Stage Door News
Stage Door News
Tapestry Opera is proud to announce the casting of Canadian soprano Ambur Braid in the leading role of Oksana G. in one of Canada’s most significant opera premieres. Led by acclaimed director Tom Diamond (Iron Road, The Shadow) and rising-star conductor Jordan de Souza (M’dea Undone, Rocking Horse Winner), Braid makes her Tapestry Opera debut as the heroine in an uncompromising portrayal of modern human trafficking, presented May 24th to 30th at the Imperial Oil Opera Theatre in Toronto, ON. Braid will be joined by Tapestry fan-favourite, Krisztina Szabo as Oksana’s mother, Adam Fisher as Father Alexander, and Keith Klassen as Konstantin.
“The role of Oksana demands that the performer have the singular mix of an extraordinary voice combined with the dramatic depth to play the emotionally complex character of Oksana. We couldn’t be happier in having found that exciting combination with Ambur,” said Michael Mori, Artistic Director of Tapestry Opera.
The Toronto Star praised Braid as, “an artist to watch who can deliver the trifecta of crystalline high notes, blissfully graceful vocal cadenzas and deep emotional intensity in the dramatic coloratura soprano roles she portrays.”
Braid can be also seen this season at the Canadian Opera Company as the Queen of the Night in Die Zauberflöte conducted by Bernard Labadie (Jan 19 - Feb 24, 2017) and has received critical acclaim for playing Dalinda in Richard Jones’s production of Ariodante (Oct 2016) conducted by Johannes Debus. This year, she also makes her German debut as the Queen of the Night at Oper Frankfurt. Ms. Braid recently made her UK debut as a formidable Queen of the Night in Simon Mc Burney's production of The Magic Flute at the English National Opera, a role she also sang for Calgary Opera.
Oksana G. runs from May 24 – 30, 2017, at the Imperial Oil Opera Theatre of the Canadian Opera Company, 227 Front St. E. Beginning November 21, Tapestry will offer a special Two-Show Package that includes a ticket for Oksana G. as well as Songbook VII, to see Canada’s brightest emerging artists perform alongside world class professionals (Feb 23 and 24, 2017). Packages start at $69, and are available at tapestryopera.com and by calling 416-537-6066 ext. 243.
Written by award-winning playwright Colleen Murphy and renowned composer Aaron Gervais, Oksana G. follows the wrenching story of a young woman lured into the world of sex trafficking by a recruiter who unexpectedly falls in love with her. When Oksana escapes to a refugee shelter in Italy, she finds herself entangled in a complex triangle between the recruiter and a Canadian priest who runs the shelter.
With its fierce, contemporary heroine, Oksana G. challenges the operatic convention of the tragic victim and offers insight into the realities of modern human trafficking.
Tapestry Opera, Canada’s leading contemporary opera company, has packed its 37th season with powerful stories that champion women who overcome hardship against all odds. In celebration of Canada’s 150th year, the company’s 2016/2017 program is comprised entirely of new works by all-Canadian composers and librettists, and features the best of Canada’s vocal artists.
ABOUT TAPESTRY OPERA Tapestry Opera is a Toronto-based company that creates and produces opera from the heart of here and now. For 37 years, the company has presented award-winning works by preeminent artists, brought to life by some of the most talented and versatile performers of the contemporary stage. As Canada’s leader in opera development, Tapestry Opera is committed to cultivating new creators and performers to serve the evolution of the art form and build a lasting Canadian repertoire. Tapestry Opera alumni include Ann-Marie MacDonald, Atom Egoyan, James Rolfe, Marjorie Chan and Nic Gotham.
Links:
Ambur Braid Official Website: http://amburbraid.com/
Twitter: @MsAmburBraid
Tapestry Opera: https://tapestryopera.com/
Twitter: @TapestryOpera
Photo: Ambur Braid.
2016-11-17
Toronto: Ambur Braid to star in title role of tapestry Opera's "Oksana G." in May 2017