opera West Society.

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Contact Us

Connect with Opera West Society to learn more about our upcoming performances, get involved as a volunteer or donor, or simply share your love for opera with fellow enthusiasts.

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Stay Updated

OPERA WEST PRESENTS:

Maria Callas Tribute Concert

Step into the world of Maria Callas with our tribute concert featuring the incomparable Sondra Radvanovsky. Celebrate the legacy of one of opera’s most iconic figures as we showcased Ms. Radvanovsky’s remarkable talent alongside the Festival Orchestra of Vancouver, under the direction of maestro Tania Miller. Explore highlights from this unforgettable performance and see how we honoured the enduring influence of Maria Callas.

See more

OPERA WEST PRESENTS:

Tosca

Experience the drama and passion of Giacomo Puccini’s Tosca in our debut production, where the talents of the UBC Opera Ensemble and renowned soloists came together to create an unforgettable evening of music and emotion. View stunning performance highlights and relive the magic of this acclaimed collaboration.

See more

About

Opera West Society is a non-profit organization dedicated to presenting captivating operatic performances in Vancouver and beyond. From our debut production of Tosca to our recent tribute concert honouring Maria Callas, we strive to bring the beauty and grandeur of opera to diverse audiences across Western Canada.

Donate

Mission

At Opera West Society, our mission is to bring together acclaimed international opera stars and emergent and developing Canadian operatic talent in open collaboration and performance, fostering learning opportunities and enriching experiences for all.
Donate

Concerts

Maria Callas
Tribute Concert

Step into the world of Maria Callas with our tribute concert featuring the incomparable Sondra Radvanovsky. Celebrate the legacy of one of opera’s most iconic figures as we showcased Ms. Radvanovsky’s remarkable talent alongside the Festival Orchestra of Vancouver, under the direction of maestro Tania Miller. Explore highlights from this unforgettable performance and honour the enduring influence of Maria Callas.

Cast

Sondra Radvanovsky:
Renowned soprano Sondra Radvanovsky, hailed as the premiere Verdi soprano of our time, delivered a breathtaking performance in tribute to Maria Callas, showcasing her vocal brilliance and dramatic prowess.

Festival Orchestra of Vancouver:
Under the direction of maestro Tania Miller, the Festival Orchestra of Vancouver provided a sublime musical backdrop, enhancing the emotional depth and intensity of Ms. Radvanovsky’s performance.

UBC Opera Ensemble:
Supporting Ms. Radvanovsky on stage were special guests from the UBC Opera Ensemble, one of Canada’s most ambitious student opera companies, who contributed to the magic of the evening with their exceptional performances.

Achievements

The Callas Tribute concert triumphed over challenging weather conditions, showcasing Opera West Society’s resilience and commitment to delivering exceptional opera experiences. Despite the obstacles, Sondra Radvanovsky’s breathtaking performance captivated the audience, earning two standing ovations. 

Maestro Tania Miller’s masterful conducting added an extra layer of enchantment, complemented by the stellar contribution of the Festival Orchestra of Vancouver, Nancy Hermiston, and the UBC Opera Ensemble.

Tosca

Experience the drama and passion of Giacomo Puccini’s Tosca in our debut production, where the talents of the UBC Opera Ensemble and renowned soloists came together to create an unforgettable evening of music and emotion. This semi-staged concert version of Tosca, presented by Opera West Society and the UBC Opera Ensemble, captivated audiences with its powerful performances and stunning visuals.

Cast

Jacques Lacombe (Conductor):
Under the direction of maestro Jacques Lacombe, the Vancouver Festival Orchestra and UBC Opera Ensemble delivered a spellbinding performance, bringing Puccini’s score to life with passion and precision.
 
UBC Opera Ensemble
Supporting on stage were special guests from the UBC Opera Ensemble, one of Canada’s most ambitious student opera companies, who contributed to the magic of the evening with their exceptional performances.

Cast

Rhoslyn Jones (Tosca):
Stepping in for Sondra Radvanovsky, Rhoslyn Jones delivered a mesmerizing performance in the role of Tosca, earning praise for her powerful voice and captivating stage presence.

Yonghoon Lee (Cavaradossi):
Renowned Korean tenor Yonghoon Lee brought depth and emotion to the character of Cavaradossi, showcasing his remarkable vocal range and dramatic flair.

Gregory Dahl (Baron Scarpia):
Canadian baritone Gregory Dahl delivered a chilling portrayal of the villainous Baron Scarpia, commanding the stage with his commanding presence and rich vocal tone.

Achievements

The debut collaboration between Opera West and the UBC Opera Ensemble received widespread acclaim, with audiences expressing their appreciation through a 10-minute standing ovation. The success of Tosca marked a milestone for both organizations, setting the stage for future collaborations and artistic endeavours.

Announcements

Thunderstorm

Director Nancy Hermiston brings her expertise to this production, showcasing two exquisite arias selected from this remarkable opera. Experience the rich tapestry of Chinese opera history through this dynamic performance, promising a unique and enriching cultural experience for all.

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Opera Tea in the Garden: A Celebration of Spring

Join the UBC Opera Ensemble at the UBC Botanical Garden to embrace the spirit of spring with captivating performances by the students. Delight in the blossoming talents of the singers as they present selections from their repertoire, accompanied by the awakening beauty of nature.

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