Celebrate 25 Years of Passion with Opera Lyra Ottawa

Celebrate 25 Years of Passion

with

Opera Lyra Ottawa

Ottawa, ON ’Äî Opera Lyra Ottawa’Äôs spectacular 2009-2010 25^th anniversary season features world-renowned tenor Michael Schade, appearing on the OLO stage for the first time, in Massenet’Äôs romantic tragedy Manon, Ottawa’Äôs own sensational Shannon Mercer takes on the role of Pamina in the season opener The Magic Flute, and the brilliant Greer Grimsley will make his OLO debut as Macbeth. An additional highlight of the season is the outstanding OLO Chorus and the internationally celebrated National Arts Centre Orchestra in all three operas.

2009-2010
25^th Anniversary Season

The Magic Flute by Mozart

September 12, 14, 16 & 19, 2009 at the National Arts Centre in Southam Hall

Macbeth by Verdi

March 27, 29, 31 & April 3, 2010 at the National arts Centre in Southam Hall

An opera-in-concert

Manon by Massenet

May 26, 2010 at the National Arts Centre in Southam Hall

OLO Opera Studio Production

The Bremen Town Musicians, Dean Burry

December 12 & 13 2009 at the National Arts Centre in the Fourth Stage

The season opens on September 12 with one of Mozart’Äôs most beloved operas, The Magic Flute. OLO is pleased to welcome Pinchas Zukerman to the roster as Guest Conductor for this production. The spectacular set and costumes from the San Francisco Opera were designed by celebrated visual artist David Hockney for La Scala.

In March 2010, OLO presents Verdi’Äôs great opera Macbeth for the first time. This tale of passion, murder, revenge and madness stars Greer Grimsley in the title role, Brenda Harris as Lady Macbeth and Andrew Funk as Banquo.

Canadian superstar tenor Michael Schade comes to the Capital for one-night-only as Des Grieux, when OLO brings Manon, Massenet’Äôs heart-breaking story of love, betrayal and death to the NAC. Presented on May 26, this concert production features an all-Canadian cast including Nathalie Paulin as Manon, Brett Polegato as Lescaut, and Theodore Baerg as De Bretigny, and is produced in collaboration with the National Arts Centre. Opera Lyra Ottawa wishes to thank the National Arts Centre for its generous assistance of our 25th Anniversary performance.

Continuing its annual tradition of presenting Opera for Young Audiences, OLO has commissioned celebrated Canadian composer Dean Burry to create The Bremen Town Musicians, with a donkey, a dog, a cat and a rooster in the starring roles! This sparkling opera features artists of the OLO Opera Studio.

The 2009-2010 season also includes special event favourites such as the Italian Garden Party in July, the mid-winter Black and White Opera Soiree, the spring DIVA Auction and numerous opera-inspired activities presented throughout the year by our OLO Opera Studio artists.

Subscription and Ticket Information

Subscriptions: Start at $79 for Opera Lyra Ottawa’Äôs 2009-2010 season are available beginning May 1, 2009; existing subscribers can renew until April 17, 2009. For more information, call Opera Lyra Ottawa at (613) 233-9200 ext. 221.

Single tickets, starting at $40 go on sale July 1, 2009 for The Magic Flute and September 12 for Macbeth and Manon. Visit www.operalyra.ca or call (613) 233-9200 ext 221.

About Opera Lyra Ottawa

Opera Lyra Ottawa has been an integral part of the Ottawa’Äôs music community for 25 years. During this time close to 500,000 opera lovers have enjoyed over 100 operas featuring 800 artists and a myriad of other thrilling musical activities. OLO’Äôs Opera Studio is a nationally respected advanced training program for emerging opera singers, conductors, repetiteurs, directors and stage managers, blending professional instruction and practical experience. Central to OLO’Äôs vision is the belief in creating and developing the audiences of tomorrow. Each year, the company offers a variety of activities to introduce children, youth and families to opera.

Bell has been a dedicated and committed Opera Lyra Ottawa sponsor for 19 years and we are delighted that they will be onboard again as our Season Sponsor for the 25^th Anniversary season.

Opera Lyra Ottawa gratefully acknowledges the generous support of our sponsors for the 2008-2009 season. We thank Bell, Season Sponsor, as well as our other Principal Sponsors: Bel-Air Lexus, Rio Tinto, Sun Life Financial, and Ottawa Citizen; Major Sponsors: Arosa Suites Hotel, Custom Printers, Kolegram, Handa Travel, CBC/Radio-Canada and Couleur FM; and Key Sponsor Bombardier. Opera Lyra would also like to thank the following agencies for their support: the Canada Council for the Arts, the Ontario Arts Council, the City of Ottawa and the Ontario Arts Foundation.

Opera Lyra would like to thank Michael Potter for his continued generous support of the Young People’Äôs Opera Matinee program.