Time to reflect

During my 16 years as Artistic Leader for Opera Lyra Ottawa, I strove to achieve two main goals. They were simple goals and yet not easily attainable. The first goal was to raise the artistic standard of the productions on the stage. We understood the importance of having a strong product on the stage and the company realised they needed to raise the standard. I am very proud that this goal was achieved several times over enabling the company to proudly hold its head high regarding the product on stage despite budget restraints and challenges over the years. The audience clearly agreed as we averaged just shy of 80% paid attendance over this 16 year period!

Secondly, I wanted to create meaningful training and performance opportunities for upcoming talent. While the budget was extremely limited for this project, we nevertheless succeeded in creating a small but meaningful training program. The program offered professional training as well as performance opportunities for young singers. An additional “Family” production was added to the season which was highly successful in both creating performance opportunities as well as bringing the art form to young people. In addition to the theatre performances, this “Family” production had a touring component reaching thousands of students each year. The training program was also tied into our main stage programming in that  several of the young singers had the opportunity to sing small roles in the company’s main stage productions.

Perhaps the most exciting achievement was the introduction of our “Silver Cast” performances.  The main roles were double-cast with rising stars who had the opportunity to perform these leading roles in a complete production with costumes, sets, lighting, and full orchestra. The “Silver Cast” production occurred  during the day and was attended by students. The hall was always completely sold-out, over 2000 students who absolutely loved the experience. The audience response was so warm that the performers felt like rock stars! It was a great experience for everyone involved. I personally conducted many of these performances and loved it. The kids would often stick their heads over the pit to look at the orchestra and I would enter the pit early and talk to them, sometimes exchanging “High 5s”.

While this was a very successful period of my career, the time has come to discover new challenges. Albert Einstein summed it up beautifully: “Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance, you must keep moving.”

Ty’s opening night speech at the post-show party

As this is my last show as Artistic Director for Opera Lyra, I have
decided to talk about myself. In March, 1994, some big kid from
Calgary, Alberta (The Stampede City) mosied on in to Ottawa to
conduct Tosca. No one is more astonished than I to still be here 20
years later. I truly would have considered conducting that one opera
at the National Arts Centre an accomplishment of a lifetime.

Albert Einstein said: “Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep your
balance, you must keep moving.” It seems like great advice to me.

A while back I was asked to explain my definition of “excellence in
opera”. I believe the question can best be answered by Rossini: he
stated that the three most essential ingredients of Italian opera are
Voce, Voce and Voce. While there are many ingredients required to
produce an opera, I have always considered it my duty to ensure the
spotlight remains where it belongs, on the singer.

There are many other fabulous quotes about opera such as:

Richard Wagner’s music is “better than it sounds”?

– or Puccini’s quote: “Art is a kind of illness.”

perhaps the prize goes to Maria Callas who said: “When my enemies stop
hissing, I shall know I’m slipping.”

However, for me perhaps the most apt quote is from the opera “Little
Women”. It is a simple yet profound statement: “Things change, Jo”

But not quite yet, and I would like to one last time ensure the
spotlight shines where it indeed belongs, on this amazing cast of
Madama Butterfly.

Gearing up for La bohème

Gearing up for La bohème

 The last few months have certainly been a challenging time for Opera Lyra Ottawa as the company restructures. However, we are making great progress and are getting excited about our production of La bohème this September.

 I am very proud of the wonderful cast that has been assembled for  La bohème. Perhaps not everyone realises that for each of our productions, I create from scratch a cast unique to Opera Lyra Ottawa, carefully tying together elements of our artistic vision in order to craft an exciting and original performance for our audience.

La bohème is truly an amazing masterpiece, it is the perfect opera for first-time opera-goers while at the same time continuing to be a perennial favorite of seasoned opera fans. I have personally conducted this opera many times and have seen countless productions and it remains one of my favorites. In fact, La bohème was the first opera I ever performed in having just joined the Calgary Opera chorus in first year university oh, so many years ago!

The story portrays young lovers, still starry-eyed and hopeful about their futures complete with the underlying imagined romantic ideals associated with being a starving artist yet to make their mark on the world. In order to properly create this ambience, it is important the cast be young and have a true sense of camaraderie, believable that they are indeed a group of close friends. We must accept that the tomfoolery is genuine and that the love and jealousy felt between the young lovers is real and palpable. The tragedy of Mimi’s death needs to be heartfelt. This can only be accomplished through a cast that is sincere and willing to bond and work together.

We are extremely proud to announce that the leading role of Mimi will be portrayed by Ottawan Joyce El-Khoury who is on the verge of a major career. A local success story making her mark already in her young career on the major opera houses of the world including the MET. She has a strong connection to our company and training program. We can take pride in playing a part in her development. Joyce was a member of our training program and was featured as “Carmezzo” in one of the two operas we have commissioned since 1998, Zeus and the Pamplemousse. She was also featured as a soloist in a concert with the OLO chorus at Centrepointe Theatre. Then in 2009, she starred as “Pamina” in our Silver Cast production of The Magic Flute and also as the “Second Lady” in our main stage performances of the same opera. She has already sung several performances on the MET stage. Joyce’s career is expanding to include numerous companies throughout the world. She was recently featured in Opera News magazine and will be featured in the upcoming Opera Canada magazine. Check out her new website http://www.joyceelkhoury.com/.

Thank you to all of our supporters and donors. With your help , Opera Lyra will continue to present high quality grand opera on the NAC stage. Please spread the word and bring a friend to the opera!

 Tyrone Paterson

Artistic Director /Opera Lyra Ottawa

Experiencing Opera

As a new staff member of Opera Lyra, and someone who had never experienced an opera before, I have had a real treat in joining the staff team at Opera Lyra.…..

My first mainstage opera was Cavalleria Rusticana and Pagliacci.  I was in awe of the music, costumes and the energy of the artists that was present on the stage for every performance.  Backstage was really interesting; just seeing how it is all put together and the incredible coordination that is required of the stage director.  Opera leaves you with a real respect for the incredible talent of the artists; especially the principals; as well as an appreciation of the sets and the musicians whose music helps to tell the story.

Today I saw the magical impression our studio artists gave to young children in performing the Barber of Bytown.  As I looked around the audience, the children’s faces were captivated by the action, music and voices on stage. The children were completely engaged.  There wasn’t a peep through the whole performance.  So nice to see in an age where technology is so much a part of a child’s life at such an early age.  Congratulations and thank you to those parents and grandparents who chose to bring your children and grandchildren.  You have no doubt exposed them to something much greater than what can be on a screen.

 Priceless was the expression on a little boy’s face who looked to be the tender age of 4 or 5, who responded to the question…”Are there any questions from the audience?”  This little boy came right up to Rosie and reached out to her with his hand to tell her how much he loved how she sang “that song”….it was enough to make your heart melt….

Everyone should have an opportunity to experience opera.  It’s a truly magical experience. This is the real value of what opera offers.  If you haven’t had the opportunity yet to try it, I would strongly encourage it.  I believe you will learn and value an appreciation of an art that quite frankly is at risk because many people have made other choices.

Do yourself and someone you love a favour.  Buy tickets to the next opera and experience it for yourself. You won’t be disappointed.

Lee Ann Norris

Diary of a first timer at the opera…watching it, working it, people watching, pre-show chats, young people’s matinee, terminology…

Joining Opera Lyra in June as the accountant, I realized that things were different here when I was faced with accounts titled:  Surtitle Translation, Principals, Dramaturge and Librettist. Although I am aware of what an accompanist is, I have a really hard time pronouncing it. What is Cav Pag? well I found out last week at the NAC.

A few weeks before, the staff joined the Principals (turns out they are the singers with the major roles) and the stage management for a short meet and greet. For a numbers person, always envying artistic sorts, just being able to go through the back stage door and go into a rehearsal hall was a great thrill. All these people seemed so interesting to me, with an artistic look about them and an artistic way of carrying themselves. After all the introductions there was another new thing to witness-an Equity election of an officer for this production- there is business that must happen even in the arts.

Opening night arrived and after worrying about what to wear and a last minute wardrobe malfunction, turns out I shouldn’t have worried at all- there was everything from tuxedos and evening wear to shorts and runners and crazy fascinator hats. I was encouraged to attend the pre-show chat and learned many things about the history of the two operas that were being presented. After the opera started, the staff retreated to the green room to get some food and learned another lesson- don’t eat from the green room after 6 p.m. At the end of the evening we attended the opening reception and we showed our appreciation for the performers, sponsors and major donors. Many a Cranberry Clown cocktail was consumed and off I went home, looking forward to when I could see the show on Monday night.

Monday night arrived with a more relaxed crowd in general and after spending a couple of hours at the ticket desk, I made my way up to the third row of the mezzanine, which I was assured was a good seat for the opera. Waiting in my seat, I leafed through the house program and towards the back there I was, proudly listed as the accountant of Opera Lyra. I was surprised when the opening music for Cavalleria Rusticana (Cav) brought tears to my eyes immediately and I quickly found out what a Surtitle was- the translation of what was being sung in Italian was projected above the stage and made things so easy to follow. The set, the costumes, the music- everything was so beautiful – especially the voices. The intermezzo (the musical interlude between scenes) brought more tears and by intermission I believe I decided that I was going to like the opera. As promised, killer clowns hit the stage after intermission with the dark rich performances of Pagliacci (Pag). I had a wonderful introduction to the opera.

Friday arrived with buses of students descending on the NAC to watch the silver cast perform Pagliacci. It was magical as they came dressed as clowns, they came with enthusiasm, Spartacat warmed them up and they filled the house.

Closing night sadly came and at the closing reception, I watched as the child performers still wearing their stage makeup proudly, stood with excitement waiting for the Maestro and the Principals to autograph their programs and posters. I felt just like those children, tired and excited and not wanting the week to end. As I tucked myself into the cab to go home, I realized I had learned yet another word this week: “barihunk” thanks to Jonathan Estabrooks.

-Glenda

http://blogs.ottawacitizen.com/2011/09/07/a-cav-pag-with-hometown-flavour-for-opera-lyra-ottawa-three-former-choristers-sing-first-roles/

Italian Garden Party Opera Audience is Weatherproof!

 It was touch and go all day.  Would the rain stop in time for the 6:00 p.m. start of Opera Lyra Ottawa’s Italian Garden Party at the Italian Ambassadors residence? 

 Well, it did…and it didn’t making it a very stressful day for everyone: the staffs at the Embassy and Opera Lyra as well as Earlene, her models, the singers, the pianist and guests. 

 By 5:00pm it was official – the event would go ahead.  Ambassador Andreas Meloni and his wife graciously invited everyone into their elegant house for the reception and fashion show by Earlene’s House of Fashion. Outside in the garden, chairs were wiped dry and the sound equipment weatherproofed.  By the time host Rob Clipperton began his introductions, everyone was assembled on the lawn. 

 The up and coming stars of the evening were Arminè Kassabian (mezzo soprano), Jonathan Estabrooks (baritone), Inga Filippova-Williams (soprano) and Graham Thompson (tenor). All are connected to the Company through its various education and outreach programs.  Judith Ginsburg, Principal Repetiteur for Opera Lyra Ottawa, accompanied the singers on a gorgeous grand piano.

 The beautiful program featuring 10 arias from a variety of popular operas just got going when it started to drizzle rain.  Most of the guests didn’t budge and ponchos were handed out to those without umbrellas.  When it was announced that the program would be cut short because of the weather, the audience was loud and clear that they wanted to hear it all! And hear it all they did.  The piano was rolled into the alcove and the performers (the show must go on!) continued under umbrellas.  The sold out crowd of 300 was extremely appreciative. Apparently it takes more than a spring shower to come between opera fans and their arias! 

Submitted by Sheilagh D’Arcy-Mcgee  

Marketing and Communications

Is it just me, or are singers these days getting younger and younger?

At the time of the children’s chorus auditions for OLO’s production of Turandot in September 2010, I recall being extremely excited by the amount of young talent here in Ottawa. Now, a year later, I once again find myself thrilled to hear even more young voices and to see so many enthusiastic choristers, all with a desire to be involved in the upcoming productions of Cavalleria Rusticana and Pagliacci.

Of course, my happiness in seeing so much talent was mixed with anxiety, as I was faced with the challenge of choosing only seven choristers for this production. (You may recall our Turandot children’s cast was a larger, 16) Not only this, but these seven voices must represent a variety of ages and voice types to allow for optimal blend. Quite the challenge! After a full slate of auditions, seven have been chosen; a combination of old and new faces.

Our crew recently met for their first musical read-through. Though challenged by the music (not to mention the language!) these choristers were more than professional. Even in their first rehearsal, voices were strong and pencils were flying. Bring on the challenges – these kids will get the job done! What I look forward to most, is seeing the affect of their contagious energy on the production as a whole. The introduction of the children’s chorus into staging rehearsals is always interesting to watch, and one can’t help but notice their energy and pure excitement as it permeates the entire room.

These young singers will add an element to our shows which extends beyond the music. All involved will be influenced by their enthusiasm, myself included. I eagerly await the rehearsals ahead!

-Sara Brooks, Assistant Chorus Master

Nothing says summer like open-air opera….and cheese.

The season may have come to a close, but we have one more exciting event coming up – our annual Italian Garden Party.

Opera Lyra has been hosting this event along with the Embassy of Italy for years, and it’s become a favourite among our subscribers and donors, as well as a notable summer event on the city’s social calendar. This year’s concert is on June 22, and as always it’s hosted at the residence of the Italian Ambassador. The sprawling lawn and gardens at this estate home make the perfect setting for an outdoor gathering, and the huge covered porch makes a perfect stage. (How many people can say a grand piano fits on their porch?). The embassy serves Italian wine and finger foods (Including the biggest wheels of parmesan I’ve ever seen in my life. Believe me, you want to check it out for the cheese alone!) and the evening includes time to mingle, as well as a formal seated concert of popular opera arias. This year we also have a fashion show as part of the event, so watch out for those models completely decked out and strutting their stuff!

The models aren’t the only ones decked out, however. The Opera Lyra Garden Party has become known for its parade of fancy hats – almost as good as the ones at the Royal Wedding. Many of our patrons bring out their biggest, wildest hats for the occasion, and combined with some of the dresses, it’s simply fabulous for any fashionista! Just don’t wear your stiletto heels though. As much as the Ambassador probably appreciates us aerating his lawn – trust me when I say walking can be difficult. The ladies on staff at OLO have learned that lesson the hard way!

So if you’re looking for something to do on the evening of June 22, give us a call and join in on the fun! It’s a great excuse to dress up, eat some gourmet food, and impress your date by gaining access to exclusive Embassy grounds. We promise an entertaining time!

-Laura, Manager of Development & Fundraising Events

Homegrown Cafe

Ottawa locals will remember this show from the 1980s and 90s – and while it may be long off the air, our local Canadian talent continues to boom!

I just saw an article in this spring’s Opera Canada highlighting not one, but two amazing young Ottawans who are up-and-coming in the opera world.

Bass-baritone Philippe Sly was recently one of the five winners of the 2011 Metropolitan Opera Auditions, which were held on March 13. The Met! It doesn’t get more impressive than that.

And composer and conductor Brian Current, who has just won Italy’s third Premio Fedora Award for his chamber opera, Airline Icarus.  His prize not only comes with prestige, but includes the full premiere of his work by the Atelier della Voce in Verbania, Italy.

We’re taking the world by storm!