It’s been a great start to Pride at the COC, where we kicked off this important month with a sold-out performance run of
Pomegranate—a world premiere lesbian love story by composer Kye Marshall and librettist Amanda Hale that we shared with Pride Toronto as an official Major Cultural Partner. The production represents an important part of our commitment to telling new stories and amplifying historically underrepresented voices on our stages and in the community.
Pomegranate was performed at the Canadian Opera Company Theatre, a dedicated theatre space for original, contemporary works that break down boundaries.
In continuing to develop this programming stream, we are thrilled to be looking forward to our next production in the COCT:
Aportia Chryptych: A Black Opera for Portia White. This bold new opera directed by award-winning mixed-media artist Haui sets out to reclaim Canadian contralto and African Nova Scotian Portia White’s story, evoking memories from the past as a form of political resistance.
In anticipation of next season’s production of
Aportia Chryptych, we encourage audiences to get to know Haui’s body of work with a visit to his site-specific installation,
Private Flowers, showing until July 4 at Fort York as part of Pride Month at Toronto History Museums. Incorporating choreographed movement and dance sequences to explore the complexities of male kinship amid the brutal War of 1812, it promises to be a moving and thought-provoking presentation.
Learn more
here!
Finally, congratulations to Midori Marsh, one of our graduating Ensemble Studio artists, for her appearance with the Toronto Symphony Orchestra in
Thorgy Thor and the Thorchestra on June 11. An evening of fabulosity and virtuosity that brought together classical music and drag, this Pride Toronto major cultural event at Roy Thompson Hall was a dazzling success!
We are grateful to be part of a thriving community of audiences, artists, and supporters who believe in the power of the arts to inspire and celebrate inclusion. Happy Pride!
Tickets to
Aportia Chryptych go on sale Monday, August 28.
COC Subscribers can purchase today at exclusive prices ahead of the general public as an add-on to their
subscription package.
Header photo: Danielle Buonaiuto as Cassia and Adanya Dunn as Suli in Pomegranate (COC, 2023)
Midori photo: Gaetz Photography
