Vancouver Opera

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Vancouver Opera is the second largest performing arts organization in British Columbia and the largest opera company in western Canada. It performs in the Queen Elizabeth Theatre accompanied by the Vancouver Opera Orchestra, one of two opera orchestra in Canada; the other being Toronto’s Canadian Opera Company.

Vancouver Opera mounts four productions a year and Vancouver Opera strives to showcase superlative talent and world class singers, productions and programming to Vancouver.

Vancouver Opera was founded in 1958 and presented its first production in 1960. From its inception until 1974, and for two seasons from 1982 to 1984, the company was headed by Artistic Director Irving Guttman. Conductor Richard Bonynge served as Artistic Director from 1974 to 1982. In 1984, Brian McMaster began a five-year tenure. He was followed by Guus Mostart for three seasons (1989-90, 1990-91 and 1991-92), and by Robert Hallam, who in 1991 was appointed to the new position of General Director.

The company’s current General Director, James W. Wright, assumed the position in 1999. Formerly the head of Opera Carolina, Mr. Wright’s long and distinguished career includes senior positions with Anchorage Opera, Tulsa Opera, and Lyric Opera of Kansas City.