Tapestry/World Stage 08 – “Opera to Go” 2008

by Paula Citron.
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Opera to Go
Tapestry/World Stage
Composed by Kevin Morse, Craig Galbraith, David Ogborn, Anthony Young and Andrew Staniland
Librettos by Krista Dalby, Leanna Brodie, Lisa Codrington, Anna Chatterton and Dave Carley
Conducted by Wayne Strongman
Directed by Tom Diamond
Starring Carla Huhtanen, Keith Klassen, Jessica Lloyd and Calvin Powell
At the Enwave Theatre until Feb. 23
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Tapestry’s Opera to Go series is one of the most anticipated events of the musical year. These seven short new Canadian works demonstrate how exciting new opera can range far a field in subject matter.

The stories this year include the serious, the hilarious and a mix of both. There is a folk tale, a lesbian relationship, torture of prisoners, an ant colony, once again lovers, a satire on a heart operation. and an animated film of the romance of sock puppets.

Five librettists and five composers in various combinations produced the seven short operas and the most noticeable thing is how music is becoming very dramatic. While modernist, composers are swinging away from strictly atonal to a better match of mood and text. Librettists are also becoming more sophisticated. The 4-member cast sing and act their way through a dizzying array of characters.

This program is not to be missed.

Opera to Go continues at the Enwave Theatre until Feb. 23.

Photo credit: Bruce Zinger
(Mezzo-soprano Jessica Lloyd, baritone Calvin Powell and soprano Carla Huhtanen in Peace of my Heart by Dave Carley & David Ogborn)