Eugene Benson

The Canadian Opera Company announced today a new mainstage commission: The Old Fools by celebrated Montreal-based composer Ana Sokolovi? and seasoned British librettist Paul Bentley. La Reine-Garcon, first announced in 2015, is moving forward as a co-commission with the Opera de Montreal; it's the first mainstage collaboration of its kind between the two major Canadian opera companies and at its helm are two exceptional Canadian artists: Julien Bilodeau as composer and Michel Marc Bouchard as librettist.

This fall, the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts transforms much of its campus into a lively Little Italy themed street party as it celebrates For The Record: Scorsese - American Crime Requiem. The Wallis and For The Record-the acclaimed company that began in a small bar in East Hollywood in 2010 and whose performances have quickly become must see shows-combine forces to pay homage to the visceral world of Martin Scorsese in a new co production that revolutionizes the musical theater experience and brings the legendary filmmaker's epic soundtracks to life in a new generation cabaret, from September 21 through October 16. From the moment audiences arrive at The Wallis, the immersive experience begins with special pre show festivities, continuing through an exhilarating performance, and finishing with post show gatherings that feature specially curated entertainment.

The Toronto Operetta Theatre's 30th Season closes with a Spring production of Davies' and Benson's delightful operetta, EARNEST, THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING. The musical, based on Wilde's The Importance of Being Earnest, plays at the St. Lawrence Centre tonight, April 29, May 1, 2, 3 (mat), 2015, directed by Guillermo Silva-Marin, with Larry Beckwith conducting the orchestra. Realizing a long-held dream to present a totally new work in the operetta format, Toronto Operetta Theatre gave the world premiere in 2008. “I'm delighted that we are bringing this wonderful Canadian musical back to our stage”, said TOT's Silva-Marin. “It's Oscar Wilde as you never imagined before. The work is an amazing crowd-pleaser and I know that with Jean Stilwell as Lady Bracknell audiences are in for a special treat.”

The Toronto Operetta Theatre's 30th Season closes with a Spring production of Davies' and Benson's delightful operetta, EARNEST, THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING. The musical, based on Wilde's The Importance of Being Earnest, plays at the St. Lawrence Centre on April 29, May 1, 2, 3 (mat), 2015, directed by Guillermo Silva-Marin, with Larry Beckwith conducting the orchestra. Realizing a long-held dream to present a totally new work in the operetta format, Toronto Operetta Theatre gave the world premiere in 2008. “I'm delighted that we are bringing this wonderful Canadian musical back to our stage”, said TOT's Silva-Marin. “It's Oscar Wilde as you never imagined before. The work is an amazing crowd-pleaser and I know that with Jean Stilwell as Lady Bracknell audiences are in for a special treat.”

Alexander Neef, General Director of the Canadian Opera Company, announced today the commission of a new opera for its mainstage by one of Canada's most important composers, Ana Sokolovi?. Titled La Reine-Garçon, the libretto is by Quebec playwrightMichel Marc Bouchard and based on his play of the same name. Inspired by Queen Christina of Sweden who ruled the country in the 17th century before abdicating her throne at the age of 27, La Reine-Garçonis currently in development and is scheduled to have its world premiere in the COC's 2019/2020 season.

Alexander Neef, General Director of the Canadian Opera Company, announced today the commission of a new opera for its mainstage by one of Canada's most important composers, Ana Sokolovi?. Titled La Reine-Garçon, the libretto is by Quebec playwright Michel Marc Bouchard and based on his play of the same name. Inspired by Queen Christina of Sweden who ruled the country in the 17th century before abdicating her throne at the age of 27, La Reine-Garçonis currently in development and is scheduled to have its world premiere in the COC's 2019/2020 season.

Toronto – Alexander Neef, General Director of the Canadian Opera Company, announced today the commission of a new opera for its mainstage by one of Canada's most important composers, Ana Sokolovi?. Titled La Reine-Garçon, the libretto is by Quebec playwright Michel Marc Bouchard and based on his play of the same name. Inspired by Queen Christina of Sweden who ruled the country in the 17th century before abdicating her throne at the age of 27, La Reine-Garçonis currently in development and is scheduled to have its world premiere in the COC's 2019/2020 season.

In the 2014-2015 Season, Toronto Operetta Theatre celebrates its Thirtieth Anniversary, a historic milestone for this unique company devoted to music theatre in all its incarnations. “No one would have prophesied the longevity of TOT when we began all those years ago” says General Director Silva-Marin. “Our inaugural production of Lehar's THE COUNT OF LUXEMBOURG was a landmark for operetta and musical theatre in the GTA and 30 years later, we look back – and forward! – to a wealth of musical entertainment enjoyed by all segments of our society”. TOT salutes the future with repertoire that embraces the progressive face of our city, celebrated with masterpieces from the Spanish world, the United Kingdom and Canada.

Toronto – Alexander Neef, General Director of the Canadian Opera Company, today released details of the company's new opera commission, Hadrian, composed by internationally acclaimed Canadian-American singer, songwriter and composer Rufus Wainwright with libretto by award-winning Canadian actor, director and playwright Daniel MacIvor. Inspired by the Roman Emperor Hadrian and his love for Antinous, Hadrian is currently in development and is scheduled to open the COC's 2018/2019 mainstage season.