University of Toronto Opera: Selections from Cosi fan tutte, Die Zauberflöte, Don Giovanni, Fidelio, Idomeneo, Il mondo della luna, La Clemenza di Tito, & Lo Speziale. Delaney Dam, Josh Gibson, Onur Hilaloğlu, Katie Kirkpatrick, Camille Labonté, Mena Lukic, Christian Matta, Grace Ronan, Sloane Ryan, Zyion Stephens, Enquan Yu, Taline Yeremian, Brooke Zarubin; Sandra Horst. Head of Opera; Mabel Wonnacott, Director, Christine Bae, Helen Becqué, Répétiteurs. March 27, 2026, Walter Hall, Edward Johnson Building.
The inveterate voice fan that I am, I love attending concerts at university music departments and conservatories.
These are ideal venues to spot the voices of tomorrow. Now that we are near the end of the academic year, and students have had another year of training, it’s the perfect time to hear what they can do, to hear what the young voices sound like.
The Viennese School
Yesterday, I had the pleasure of attending just such an event in Walter Hall, the performing venue of the U of T Faculty of Music. Thirteen students in the Masters or the Diploma program performed in a staged concert of selections from the operas of Haydn, Mozart and Beethoven, the three composers that make up the so-called “The Viennese School.”
On the program were selections from the standard repertoire such as Don Giovanna, Magic Flute, Fidelio, Cosi fan tutte, Idomeneo, La Clemenza di Tito and Cosi fan tutte. The two Haydn operas, Lo Speziale and Il mondo della luna, are not as frequently performed as the Mozart operas these days.
Since this was a group show, there were no arias, only ensemble pieces. Incidentally, this program was performed last fall and is now being revisited, giving us audience members a chance to witness how the singers’ artistry have grown over time.
Performances
While the 13 singers are at varying stages of their vocal development, it’s safe to say that they all possess fresh, youthful and attractive instruments, backed by solid technique.
There was a total of ten selections on the program. Some of the singers were tasked with speaking to the audience to introduce the selections. I was impressed by their freedom to not only act out the drama on stage but also to speak to the audience without any hint of self-consciousness. Bravo!
Final Thoughts
There was a surprise after the performance. At the reception, Professor Sandra Horst, Head of Opera, revealed that the opera to be staged next fall will be the world premiere of a newly commissioned work by Canadian composer Cecilia Livingston.
It is called Fall River, based on the famous legend of Lizzie Borden. The Borden story has inspired several works in the past, including the ballet by Agnes de Mille called Fall River Legend, and the opera Lizzie Borden by the American composer Jack Beeson. The new work by Livingston will be a welcome addition to the operatic canon.
Are you looking to promote an event? Have a news tip? Need to know the best events happening this weekend? Send us a note.
#LUDWIGVAN
Get the daily arts news straight to your inbox.
Sign up for the Ludwig Van Toronto e-Blast! — local classical music and opera news straight to your inbox HERE.
