Opera Atelier To Partner With Mirvish Productions In 2019

Opera Atelier's founding co-artistic directors Marshall Pynkoski and Jeannette Lajeunesse Zingg today announced a partnership with Mirvish Productions. The partnership builds on a history of collaboration between the two organizations, and will include reciprocal promotional support and a move by Opera Atelier to the Ed Mirvish Theatre in 2019. The previously announced production of Mozart's Idomeneo (Apr. 4 - 13, 2019), starring Canadian soprano Measha Brueggergosman in her Dora Award-winning performance as Elettra, will move to the Ed Mirvish Theatre (244 Victoria Street), as will the yet-to-be-revealed opening production of Opera Atelier's 2019-2020 season. The venue change offers Opera Atelier excellent acoustics, a much-needed larger stage, more ticket inventory, and access to Mirvish's marketing power.

"David Mirvish is a true visionary and his commitment to the Toronto theatre scene is exceptional," says Pynkoski. "Commercial success is only a part of David's equation as a producer. He is equally passionate about innovation and excellence. We look forward to this new development in Opera Atelier's history, as we continue to grow our brand nationally and internationally."

David Mirvish first began attending Opera Atelier productions in the early 1990s, and in 1996 he approached OA's Artistic Directors, offering to move the company into the Royal Alexandra Theatre as a special add-on to his season. His goal was to raise awareness of Opera Atelier and to help grow its audience base in Toronto. Opera Atelier's subsequent seasons at the Royal Alexandra Theatre gave the company the stability to take risks and to mount North America's first period productions of Mozart and later classical repertoire. Opera Atelier's period productions of The Marriage of Figaro, Don Giovanni and Gluck's Orfeo ed Euridice were all realized under the Mirvish umbrella and enjoyed record attendance, providing Opera Atelier with the audience base to move to the Elgin Theatre, which has served as the company's home since 1999.

"Opera Atelier is an outstanding Canadian success story," says David Mirvish. "Marshall and Jeannette have built a passionate following here at home, as well as abroad, and it is exciting to have the opportunity to collaborate with them once again."

Now, after more than two decades, Mirvish is providing Opera Atelier with a similar opportunity, moving the company into the Ed Mirvish Theatre just in time for our anniversary production of Mozart's Idomeneo (April 4 - 13, 2019). The move to the historic Ed Mirvish Theatre will celebrate the return of Canadian superstar soprano Measha Brueggergosman to the Toronto opera stage in her Dora Award-winning role of Elettra. She will be joined by a cast of Canada's finest artists, including tenor Colin Ainsworth in the title role, with mezzo-soprano Wallis Giunta, Tafelmusik Baroque Orchestra under the baton of Opera Atelier conductor David Fallis, Artists of Atelier Ballet and our all-Canadian design team headlined by Gerard Gauci.

Opera Atelier is pleased to continue its relationship with the Ontario Heritage Trust and The Elgin Theatre, which will continue to host and support the company's free arts education program, Making of an Opera, and provide rehearsal space for upcoming productions.

Opera Atelier's 2018-2019 season opens at the Elgin Theatre this fall with a French Baroque double bill of Charpentier's Actéon paired with Rameau's Pygmalion (Oct. 25 - Nov. 3, 2018). Following its Toronto run, the production will embark on an international tour to Chicago's Harris Theater and the Palace of Versailles, France.

Subscriptions to Opera Atelier's 2018-2019 season start at $99 and are on sale now by calling 416-703-3767 x222 or visiting operaatelier.com/subscriptions. Single tickets go on sale on August 8, 2018. For more information visit Opera Atelier's website: www.operaatelier.com.

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