View more photos below - click here OVERVIEW Title: DeirdreComposer: Healey WillanLibrettist: John CoulterCommissioned By: CBCLanguage: EnglishProducer: Royal Conservatory Opera School (University of Toronto Opera Division)Run Time: 110Roles: Role Voice Type Range ? Character Description DeirdrehighA foundling girl, ward of ConocharPrince NaisimiddlePrince of Ullah, son of UsnaghKing Conocharmiddle-lowKing of UllahLeverchammiddle-highDeirdre's nurseA
CAST: Danielle Buonaiuto and Adanya Dunn | PHOTO CREDIT: Michael CooperCAST: Teiya Kasahara and members of the COC Chorus | PHOTO CREDIT: Michael CooperCAST: Teiya Kasahara (from the 2019 production) | PHOTO CREDIT: Dahlia Katz View more photos below - click here OVERVIEW Title: PomegranateComposer: Kye MarshallLibrettist: Amanda HaleCommissioned By:
Four Victorian women sit down for a most unusual tea time. The women have two things in common: their dislike of the other women and of their husbands. Each woman refuses to drink tea for one reason or another while brainstorming ideas such as poison, prison, bee-stings or drowning. But
Maupin tells the story of a scandalous love affair from her youth, culminating in a daring escape from a convent.
Maupin remembers her romance with the Countess de Florensac.
The performer echoes lines poetry from the Prologue, reflecting on the meaning of Maupin’s story.
The performer sings a poem by Aphra Behn (1640-1689) about an androgynous queer lover.
La Maupin introduces herself to the audience, sharing some of the gossip that has been spread about her.
Louise is ready. She chooses a climb, exploring and unleashing her own full voice as she travels upward.
The Celebrity is hosting a party. He calls out to Glenn and persuades him to play the piano with him for his guests. The guests gossip about the past performances and bad reviews while simultaneously applauding the artist.
Glenn tells Louise that applause should be banned. The Housewife shares the profound impact of witnessing Glenn’s performance.
Both Louise and Glenn are tired. They share stories about their nightmares.
Louise and Glenn talk about their daily rituals. Re-energized, Louise wants to get back to climbing again. She starts muscling her way upward, urged on by thoughts of fame. Glenn’s focus turns to his various medications and need for isolation. Glenn feels a sharp pain and struggles to support Louise.
Glenn is lost in a painful memory of The Mother in hospital.
The Girl calls out to Glenn. She asks him for help with a piece of music.
The Mother appears at the window. She shares memories, loving praise and admonishments. The development of her child’s talent and success has been her life’s focus.
With a sense of freedom, Louise discovers daring, new musical terrain with Glenn’s encouragement.
Louise, a young talented artist, arrives and prepares for her first climb. She is seeking excellence, precision, and beauty. It is a quest toward attaining perfection in her art. Louise connects with her inspiration, support and icon: Glenn Gould. Their journey together begins.
Louise encounters The Teacher at the window. The Teacher instructs on the development of rigorous, meticulous technique. Discussion of artistic philosophy is included in the training. Glenn recalls his own teacher.
Ava is disappointed in her birthday celebration, and Paul asks her why she isn’t happy.
Paul begs his rocking horse for more luck for the Derby. Ava decides Paul’s been too agitated lately, and the distance between them grows wider. Ava leaves his room and bemoans Paul’s lack of understanding. She deserves luxury now and then, and Paul robs her of comfort. As if on
OVERVIEW Title: One Lump or Two?Composer: Glenn JamesLibrettist: Sandy PoolCommissioned By: Tapestry OperaLanguage: EnglishProducer: Tapestry OperaRun Time: 15Roles: Role Voice Type Range ? Character Description ButlerhighC4-G5A clumsy butler, in love with Lady GersteinLady Gersteinmiddle-highA3-G5An older aristocratic lady, completely unaware of what is going onLady Greymiddle-highA3-E5An older aristocratic lady, timid, with a
CAST: Camille Rogers | PHOTO CREDIT: Lauren HalaszCAST: Trevor Chartrand and Camille Rogers View more photos below - click here OVERVIEW Title: La MaupinComposer: Colin McMahonLibrettist: Camille RogersCommissioned By: Camille RogersLanguage: EnglishProducer: Camille RogersRun Time: 35Roles: Role Voice Type Range ? Character Description Maupinmiddle-highA3-A5A queer, gender-non-conforming opera singer, living in France
CAST: Andrea Ludwig | PHOTO CREDIT: Dahlia KatzCAST: Lauren Pearl | PHOTO CREDIT: Dahlia KatzCAST: Lauren Pearl | PHOTO CREDIT: Dahlia Katz View more photos below - click here OVERVIEW Title: Gould’s WallComposer: Brian CurrentLibrettist: Liza BalkanLanguage: EnglishProducer: Tapestry OperaRun Time: 60Roles: Role Voice Type Range ? Character Description LouisehighA♯3 (opt.
CAST: PHOTO CREDIT: Dahlia KatzCAST: Suzanne Taffot | PHOTO CREDIT: Dahlia KatzCAST: Jorell WIlliams | PHOTO CREDIT: Dahlia Katz View more photos below - click here OVERVIEW Title: Of the SeaComposer: Ian CussonLibrettist: Kanika AmbroseCommissioned By: Tapestry Opera and Obsidian TheatreLanguage: EnglishProducer: Tapestry Opera and Obsidian TheatreRun Time: 90Roles: Role
Queen Liz imagines what it would be like to be free.
Irish pirate Chieftain Grace O’Malley sneaks into the bedroom of Queen Elizabeth I of England, and convinces the Queen to give her back her ship and free her lover. In return Grace will attend the Queen’s birthday celebration and cause a sensation – which delights Liz.
OVERVIEW Title: The Two GracesComposer: Sean FergusonLibrettist: Alexis DiamondCommissioned By: Tapestry OperaLanguage: EnglishProducer: Tapestry OperaRun Time: 10Roles: Role Voice Type Range ? Character Description LizhighC4-C6Elizabeth I, Queen of England and IrelandGracemiddle-highG3-G5Grace O'Malley, pirate and Irish chieftain Please Note: The table above has content that is scrollable left to right.Orchestration: Clarinet in
Two women watch and worry as the church elder walks through town with a telegram carrying news of a soldier son’s death.
OVERVIEW Title: The TelegramComposer: Gareth WilliamsLibrettist: Bernard MacLavertyCommissioned By: Tapestry Opera's Composer-Librettist LaboratoryLanguage: EnglishProducer: Tapestry OperaRoles: Role Voice Type Range ? Character Description Woman 1highEb4-Bb5A womanWoman 2middle-highBb3-F#5A womanTown Eldersilent-spokensilentA middle-aged man Please Note: The table above has content that is scrollable left to right.Orchestration: Piano SYNOPSIS Content warning: death, war During
Robertson in his shop, Amalia (present day) in her bathroom with her antique vanity, Phillips in his workshop, also injured by a screw driver slip.
In the afterlife, Henry Ford invites Robertson to present his screwdriver. Ford is rapturously impressed, and offers Roberston a deal – but with the catch that Ford would then own the rights to his invention (as Ford puts it, he demands “complete submission”). Phillips reveals himself and makes a sales
Ford and Phillips celebrate while Robertson is chagrined and depressed by his failure to get the contract. Amalia finally finds the screwdriver aisle in the store.
Amalia critiques the two screwdrivers and chooses the Robertson.
Phillips realizes he will not get rich in his deal with Ford, but Ford will.
Robertson, still sad, hopes his screwdriver will still be of use to others.
Amalia at home, mounting her vanity. She praises the Robertson’s screwdriver as he observes from heaven.
All sing the praises of the Robertson screwdriver.
OVERVIEW Title: The Rape of ArtemisiaComposer: Ivan BarbotinLibrettist: Hannah MoscovitchCommissioned By: Tapestry Opera's Composer-Librettist LaboratoryLanguage: EnglishProducer: Tapestry OperaRoles: Role Voice Type Range ? Character Description Artemisiamiddle-highE4-B517th-century painter Artemisia GentileschiTassimiddle-lowB#2-E4Her rapist and instructor Please Note: The table above has content that is scrollable left to right.Orchestration: Piano SYNOPSIS Content warning: sexual violence
In pain after being raped by Tassi, Artemisia tries to understand what just happened, while Tassi justifies himself.
In the afterlife, Henry Ford invites Robertson to present his screwdriver.
Robertson in his shop, Amalia (present day) in her bathroom with her antique vanity, Phillips in his workshop, also injured by a screw driver slip.
Phillips sings the praises of his new screwdriver.
Robertson demonstrates the new “automatic spiral ratchet spring-loaded screw driver,” affectionately called the “Yankee.” The demonstration is cut short when the driver slips off the single slot screw, injuring Robertson’s hand.
OVERVIEW Title: The Perfect ScrewComposer: Abigail RichardsonLibrettist: Alexis DiamondCommissioned By: Tapestry Opera's Composer-Librettist LaboratoryLanguage: EnglishProducer: Tapestry OperaRun Time: 40Roles: Role Voice Type Range ? Character Description P. L. Robertsonmiddle-lowG2-Bb4Inventor of the Canadian ScrewAmaliahighBb3-D5Modern-day woman, building furniturePhillipsmiddleC3-D5Inventor of the American ScrewHenry Fordmiddle-highG3-F#5Founder of Ford Motor Please Note: The table above has content
After days of near catatonia in his cold apartment, the landlady asks Petrovich to repair Akakiy’s old coat, to no avail. Even his coworkers arrive to check in, but by then, Akakiy is unreachable. Akakiy is committed to a mental hospital. Once he arrives, the other residents encourage him to
The name day party. Everyone is dressed to the nines, but Akakiy adds up to at least an eleven. They fawn over his coat, going so far as to toast to it. Akakiy forgets to count his drinks, and ends up completely drunk. He gets lost on the way home,
Measuring Akakiy becomes a ballet of awkwardness. Petrovich and his wife muse on what really makes a man: how he appears.
Akakiy gets caught in rush hour and arrives late to find the head the department telling a sad story about encountering a homeless vagrant. Annoyed at being interrupted, the head of the department grills Akakiy on his little notebook of numbers. Akakiy explains he was using it to find ways
Petrovich declares Akakiy’s coat is completely unfixable, but also that this is the chance for Akakiy to choose something new. Of course, he’ll have to pay.
After rushing to work, Akakiy is bullied by his coworkers. He’s too good at his job, and it’s making the rest of them look bad.
Akakiy reveals his fascination with numbers, and the chorus announces they’ll help keep track of things. His landlady enters to bring him some cabbage soup- and something more, which he refuses.
CAST: Andrea Ludwig, Geoff Sirett, Colin Heath | PHOTO CREDIT: Dahlia KatzCAST: Caitlin Wood, Geoff Sirett, Magali Simard-Galdés, Erica Iris Huang | PHOTO CREDIT: Dahlia KatzCAST: Meher Pavri, Caitlin Wood, Magali Simard-Galdés, Asitha Tennekoon, Giles Tomkins, Colin Heath, Peter McGillivray, Aaron Durand, Keith Klassen | PHOTO CREDIT: Dahlia Katz View
Former lovers are reincarnated and reunited, but this time around one is a farmer and one is his cow.
OVERVIEW Title: The Last LifeComposer: Katya PineLibrettist: Sharon BajerCommissioned By: Tapestry Opera's Composer-Librettist LaboratoryLanguage: EnglishProducer: Tapestry OperaRun Time: 6Roles: Role Voice Type Range ? Character Description FarmermiddleC3-B4FarmerCowmiddle-lowG2-Ab4A brown cow Please Note: The table above has content that is scrollable left to right.Orchestration: Piano SYNOPSIS A farmer lovingly takes care of his
OVERVIEW Title: The Drawing ClassComposer: Christiaan VenterLibrettist: Sheldon RosenCommissioned By: Tapestry Opera's Composer-Librettist LaboratoryLanguage: EnglishProducer: Tapestry OperaRoles: Role Voice Type Range ? Character Description StudenthighF#4-F#5A studentTeachermiddle-highB3-C5A teacher Please Note: The table above has content that is scrollable left to right.Orchestration: Piano SYNOPSIS Content warning: war, the Holocaust, concentration camp As soldiers
A teacher tries to inspire and distract a student as soldiers march outside their classroom, but the student is unable to escape into her imagination.
OVERVIEW Title: The Call of the LightComposer: Iman HabibiLibrettist: Bobby TheodoreCommissioned By: Tapestry Opera's Composer-Librettist LaboratoryLanguage: EnglishProducer: Tapestry OperaRun Time: 4Roles: Role Voice Type Range ? Character Description LortiemiddleG#2-F#4Canadian Forces corporalChorushighF#4-C#5VictimChorusmiddle-highE4-B4VictimChorusmiddle-lowA3-D#4Victim Please Note: The table above has content that is scrollable left to right.Orchestration: Piano Video Recording View more videos below
In the Blue Room of the Quebec National Assembly, Denis Lortie kills and wounds people with a submachine gun as a protest against Quebec sovereignty.
OVERVIEW Title: Still the NightComposer: John AlcornLibrettist: Theresa TovaLanguage: EnglishRoles: Role Voice Type Range ? Character Description Bryna/TybelehighA young Jewish Polish girl, escaped from the NazisLittle BrynahighBryna's younger cousin Please Note: The table above has content that is scrollable left to right.Orchestration: Percussion, Violin, Piano SYNOPSIS Content warning: antisemitism, genocide, Holocaust,
Her health fading, Shanawdithit wonders if she’ll be welcomed into the spirit world after so much time with the colonists. Cormack tells her he must leave, and Shanawdithit gives him a sketch of his house to carry with him. He leaves the room to pack. Shanawdithit hears the spirits of
Cormack tries to raise funds for Shanawdithit’s care without success. James Simms offers to care for her while Cormack is away.
Shanawdithit describes the last days of her family as they were pushed from their land and then hunted. She asks Cormack not to speak of their death, but of their life. Cormack is ecstatic and gets lost in the memories Shanawdithit paints. She breaks his reverie with the cold fact
The taking of Demasduit weighs heavy on Shanawdithit’s heart. Cormack, unsure of what to do, tries to comfort her, saying Demasduit was treated well. Shawnadithit asks if white people actually care about her people, her story, because Cormack’s words are betrayed by the actions of his fellows, and indeed, his
Cormack’s study in St. John’s, now Shanawdithit’s room. “Nancy April” reveals she can speak English quite well, and tells Cormack her real name: Shanawdithit. Cormack asks her where the rest of her people are, where her home is. Shanawdithit says simply: they are no more. Shanawdithit reflects on the loss
Cormack meets Shanawdithit for the first time. She’s been working as a servant for Peyton for five years under the colonial name of Nancy April. Cormack is awed; he believes this woman is the last of the Beothuk. Peyton gives her to him, saying she’s useless.
Shanawdithit reprimands Cormack for his saviour complex.
Cormack presents his findings about Shanawdithit to the members of the Beothuk institute.
Shanawdithit, dying, speaks to her ancestors. She is ready to leave this world.
OVERVIEW Title: ShanawdithitComposer: Dean BurryLibrettist: Yvette NolanCommissioned By: Tapestry Opera and Opera on the AvalonLanguage: EnglishProducer: Tapestry Opera and Opera on the AvalonRun Time: 80Roles: Role Voice Type Range ? Character Description Shanawdithitmiddle-highA3-G5Beothuk woman, believed by the colonizers to be the last of her peopleWilliam Cormack middle-lowA2-F4An explorer and anthropologistKwe/Spirit Chorus
Hector and Isabelle express their resentment towards each other for the sacrifices they each made.
OVERVIEW Title: RosaComposer: James RolfeLibrettist: Camyar ChaiCommissioned By: Tapestry Opera's Composer-Librettist LaboratoryLanguage: EnglishProducer: Tapestry OperaRun Time: 12Roles: Role Voice Type Range ? Character Description IsabellehighE4-C6A grieving mother, Hector's partnerHectormiddleE3-A4Isabelle's partner Please Note: The table above has content that is scrollable left to right.Orchestration: Clarinet in Bb, Piano, Marimba, Violin, Cello SYNOPSIS
Paul is nearly overwhelmed by the noise, but manages. Oscar and Bassett place their bets on Daffodil. Bassett takes the role of a race announcer, and the three watch Paul’s prediction come true. The three sing of how this will change everything.
Ava bemoans Paul’s lack of understanding, and her need for luxury.
The last ride has left Paul gravely ill. Oscar and Bassett tell him they bet it all, and they’re set for life. Paul asks his mother if she’ll finally be happy- finally smile. She does, but as they leave his room to celebrate, Paul hears the house whisper. There must
The predictions keep coming true, and the money keeps coming. The money gets spent, and Paul keeps riding. All the while the house is getting filled with finery. But it keeps singing. There must be more, but Paul’s luck falters as his energy wanes.
Paul asks his mother why she always sings sad songs and if she knows anything happier. Ava rebukes him. She expresses profound regret for the stupidity and vanity of her youth. The world only smiles for the young, she says. Paul hopes she’ll smile for her birthday tomorrow, but she
Paul tells Oscar he hopes the winnings will stop the house from singing. Paul hears “her” sing of how there’s never enough, how there must be more. He makes Oscar promise not to tell his mother about where the money comes from; it might ruin the luck. Oscar tells him
Uncle Oscar enters, having heard the noise, and asks Paul what’s going on. Paul reveals his secret: the rocking horse is lucky, and tells him the names of race horses. Oscar calls in Paul’s caretaker, Bassett, who admits that Paul tells him the names of winning race horses. The three
Paul creeps upstairs and rides his rocking horse, asking it to take him to where luck is. He rides faster and faster and at the peak, shouts a name: Daffodil.
Paul is curious about why he and his mother don’t have a car, and Ava explains it’s because they’re poor. Paul again asks why that’s so, and Ava states it’s because his father has no luck. Paul announces that he is lucky.
A waltz is cut short. Ava discloses how far she’s fallen, and how difficult she finds caring for her son.
CAST: Asitha Tennekoon | PHOTO CREDIT: Dahlia KatzCAST: Peter McGillivray, Asitha Tennekoon, Keith KlassenCAST: Carla Huhtanen View more photos below - click here OVERVIEW Title: Rocking Horse WinnerComposer: Gareth WilliamsLibrettist: Anna ChattertonCommissioned By: Tapestry Opera and Scottish OperaLanguage: EnglishProducer: Tapestry OperaRun Time: 75Roles: Role Voice Type Range ? Character Description AvahighA#3-Bb5Paul's
The 1947 Partition of India forces two children to say goodbye. One departs for Pakistan, leaving her pet rabbit and childhood treasures with her friend.
OVERVIEW Title: Naila and LoloComposer: Elisabeth Mehl GreeneLibrettist: Anusree RoyCommissioned By: Tapestry Opera's Composer-Librettist LaboratoryLanguage: EnglishProducer: Opera on Tap DC MetroRun Time: 4Roles: Role Voice Type Range ? Character Description NailahighF4-Ab5A young girlLolomiddle-highF3-G4Her best friend Please Note: The table above has content that is scrollable left to right.Orchestration: Piano SYNOPSIS Partition
Manli and Lai Gwan decided to make a life together in Canada. As they collect and bury the bones of Chinese workers they remember all the dead, including Ama and Nichol.
Workers watch the train come to Eagle Pass – while the whites are happy, the Chinese realize there is no more work for them.
Whites celebrate the finishing of the railway and officially dismiss the Chinese, who blame Manli for abandoning them.
In the explosion rubble, Lai Gwan and Nichol declare their love depsite Ama’s warnings. Nichol dies as the workers rescue Lai Gwan and Manli, who declares his renewed love for his daughter.
Lai Gwan dreams of the conflicting desires of her mother, father, Nichol and herself.
As Manli and Lai Gwan argue about their situation, Lai Gwan tells of Ama’s death, which crushes Manli. He decides to set the next explosive charge himself. Nichol and Lai Gwan recognise their love and follow Manli into the tunnel.
The Chinese workers decide to strike, led by Lai Gwan, after another death with no proper funeral. The strike is put down and Nichol stops Lai Gwan from being hung by Manli. She discovers Manli is her father.
While she is bathing in a stream, Nichol disovers Lai Gwan is a woman – she asks for his help to find her father and to keep her secret. Manli interrupts them before Nichol decides what to do.
The Chinese workers are led in and a disguised Lai Gwan challenges Manli the Bookman’s authority. He seeks revenge by assigning Lai Gwan to the most dangerous work in the camp: planting dynamite on the mountain face while suspended in a basket.
In Ottawa, Canadian politicians and moguls toast the launch of the Canadian Pacific Railroad. The Railway Foreman James Nichol encourages the workers until the impenetrable Rocky Mountains block their way. The Bookman comes to supply the cheap Chinese labour that will allow Nichol to conquer “The Great Divide.”
Before dying, Ama tells Lai Gwan of her father, gives her a wedding dress, and urges her to go to North America to find her father – but always remember Chinese traditions.
Lai Gwan compares her love for Nichol with the pull of the cool mountain water.
Lai Gwan compares her love for Nichol with the pull of the cool mountain water.
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