Mozart’s Don Giovanni is a towering musical accomplishment and widely considered to be one of the greatest operatic works ever composed. The music is thrilling, complex, and elegant, offering many interpretations of the nefarious title character—from farcical blasphemer and incorrigible libertine to romantic hero and unrepentant egotist.

On viewing the original manuscript for Don Giovanni in June 1886, Russian composer Tchaikovsky described himself as being "in the presence of divinity.” Read on to discover what makes the work so striking to musicians and audiences alike.

Returning to the COC for the first time in 25 years, Leoš Janáček’s The Cunning Little Vixen explores what happens when the animal and human worlds meet. A forest gamekeeper traps a clever fox cub, hardly expecting her influence over him to endure long beyond the point of her escape. This brand-new production examines our relationship with nature, the ebb and flow of the life cycle, and the promise that death will bring forth new life. 

Musically, there is something here for everyone as the opera brings together an exciting blend of musical styles, bridging Romantic, folk, and Impressionist influences. Read on for a deeper dive into this excellent opera for seasoned aficionados to curious newcomers alike.

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.