Tapestry Opera continues to shatter the operatic stereotype with free, site-specific, bilingual and digital works, featuring industry-leading artistic talent with thrilling stories and music created by and for performing arts-loving Torontonians

Canada’s leading producer of contemporary opera, Tapestry Opera, has announced their 22/23 Season, bursting with exciting ways for audiences in Toronto to experience the artform.

Renowned for their experimental and innovative approach, the organization, led by Artistic and General Director Michael Hidetoshi Mori, is dedicated to making opera culturally relevant and vibrant for Canada’s most dynamic city.

The 22/23 Season promises thrilling performances including two major world premieres, opera shorts from speed-dating bilingual creators directed by Tim Albery, two concerts, and two music video releases, created in partnership with some of Canada's leading arts and music organizations.

World premiere: Of the Sea - a Tapestry Opera & Obsidian Theatre co-production

Composed by Ian Cusson; libretto by Kanika Ambrose; directed by Philip Akin; conducted by Jennifer Tung

The Bluma Appel Theatre, March 25 - April 1, 2023

A father will do anything to save his daughter. Of the Sea follows the story of Maduka, his daughter Binyelum, and fellow Africans thrown overboard during the Middle Passage who now populate mythical underwater kingdoms that span the ocean floor. This powerful new opera is co-produced by Obsidian Theatre, Canada's leading culturally diverse theatre company, and is presented in partnership with TO Live. Directed by renowned Canadian actor and director Philip Akin.

World premiere: Dragon’s Tale - a Tapestry Opera & Soundstreams co-production, in partnership with Luminato Festival Toronto and Harbourfront Centre

Composed by Chan Ka Nin; libretto by Mark Brownell; directed by Michael Hidetoshi Mori; conducted by David Fallis

The Harbourfront Centre’s Concert Stage, June 15 - 19, 2023

An exploration of the dynamic between first and second-generation immigrants, Dragon’s Tale follows a young Canadian woman Xiao Lian as she struggles with her traditionalist father and his declining health. Her world mysteriously transforms into pre-empire China and follows the tragic story of the famous poet Qu Yuan… who bears a striking resemblance to her father. Dragon’s Tale blends Chinese tradition with a Canadian present, bursting with soaring music, song and storytelling. Dragon’s Tale is co-produced by Soundstreams and co-presented by Luminato Festival Toronto and the Harbourfront Centre. This performance will take place on Toronto’s waterfront, with tickets available for free.

Tapestry Briefs: Les Shorts qui chantent

Alliance de Francaise de Toronto’s Spadina Theatre, October 27 - 30, 2022

World-renowned director Tim Albery leads a production of never seen before opera sketches, shorts and scenes, created by Canadian composers and librettists with a bilingual twist. Tapestry Briefs features the best works from the first bilingual Composer-Librettist intensive (LIBLAB bilingue), a partnership with Quebec-based companies Musique 3 Femmes and l’Opera de Montreal.

Concert: A Joke Before the Gallows

Venue and date to be announced

Join internationally acclaimed concert pianist Adam Sherkin performing Chopin’s four masterpiece scherzi alongside vivid monologues written by David James Brock, in this blackly funny, thought-provoking performance directed by Tom Diamond. The premiere will be a mixed media event with film and live performance.

Concert: Songbook XII

Venue to be announced, February 10 - 11, 2023

Up-and-coming singers and pianists show off their talents in an intimate and fun concert, headlined by opera masters.

Music Videos: Gould’s Wall and R.U.R. A Torrent of Light

Online, release to be announced

Made-for-video short feature adaptations of Tapestry’s 2021/22 season world premieres.

Tapestry’s Artistic and General Director Michael Mori: “We’re delighted to present one of our most ambitious seasons yet. Our mainstage world premieres explore the intersection of water, mythology, identity, and transformation, our performances in intimate venues celebrate creation and emerging talent, and our music videos will continue to animate a digital space for a growing digital audience. It’s fantastic to work with such dynamic partners in the city and beyond to realize these projects, and it’s always inspiring to collaborate on new work. We know how impactful opera can be, and we’re working hard to make it reach Torontonians in as many ways as we can.”

Tapestry Opera drives forward following a sold-out and award-winning 21/22 Season, including R.U.R. A Torrent of Light: a robot opera in partnership with OCAD University composed by the world-renowned Nicole Lizée; and Gould’s Wall: a site-specific opera on the wall of the Royal Conservatory of Music, featuring climbing and arialism. Tapestry received 19 nominations and R.U.R. A Torrent of Light received six wins at the 2022 Dora Mavor Moore Awards, becoming the most awarded production of the 21/22 Performing Arts season.

About Tapestry Opera

Tapestry Opera is an award-winning Toronto-based company that is dedicated to creating, developing and performing original Canadian opera. Tapestry is passionate about uniquely Canadian stories, told in innovative settings, unforgettably interpreted by world-class artists. Tapestry supports emerging artists, develops new audiences and brings Canadian opera to the world stage. Founded in 1979, Tapestry is the voice of original contemporary Canadian opera.