Association for Opera in Canada has been busy planning our Fall 2023 summit
(Re)Familiarization Tour – Winnipeg
ED Christina Loewen recently returned from Winnipeg, where she was advancing the Opera Summit, meeting with the local opera community and touring the city’s beautiful hotels, attractions, museums and venues. So much has changed since we last held a sector meeting here in 2007 and we are excited to invite the nation to join us here for Opera Summit, November 20-22, 2023.
Stay tuned for all final venues and scheduling information!
(left) Christina Loewen at the waterfall at The Leaf in Assiniboine Park / (right) Canadian Museum for Human Rights
Regional Meeting – Manitoba (and nearby)
Christina hosted members of all categories for a regional roundtable zoom call on June 21.
One of the key aspects of the meeting was identifying regional context and concerns for Manitoba members. We were delighted to witness the diversity of ideas and perspectives put forth by the attendees. Here are just a few of the compelling themes that emerged:
- Indigenous Opera: The significance of developing respectful partnerships with Indigenous communities in portraying Indigenous stories was discussed. The celebratory approach in opera productions like the Li Keur production was applauded as a means of honoring Indigenous culture and moving beyond the retelling of traumatic experiences.
- Opera and Cultural Experiences as a Basic Human Right: The meeting touched upon the fundamental right to participate in cultural activities, as enshrined in Article 27 of the UN Declaration of Human Rights. This right encompasses health, indigenous stories, and the broader participation in cultural life.
- Small, Indie, and Chamber Opera Companies: The emergence of young graduates and start-up companies in the chamber opera sector was highlighted, emphasizing the potential for collaboration between young and established companies.
- Health and Well-being of Opera Artists/Youth and Emerging Artists/Student Involvement: Financial concerns, student-related issues, and the importance of mentorship and networking opportunities for emerging artists was discussed.
- Reaching non-urban Communities: Experiences of remote communities in building opera beyond urban centers were shared.
As the planning for the Winnipeg Opera Summit gains momentum, we want to ensure that you mark your calendars and save the dates for this extraordinary event. Earlybird registration will open in July, and we encourage you to take advantage of this opportunity to secure your spot at the Summit