Opera Notices

“This Aida ranks as one of the most musically impressive Vancouver productions of Verdi in recent memory.”

“Mlada Khudoley’s ... big technique, bigger voice, and all-or-nothing delivery define the passions of her larger-than-life character. Her range of colours, deft shifts in dynamics, and identification with her role make for considerable complexity and depth.”

“Rawls is very much a tenor in the Italian mode, swaggering and strutting his way through his role in approved Verdi style.”

“Robinson has one of those velvet bass voices that commands instant attention.”

“The powerful ensemble conclusion to the Second Act shook the rafters of the Queen Elizabeth.”

- David Gordon Duke in The Vancouver Sun

“As Ramfis, the high priest, Robinson’s bass is so deep and assured it’s as if a vibration goes through the audience every time he opens his mouth.”

“The women, Mlada Khudoley and Daveda Karanas, are gloriously gifted as Aida, the Ethiopian prisoner (and secret princess), and Amneris, the Egyptian princess, respectively.”

“Khudoley conveys Aida’s unending turmoil with great beauty. Her voice is remarkable, and it’s put to the test in Act III when Aida’s forced to betray her beloved Radames, lest her father disown her.”

“[Quinn Kelsey is] particularly effective as he shames Aida for turning her back on her country, his words invoking the spirit of her dead mother made all the more resonant by his booming baritone.”

“It’s nothing short of electrifying, particularly at the end of Act II as Egypt celebrates its victory over Ethiopia. The story arcs converge in a messy apex as the sprawling company crescendos to a roar, creating a palpable buzz throughout intermission.”

“Mezzo-soprano Daveda Karanas’s Amneris is a standout among standouts... a clear, polished mezzo that enunciates meaning in every word.”

 

“Arnold Rawls (Radames) effortlessly hits the high note of Celeste Aida and really reaches his stride in his duet about fleeing with Aida, probably swinging the bells at the Holy Rosary Cathedral with his ringing tenor.”

“Bass Morris Robinson (Ramfis) sets the volume on 11 with his resounding bass”

Great seats are still available for the Tuesday, May 1 and Thursday, May 3 performances!

This week, Vancouver Opera’s Development team took part in the 49^thannual Association of Fundraising Professionals International Conference. This year, AFP Vancouver had the privilege of hosting nearly 3,000 fund development professionals from numerous organizations and backgrounds at the Vancouver Convention Centre. The conference was definitely global in scope; we met colleagues who had come from as far away as Bangkok, the Netherlands and Moscow!

AFP is a global professional association, designed to connect development professionals at all career levels with the resources, tools and insights needed to perform at a high level, thereby providing maximum benefit to the organizations they serve. Headquartered in Arlington, VA, AFP has a rich history which spans nearly half a century and encompasses over sixty regional chapters in seven countries worldwide. The organization places emphasis on ethical fund development policies, ongoing self-development and the mentorship of emerging fund development professionals. It also offers professional certifications, an array of publications and a variety of awards designed to draw accolades and acclaim to exceptional work within the industry.

This year’s conference took place from April 1^st – 3^rd, 2012, and featured a wide variety of workshops and panel discussions facilitated by established leaders in the field. Nearly every conceivable topic was addressed throughout the panel programming: ethical fundraising, operational best practices for organizations of all types and sizes, how to handle challenging situations and how to plan for the future. Each of us enjoyed the opportunity to take part in workshops and discussions specifically tailored to our individual roles at Vancouver Opera. It was also fun to meet friends and colleagues – both new and old - and share perspectives and insights. Being among the few representatives of the arts and culture community present at the conference, we especially enjoyed the opportunity to meet colleagues from Manitoba Opera!

Jeff Sodowsky, Vancouver Opera’s Chief Development Officer, delivered a unique presentation on April 3^rd, relating his perspective on the need for both creativity and authenticity when working to secure a gift. Jeff encouraged attendees to consider how approaches inspired by the arts community could enable them to deliver effective, compelling and memorable “performances” when making presentations, holding meetings or conducting other activities in support of fund development. He demonstrated that a fundraiser doesn’t need to make their “ask” a solo performance; rather, they can consider utilizing a diverse ensemble cast of Board members, colleagues and other stakeholders, all choreographed to achieve maximum impact and resonance. Jeff’s presentation (and wardrobe) proved to be both well-received and highly memorable.

Congratulations, Jeff, and thank you to AFP Vancouver for hosting a fantastic conference!

Joseph Bardsley
Development Manager, Grants & Proposals

Monika Forberger talks to Joshua Hopkins in Entertainment Vancouver

And catch these upcoming radio interviews!

Today at 3:40pm on CBC Radio One (88.1FM):

VO's Director of Marketing Doug Tuck will be interviewed on On the Coast with Stephen Quinn

VO's Assistant Conductor/Chorus Director Leslie Dala will be interviewed by Pierre Philippe Bibeau on Six pieds au-dessus de la mer

Friday at 8:15am on Radio-Canada Première Chaine (97.7FM):
Leslie Dala will be interviewed by Myriam Fehmiu on Phare Ouest

Saturday 6:00am - 9:00am on CBC Radio One (88.1FM):
Sheryl MacKay will interview VO's Head of Costumes Parvin Mirhady on North by Northwest


Watch this space on Monday morning for opening night reviews!

Last Saturday was very busy day at The Michael and Inna O’Brian Centre for Vancouver Opera.

It started with our 2:00 pm Sitzprobe of The Barber of Seville. A Sitzprobe is a seated rehearsal in which the singers sing with the orchestra for the first time, after several separate rehearsals. The idea is to integrate the two groups into a seamless performance.

 

On Saturday, Maestro Tweten brought the singers and orchestra together, where they worked musically through the entire opera for the first time.

Enjoying the Sitzprobe was small group of donors, along with students in our Work Experience program. We also had a group of students from West Coast Mammals, a division of the Mammalian Diving Reflex company that has done “Haircuts by Children” and “Eat the Street” with the PuSh Festival.

As the Sitzprobe started, a video crew set up cameras and lighting in our wardrobe department to interview kids for an upcoming video that will highlight our education programs.

During the Sitzprobe, our loading dock was busy too. A trailer containing the costumes and properties for our upcoming rehearsals of Aida (starting in less than 2 weeks!) was being unloaded into our production space. At the same time. another trailer was being loaded with our Barber of Seville set, props and costumes, to be taken to the Queen Elizabeth Theatre. A wonderfully busy day at the O’Brian Centre -  we love our new home!

Director of Artistic Planning