Breaking News: LOUIS RIEL Among Canadian Opera Company's 2016-17 Lineup

Canada's greatest achievement in music, Louis Riel, is returning to the Canadian Opera Company stage in a new production to help mark the 150th anniversary of the country's confederation. Louis Riel is one of six landmark operas unveiled today at the public launch of the COC's 2016/2017 season at the Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts.

The COC presents a tour-de-force season for its 66th year with six operatic masterpieces delivered by the most exciting established and emerging artists working on the international stage today. The COC presents Bellini's NORMA, Handel's ARIODANTE and Somers' LOUIS RIEL in three new productions. These new offerings are augmented by company revivals of Mozart's THE MAGIC FLUTE, Wagner's GÖTTERDÄMMERUNG and Puccini's TOSCA. Complementing the mainstage productions is the Ensemble Studio Showcase, featuring the young artists of the COC's Ensemble Studio training program. The future of opera in Canada is also celebrated with Centre Stage, the COC's premier fundraising event featuring the company's annual vocal competition and gala.

"The 16/17 season is one defined by greatness, from the talent coming to our company to the fact that each of the operas we're presenting is a landmark work," says COC General Director Alexander Neef. "We have conductors, directors, designers and singers next season who are the defining talents of their generation and they are matched by the masterpieces that have defined the art form."

It's an impressive roster of internationally acclaimed artists appearing with the COC in one or more debut capacities in the 16/17 season. Toronto audiences will be the first in the opera world to hear principal role debuts by Varduhi Abrahamyan, Ain Anger, Jane Archibald, Russell Braun, Michael Colvin, Christine Goerke, Isabel Leonard, Allyson McHardy, Simone Osborne, John Relyea, Ramón Vargas and James Westman. Abrahamyan and Anger's performances also mark their Canadian debuts, as do singers Goran Juri?, François Lis, Markus Marquardt and Elena Tsallagova. Artists making their COC debuts include conductors Bernard Labadie and Keri-Lynn Wilson; directors Ashlie Corcoran, Peter Hinton and Kevin Newbury; and singers Kathryn Lewek and Andreas Schager.

The company's 16/17 season is further distinguished by the return of a number of the most exciting artists on the world stage today, including singers Phillip Addis, Keri Alkema, Andrea Carè, Alice Coote, Martin Gantner, Elza van den Heever, Joshua Hopkins, Dimitry Ivashchenko, Adrianne Pieczonka, Sondra Radvanovsky and Russell Thomas; directors Tim Albery, Paul Curran and Richard Jones; designer Michael Levine and conductor Stephen Lord.

The COC opens its 16/17 season with the searing drama and vocal fireworks of Bellini's bel canto masterpiece, NORMA. Bellini's opera tells of all-consuming passion and devastating betrayal when the Druid high priestess Norma finds her life in turmoil with the discovery that she's been cast aside by her Roman lover for a fellow priestess. The title role demands a true diva to convincingly convey the character's emotional range while effortlessly delivering some of the most vocally challenging music ever composed. This new production features the returns of two of the most sought-after sopranos today: American Sondra Radvanovsky and South African Elza van den Heever star as the high priestess Norma. American Russell Thomas with his "gorgeous, warm tenor" (Globe and Mail) returns to sing Pollione, Norma's Roman lover. American mezzo-soprano Isabel Leonard, acclaimed by critics for her passionate intensity and vocal beauty, returns to the COC in a role debut performance as Adalgisa, Pollione's new lover. Russian bass Dimitry Ivashchenko, last heard as "a menacing, vocally chilling Hunding" (New York Times) in the COC's recent Die Walküre, is Oroveso, Norma's father. American director Kevin Newbury makes his COC debut with this new staging, co-produced by the COC, San Francisco Opera, Lyric Opera of Chicago and Gran Teatre del Liceu (Barcelona), and sets the action in a mythic, Game of Thrones-inspired milieu. American maestro Stephen Lord has made a speciality of bel canto operas and returns to the COC to conduct. Norma was last performed by the COC in 2006 and returns for eight performances on October 6, 15, 18, 21, 23, 26, 28 and November 5, 2016. Norma is sung in Italian with English SURTITLESTM.

ARIODANTE, one of Handel's most radiantly beautiful scores, tells a tale of love, honour and obsession. It receives its COC premiere in a new production with COC Music Director Johannes Debus making his Handel debut conducting an example of Baroque opera at its best. A COC co-production with Festival d'Aix-en-Provence, Dutch National Opera and Lyric Opera of Chicago, this Ariodante is staged by celebrated theatre and opera director Richard Jones who was last with the company to stage The Queen of Spades in 2002. Jones sets the melodramatic tale of the knight Ariodante and princess Ginevra, brutally separated by the lies of a jealous rival, against the backdrop of a remote village. His concept taps into the work's psychological drama to deliver a production that "gets to the heart of this opera's distinctive melancholia" (The Telegraph). A dream cast is charged with giving Ariodante life. British mezzo-soprano Alice Coote, whose performances have been described as "breathtaking in [their] sheer conviction and subtlety of perception" (The Times) and her voice as "beautiful, to be sure, but, more importantly, it thrills you to the marrow" (The Daily Telegraph), returns to the COC in the trouser role of Ariodante. She's matched by the equally incomparable Canadian soprano Jane Archibald, who brings her "unbelievable mastery of singing, controlled with apparent ease...combined with a remarkable dramatic presence" to a role debut performance as Ginevra, Ariodante's wronged fiancé. Armenian mezzo-soprano Varduhi Abrahamyan, described as a "revelation" by the New York Times, makes her Canadian and role debut as Polinesso, the jealous rival of Ariodante. Rising Canadian coloratura soprano, and COC Ensemble Studio graduate, Ambur Braid is the unwitting Dalinda. Fellow Ensemble Studio graduate, Canadian tenor Owen McCausland is Ariodante's vengeful brother, Lurcanio. French bass François Lis, fast becoming one of the most sought-after artists in Europe, makes his Canadian debut as Ginevra's father, the King. Ariodante is sung in Italian with English SURTITLESTM, and runs for seven performances on October 16, 19, 22, 25, 27, 29 and November 4, 2016.

It's a fairy tale start to the winter season at the COC in 16/17 with Mozart's mystical and beloved opera, THE MAGIC FLUTE, in a revival of the company's playful production for all ages. A humorous, sometimes profound, exploration of the trials of growing up, seeking ideals and finding love, The Magic Flute follows the adventures of Prince Tamino as he undergoes feats of heroism to rescue his love, Pamina, from the forces of evil. Bernard Labadie, one of Canada's preeminent conductors, makes his COC debut conducting Mozart's beautiful score filled with infectious melodies. From the spectacular fireworks of the Queen of the Night to Pamina's anguished lament and Papageno's comic antics, the charm and profundity of Mozart's music is given voice by a cast of international and Canadian rising stars. Leading the young cast are two breakout tenors from the COC's own Ensemble Studio, Andrew Haji and Owen McCausland, who share the role of Prince Tamino. They are matched with two sopranos to watch: Russian Elena Tsallagova and Canadian Kirsten MacKinnon sing the role of Princess Pamina, in their Canadian and COC debuts, respectively. Two of the finest baritones of their generation, Canadians Joshua Hopkins and Phillip Addis, return to the COC to share the role of the bird catcher, Papageno. Making her COC debut is one of the reigning Queen of the Nights on the world stage today, American soprano Kathryn Lewek. She shares the role with the thrilling coloratura of COC Ensemble Studio graduate soprano Ambur Braid. The priest-king Sarastro is sung by Croatian bass Goran Juri?, in his Canadian debut, and American bass Matt Boehler. The roles of Monostatos and the Speaker are sung by two notable voices on the international opera scene, Canadian tenor Michael Colvin and German baritone Martin Gantner, respectively. COC Ensemble Studio graduate and artistic director at the Thousand Islands Playhouse, Ashlie Corcoran, makes her COC mainstage debut staging the 2015 revival, based on Diane Paulus' original direction, full of wonder, whimsy and wisdom, for the COC in 2011. The Magic Flute is sung in German with English SURTITLESTM, and runs for 12 performances on January 19, 28, 29, February 1, 3, 4, 7, 10, 16, 18, 19 and 24, 2017.

The COC enters the twilight of the gods with the revival of its acclaimed production of Wagner's GÖTTERDÄMMERUNG directed by Toronto-area resident Tim Albery. First presented by the COC in winter 2006, and then in fall 2006 as part of the company's full Ring Cycle, this Götterdämmerung has been called "as stunning a feat of staging as [has been] seen in Toronto" (National Post), singling out that "the great virtue of Albery's production is the urgency and absolutely clarity of the storytelling" (Opera News) while also noting the presentation as a whole representing "the COC's proudest hour" (Globe and Mail). Production designer Michael Levine's compelling interpretation of Götterdämmerung builds on the visual language established in the earlier productions of Wagner's tetralogy, moving the action forward to the contemporary corporate landscape of the mortals who now rule the world and bringing the cycle to a commanding and dramatic close. In the fourth instalment of Wagner's epic Ring, after poisoned drinks, mistaken identities and much deception, Brünnhilde and Siegfried are reunited in love and death as the worlds of both men and gods go up in flames only to rise again in an unforgettable affirmation of rebirth and renewal. Austrian tenor Andreas Schager is establishing himself as one world's leading heroic tenors and makes his COC debut as Siegfried-a role for which he's been proclaimed a "discovery" (The Arts Desk) and "a big star in the making" (The Independent). Powerhouse American soprano Christine Goerke, the most sought-after Brünnhilde in the world today, who returns to sing Götterdämmerung's Brünnhilde for the first time, having previously debuted the character in the recent COC revivals of Die Walküre and Siegfried. Internationally renowned German baritone Martin Gantner is Gunther, Siegfried's rival. Estonian Ain Anger, "one of the great opera basses of our time" (The Guardian), makes his Canadian and role debut as Gunther's half-brother, Hagen. Canadian bass Robert Pomakov, "a talent to watch" (Washington Post), is Alberich, whose greed for the Rhinegold began this epic saga. American mezzo-soprano Lindsay Ammann is the First Norn, Scottish mezzo Karen Cargill is the Second Norn and the Valkyrie Waltraute, and COC Ensemble Studio graduate mezzo-soprano Ileana Montalbetti is the Third Norn and Gutrune. COC Music Director Johannes Debus conducts his first Götterdämmerung, which features some of the most complex and riveting music in the operatic repertoire.Götterdämmerung is sung in German with English SURTITLESTM, and runs for seven performances on February 2, 5, 8, 11, 14, 17 and 25, 2017.

History comes to life in spring 2017 when Harry Somers' LOUIS RIEL returns to the COC in a new production by one of Canadian theatre's most acclaimed and inventive directors, Peter Hinton, with COC Music Director Johannes Debus conducting. Composed by Harry Somers for Canada's centennial in 1967, Louis Riel is a uniquely Canadian contribution to the opera world. Described as "big, efficient, exciting" (Toronto Evening Telegram) at the time of its world premiere, Louis Riel, and its story of the polarizing Métis leader and Canada's westward expansion, went on to be called "one of the most imaginative and powerful scores to have been written in this century" (Washington Star) after its 1975 US premiere at the Kennedy Center. More recently, on the occasion of its 2011 DVD release, it was hailed as "both a personal story and a national epic...the libretto is as taut and thrilling as a well-written play" (Globe and Mail). Singing the title role for the first time is internationally renowned Canadian baritone Russell Braun, bringing the full force of his celebrated vocal and dramatic prowess to embody one of the most controversial figures in Canadian politics of the 19th century. He leads an all-Canadian principal cast drawn from some of this country's most notable operatic talent, all in role debuts: baritone James Westman is Sir John A. Macdonald; soprano Simone Osborne is Marguerite, Riel's wife; mezzo-soprano Allyson McHardy is Julie, Riel's mother and confidante; tenor Michael Colvin is Thomas Scott, the Protestant Orangeman executed on orders from Riel; and bass John Relyea is Bishop Taché, the cleric who was duped into helping the government betray Riel. Louis Riel was first performed by the COC for its world premiere in 1967 and then again in 1975. This production of Louis Riel is proudly presented by the company and its co-producer, Canada's National Arts Centre, in anticipation of Canada's sesquicentennial. Louis Riel is sung in English, French, Latin and Cree with English SURTITLESTM, and runs for seven performances on April 20, 23, 26, 29, May 2, 5, 13, 2017.

The COC's 16/17 season closes with one of the most popular and performed operas in the world, Puccini's TOSCA. The COC revives its lavish production by award-winning director Paul Curran, with costumes and stunning sets of chapels, palaces and fortresses of 19th-century Rome. It's an unforgettable theatrical showcase for some of Puccini's most deeply felt and dramatic melodies, conducted by acclaimed Canadian maestra Keri-Lynn Wilson, in her COC debut. Taking on the title role, the opera singer caught in a web of corruption, lust and betrayal while trying to protect her revolutionary lover, are two of today's great divas: internationally renowned Canadian soprano Adrianne Pieczonka and critically acclaimed soprano Keri Alkema. COC audiences will remember Pieczonka's riveting 2012 portrayal of Floria Tosca, one of Puccini's most complex and fascinating heroines, delivering a "luminous performance" (Globe and Mail). She shares the role with rising opera star Alkema, whose "tonal opulence" (Washington Post) and "incisive musicality" (New York Times) was witnessed by Toronto audiences in the company in 2013's La clemenza di Tito and 2012's The Tales of Hoffmann. Returning to the COC as Tosca's lover, Cavarodossi, is internationally renowned Mexican tenor Ramón Vargas, one of the leading tenors of our time, in a role debut performance. He shares the role with Andrea Carè, one of the most important artists among the new generation of Italian tenors. German bass-baritone Markus Marquardt, a sought-after interpreter of the Italian repertoire, makes his Canadian debut as the evil Scarpia. This production of Tosca is co-produced with the Norwegian National Opera and Ballet, and runs for 12 performances on April 30, May 4, 6, 7, 9, 11, 12, 14, 17, 18, 19, 20, 2017. Tosca is sung in Italian with English SURTITLES.

The young voices emerging on Canada's operatic stage are also thrust into the spotlight in the 2016/2017 season. On November 3, 2016, the COC celebrates the future of opera in Canada with its premier fundraising event, Centre Stage. The annual vocal competition and gala is a celebratory showcase of the young opera artists vying for a spot in COC's Ensemble Studio training program.

On February 23, 2017, the COC hosts the Ensemble Studio Showcase, an evening of operatic scenes performed by the current members of the Ensemble Studio and Canada's future opera stars. Both evenings of music take place at the Four Seasons Centre with COC Music Director Johannes Debus leading the celebrated COC Orchestra.

All repertoire, dates, pricing, productions and casting are subject to change without notice. For more complete casting and creative team information, see the production pages at coc.ca.

Subscriptions to the six mainstage productions for the COC's 16/17 season range from $199 to $2,086, and may be purchased online at coc.ca, by calling 416-363-8231, or in person at the Four Seasons Centre Box Office, 145 Queen St. W., Toronto. Special value pricing is available on most levels of the Four Seasons Centre. Prices include HST. Special pricing is also available for seniors and children in all subscription series.

Single tickets to all of the COC's 16/17 season productions are available to the public as of August 22, 2016. Single tickets prices range from $47 to $355 (includes applicable taxes). Tickets are available online at coc.ca, by calling 416-363-8231, or in person at the Four Seasons Centre Box Office, located at 145 Queen St. W.

Tickets to the Centre Stage competition and the Ensemble Studio Showcase may be purchased as part of a COC subscription package for the 16/17 season. Single tickets to the Centre Stage competition tickets are $100, and are available as of January 13, 2016. All tickets to the Ensemble Studio Showcase are $35 with single tickets on sale as of August 22, 2016.

For more information on specially priced tickets available to young people under the age of 15, standing room, Opera Under 30 presented by TD Bank, student groups and rush seating, visit coc.ca .

Based in Toronto, the Canadian Opera Company is the largest producer of opera in Canada and one of the largest in North America. The COC enjoys a loyal audience support-base and one of the highest attendance and subscription rates in North America. Under its leadership team of General Director Alexander Neef and Music Director Johannes Debus, the COC is increasingly capturing the opera world's attention. The COC maintains its international reputation for artistic excellence and creative innovation by creating new productions within its diverse repertoire, collaborating with leading opera companies and festivals, and attracting the world's foremost Canadian and international artists. The COC performs in its own opera house, the Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts, hailed internationally as one of the finest in the world. Designed by Diamond Schmitt Architects, the Four Seasons Centre opened in 2006. For more information on the COC, visit its award-winning website, coc.ca.

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