OVERVIEW Title: Sooner Than LaterComposer: Cecilia LivingstonLibrettist: David YeeCommissioned By: Tapestry OperaLanguage: EnglishRoles: Role Voice Type Range ? Character Description Soonmiddle-lowA2-G4A fatherLatemiddleC3-E4His adult son Please Note: The table above has content that is scrollable left to right.Orchestration: Piano SYNOPSIS Content warning: gun violence, strong language, terminal illness, attempted assisted suicide A
OVERVIEW Title: Before the Last MeterComposer: Saman ShahiLibrettist: Isabella DawisCommissioned By: Atlanta OperaLanguage: EnglishProducer: Atlanta Opera (Remounted by Watershed Fesitval)Run Time: 12Roles: Role Voice Type Range ? Character Description AthletehighC4-C6Paralympic athlete visiting Atlanta to competeFormer Atlanta ResidentmiddleC3-G4Former Atlanta resident who was evicted due to Olympic construction Please Note: The table above
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
A boy and his mother make up ways of killing an unnamed woman. When the game is over, the boy asks what would happen if they killed the woman “for real,” if it would make his father love them again.
Herbert the exterminator is held captive by the Queen of the Amazon Ants. She plans to make him her mate, but he tricks her into performing a mating dance, which ends with a poisonous twist.
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
Paul is being interviewed about his missing parents. Is Paul a suspect? Is the interrogator a police officer or a psychiatrist? Who were the people who were in his parents’ house when Paul returned from his trip? All is not as it seems.
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.
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.
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.
Xiao Lian performs the Qingming ceremony to honour the spirit of her departed father and mother. Love and fellowship combine in the running of a dragon boat race. Xiao Lian joins her friends and crosses into her future.
Xiao Lian is transported back to the ancient royal court, where she witnesses the majestic entrance of King Huai of Chu. Qu Yuan is at the peak of his power but is soon outfoxed by rival minister Zhang Yi. Qu Yuan is cast down and banished by his beloved king.
A young Chinese/Canadian woman (Xiao Lian) faces a difficult choice: Honour her family’s traditional past or embrace a more modern future. Her father dwells on the memory of his deceased wife and honours her by performing the Qingming funeral tradition. Meanwhile, Xiao Lian’s two friends want her to get out
OVERVIEW Title: The Waterfall (LIBLAB)Composer: Norbert PalejLibrettist: Maja ArdalCommissioned By: Tapestry Opera Composer-Librettist LaboratoryLanguage: EnglishRun Time: 8Roles: Role Voice Type Range ? Character Description Womanmiddle-highA3-Ab5A woman fleeing pursuers with her husband and babyMan/Waterfallmiddle-lowAb2-Eb4The woman's husbandWaterfallhighC4-Eb5The voice of a waterfallWaterfallmiddleE3-Eb4The voice of a waterfall Please Note: The table above has content that
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
View more photos below - click here OVERVIEW Title: Airline IcarusComposer: Brian CurrentLibrettist: Anton PiatigorskyCommissioned By: Opera Breve VancouverLanguage: EnglishProducer: Soundstreams and Maniac StarRun Time: 45Roles: Role Voice Type Range ? Character Description Workermiddle-lowAn airline workerBusiness ManlowA plane passengerAd ExechighA plane passengerScholarmiddleA plane passengerFlight Attendantmiddle-highA flight attendant, dissatisfied with her jobVoiceshighSSAATBChorus
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: 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
Chloe and Eddie are in the throes of love when they’re interrupted by Matt, Chloe’s athlete ex-husband. Matt asks where their daughter Ava is, and criticizes Chloe for abandoning Ava for a man.
OVERVIEW Title: Where You LiveComposer: Iman HabibiLibrettist: Michael PollardCommissioned By: Tapestry Opera's Composer-Librettist LaboratoryLanguage: EnglishProducer: Tapestry OperaRoles: Role Voice Type Range ? Character Description The Street PersonhighC4-Ab5A street personThe Business PersonmiddleF3-C5A business person Please Note: The table above has content that is scrollable left to right.Orchestration: Piano SYNOPSIS A businessman is
A businessman is waiting for a streetcar, with his back to an unhoused woman. The two silently judge each other. The man is annoyed at seeing someone who wants something for nothing, and the woman is feeling judged for a situation she has no control over. The two finally acknowledge
OVERVIEW Title: You and MemeComposer: Dean BurryLibrettist: Nicolas BillonCommissioned By: Tapestry Opera's Composer-Librettist LaboratoryLanguage: EnglishProducer: Tapestry OperaRun Time: 4Roles: Role Voice Type Range ? Character Description GinahighE4-G5A womanGerrymiddleF3-G4A man Please Note: The table above has content that is scrollable left to right.Orchestration: Piano SYNOPSIS An awkward first date seems destined for
OVERVIEW Title: Where is AvaComposer: Ivan BarbotinLibrettist: Katherine KollerCommissioned By: Tapestry Opera's Composer-Librettist LaboratoryLanguage: EnglishProducer: Tapestry OperaRoles: Role Voice Type Range ? Character Description EddiemiddleE3-G4A man, in love with ChloeMattmiddle-lowF2-D4Chloe's athlete ex-husbandChloemiddle-highB3-G5A woman, in love with Eddie Please Note: The table above has content that is scrollable left to right.Orchestration: Piano
An intersex woman wins a gold medal, but her struggles to get there mean nothing to the organization and the other athletes. She’s disqualified and shamed.
OVERVIEW Title: What is She?Composer: John HarrisLibrettist: Anna ChattertonCommissioned By: Tapestry Opera's Composer-Librettist LaboratoryLanguage: EnglishProducer: Tapestry OperaRun Time: 6Roles: Role Voice Type Range ? Character Description RunnerhighD4-B5A runnerDoctor 1middleB2-B4A doctorDoctor 2middle-lowB2-G4A doctor Please Note: The table above has content that is scrollable left to right. SYNOPSIS A meditation on the discrimination
OVERVIEW Title: The Handless Maiden: Scene 8 (Wash the Loss)Composer: Benton RoarkLibrettist: Katherine KollerCommissioned By: Tapestry Opera's Composer-Librettist LaboratoryLanguage: EnglishProducer: Tapestry OperaRun Time: 8Roles: Role Voice Type Range ? Character Description MadonnahighE4-B5A girlGardenermiddleD3-G#4A gardenerChorusmiddle-highA3-F#5ChorusChorusmiddleE3-C5ChorusChoruslowA2-D4Chorus Please Note: The table above has content that is scrollable left to right.Orchestration: Piano SYNOPSIS Based on
OVERVIEW Title: UnfamiliarComposer: Darren FungLibrettist: Dave DeveauCommissioned By: Tapestry Opera's Composer-Librettist LaboratoryLanguage: EnglishRoles: Role Voice Type Range ? Character Description Laurenmiddle-highC4-D5A girl Jamie is interested inJamiemiddleF#3-A4A boyStevemiddle-lowC3-F#4His friend Please Note: The table above has content that is scrollable left to right.Orchestration: Piano SYNOPSIS Content warning: black-out drinking A night out celebrating
On the first warm spring day in the mountains, Olaf, a rich farmer, proposes to Runa, a poor farmer, only to discover that she is in love with the bandit Davith. Angered by this, Olaf burns down Runa’s farm, and Runa escapes up the mountain searching for Davith.
OVERVIEW Title: The WaterfallComposer: Norbert PalejLibrettist: Maja ArdalCommissioned By: Tapestry Opera's Composer-Librettist LaboratoryLanguage: EnglishProducer: Tapestry OperaRun Time: 8Roles: Role Voice Type Range ? Character Description The WaterfallhighB3-A5SATB ChorusThe Waterfallmiddle-highB3-E5SATB ChorusThe WaterfallmiddleB2-A4SATB ChorusThe WaterfallhighG2-E4SATB Chorus Please Note: The table above has content that is scrollable left to right.Orchestration: Piano SYNOPSIS Content warning:
2003: After leaking torture photos to the internet, American army translator Alessandra Jenson refuses to be hushed up, and live streams her suicide in protest.
At a restaurant, a man flirts with a woman he thinks he recognizes. She is emotionally frank with him, but it turns out she isn’t who he thinks she is.
OVERVIEW Title: The TranslatorComposer: David OgbornLibrettist: Leanna BrodieCommissioned By: Tapestry OperaLanguage: English, PashtoProducer: Tapestry OperaRoles: Role Voice Type Range ? Character Description Alessandra Jensenmiddle-highAb3-A5A young military interpreter who suffers from post-traumatic stress after witnessing the brutal torture of detainees, age 26Colonel CranelowEb2-E4In his 50s, a career military intelligence officer whose philosophy
OVERVIEW Title: The Theory of EverythingComposer: Elisabeth Mehl GreeneLibrettist: Sheldon RosenCommissioned By: Tapestry Opera's Composer-Librettist LaboratoryLanguage: EnglishProducer: Tapestry OperaRun Time: 6Roles: Role Voice Type Range ? Character Description Shemiddle-highD4-Bb5A woman in a restaurantHemiddleE3-G4A man in a restaurantWaitersilent-spokenspokenA waiter Please Note: The table above has content that is scrollable left to right.Orchestration:
Raoul and Allegra go out on their date and order a feast. The bill arrives and Raoul cannot pay it. He tries to escape, but in the process stabs the waiter in the neck with a fork. Raoul and Allegra leave the restaurant, Allegra is unaware of what has just
OVERVIEW Title: The SermonComposer: John HarrisLibrettist: Bernard MacLavertyCommissioned By: Tapestry Opera's Composer-Librettist LaboratoryLanguage: EnglishProducer: Tapestry OperaRoles: Role Voice Type Range ? Character Description BoymiddleBb2-C#5A boyPriestmiddle-lowE2-F4The priestWoman 1silent-spokensilentWoman in congregationWoman 2silent-spokensilentWoman in congregation Please Note: The table above has content that is scrollable left to right.Orchestration: Piano SYNOPSIS A boy is sitting
OVERVIEW Title: The ShadowComposer: Omar DanielLibrettist: Alex Poch-GoldinCommissioned By: Tapestry OperaLanguage: EnglishProducer: Tapestry OperaRun Time: 90Roles: Role Voice Type Range ? Character Description AllegrahighA#3-Bb5An unmarried rich girl, controlled by her father and yearning for love. 18 years old.Don PaulolowG2-D4A mafia Don, wealthy and powerful. 45-60 years old.WaitermiddleC#3-D5Proud and efficient. 25-40 years
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.
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
OVERVIEW Title: The Perfect MatchComposer: Anthony YoungLibrettist: Krista DalbyCommissioned By: Tapestry OperaLanguage: EnglishProducer: Tapestry OperaRoles: Role Voice Type Range ? Character Description TammiddleB2-F#4Sock puppetPalmiddle-lowB2-E4Sock puppet Please Note: The table above has content that is scrollable left to right.Orchestration: Flute, Oboe, Trumpet, Percussion, Glockenspiel, Vibraphone, Piano, Violin 1, Violin 2, Viola, Cello,
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,
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
OVERVIEW Title: The LeavingComposer: Stephen Andrew TaylorLibrettist: Bernard MacLavertyCommissioned By: Tapestry Opera's Composer-Librettist LaboratoryLanguage: EnglishProducer: Tapestry OperaRoles: Role Voice Type Range ? Character Description SebastianmiddleE3-A4A religious brother, in his late 20sBenedictmiddle-lowG#2-F#4A religious brother, in his late 60s Please Note: The table above has content that is scrollable left to right.Orchestration: Piano
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 Cellar DoorComposer: Melissa HuiLibrettist: Jovanni SyCommissioned By: Tapestry Opera's Composer-Librettist LaboratoryLanguage: EnglishProducer: Tapestry OperaRoles: Role Voice Type Range ? Character Description DanielmiddleC3-B4Judith's brotherJudithhighA3-D6Daniel's sister Please Note: The table above has content that is scrollable left to right.Orchestration: Clarinet in Bb, Percussion, Harp, Violin, Viola, Cello, Double Bass SYNOPSIS
OVERVIEW Title: Sleep, SleepComposer: John HarrisLibrettist: Marjorie ChanCommissioned By: Tapestry Opera's Composer-Librettist LaboratoryLanguage: EnglishProducer: Tapestry OperaRoles: Role Voice Type Range ? Character Description MotherhighA3-C#6MotherBoymiddleG2-G4Son Please Note: The table above has content that is scrollable left to right.Orchestration: Piano SYNOPSIS A woman and her grown son are leaving their home. It’s time
OVERVIEW Title: ShelterComposer: Juliet PalmerLibrettist: Julie SalversonCommissioned By: Tapestry OperaLanguage: English, GermanProducer: Tapestry Opera and Edmonton OperaRun Time: 75Roles: Role Voice Type Range ? Character Description Lisa Meitnermiddle-highG#-Ab5Nuclear physicistThomasmiddle-lowBb2-E5 (falsetto)FatherClairemiddle-highA3-G5 (extended techniques)MotherHopehighC4-C6 (coloratura)DaughterPilotmiddleD3-B4Air force pilot Please Note: The table above has content that is scrollable left to right.Orchestration: Clarinet in Bb/Bass
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
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.
OVERVIEW Title: See SawComposer: Andrew StanilandLibrettist: Anna ChattertonCommissioned By: Tapestry Opera's Composer-Librettist LaboratoryLanguage: EnglishProducer: Tapestry OperaRun Time: 30Roles: Role Voice Type Range ? Character Description TrishhighBb3-Db6A young girl, heartbrokenGinamiddle-highF#3-A5Trish's friendRalphmiddleE3-Bb4Trish's ex-boyfriend, rides a bicycle Please Note: The table above has content that is scrollable left to right.Orchestration: Clarinet in Bb, Percussion,
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
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.
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.
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
Two men break into their old haunt, bringing their recently deceased friend along for the ride. They pour three pints and pull up a country song on the jukebox. In turn, they reflect on what they’d tell him if he were still alive.
OVERVIEW Title: PursuitComposer: Iman HabibiLibrettist: Jessica Murphy MooCommissioned By: Tapestry Opera's Composer-Librettist LaboratoryLanguage: EnglishProducer: Tapestry OperaRun Time: 4Roles: Role Voice Type Range ? Character Description BaristahighD4-C#6Female barista, clearly agitatedManmiddleB3-A4A man, customer at the cafe Please Note: The table above has content that is scrollable left to right.Orchestration: Piano Video Recording View