Garden of Vanished Pleasures is an emotional journey inspired by the life and work of English filmmaker and queer rights activist Derek Jarman, making its world premiere in the theatre. 

Conceived and devised by U.K./ Canadian director Tim Albery, Garden of Vanished Pleasures blends the works of two brilliant composers: Cecilia Livingston and Donna McKevitt. Livingston writes deeply felt songs of love and loss, and they chime perfectly with McKevitt’s heart-aching songs that use texts drawn from Jarman’s own journals. The texts cover a wide range of expressions, from longing and loss to anger over society’s inequities. 

A finalist for Opera America’s 2022 Award for Excellence in Digital Opera, the illustrious cast includes stars from the world of opera: sopranos Mireille Asselin and Danika Lorèn, and counter-tenor Daniel Cabena.

Soundstreams Presents: Garden of Vanished Pleasures

Marilyn and Charles Baillie Theatre, Canadian Stage

(26 Berkeley St, Toronto, ON M5A 2W3)

April 25, 2025: 7:30pm

April 26, 2025: 2:00pm

April 26, 2025: 7:30pm

April 27, 2025: 2:00pm

For tickets visit soundstreams.ca

Photo: David Cabena. © 2021 Claire Harvie.