The first Black Canadian concert singer to achieve international fame, Portia White had a voice described by one critic as “a gift from heaven.” This June, a bold new opera from HAUI and Sean Mayes reclaims her remarkable life story and celebrates her legacy in a production that blends spoken word, rap, folk songs, R&B, soul, jazz, and classical opera.

Read on for 5 Things to Know About Aportia Chryptych: A Black Opera for Portia White before joining us for the world premiere of this landmark presentation!

Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s adored lyric opera Eugene Onegin is one of the undisputed romantic masterpieces of the canon, beloved for its passionate score and simple yet achingly tragic storyline. The tale of a dashing aristocrat driven to remorse—first, for the ill-conceived duel that kills his best friend, and later for his rejection of the young woman who loves him—Eugene Onegin is once again brought to life on our stage in Robert Carsen’s globally acclaimed production, last seen at the COC in 2018.

Read on to discover 5 Things To Know about this timeless meditation on friendship, love, fate, and regret—and join us at the Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts when Eugene Onegin arrives in May 2025!

The Canadian Opera Company (COC) is today announcing that General Director Perryn Leech will be moving on from the organization by mutual agreement. David C. Ferguson has been appointed as Interim General Director, effective immediately. We thank Perryn for his contributions to the organization over the last three years.

David brings a strong record of professional accomplishment to this interim role and has a commitment to the COC that extends to his time as both President and Chair of the Board of Directors. Prior to his retirement, David served as Executive Managing Director and Chief Financial Officer of BMO Capital Markets.