Virtual Innovation During A Global Pandemic
As opera companies across Canada respond to the ongoing restrictions and event cancellations due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, they are building innovative digital solutions to engage audiences and support artists. Here are a few festive concerts to check out:
Against the Grain Theatre’s Messiah/Complex
Against the Grain Theatre’s daring new interpretation of Handel’s Messiah is a truly cross-Canada performance — in Arabic, Dene, English, French, Inuktitut, and Southern Tutchone. This production combines performances and videos captured across Canada. The show streams free of charge on December 13 through 28, 2020. (Learn more)
Calgary Opera’s The Yuletide Sessions
Calgary Opera has put together a 50-minute original concert production featuring a program of seasonal favourites and beloved classical masterworks performed by members of the company’s 2020-21 Emerging Artist Development Program. The show is available for $10 and streams from December 18, 2020 through January 3, 2021. (Learn more)
Edmonton Opera’s Drive in Christmas Special
For those looking for a holiday event in Edmonton…look no further than the Jubilee Auditorium’s Rooftop. Edmonton Opera is presenting two nights of rooftop performances by the company’s Emerging Artists Studio for drive-in vehicles with sound being broadcast over fm radio. Concerts are December 21 & 22, 2020. (Learn more)
Soundstreams’ Electric Messiah
Soundstreams’ atypical annual Messiah features a theatrically exciting cast, and a feast of musical styles ranging from jazz to soul/hip-hop. Reimagined this year not for a venue, but as a full-length music video, the work includes a mix of on-location outdoor filming in the public spaces of Toronto, studio recordings, and a unique cinematic approach. It streams live on December 17, 2020. (Learn More)