NIGHT AT THE OPERA

A fitting finale to our 2024/25 season, Night at the Opera encapsulates the essence of grand musical storytelling, featuring a collection of the greatest opera choruses, performed with a full orchestra and a roster of exquisite soloists. This extravagant evening brings to life the powerful emotions and captivating stories of opera, from passionate romances to suspenseful drama.

Whether you’re an opera aficionado or new to the genre, the fusion of powerful voices and lush orchestral music will surely make a memorable evening for all. Enjoy masterpieces by Mozart, Bizet, Verdi, Puccini, and Tchaikovsky, with guest soloists Larissa Koniuk (soprano) and Colleen Renihan (mezzo-soprano).

Larissa Koniuk is a Canadian soprano renowned for her expressive voice and compelling stage presence. She has gained recognition for her work in both traditional and contemporary opera, as well as for her contributions to innovative vocal projects. Koniuk is the founder and artistic director of the Bicycle Opera Project, an initiative that brings opera to communities across Canada in an eco-friendly way, often performing in unconventional spaces. In addition to her artistic endeavors, Larissa is also a dedicated advocate for new music and has premiered numerous works by contemporary composers.

Colleen Renihan is a Canadian mezzo-soprano known for her versatile voice and captivating performances in both opera and concert settings. In addition to her distinguished performing career, Renihan is a respected scholar and professor at Queen’s University’s DAN School of Music & Drama. Her academic research focuses on issues of voice, gesture transmission, memory, temporality, and the role of the arts in healthy aging. Renihan is part of several transdisciplinary research teams, and is co-founder of the International Musicological Society’s Temporality in Music Theatre Study Group.

ABOUT CANTABILE
For 28 years, the award-winning Cantabile Choirs have captivated Kingston audiences with exceptional singing, innovative programming, and renowned guest artists. As one of the largest choral organizations in Canada, Cantabile offers high-quality music education and performance opportunities to singers of all ages. The choirs have earned national and international acclaim, including a Gold Medal at the Young Prague Festival, the Jury Prize for Innovative Programming at the Cork International Choral Festival, the Outstanding Choral Event award from Choral Canada, and multiple awards from the Ontario Music Festivals Association. Beyond their thrilling live performances in Kingston, the choirs regularly tour internationally and boast an extensive discography.

Learn more about Cantabile: www.cantabilechoirs.ca