![\"Against_The_Grain_-_virtual_opera_salon\"](\"https:\/\/www.ludwig-van.com\/toronto\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2020\/04\/Against_The_Grain_-_virtual_opera_salon-feature_image-2.jpg\")
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Toronto\u2019s foremost indie opera darlings Against the Grain Theatre<\/strong>, have teamed up with Rue Pigalle<\/a><\/span> to present a virtual concert with tenor Matthew Dalen<\/a><\/span> and pianist Holly Kroeke<\/strong>.<\/p>\n The program is inspired by comfort music we could all use right now.<\/p>\n \u201cThese selections deal with love, infatuation, money, fear, loneliness, and incredible joy,\u201d said Holly Kroeke. \u201cThey vary from sentimental and profound to sweetly funny. In times like these, we are all reflecting and taking stock of our lives.<\/p>\n Music includes selections from Verdi, Strauss, Gounod, Britten, Sondheim, Randy Newman, Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, and Billy Joel.<\/p>\n \u201cThere\u2019s nothing more exciting than hearing an opera singer,\u201d says Joel Ivany, artistic director of Against the Grain Theatre. \u201cWhen a singer works with an artist to make music, my soul is happy. Our ears are meant to hear and in today\u2019s environment, this is the best way to get it! We\u2019re excited to experiment, imagine and enjoy a cocktail (or two) as we co-host our FIRST virtual opera party.\u201d<\/p>\n On a side note, Matthew Dalen has shared his recipe for a tasty Quarantine Cocktail, called a \u201cLemon Dropsicle\u201d that you can make yourself to sip during the concert.<\/p>\n![\"Holly](\"https:\/\/www.ludwig-van.com\/toronto\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2020\/04\/rue_pigalle_against_the_grain_opera_salon_pianist.jpg\")