Hello,
Welcome to the latest edition of Opera Round-Up!
This month highlighted one of the greatest strengths of our sector: our willingness to come together to exchange ideas and learn from one another. From the thought-provoking discussions during our Conference365 session to the meaningful connections made at the Annual Conference of Ópera Latinoamérica, these shared experiences continue to strengthen our community, broaden our perspectives, and inspire new ideas.
In this edition, we’re highlighting sector news and resources to help you stay connected and engaged.
Happy reading!
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Monthly Newsletter
June 26, 2026
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In this month’s edition:
- AOC News
- People
- OPERA America
- Professional Development Opportunities
- Calendar of Opera
- Job Listings and Auditions
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Association for Opera in Canada Represented at the 19th Annual Conference of Ópera Latinoamérica
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Association for Opera in Canada (AOC) was represented by CEO Christina Loewen at the 19th Annual Conference of Ópera Latinoamérica (OLA), held June 16–19, 2026, at the Teatro Municipal de Lima, Peru. Under the theme Governance and Effective Leadership, the conference brought together delegates from across Latin America, Canada, the United States, Europe, and China to explore the future of leadership and collaboration in the performing arts.
Christina Loewen was invited to speak on the Innovative Finance Models panel, where she discussed social finance and AOC’s impact investing initiative, the Coproduction Loan Program.
A highlight of the conference was the signing of a historic partnership agreement between Association for Opera in Canada and Ópera Latinoamérica. Signed by Christina Loewen, CEO of AOC, Carmen Gloria Larenas, President of OLA and General Director of Teatro Municipal de Santiago, and Paulina Ricciardi, Executive Director of OLA, the agreement reflects a shared commitment to strengthening collaboration, fostering knowledge exchange, and supporting opera organizations while creating stronger connections between the Canadian and Latin American opera communities. The partnership reinforces both organizations’ commitment to advancing international collaboration across the opera sector.
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Thank You for Joining Us for Conference365: Amuksism. You Really Have to Listen.
Thank you to everyone who joined us for the inaugural Conference365 session. The event featured a live screening of Amuksism. You Really Have to Listen., followed by an insightful discussion with Dr. Dylan Robinson exploring the appropriation of Indigenous music, artistic responsibility, and the role of listening in cultural work.
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We extend our sincere thanks to Dr. Dylan Robinson for sharing his knowledge and perspective, and to the Association for Opera in Canada and Orchestras Canada teams whose collaboration made this event possible.
Conference365 is a year-round virtual series presented by Association for Opera in Canada and Orchestras Canada, designed to continue the conversations and connections sparked through our joint O₂ Conference.
Stay tuned for details about our next Conference365 session!
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Manitoba Opera Appoints Gordon Gerrard as Artistic Director
Manitoba Opera has announced the appointment of Manitoba-born conductor, pianist, and educator Gordon Gerrard as its new Artistic Director. Beginning September 1, Gerrard will lead the company’s artistic vision, bringing extensive experience and a commitment to innovative, inclusive programming and community engagement. READ MORE
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Save the Dates: Opera Conference 2027
Mark your calendars! OPERA America’s annual Opera Conference will take place May 12–14, 2027, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, hosted by The Florentine Opera. The conference will feature three days of inspiring discussions, professional development opportunities, networking, and performances.
Registration opens in Fall 2026.
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AFC: Counselling Pilot Program
The AFC’s Counselling Pilot Program provides free, short-term mental health support for eligible performing arts and entertainment professionals in Alberta, British Columbia, Ontario, and Quebec.
Eligible participants can access up to 8 confidential counselling sessions over six months with counsellors who understand the unique realities of working in the arts. Sessions are offered by phone or video and can help with anxiety, depression, stress, life transitions, and more. To be eligible, applicants must have worked professionally in the performing arts within the past 12 months, have limited financial resources, and be unable to access counselling through insurance.
To apply, book a screening appointment through The AFC’s Navigator service and mention the Counselling Pilot Program. As spaces are limited, priority is given to those with the greatest financial need.
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To check out the new job listings on our website, or add a job listing click here
To check most recent calls for auditions click here
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