Against the Grain Theatre (AtG), one of Canada’s leading innovators in opera and vocal works, is excited to announce the internationally acclaimed Canadian baritone, Elliot Madore, will star in the world premiere of Identity: A Song Cycle for two shows only, May 23 and 24, at the Berkeley Street Theatre, Marilyn and Charles Baillie Theatre (26 Berkeley Street Toronto).

Hailed by the New York Times for his “robust singing” and Opera News for his “exquisite vocal beauty,” Madore has established himself as an international artist in demand at the leading opera houses and orchestras of the world. He has recently performed with the Los Angeles Philharmonic in John Adams’s Girls of the Golden West, and has sung with Hong Kong Philharmonic, the Chicago Symphony Orchestra conducted by Osmo Vänskä, the New World Symphony Orchestra conducted by Patrick Dupré Quigley and the Oregon Symphony Orchestra conducted by Leo Hussain.

Created by multi-award-winning composer, conductor, and pianist Dinuk Wijerante, and acclaimed poet Shauntay Grant, Identity: A Song Cycle blends Western classical music with global influences and personal narratives, exploring how we choose to define ourselves. Performing alongside Madore will be outstanding Canadian musicians Tyler Emond (bass), Nick Halley (percussion), and Wijeratne (piano).

Identity: A Song Cycle began its life in 2022 as a film project, spearheaded by AtG’s former Artistic Director, Joel Ivany. It was streamed online by over 2,000 viewers from around the world. The work has been developed for live performance through the support of Canada’s National Arts Centre’s National Creation Fund, the Canada Council for the Arts, the Ontario Arts Council, Toronto Arts Council, and the Azrieli Foundation.

Returning to work on this live version are the original design team from the film: director Joel Ivany, lighting designer Jason Hand, projection designer Cam Davis, and costume designer Ming Wong.

Identity: A Song Cycle was planned to debut in May 2025 at Toronto’s El Mocambo. The performances have been moved due to the sale of that venue, announced earlier in April.

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