‘The Rubies’: 17th Edition of the Opera Canada Awards, Oct. 30, 2017
On Mon. Oct. 31, Opera Canada Publications held its 17th annual Opera Canada Awards, a.k.a. the ‘Rubies’. Each year, this event honours three outstanding contributors to opera in Canada, or those who further the cause of Canadians working in opera abroad. The 2017 honourees were conductor Yves Abel, soprano Karina Gauvin and educator/director Michael Patrick Albano. A glittering assembly of opera industry heavy-hitters and fans from across the country gathered on the stunning 68th floor of First Canadian Place in downtown Toronto as a testament to the strength of our nation’s thriving opera scene. The gala is generously sponsored and hosted by BMO Financial Group in their very own ‘West Wing’-inspired event space with its spectacular views of the city skyline and Lake Ontario. Attendees were serenaded by top Canadian singing talent: the Canadian Children’s Opera Company; mezzo-soprano Marjorie Maltais; tenor Asitha Tennekoon; soprano Lucia Cesaroni and their collaborative pianist, Michael Shannon.
Karina Gauvin’s Niobe, Regina Di Tebe Nominated for Grammy
Released in 2015, this world premiere recording of Steffani’s Niobe, Regina di Tebe, in which Karina Gauvin sings the title role, is a nominee for Best Opera Recording for the 58th Annual Grammy Awards, coming up in 2016.
Internationally renowned Soprano Tracy Dahl appointed to the Order of Canada
Tracy Dahl is being honored with the Order of Canada for her accomplishments as an opera singer and for her commitment to mentoring the next generation of Canadian singers.
Created in 1967, the Order of Canada, one of Canada’s highest civilian honours, recognizes outstanding achievement, dedication to the community and service to the nation.
Grigoryan Brothers: ‘We talk to each other through the guitars’
The Adelaide Review interviews the Grigoryan Brothers on their musical relationship
Vajda conducts season-opener “The Tenor” with Hungarian State Opera
Gregory Vajda is the conductor of the season-opening premiere of Hungarian State Opera’s The Tenor at the Erkel Theater in Budapest, from September 14 – 20, 2014.
Ernst Von Dohnanyi’s comic opera was a huge success when it was written in the 1910s, but it has not been performed since the 1940s. The Hungarian State Opera has also decided to make a world premiere studio recording of the opera in December 2014, under the direction of Gregory Vajda.
Vajda named Artistic Advisor of Armel Opera Competition and Festival
Gregory Vajda is named the Artistic Advisor of the International Armel Opera Competition and Festival, effective immediately. As Artistic Advisor, Vajda will be responsible for programming, long term planning, judging vocal auditions and conducting special concerts and performances. The 2014 Festival takes place in Budapest from October 9 -17.
Gregory Vajda to Make Frankfurt Radio Symphony Debut
Conductor Gregory Vajda to make debut with the Frankfurt Radio Symphony on May 5th. Curated by the prestigious Hungarian composer Peter Eötvös, Vajda’s program presents four generations of Hungarian composers of the 21st century, including Vajda’s own composition.
‘Mesiah’ Marks a Truly Thankful Occasion for Bernard Labadie
When Bernard Labadie returns in December for his first engagement with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra since May 2014, he will be making just his second public appearances anywhere since an 18-month medical hiatus due to cancer. He’s not just fortunate to be back on the podium, he’s also lucky to alive. “Almost against all odds, it did work out,” he said.
Conductor Bernard Labadie on What Really Matters as You Face Death
Cancer not only halted Bernard Labadie’s conducting career in May 2014, but nearly took his life.
After waking up from a month-long coma in November of that same year, the celebrated conductor could barely stand up. Still, as his cancer went into remission, he began the difficult journey back to the podium.
Today, Labadie joins guest host Gill Deacon to share how his brush with death profoundly changed him as a man and artist — and what he really cared about as he felt his life slipping away.
“I was honestly supposed to be gone,” he tells Gill, recalling discussions of palliative care.
But as the artist made peace with his prognosis, life gave him the fragile, unexpected gift of a second chance.
Bernard Labadie Named Principal Conductor of Orchestra of St. Luke’s
Orchestra of St. Luke’s today announced the appointment of renowned French Canadian conductor Bernard Labadie as its next Principal Conductor, beginning a four-year term in the 2018-19 season.
As Principal Conductor, Labadie will lead Orchestra of St. Luke’s in its annual subscription series presented by Carnegie Hall, and at Caramoor Center for Music and the Arts.