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COR

Operas

A box office worker longs to be on the stage. When the lead of the production is injured, she begs for her chance in the spotlight.

Composer: Jack Perla

Librettist: Ken Gass

Insomnia Composition

At 4 a.m., a composer stands looking out the window, his tools nearby. Across town, a librettist is doing the same. Both are just slightly panicking about their latest work: an opera about a dog named Harley. This work is a meditation on the personal doubt, collegial suspicion, and sudden inspiration that can keep artists awake until the wee hours.

Composer: Iman Habibi

Librettist: Maja Ardal

Gould’s Wall

A young, extraordinarily talented musician is striving for perfection in her art. Her path to greatness? A magnificent wall.

Bursting with the compulsion to reach the top, she invokes Canadian icon, classical pianist Glenn Gould to guide her towards dizzying heights – but the path isn’t easy. Each brick represents her art, her rigour, and her...

Composer: Brian Current

Librettist: Liza Balkan

Bandits in the Valley

The Don Valley. 1880, Toronto.

Join George Taylor and the travelling Gilbert & Sullivan theatrical troupe The Vagabonds in a twenty-fifth anniversary celebration of the birth of his papermill. Unbeknownst to him, Jeremiah - the leader of a local small-potatoes bandit group called The Rift Rafters - just discovered a long-hidden secret abo...

Composer: Benton Roark

Librettist: Julie Tepperman

COR

Excerpts

Gould’s Wall – Scene 2

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.

Gould’s Wall – Scene 11

Louise is ready. She chooses a climb, exploring and unleashing her own full voice as she travels upward.

Gould’s Wall – Scene 10

The Girl calls out to Glenn. She asks him for help with a piece of music.

Gould’s Wall – Scene 9

Glenn is lost in a painful memory of The Mother in hospital.

Gould’s Wall – Scene 8

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. Both start to lose their grip, and Louis...

Gould’s Wall – Scene 7

Both Louise and Glenn are tired. They share stories about their nightmares.

Gould’s Wall – Scene 6

Glenn tells Louise that applause should be banned. The Housewife shares the profound impact of witnessing Glenn's performance.

Gould’s Wall – Scene 5

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.

Gould’s Wall – Scene 4

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.

Gould’s Wall – Scene 3

With a sense of freedom, Louise discovers daring, new musical terrain with Glenn's encouragement.

Gould’s Wall – Scene 1

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.

Insomnia Composition – Insomnia Composition

Betty Box Office – Betty Box Office

A box office worker longs to be on the stage. When the lead of the production is injured, she begs for her chance in the spotlight.

Betty Box Office – “Box office, may I help you?” (aria)

A box office worker longs to be on the opera stage.

Bandits in the Valley – Finale

The Vagabond Theatrical Troupe presents! Jeremiah gives George an ultimatum but has to prove himself first in more ways than one, and all is wrapped up in the finest paper package.