Tapestry Opera has announced a 2022-23 season that includes two major World Premieres and innovative offerings that draw from Toronto and its many communities. There are site-specific productions that will be free to the public, digital works, and bilingual performances to round out the program.
Their 2021/22 season included sold-out productions, and six recent Dora Mavor Moore Award wins for R.U.R. A Torrent of Light: a robot opera in partnership with OCAD University, the most for any production.
Tapestry Opera and its Artistic and General Director Michael Hidetoshi Mori are dedicated to presenting contemporary opera that is relevant to today’s Toronto audiences. He commented in a media release.
“We’re delighted to present one of our most ambitious seasons yet. Our mainstage world premieres explore the intersection of water, mythology, identity, and transformation, our performances in intimate venues celebrate creation and emerging talent, and our music videos will continue to animate a digital space for a growing digital audience. It’s fantastic to work with such dynamic partners in the city and beyond to realize these projects, and it’s always inspiring to collaborate on new work. We know how impactful opera can be, and we’re working hard to make it reach Torontonians in as many ways as we can.”
The 2022/23 Season In Brief
Here’s a quick look at planned programming for the coming season.
Tapestry Briefs: Les Shorts qui chantent
Alliance de Francaise de Toronto’s Spadina Theatre, October 27 – 30, 2022
Director Tim Alberny leads a production of brand new bilingual opera shorts by Canadian composers. The works are culled from the first bilingual Composer-Librettist intensive (LIBLAB bilingue), a partnership with Quebec-based companies Musique 3 Femmes and l’Opera de Montreal.
Concert: Songbook XII
Venue to be announced, February 10 – 11, 2023
Opera masters headline this showcase for emerging singers and pianists in an intimate and relaxed setting.
Of the Sea — a Tapestry Opera & Obsidian Theatre co-production
World Premiere: Composed by Ian Cusson; libretto by Kanika Ambrose; directed by Philip Akin; conducted by Jennifer Tung
The Bluma Appel Theatre, March 25 – April 1, 2023
Of the Sea tells the mythical story of Makuka and Binyelum, his daughter, along with other Africans who were thrown overboard during the Middle Passage. Now, they inhabit underwater kingdoms on the ocean floor.
Dragon’s Tale — a Tapestry Opera & Soundstreams co-production, in partnership with Luminato Festival Toronto and Harbourfront Centre
World Premiere: Composed by Chan Ka Nin; libretto by Mark Brownell; directed by Michael Hidetoshi Mori; conducted by David Fallis
The Harbourfront Centre’s Concert Stage, June 15 – 19, 2023 FREE
Xiao Lian, a young Canadian woman, has a traditionally minded father who is ill. She’s magically transported to pre-empire China, and follows the story of famous poet Qu Yuan, who just happens to look like her father. Chinese traditions and contemporary Canada come together in music, song, and storytelling.
Concert: A Joke Before the Gallows
Venue and date to be announced
Tom Diamond directs as noted concert pianist Adam Sherkin performs Chopin’s four scherzi, with monologues written by David James Brock in a mixed media event with live performance.
Music Videos: Gould’s Wall and R.U.R. A Torrent of Light
Online, release to be announced
The major World Premieres of Tapestry’s 2021/22 season are featured in a short video adaptation.
Tickets for Tapestry Briefs: les Shorts qui chantent are on sale to Tapestry members now, and will go on general sale on October 3. Tickets for all other performances will go on sale soon. More information here.
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