Opera Kelowna Announces 2024 Summer Season
Opera Kelowna is thrilled to announce the launch of its 2024 summer season, featuring a rich lineup of performances and events across the Okanagan, with exciting venues and an innovative new production.
The highlight of Opera Kelowna’s summer season is its mainstage production, a captivating double bill featuring Leoncavallo’s Pagliacci and Puccini’s Gianni Schicchi. Set to take the stage at the Kelowna Community Theatre on August 23 and 24, this dynamic pairing promises to transport audiences through a spectrum of emotions, from the intense drama of Pagliacci to the comedic charm of Gianni Schicchi.
This innovative pairing reimagines the classic operas within the vibrant backdrop of 1930’s Okanagan, promising to captivate both seasoned opera enthusiasts and those looking to experience the art form for the first time. Pagliacci follows the tragic tale of a jealous husband in a traveling theatre troupe, while Gianni Schicchi offers the uproarious antics of a cunning family scheme over inheritance.
Under the direction of the acclaimed Glynis Leyshon, the production will showcase an all-Canadian cast. Performances will be conducted by Opera Kelowna’s Artistic Director Rosemary Thomson.
“This summer, we are thrilled to join with partners throughout the Okanagan for musical experiences that will uplift the spirit and quicken the heart, and to return to the mainstage with a brand-new production,” says Thomson. “Come join us for an extraordinary night out. Be moved by the power of music in a warm and welcoming atmosphere.”
This season marks a significant milestone in Opera Kelowna’s history with ATB Wealth as the first-ever Season Sponsor. This partnership empowers Opera Kelowna to create a variety of performances and events, ensuring that everyone in the community has the opportunity to experience the transformative power of opera.
“We are thrilled to continue our partnership with Opera Kelowna as the inaugural Season Sponsor, as we believe in supporting a vibrant arts community that is enriching and accessible,” says Sherri Wright-Schwietz, Senior Vice-President of Advisory Services for ATB Wealth. “At the end of the day, we are both here to create the same thing—an incredible experience with and for the community.
Thanks to ongoing support from ATB Wealth, which also sponsored last year’s mainstage production, Opera Kelowna is ready to shine this season. After regrouping and presenting last year’s mainstage in October after cancellation due to wildfires, and the brand new studio production Wreckonciliation staged this March, Opera Kelowna is delighted to be growing again this summer. The company has extended its 2024 summer schedule from May through September. This longer season invites the community to immerse themselves in operatic talent at a multitude of events:
● June 27 – Opera Kelowna’s summer calendar includes the highly anticipated return of Opera Under the Stars (OPUS) at the UBC Okanagan campus. In partnership with UBC and Pushor Mitchell LLP, OPUS is a beloved free outdoor concert that brings together the community for an evening of musical performances. Registration for this event will open in late May, offering attendees the chance to reserve their spot for this event that sells out annually.
● July 6 – Opera Kelowna will be performing again at Poplar Grove Winery with their Rosé Garden event, details can be found on the winery’s website.
● Aug. 9 – Participants of Opera Kelowna’s Valley Opera Summer Intensive (VOSI) program will showcase their talent at a Parks Alive! free community concert hosted by Festivals Kelowna at Kerry Park.
● Sept. 14 – Adding to this year’s calendar, Opera Kelowna introduces a new event at Manteo at Eldorado Resort. This event will truly delight the senses. It combines the exquisite lakeview, glorious food and drink, and music to move the heart in one spectacular evening. Details and ticket information to be announced soon.
● Sidewalk Serenades, a series of free pop-up events, also return for the summer. These performances are specially crafted to bring the joy and solace of operatic singing to health care and communal living spaces throughout the Okanagan.
In line with its commitment to accessibility, Opera Kelowna will allocate 10% of all performance tickets on a Pay-What-You-Wish basis, made possible with support of the Thomas Alan Budd Foundation.
For more information about Opera Kelowna’s 2024 summer season and to purchase tickets, please visit operakelowna.com.
