Toronto’s Opera 5 has appointed the emerging stage director and dramaturge, Jessica Derventzis as Artistic Director. Derventzis will be replacing Aria Umezawa, who has since stepped down from the role.
A graduate in piano performance at Queen’s University, Derventzis first joined Opera 5 as a volenteer in 2014. She became a production manager for Opera 5 in 2016, and also co-directed the company’s 2016 production of Die Fledermaus, and Suffragette in June 2017.
“I could not be more excited for my new role with Opera 5,” says Jessica Derventzis. “I can’t wait to plan future seasons and create some exciting Opera 5 productions.”
Derventzis began her career as a teacher but left to pursue a professional career in opera. She brings extensive experience to Opera 5, and has worked with Calgary Opera, Edmonton Opera, Winnipeg Opera, Vancouver Opera, Tapestry Opera, Opera Kelowna, Opera McGill, and Opera Nuova.
“I am so thrilled to continue working with Jessica in a deeper artistic way to shape the future direction of Opera 5,” says General Director Rachel Krehm. “Jessica is exactly the collaborative and visionary artist who will help us take Opera 5 to the next level.”
Derventzis was recently awarded a Performing Arts Internship from The Metcalf Foundation to work with Tapestry Opera for the 2018 season.
Jessica Derventzis will direct Il Barbiere di Siviglia for Opera 5 in June 2018. Details here.