CONCERTS AND EVENTS
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SOLD OUT! Valentines Salon Social February 15 at 12:45pm, Marpole Community Centre
An intimate concert of arias and art songs with soprano Olivia Kang, tenor Gustave Richard and pianist Roger Parton. A light lunch, sweets, coffee, tea and cocoa included plus time to chat with our guest singers.
Saturday, February 15
12:30pm-2pm (concert starts at 12:45)
SOLD OUT!
Marpole Community Centre
990 W59th Ave, Vancouver
info@operalirica.ca
Artists’ Bios -
Opera Gala Concert December 13 at 7pm, Moberly Arts & Cultural Centre
Join us for a festive evening of opera with a hint of Christmas! Soloists: Catherine Thornsley, soprano; Magdalena How, soprano; Ian McCloy, tenor; Tamar Simon, soprano; Geoff Schellenberg, baritone; with pianist Roger Parton and our Community Opera Chorus. Enjoy some egg nog and holiday treats at intermission.
Friday, December 13
7pm-8:45pm
(doors open at 6:30pm)
Moberly Arts & Cultural Centre
7646 Prince Albert St., Vancouver
Free or by donation (cash at the door or by e-transfer to info@operalirica.ca)
Email to reserve a seat or just show up! info@operalirica.ca
(Donations: Please note that although we are a non-profit society, we are not yet a registered charity and therefore cannot give tax receipts for donations. Cash, cheque to Opera Lirica Society, or email transfer to info@operalirica.ca)
We acknowledge support from the Vancouver Park Board and we acknowledge the financial support of the Province of British Columbia. -
Heritage Salon Social with mezzo-soprano Shani Cohen November 10, 2pm, Pyatt Hall
"The Sacred Tongue and the Mother Tongue: A Concert of Hebrew and Yiddish Songs"
Join us for a concert and presentation of Hebrew and Yiddish songs with mezzo-soprano Cantor Shani Cohen and pianist Roger Parton. After the concert there will be time for conversation and Q&A, ending the afternoon with refreshments.
Sunday, November 10, 2024
2pm-3:30pm
(doors open at 1:30pm)
Pyatt Hall
(843 Seymour St, Vancouver, inside the VSO School of Music)Tickets at: at the door
Cash at the door or pay by e-transfer, email info@operalirica.ca
General admission: $25 including tax.
Free admission: seniors 65+, students with ID, and Indigenous Peoples.Thank you to our sponsors! We acknowledge the City of Vancouver for their financial support and support from the Vancouver Park Board. We acknowledge the financial support of the Province of British Columbia. Solly’s Bagelry and Temple Sholom Sisterhood.
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Heritage Salon Social with soprano Catherine Thornsley October 20, 2pm, Pyatt Hall
Mexican Canciones
Join us for Volver a mi Corazón a concert and presentation of Mexican Canciones with soprano Catherine Thornsley and pianist Roger Parton. After the concert there will be time for conversation and Q&A then ending the afternoon with refreshments.
Sunday, October 20, 2024
2:00pm-3:30pm
(doors open at 1:30pm)
Pyatt Hall
(843 Seymour St, Vancouver, inside the VSO School of Music)Tickets at: Eventbrite or at the door (cash or etransfer)
General admission: $25 including tax.
Free admission: seniors 65+, students with ID, and Indigenous Peoples.If you'd rather pay cash at the door or pay by e-transfer, email info@operalirica.ca to reserve seats.
Thank you to our sponsors! We acknowledge the City of Vancouver for their financial support and the support from the Vancouver Park Board. We acknowledge the financial support of the Province of British Columbia.
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Mid-Autumn Moon Festival concerts with baritone William Liu Sept 14 & 15 at Sun Yat-Sen Gardens 7:15pm
Join us at the Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden for the Mid-Autumn Moon Festival. Baritone William Liu and pianist Roger Parton will be performing in the outdoor courtyard at the main stage.
Saturday, Sept 14 & Sunday, Sept 15
4pm festival begins
7:15pm opera performance
Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden (578 Carrall St, Vancouver)
Tickets at Eventbrite
For more information about the festival click here.
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Heritage Salon Social with soprano Olivia Kang August 28, 7pm, Pyatt Hall
Longing - experience the deep emotions of “longing” through Korean Art Songs.
Join us for a concert and presentation of Korean Art Songs with soprano Olivia Kang and pianist Roger Parton. Snacks and tea at intermission, then time for more presentations, conversation, and Q&A.
Wednesday, August 28, 2024
7pm - 8:30pm
(doors open at 6:30pm)
Pyatt Hall
(843 Seymour St, Vancouver, inside the VSO School of Music)
Tickets at: Eventbrite or email: info@operalirica.ca
General admission: $25 including tax.
Free admission: seniors 65+, students with ID, and Indigenous Peoples.
If you'd rather pay cash at the door or pay by e-transfer, email info@operalirica.ca to reserve seats.
Thank you to our sponsors! We acknowledge the City of Vancouver for their financial support and the support from the Vancouver Park Board. We acknowledge the financial support of the Province of British Columbia.
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Heritage Salon Social with baritone Dr. Yuhui Wang August 14, 7pm, Pyatt Hall
The Old and The New: A Century of Chinese Art Songs
Join us for a concert and presentation of Chinese art songs with baritone Dr. Yuhui Wang and pianist Roger Parton. Snacks and tea at intermission, then time for more presentations, conversation, and Q&A.
Wednesday, August 14, 2024
7pm - 8:30pm
(doors open at 6:30pm)
Pyatt Hall
(843 Seymour St, Vancouver, inside the VSO School of Music)Tickets at: Eventbrite or email: info@operalirica.ca
General admission: $25 including tax.
Free admission: seniors 65+, students with ID, and Indigenous Peoples.
If you'd rather pay cash at the door or pay by e-transfer, email info@operalirica.ca to reserve seats.
Thank you to our sponsors! We acknowledge the City of Vancouver for their financial support and the support from the Vancouver Park Board. We acknowledge the financial support of the Province of British Columbia.
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Opera in Oak Park Sunday, August 11, 2pm
Please join us in Oak Park for a wonderful opera concert with mezzo-sopranos Taryn Plater and Yenny Lee, baritone Matthew Kim, tenor Gustave Richard, and pianist Roger Parton. Bring a chair or blanket and enjoy an afternoon of opera in the park!
Sunday, August 11, 2024
2pm-3:30pm
Free
Oak Park in Marpole
(7575 Fremlin St, Vancouver - next to the little house in the park)
Bring a chair or blanket. Some chairs will be available - first come, first served. Weather permitting.
We acknowledge and thank the Province of BC for their support as well as the Vancouver Park Board and City of Vancouver.
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Concert at Marpole Neighbourhood House Summer BBQ Sat, August 10 at 12:15pm
Join us at the Marpole Neighbourhood House for opera, hot dogs, fun activities, and a chance to connect with your neighbours! Soprano Magdalena How and pianist Roger Parton will be performing at 12:15pm.
Saturday, August 10, 2024
Celebration: 11 AM - 2 PM
Opera concert: 12:15pm
Marpole Neighbourhood House
8585 Hudson St. Vancouver
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Breathe, Move, Sing Workshops July 14 and July 28 Oak Park
Free workshop on breathing techniques, exploration of vocal sounds and movement with soprano and artistic director Trudy Chalmers. Light singing, speaking, breathing, relaxation, movement, vocal exploration, and vocal games. Wear comfortable clothing. It’s roughly just over an hour. No experience is necessary. Come to one or both sessions. It’s outdoors in Oak Park.
Email to register: info@operalirica.ca
Sunday, July 14, 2pm-3:30pm
Sunday, July 28, 2:30pm-4pm
Free
Oak Park in Marpole
(7575 Fremlin St, Vancouver)
We acknowledge and thank the Province of BC for their support as well as the Vancouver Park Board and City of Vancouver.
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Opera in Oak Park Sunday, July 21 at 2pm at Oak Park
Please join us in Oak Park for a wonderful opera concert with coloratura soprano Magdalena How, soprano Julie Duerichen, mezzo-soprano Rachael McAuley, baritone William Liu, and pianist Roger Parton. Bring a chair or blanket and enjoy an afternoon of opera in the park.
Sunday, July 21, 2024
2pm-3:30pm
Free
Oak Park in Marpole
7575 Fremlin St, Vancouver
Bring a chair or blanket. Some chairs will be available first come, first served.
Weather permitting.
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Opera in Oak Park Sunday, June 23 at 2pm at Oak Park
Please join us in Oak Park for a fabulous concert with soprano Olivia Kang, mezzo-soprano Shani Cohen, tenor Ian McCloy, and pianist Roger Parton. Bring a chair or blanket and enjoy an afternoon of opera in the park.
Sunday, June 23, 2024
2pm-3:30pm
Free
Oak Park in Marpole
7575 Fremlin St, Vancouver
Bring a chair or blanket. Some chairs will be available first come, first served.
Weather permitting.
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VSO Day of Music Concert of Chinese Art Songs June 1, Telus Garden Centre
Opera Lirica presents a concert of Chinese art songs and popular opera arias, performed by baritone Yuhui Wang and pianist Roger Parton.
Saturday, June 1, 2024
2:15pm-2:45pm
Free
Telus Garden Centre Lobby - 510 West Georgia Street between Seymour and Richards
Yuhui Wang is a Chinese baritone, an official soloist with the Vancouver Youth Philharmonic Orchestra, and a member of the North American Artist’s Association. He completed his Doctor of Musical Arts at the University of British Columbia's School of Music. Since 2015, Yuhui has been a student of Canadian baritone Peter Barcza and a member of Nancy Hermiston’s Opera Workshop. With UBC Opera, he has performed major roles including: the Count in Le nozze di Figaro; Escamillio, Zuniga, and Moralès in Carmen; Dandini in La Cenerentola; Taddeo in L’Italiana in Algeri; Barone in Il viaggio a Reims; Harlequin in Ariadne auf Naxos; Daperttuto in Les Contes d’Hoffmann; Secret Police Agent in The Consul, Horstmayer in Silent Night; Demetrius in A Midsummer Night’s Dream; De Brétigny in Manon; Barone in La Traviata; and Marcello in Burnaby Lyric Opera’s production of La Bohème. In Alice Ping Yee Ho and Madeleine Thien’s opera Chinatown, Wang performed the role of Uncle Toy.
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An Evening of Opera Friday, March 15 at the Vancouver Unitarian Church
Please join us for an evening of opera favourites with soprano Elaina Moreau, soprano Catherine Thornsley, mezzo-soprano Rachael McAuley, tenor Ian McCloy, bass-baritone Andy Greenwood, our Community Opera Chorus, and pianist Roger Parton.
Friday, March 15, 2024
7pm-8:30pm
(doors open at 6:30pm)
Vancouver Unitarian Church
949 W49th Ave, Vancouver
Parking - enter lot via Oak St.
Fee: $20 adults, $15 seniors, $10 students
Tickets at Eventbrite
Tickets are also available by: cash at the door or by email transfer to info@operalirica.ca.
(Donations: Please note that although we are a non-profit society, we are not yet a registered charity and therefore cannot give tax receipts for donations. Cash, cheque to Opera Lirica Society, or email transfer to info@operalirica.ca)
We acknowledge the financial support of the Province of British Columbia.
Previous concerts and events
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Food and Clothing Drive
This year we are running a food and clothing drive for the Food Hub at St. Augustine's Anglican Church in Marpole who support homeless and vulnerable people in the Marpole area. They are in need of very particular items and if you are in a position to donate during these tough times, here's how you can help:
Which food items are needed?
tinned meats (corned beef, tuna, chicken)
tinned veggies
peanut butter, jams, and jellies
small (1kg) sugar
salt
food items with pull-off/easy open tops are also great - such as fruit cups
*Please ensure that the food is within the 'due date'.Which food items are not needed?
NO: pasta, kraft dinner, pasta sauce or rice, no expired food
What items of clothing are needed?
New socks, toques, men's underwear, mitts & gloves - all sizes and ages. They'll also take used, good condition, clean, winter jackets and sweaters.
What else is needed?
Unopened toothpaste, tooth brushes, feminine hygiene products, diapers for adults M-L for both men & women, diapers for children (sizes 3-6), soap, shampoo, and deodorant.
Where to drop things off and when?
Deliver to: St. Augustine's Anglican Church 8680 Hudson St, Vancouver in Marpole
Times: Wednesday mornings (9:30-12 noon) to the church Hall
Tuesdays 1:30-3:30pm at the church office (off the alley alongside the church)
Thursdays 10am-3pm at the church office (off the alley alongside the church)
Other options for drop offs: If you are coming to the December 7th concert, you are welcome to bring your donated items to that event. To deliver on a weekend, email info@operalirica.ca for a place and time on a Saturday or Sunday.
Deadline for donations: December 7th, 2023
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A Community Christmas Concert Thursday, December 7 at St. Augustine's Anglican Church in Marpole
Come celebrate the season with a concert of holiday favourites from our Community Opera Chorus and guest singers: soprano Olivia Kang, mezzo Taryn Plater, and tenor Mark Pepe accompanied by pianist Roger Parton. Also, join us in a sing -along of popular Christmas carols! Bring the family, bring your friends!
Admission is free!
Thursday, Dec 7, 2023
7pm-8:30pm (doors open at 6:30pm)
St. Augustine’s Anglican Church in Marpole
8680 Hudson St, Vancouver
To reserve seats email: info@operalirica.ca
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Opera Gala Concert Thursday, November 30 at the St. Philip's Anglican Church, Dunbar
Please join us for our year-end opera gala concert featuring sopranos Catherine Thornsley and Olivia Kang, mezzo-soprano Yenny Lee, tenor Ian McCloy, and pianist Roger Parton.
Thursday, Nov 30, 2023
7:30pm-9pm (doors open at 7pm)
St. Philip’s Anglican Church in Dunbar
3737 W 27th Ave, VancouverRefreshments at intermission
Email for tickets or just show up: info@operalirica.ca
Fee: By donation (cash, email transfer to info@operalirica.ca, or cheque to Opera Lirica Society)
(Please note that although we are a non-profit society, we are not yet a registered charity and therefore cannot give tax receipts for donations.)
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Breathe, Move, Sing Workshop - Sunday, Sept 10 at 2pm
Workshop on breathing techniques, exploration of vocal sounds and movement. Light singing, speaking, breathing, relaxation, movement, vocal exploration, and vocal games.
Sunday, September 10, 2023
2pm-3:30pm
Free
Oak Park in Marpole
7575 Fremlin St, Vancouver
Email to register: info@operalirica.ca
No experience is necessary.
Weather and air quality permitting.
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Breathe, Move, Sing Workshop - Sunday, Sept 3 at 2pm
Workshop on breathing techniques, exploration of vocal sounds and movement. Light singing, speaking, breathing, relaxation, movement, vocal exploration, and vocal games.
Sunday, September 3, 2023
2pm-3:30pm
Free
Oak Park in Marpole
7575 Fremlin St, Vancouver
Email to register: info@operalirica.ca
No experience is necessary.
Weather and air quality permitting.
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Opera in Oak Park Saturday, August 19 at 2pm at Oak Park
Please join us in Oak Park for a fabulous concert with soprano Emma Petersen, mezzo-soprano Yenny Lee, bass-baritone Andrew Greenwood, tenor Ian McCloy, and pianist Roger Parton. Bring a chair or blanket and enjoy an afternoon of opera in the park.
Saturday, August 19, 2023
2pm-3:30pm
Free
Oak Park in Marpole
7575 Fremlin St, Vancouver
Email to reserve a chair (limited supply) or bring your own: info@operalirica.ca
Weather permitting.
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Marpole Neighbourhood House BBQ, Saturday, July 15th at 12:30pm
It’s summer community BBQ time at Marpole Neighbourhood House and we’ll be there! The BBQ is from 11am to 2pm. Please join soprano Olivia Kang and pianist Roger Parton for a selection of opera favourites and Korean art songs at 12:30pm.
Saturday, July 15, 2023
12:30pm-1:00pm
Free
Marpole Neighbourhood House
8585 Hudson Street at W70th Ave, Vancouver
Come enjoy delicious hot dogs (and veggie dogs), check out local vendors and connect with fellow Marpole neighbours!
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Opera in the Parks Sunday, July 9 at 3pm in Oak Park
Please join us in Oak Park for a concert of opera arias and duets with soprano Rachel Buttress, mezzo-soprano Alyssa Samson, tenor Ian McCloy, and pianist Roger Parton. Bring a chair or blanket and enjoy an afternoon of opera in the park.
Sunday, July 9, 2023
3pm-4:30pm
Free
Oak Park in Marpole
7575 Fremlin St, Vancouver
Email to reserve a chair (limited supply) or bring your own: info@operalirica.ca
Weather permitting.
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SOLD OUT - Seniors' Luncheon - Thursday, June 29, 12pm at Marpole-Oakridge Community Centre
Mezzo-soprano Alyssa Samson and pianist Roger Parton will be performing Canadian folk songs at the Marpole-Oakridge seniors’ luncheon for a Canada Day celebration.
Thursday, June 29, 2023
12pm-1:30pm
Marpole-Oakridge Community Centre
990 West 59th Ave, Vancouver
Registration is through the Marpole-Oakridge Community Centre
Please note this event is sold out and has a waiting list.
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Opera in the Parks returns Sunday, June 25th at 3pm in Oak Park!
Please join us in Oak Park for a concert of opera arias and duets performed by soprano Julie Duerichen, mezzo-soprano Holly Duerichen, baritone Yuhui Wang, and pianist Roger Parton. Bring a chair or blanket and enjoy an afternoon of opera in the park.
Sunday, June 25, 2023
3pm-4:30pm
Free
Oak Park in Marpole
7575 Fremlin St, Vancouver
Email to reserve a chair (limited supply) or bring your own: info@operalirica.ca
Weather permitting
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Perch Outdoor Concert Park Plaza on Burrard St June 21 at 12pm Celebrating World Music Day!
Downtown Van’s Perch program returns this Summer and we’ll be there! June 21st is World Music Day and to celebrate soprano Olivia Kang, mezzo-soprano Alyssa Nicole Samson, baritone Yuihui Wang, and pianist Roger Parton will be performing art songs from Korea, the Philippines, and China, as well as famous opera arias!
Wednesday, June 21, 2023
12pm-1pm
Free!
Park Place
(across from Burrard Skytrain station)
666 Burrard Street, Vancouver, BC
No registration necessary. Please dress for the weather. Limited seating available - first-come-first-served or bring your own chair. A program made possible by the Downtown Van - Business Improvement Association (DVBIA).
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A concert of Korean art songs and popular opera arias Saturday, June 10th for the VSO Day of Music.
Opera Lirica presents a concert of Korean art songs and popular opera arias, performed by award-winning mezzo-soprano Yenny Lee and pianist Roger Parton. (Note: this is a change to our original program of Mexican canciones performed by Catherine Thornsley as Catherine will be joining the prestigious Glimmerglass Festival in New York this summer.)
Saturday, June 10, 2023
2:15pm-2:45pm
Free
Telus Garden Centre Lobby - 510 West Georgia Street between Seymour and Richards
Mezzo-soprano Yenny Yeeun Lee studied at the University of British Columbia under the direction of Dale Throness and director Nancy Hermiston. With the enthusiasm and talent for music, she participated many prestigious competitions and won awards from Kiwanise Festival Nationals 2014, 1st Place in Vancouver International Music Competition 2017, Honorable mention from the Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions Western Canada district in both 2017 and 2018, became a Regional Winner of Belvedere International Competition 2018, and participated the Lindemann Young Artist Program audition in 2020. Her performance at various stages includes the Vancouver Bard on the Beach, UBC Symphony Orchestra performances of Bach Mass in G minor and St. John Passion, and UBC Opera productions where she sang roles of Hermia from A Midsummer night’s Dream, Sesto from Giulio Cesare, Olga from Eugene Onegin, Rossini's two ladies Isabella and Rosina, Dritte Dame from Die Zauberflöte, and Hannah from modern opera Pasażerka(The Passenger). Her last trip before pandemic was in 2020 to Staatstheatre Nürnberg in Germany and the J. K. Tyl Theatre and Prague Municipal House in Czech Republic to meet the international audiences. Yenny recently performed the role of the Hoisan Singer in Madeleine Thien, Alice Ping Yee Ho and Paul Yee’s opera Chinatown.
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Marpole Community Day Festival Saturday, June 3 in Oak Park
Opera Lirica will be part of the Marpole Community Day Festival - Music in the Park. Mezzo-soprano Yenny Lee and pianist Roger Parton will be performing a selection of popular opera arias.
Saturday, June 3, 2023
Time of performance: 12:45pm-1pm
Festival is from 11am to 3pm
Free
Oak Park, Vanouver
Near Oak St and 59th Ave
Mezzo-soprano Yenny Yeeun Lee studied at the University of British Columbia under the direction of Dale Throness and director Nancy Hermiston. With the enthusiasm and talent for music, she participated many prestigious competitions and won awards from Kiwanise Festival Nationals 2014, 1st Place in Vancouver International Music Competition 2017, Honorable mention from the Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions Western Canada district in both 2017 and 2018, became a Regional Winner of Belvedere International Competition 2018, and participated the Lindemann Young Artist Program audition in 2020. Her performance at various stages includes the Vancouver Bard on the Beach, UBC Symphony Orchestra performances of Bach Mass in G minor and St. John Passion, and UBC Opera productions where she sang roles of Hermia from A Midsummer night’s Dream, Sesto from Giulio Cesare, Olga from Eugene Onegin, Rossini's two ladies Isabella and Rosina, Dritte Dame from Die Zauberflöte, and Hannah from modern opera Pasażerka(The Passenger). In 2020 she sang in Staatstheatre Nürnberg in Germany and the J. K. Tyl Theatre and Prague Municipal House in Czech Republic to meet the international audiences. Yenny recently performed the role of the Hoisan Singer in Madeleine Thien, Alice Ping Yee Ho and Paul Yee’s opera Chinatown.
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Heritage Salon Social -Chinese Art Songs Saturday, May 27, 3pm at Marpole-Oakridge Community Centre
Please join us for a special Heritage Salon Social with baritone Yuhui Wang and pianist Roger Parton. An intimate and free concert of Chinese art songs with time for tea, snacks, and a chat with our guest artist. Salon Socials are a chance to hear and meet professional or upcoming opera singers and musicians up close, and to also meet other community members.
Saturday, May 27, 2023
3pm-4:30pm
Free
Upper Lounge , Marpole-Oakridge Community Centre
990 West 59th Ave, Vancouver
Tea, coffee, and snacks provided.
Reserve seats by emailing info@operalirica.ca
Yuhui Wang has completed his Doctoral study (DMA) at the University of British Columbia. In his dissertation, he addressed approaches to teaching Chinese art songs in the West, especially in Western universities. On May 27, he will introduce 6 Chinese art songs with their song descriptions and the biography of the composers, as well as a new approach to learning Mandarin pronunciation.
Yuhui Wang is a Chinese baritone, an official soloist with the Vancouver Youth Philharmonic Orchestra, and a member of the North American Artist’s Association. He is currently nearing the completion of his Doctor of Musical Arts at the University of British Columbia's School of Music. Since 2015, Yuhui has been a student of Canadian baritone Peter Barcza and a member of Nancy Hermiston’s Opera Workshop. With UBC Opera, he has performed major roles including: the Count in Le nozze di Figaro; Escamillio, Zuniga, and Moralès in Carmen; Dandini in La Cenerentola; Taddeo in L’Italiana in Algeri; Barone in Il viaggio a Reims; Harlequin in Ariadne auf Naxos; Daperttuto in Les Contes d’Hoffmann; Secret Police Agent in The Consul, Horstmayer in Silent Night; Demetrius in A Midsummer Night’s Dream; De Brétigny in Manon; and Barone in La Traviata. In Chinatown, Wang performed the role of Uncle Toy.
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From Bellini to Strauss
From Bellini to Strauss April 20, 7pm at St Philip's Anglican Church
Join award-winning soprano Catherine Thornsley, acclaimed mezzo-soprano Alyssa Nicole Samson and pianist Roger Parton for an evening of aria and song, from Bellini to Strauss.
Thursday, April 20, 2023
7pm - 8:30pm (doors open at 6:30pm)
St. Philip’s Anglican Church
3737 W 27th Ave in Dunbar, Vancouver
Tickets: operalirica_bellini_strauss.eventbrite.com
$25 general admission
$20 seniors
$10 students
Tickets also available at the door (cash only).
Light refreshments at intermission.
Soprano Catherine Thornsley was born and raised in Flagstaff, Arizona. She received her Bachelor of Music degree in Vocal performance from Northern Arizona University where she studied under the direction of Dr. Judith Cloud. In 2019, Catherine was accepted into the University of British Columbia’s opera program and began studying for her Master of Music degree in Opera performance. With UBC Opera, she had the privilege of portraying Marta in the Canadian premiere of Weinberg’s Pasażerka and has sung internationally, recently traveling to the Czech Republic and Germany with the UBC Opera Ensemble. In July of 2021, she earned the opportunity to join Brott Opera for a three-week program where she prepared and performed the role of Fiordiligi in Mozart’s Così fan tutte under the direction of the late Maestro Boris Brott. She portrayed the role of Countess Almaviva in Mozart’s Le nozze di Figaro with UBC Opera and appeared in the title role of Antonín Dvořák’s opera Rusalka in June. Catherine was a semi-finalist in this year’s Metropolitan Opera Laffont Competition. She is currently based out of Vancouver studying under the direction of Nancy Hermiston.
Alyssa Nicole Samson is a Filipino-Canadian mezzo-soprano based in Vancouver, BC. Her artistic presence is inspired by her continued curiosity and dedication in bridging the gap between her Western classical education and her Filipino heritage. Driven by her passion to connect with the community through the operatic art form, it enabled Alyssa to tour and perform internationally in Portugal, Italy, Spain, Austria and the United States, in addition to working with musical communities within the Lower Mainland.
Notable roles include Jezibaba (Rusalka), Marcellina (Le nozze di Figaro), Lady Bertram (Mansfield Park), Dritte dame (Die Zauberflote), The Spirit of the Maple Trees in Shadow Catch (a collaborative contemporary chamber opera by Dorothy Chang, Benton Roark, Jennifer Butler and Farshid Samandari), and Bronka in the Canadian premier of Weinberg's Pasazerka. Most recently, Alyssa collaborated with Re:Naissance Opera, Sound the Alarm Theatre, Loose Tea Theatre, Array Music and Turning Point Ensemble during IndieFest 2022 performing the role of Mrs. XE in the Canadian premier of the 2017 Pulitzer Prize winning opera, Angel's Bone by Du Yun.
In addition to her time on the classical stage, Alyssa is the assistant artistic director of Wings Vocal Collective (WVC): a multi-genre ensemble consisting of singers from a multitude of career paths who are connected through the power of music. With WVC, Alyssa has performed in a variety of community engagements including the Vancouver General Hospital's Telus Night of a Thousand Stars Gala.
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A Concert of Brahms and Schumann at St. Philip's Anglican Church Sunday, January 22, 3:30pm
Please join us for a fabulous concert of chamber music and art songs featuring soprano Julie Duerichen, mezzo-soprano Holly Duerichen, violist Tawnya Popoff, and pianist Roger Parton.
Sunday, January 22, 2023
3:30pm - 4:30pm (doors open at 3pm)
St. Philip’s Anglican Church
3737 w. 27th ave in Dunbar, Vancouver
$20 general admission
$15 seniors and students
Tickets: Eventbrite
Tickets are available at the door (cash only)
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SOLD OUT! Opera Gala Concert at Moberly Arts & Cultural Centre Friday, December 16, 7pm-9pm
Please join us for our year-end opera gala featuring sopranos Leila Kirves, Tamar Simon, and Catherine Thornsley, tenors Turgut Akmete, Matej Kockovsky, Ian McCloy, Ming-Xuan Chung, mezzo-sopranos Taryn Plater and Alyssa Nicole Samson, baritones Matthew Kim and Yuhui Wang, our Community Opera Chorus, and Roger Parton on piano. We’ll be performing scenes and arias from Pagliacci, La bohème, Der Rosenkavalier, Carmen and more!
Friday, December 16, 2022
7pm-9pm (doors open at 6:30pm)
Moberly Arts & Cultural Centre
7646 Prince Albert St. Vancouver
Free or by cash donation
Refreshments at intermission
Tickets: Eventbrite - Online tickets sold out
SOLD OUT SHOW! All tickets are gone.
604-345-9072 or info@operalirica.ca
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Carols and Arias at the Marpole Museum Christmas Fair Saturday, November 12, 1pm-2:30pm
Sopranos Trudy Chalmers, D’Arcy Blunston, and Nadine Cornelius along with pianist Roger Parton will be performing Christmas carols and arias at the Marpole Museum’s 20th Annual Christmas Fair.
Saturday, November 12, 2022
10am-3pm (carols & arias 1pm-2:30pm)
Marpole Neighbourhood House
8585 Hudson St. (at 70th Ave)
Admission is $2
Refreshments available
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Perch Concert Oxford Place Plaza September 23 at 1:30pm
Join us downtown for a lunchtime concert in the park!
Friday, September 23, 2022
1:30pm-2:30pm
Free!
Leila Kirves, soprano
Yenny Lee, mezzo-soprano
Roger Parton, piano
Oxford Place Plaza, 1031 W Pender St, Vancouver, BC V6B 6N9.
No registration necessary.
A program made possible by the Downtown Vancouver Business Improvement Association (DVBIA).
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4 Tenors Concert
Sunday, August 14th, 2022
2pm
Free!
Oak Park -7575 Fremlin St, Vancouver
Dae Hyun Justin Cho, tenor
Mark Pepe, tenor
Matej Kockovsky, tenor
Brent MacKenzie, tenor
Roger Parton, piano
Outside in the park – weather permitting
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Breathe, Move, Sing Workshop for Seniors Wednesdays in July at 2pm
Workshop on breathing techniques, exploration of vocal sounds and movement with Trudy Chalmers.
Wednesdays, July 6, 13, 20, 27, 2022
2pm-3pm
Register via Kitsilano Nieghbourhood House
Connaught Park (2390 W 10th Ave, Van)
No experience necessary
Drop-ins welcome
All classes will be outside in . Wear comfortable clothing.
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Perch Concert Lot 19 July 22 at 12pm
Join us downtown for a lunchtime concert in the park!
Friday, July 22, 2022
12pm-1:30pm
Free!
Dae Hyun Justin Cho, tenor
Andy Greenwood, bass-baritone
Leila Kirves, soprano
Yenny Lee, mezzo-soprano
Roger Parton, piano
Lot 19, 855 W Hastings St, Vancouver
No registration necessary.
A program made possible by the Downtown Vancouver Business Improvement Association (DVBIA).
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Salon Social Special Heritage Concert at Oak Park July 16 at 3pm
Please join us for a special heritage salon social with songs from Korea, Mexico, the Philippines, China, the Ukraine, and more!
Saturday, July 16, 2022
3pm
Free!
Catherine Thornsley, soprano
Alyssa Samson, mezzo-soprano
Taryn Plater, mezzo-soprano
Dae Hyun Justin Cho, tenor
Roger Parton, piano
Oak Park (7575 Fremlin St, Vancouver)
To reserve a seat email: info@operalirica.ca or bring your own blanket or chair.
If it’s raining, concerts will be postponed. Check the website or join our emailing list.
An intimate and free concert of opera arias and/or art songs with time for tea, snacks, and a chat with our guest artist. It’s a chance to hear and meet professional or upcoming opera singers and musicians up close, and to also meet other community members. Salon Socials are usually held inside the Fieldhouse, but during the COVID pandemic they will be held outside in Oak Park.
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Free Concert at Oak Park July 3 at 2pm
Please join us for our outdoor concert season opener!
Sunday, July 3, 2022
2pm
Matej Kockovsky, tenor
Madison Craig, soprano
Yenny Lee, mezzo-soprano
Roger Parton, piano
Oak Park (7575 Fremlin St, Vancouver)
To reserve a seat email: info@operalirica.ca or bring your own blanket or chair.
If it’s raining, concerts will be postponed. Check the website or join our emailing list.
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Seniors' Luncheon at Marpole Community Centre June 30 at 12pm
Join us for this Canada Day themed luncheon!
Registration Required!
Thursday, June 30, 2022
12pm - 1:30pm
$8 plus GST
Taryn Plater, mezzo-soprano
Roger Parton, piano
Marpole-Oakridge Community Centre
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Online Concert “A Pretty Night” – VSO Day of Music – Saturday, June 4th with soprano Catherine Thornsley and pianist Roger Parton
“A Pretty Night”, a journey through some of the world’s most popular and emotional arias performed by award-winning soprano Catherine Thornsley and pianist Roger Parton. For this concert, filmed at the Warehouse Studio in Vancouver, we engaged cinematographers Willy Wong and recent Emily Carr Univeristy graduate Warren Tang. We hope you’ll enjoy this special concert in the comfort of your own home. https://dayofmusic.ca/ from June 4th, 2022 onwards.
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Spring Escape Concert | Free | In person, Saturday, June 4, 2022 | 7:15pm-7:45pm | Willms Salon, VSO School of Music 843 Seymour St, Vancouver
Soprano Sodam Lee | Tenor Dae Hyun Justin Cho | Pianist Roger Parton
VSO Day of Music, a wonderful day-long festival of music full of free concerts, workshops, and virtual events. Please join us in the Willms Salon for our free concert, Spring Escape, with tenor Dae Hyun Justin Cho, soprano Sodam Lee, and pianist Roger Parton.