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OPERA WEST PRESENTS:

Halka

Halka is an opera by Polish composer Stanisław Moniuszko to a libretto written by Włodzimierz Wolski. Opera West, the Consulate General of the Republic of Poland in Vancouver and UBC Opera produce this opera to commemorate the 35th Anniversary of the establishment of the Consulate in Vancouver.

A Polish opera to commemorate the 35th anniversary of the 35th Anniversary of the establishment of the Consulate in Vancouver.

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OPERA WEST PRESENTS:

Die lustige Witwe
(The Merry Widow)

Die lustige Witwe is a sparkling operetta set in Paris, where the tiny Balkan principality of Pontevedro faces financial ruin unless its wealthy widow, Hanna Glawari, keeps her fortune within the country. Misunderstandings, disguises, and witty schemes create a whirlwind of comic confusion in this three-act operetta. 

Misunderstandings, disguises, and witty schemes create a whirlwind of comic confusion in this three-act operetta. 

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OPERA WEST PRESENTED

The Grand Finale of UBC Old Auditorium 100th Anniversary Celebrations!

Opera West and UBC Opera welcomed two internationally acclaimed Canadian singers in concert. UBC Alumna, Soprano, Simone Osborne and bass-baritone, Gordon Bintner. Canadian conductor, Gordon Gerrard and members of the Vancouver Opera Orchestra joined them in an evening of opera, operetta and musical theatre.

Two UBC Alumna, and Canadian conductor, Gordon Gerrard gave us an evening of opera, operetta, and musical theatre.

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About

Opera West Society is a registered charity organization dedicated to presenting captivating operatic performances in Vancouver and beyond. From our debut production of Tosca to our recent tribute concert honouring Maria Callas, we strive to bring the beauty and grandeur of opera to diverse audiences across Western Canada.

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About

Additionally, we are committed to advancing education in the performance of opera and vocal technique, providing accessible opportunities for students to enhance their skills and deepen their understanding of this art form. Through our comprehensive programs, workshops, scholarships, and financial assistance, we empower aspiring performers, nurture emerging talent, and contribute to the richness and diversity of our cultural landscape.

Our Singer Behind the Song series further supports this mission, offering masterclasses where students can learn directly from acclaimed opera stars, gaining invaluable insights from world-class professionals.

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Mission

At Opera West Society, our mission is to bring together acclaimed international opera stars and emergent and developing Canadian operatic talent in open collaboration and performance, fostering learning opportunities and enriching experiences for all. Join our newsletter to stay updated on our future collaborations and performances.

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OPERA WEST LAUNCHES:

Legacy Fund

Legacy Fund

Opera West Society is proud to announce the launch of the University of British Columbia Opera Student Performance Legacy Fund — a new initiative dedicated to shaping the future of the UBC Opera program. This fund will strengthen student performance opportunities by supporting guest stage directors and providing scholarships that empower emerging artists to excel both on stage and beyond. We invite you to join us in nurturing the next generation of operatic talent. Your contribution to the Legacy Fund will directly support UBC Opera students’ artistic growth and help ensure that this world-class program continues to thrive for years to come.

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OPERA WEST PRESENTS:

2026-2027 Season

2026 – 2027 Season

In collaboration with UBC OPERA

We are pleased to announce our upcoming season in collaboration with UBC Opera. Join us for two productions in 2027, as well as an addition to our Singer Behind the Song series this fall. Tickets for all shows go on sale September 9, 2026. 

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Jessica Muirhead

Recital, Interview, and Masterclass.

October 4th, 2026
Old Auditorium | 2:00PM

Jessica Muirhead is a British-Canadian soprano who has performed at leading opera houses throughout Europe, North America and Asia. Recent engagements include Eva in Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg at the Royal Danish Opera, the title role in Arabella with Ópera de Oviedo, Lucrezia Borgia at the Ludwigsburg Schlossfestspiele, and Madame Lidoine in Dialogues des Carmélites at Saarländisches Staatstheater.

Upcoming engagements include the title role in Rusalka at Oper Köln, together with Luisa Miller, Anna Maurrant in Street Scene, and the Gänsemagd in Königskinder at Saarländisches Staatstheater.”

Halka

Opera in Four Acts by Stanisław Moniuszko
Sung in Polish with English surtitles.

February 27, 2027 | 7:30 PM
Old Auditorium | Tickets: $40–$60
Additional discounts available for UBC Opera Subscribers

A landmark of Polish opera, Halka tells the tragic story of a young highlander whose love for a wealthy landowner ends in betrayal and heartbreak. With music by Stanisław Moniuszko and a libretto by Włodzimierz Wolski, this powerful work explores love, class, betrayal, and sacrifice.

Opera West Society, the Consulate General of the Republic of Poland in Vancouver, and UBC Opera present Halka in celebration of the 35th anniversary of the Consulate’s establishment in Vancouver.

Cast:

Conductor | David Agler
Tenor | Michal Jopek
Director | Nancy Hermiston
Members of the Vancouver Opera Orchestra

Die lustige Witwe (The Merry Widow)

Operetta in Three Acts by Franz Lehár
Sung in German with English surtitles

May 14, 2027 | 7:30 PM
May 16, 2027 | 2:00 PM
Old Auditorium | Tickets: $40–$60
Additional discounts available for UBC Opera Subscribers

Franz Lehár’s beloved The Merry Widow brings romance, wit, and sparkling music to the stage. Set in Paris, the story follows wealthy widow Hanna Glawari and Count Danilo, the man she once loved, as pride and misunderstandings keep them apart.

With elegant parties, romantic intrigue, and plenty of comic complications, The Merry Widow is a charming celebration of love, laughter, and second chances.

Cast:

Conductor | Jacques Lacombe
Director | Nancy Hermiston
Members of the Vancouver Opera Orchestra

AUDIENCE FAVOURITE, A SERIES. 

Singer Behind the Song

Singer Behind the Song: A Series

“Singer Behind the Song” is a captivating series where celebrated opera singers are invited to perform, engage in interviews, and conduct masterclasses for UBC Opera students. This series provides a unique opportunity for audiences to enjoy world-class performances while gaining insight into the personal and professional lives of the artists through in-depth interviews. Additionally, the masterclasses serve as an invaluable learning experience for budding opera students, allowing them to learn directly from distinguished professionals in the field.

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Jessica Muirhead

Recital, Interview, and Masterclass.

Jessica Muirhead is a British-Canadian soprano who has performed at leading opera houses throughout Europe, North America and Asia. Recent engagements include Eva in Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg at the Royal Danish Opera, the title role in Arabella with Ópera de Oviedo, Lucrezia Borgia at the Ludwigsburg Schlossfestspiele, and Madame Lidoine in Dialogues des Carmélites at Saarländisches Staatstheater.

Upcoming engagements include the title role in Rusalka at Oper Köln, together with Luisa Miller, Anna Maurrant in Street Scene, and the Gänsemagd in Königskinder at Saarländisches Staatstheater.”

October 4th, 2026
Old Auditorium | 2:00PM

(Tickets go on Sale September 9th, 2026)

Tickets

Javier Camarena

UBC Opera presents Singer Behind the Song, featuring the world-renowned tenor, Javier Camarena, in his Canadian debut. 

Known as the “King of the high C’s,” Camarena’s rich, warm timbre and thrilling high notes promise an unforgettable performance. This rare event includes an interview with the star, offering a unique glimpse into the life of this extraordinary artist. The evening also features a masterclass, allowing ticket holders to watch and gain an in-depth peek at how opera studies are conducted.

Event was on October 3rd 2024

RECENT NEWS, AND LOCAL SHOWS

Announcements

Prodaná nevěsta (The Bartered Bride)

Prodaná Nevěsta is a lively comic opera set in a Czech village, celebrating love, wit and national spirit. 

Opera West Society is proudly supporting UBC Opera with this show, join them on November 28th, 29th and December 3rd and 4th for this best-loved opera from Bedřich Smetana

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Suor Angelica & Gianni Schicchi
– Giacomo Puccini

Two One-Act Operas.

Suor Angelica is a deeply moving one-act tragedy set in a convent. Sister Angelica has spent seven years in religious seclusion after bearing an illegitimate child.

Gianni Schicchi is Puccini’s sparkling one-act comic opera, inspired by a brief episode in Dante’s Inferno. After the wealthy Buoso Donati dies, his greedy relatives discover that his fortune has been left to a monastery.

Opera West Society is proudly supporting UBC Opera with this show, join them on February 4th, 5th, 6th, and 7th.

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UBC Opera Ball

Celebrate an unforgettable evening of music, elegance, and community at the UBC Opera Ball. Dine onstage in the historic Old Auditorium with a delicious three-course meal by Sage Catering, enjoy spectacular entertainment by the UBC Opera Ensemble, and dance beneath the lights to the exhilarating sounds of a live big band.

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Contact Us

Connect with Opera West Society to learn more about our upcoming performances, get involved as a volunteer or donor, or simply share your love for opera with fellow enthusiasts.

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OPERA WEST PRESENTS:

Maria Callas Tribute Concert

Step into the world of Maria Callas with our tribute concert featuring the incomparable Sondra Radvanovsky. Celebrate the legacy of one of opera’s most iconic figures as we showcased Ms. Radvanovsky’s remarkable talent alongside the Festival Orchestra of Vancouver, under the direction of maestro Tania Miller. Explore highlights from this unforgettable performance and see how we honoured the enduring influence of Maria Callas.

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OPERA WEST PRESENTS:

Tosca

Experience the drama and passion of Giacomo Puccini’s Tosca in our debut production, where the talents of the UBC Opera Ensemble and renowned soloists came together to create an unforgettable evening of music and emotion. View stunning performance highlights and relive the magic of this acclaimed collaboration.

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About

Opera West Society is a non-profit organization dedicated to presenting captivating operatic performances in Vancouver and beyond. From our debut production of Tosca to our recent tribute concert honouring Maria Callas, we strive to bring the beauty and grandeur of opera to diverse audiences across Western Canada.

Donate

Mission

At Opera West Society, our mission is to bring together acclaimed international opera stars and emergent and developing Canadian operatic talent in open collaboration and performance, fostering learning opportunities and enriching experiences for all.
Donate

Concerts

Maria Callas
Tribute Concert

Step into the world of Maria Callas with our tribute concert featuring the incomparable Sondra Radvanovsky. Celebrate the legacy of one of opera’s most iconic figures as we showcased Ms. Radvanovsky’s remarkable talent alongside the Festival Orchestra of Vancouver, under the direction of maestro Tania Miller. Explore highlights from this unforgettable performance and honour the enduring influence of Maria Callas.

Cast

Sondra Radvanovsky:
Renowned soprano Sondra Radvanovsky, hailed as the premiere Verdi soprano of our time, delivered a breathtaking performance in tribute to Maria Callas, showcasing her vocal brilliance and dramatic prowess.

Festival Orchestra of Vancouver:
Under the direction of maestro Tania Miller, the Festival Orchestra of Vancouver provided a sublime musical backdrop, enhancing the emotional depth and intensity of Ms. Radvanovsky’s performance.

UBC Opera Ensemble:
Supporting Ms. Radvanovsky on stage were special guests from the UBC Opera Ensemble, one of Canada’s most ambitious student opera companies, who contributed to the magic of the evening with their exceptional performances.

Achievements

The Callas Tribute concert triumphed over challenging weather conditions, showcasing Opera West Society’s resilience and commitment to delivering exceptional opera experiences. Despite the obstacles, Sondra Radvanovsky’s breathtaking performance captivated the audience, earning two standing ovations. 

Maestro Tania Miller’s masterful conducting added an extra layer of enchantment, complemented by the stellar contribution of the Festival Orchestra of Vancouver, Nancy Hermiston, and the UBC Opera Ensemble.

Tosca

Experience the drama and passion of Giacomo Puccini’s Tosca in our debut production, where the talents of the UBC Opera Ensemble and renowned soloists came together to create an unforgettable evening of music and emotion. This semi-staged concert version of Tosca, presented by Opera West Society and the UBC Opera Ensemble, captivated audiences with its powerful performances and stunning visuals.

Cast

Jacques Lacombe (Conductor):
Under the direction of maestro Jacques Lacombe, the Vancouver Festival Orchestra and UBC Opera Ensemble delivered a spellbinding performance, bringing Puccini’s score to life with passion and precision.
 
UBC Opera Ensemble
Supporting on stage were special guests from the UBC Opera Ensemble, one of Canada’s most ambitious student opera companies, who contributed to the magic of the evening with their exceptional performances.

Cast

Rhoslyn Jones (Tosca):
Stepping in for Sondra Radvanovsky, Rhoslyn Jones delivered a mesmerizing performance in the role of Tosca, earning praise for her powerful voice and captivating stage presence.

Yonghoon Lee (Cavaradossi):
Renowned Korean tenor Yonghoon Lee brought depth and emotion to the character of Cavaradossi, showcasing his remarkable vocal range and dramatic flair.

Gregory Dahl (Baron Scarpia):
Canadian baritone Gregory Dahl delivered a chilling portrayal of the villainous Baron Scarpia, commanding the stage with his commanding presence and rich vocal tone.

Achievements

The debut collaboration between Opera West and the UBC Opera Ensemble received widespread acclaim, with audiences expressing their appreciation through a 10-minute standing ovation. The success of Tosca marked a milestone for both organizations, setting the stage for future collaborations and artistic endeavours.

Announcements

Thunderstorm

Director Nancy Hermiston brings her expertise to this production, showcasing two exquisite arias selected from this remarkable opera. Experience the rich tapestry of Chinese opera history through this dynamic performance, promising a unique and enriching cultural experience for all.

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Opera Tea in the Garden: A Celebration of Spring

Join the UBC Opera Ensemble at the UBC Botanical Garden to embrace the spirit of spring with captivating performances by the students. Delight in the blossoming talents of the singers as they present selections from their repertoire, accompanied by the awakening beauty of nature.

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