Tuesday, December 22, 2009

So This Is What's Called A Lunchtime Poll...



You win five million dollars from the Publisher's Sweepstakes and the same day that that big Ed guy gives you the cheque....

Oops, wrong poll.

Today's lunchtime Twitter poll topic asked: What is your favourite opera?

@LarryDHylton - The Marriage of Figaro...I love the comedic simplicity

@DrGeoduck - Falstaff

@zackhayhurst - Favourite opera has got to be Eugene Onegin

@operafiles - My favourite is Rigoletto by Verdi. Best performance by Pavarotti, E. Gruberova, S.M. Ines

@tenorbrianlee - Puccini's La Boheme

@tonysolitro - Salome, hands down!

@primopromo2 - Walkure no doubt

@colllleen - My vote goes to Turandot!

Check out our friends on Twitter and follow Vancouver Opera on Twitter at @vancouveropera for the inside track.

Our Facebook friends has also chimed in. Everybody wants to play lunchtime poll!

Katie King - The all-purpose answer is "the one I'm seeing next."

Mike Nyby - Falstaff!

Helen Pinsky - Carmen, every time. But I adored Norma - in fact I love most opera that have strong female lead characters.

Jana Miller - Turandot

Caryn Cameron - Tosca! Although not this latest incarnation at the Met. Red dress on a red couch=invisible Tosca.

Damon Chitsaz - Fidelio!

Marlene Johnson - La traviata with Placido Domingo

Carolyn Rapanos - Die Zauberflote

Michael Colbruno - I could listen to La traviata and La boheme every single day. Of the lesser known operas, Iphigenie en Tauride, hands down.

Wendy von Stadt - Le nozze di Figaro, BELLA!

Alessia Todde - Travita

Carmen Hung - Tosca

Russell Wodell - Jenufa

Thanks everyone for playing! In the words of Veronica Sawyer, "How very."

~ Ling Chan

Wednesday, December 16, 2009

We're A Naughtie Milestone



Oh my gosh! Oh my gosh!

We are doing our happy dance at the office.

Dilettante Music has named Vancouver Opera's manga as one of their picks for landmark achievements in the digital decade (since the turn of the millennium)

"2008, Vancouver Opera: Opera Manga
We could write a whole (and very long) essay about how revolutionary opera companies have been over the past 10 years in an effort to draw in new audiences - the Royal Opera House’s Twitter Opera and the Metropolitan Opera’s Met Player to name just two. But Vancouver Opera’s Opera Manga project was the one that caught our eye for its playful and innovative mash-up of genres. Using the ‘manga’ style, a sophisticated Japanese graphic novel art form, Vancouver Opera created a series of ‘comic strips’ based on streamlined opera plots to make the genre teenage-friendly. The result is some very beautiful artwork that you can see at the operaLive! website"


We had first caught Dilettante's eye earlier this year. See it here.

Kudos such as these just warms the cockles of our hearts. Especially nice as an end of year holiday surprise!

Thank you Dilettante!

~ Ling Chan

Monday, December 14, 2009

X-mas Bowl-O-Rama

So who ARE the people behind Vancouver Opera?

You've most likely seen us down at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre during our productions, either zipping around the lobby helping theatre-goers, entertaining donors in the ORT lounge or keeping things running smoothly backstage.

You may have even come across some of us plugging away at the office.

That's all fine and good but have you seen us completely casual?

Dressed in our street clothes?

Bowling?

On Thursday, the staff hung up our evening wear (and office wear) and hit up the infamous Commodore Lanes for a little 5 pin bowling madness. We pretty much commandeered the place, taking up 8 out of the 12 bowling lanes and ordering enough pizzas to stack a mile high.

From bowling novice to darn good bowler (the highest score bowled was 180), everyone enjoyed chucking the balls down the lanes. In rented shoes and everything.

There was lots of laughing (at ourselves and at each others),loads of chowing down on pizza and I'm sure some stiff bowling arms and sore backs the next day. (hey, bowling those balls for 3 hours is no light feat)

All in all, a rollickin' staff Christmas party.

Thanks to the Social Commmittee for setting up Bowl-O-Rama 2009.



Because nobody parties like opera people party.

~ Ling Chan

Friday, December 11, 2009

What's On Your Wall?



No, you are not looking at a picture of our VO Golden Anniversary posters on one of our office walls.

Rather, this photo came in from JP Holecka, Creative Director of Powershift Media and friend of the VO. He even went so far as to mount our posters onto foamcore! You know, for that extra little something something in his office.

Thanks JP for rocking our wall art! Looks great!

~ Ling Chan

Monday, December 7, 2009

Norma Behind The Scenes

A big thanks to everyone for making Norma such a grand success! The reviews were a smash all around, from both critics to opera-fans. The renovated Queen Elizabeth Theatre was a hit and provided just the right atmosphere for our season's opener. We surpassed our goal even before the curtain lifted on our last show December 5. What a way to start our Golden Anniversary season!

You saw what went on the stage and in the house, but what about behind the scenes? Wanna relive Norma from another perspective? Well, just hit play for the slideshow.



Thank you again for coming out to Norma! See you at Nixon in China!

~ Ling Chan

Sunday, December 6, 2009

Fashion At The Opera: Norma


photos by Ling Chan

To our stylish fashionistas,

Thanks for bringing some style and flava to Norma! Even the winter weather could not deter you in coming out in your fineries!

I wish that I could get every last one of you PYTs pics, but it's a large theatre, three floors, a full house nearly every night and only one teensy intermission.

Hope to snap your pic at Nixon in China!

Sincerely yours,

The Operazza

~ Ling Chan

Friday, December 4, 2009

Second round of Norma reviews


photo by tim matheson

reviews are still keeping us blushing.

"In fact, the singing in this opera is simply mind-blowing; it is constant, it is varied, and it is deeply stirring." - Epoch Times

"...Hasmik Papian's electrifying voice had me in goosebumps all evening long. The duets between Norma and Adalgisa are almost unbearably beautiful - so exquisitely precise and powerful, I didn't know whether to weep or jump out of my seat." - Vancouver Sun

"Richard Margison, B.C.'s own world-class tenor, filled the shoes of Norma’s illicit partner Pollione with effortless grace. He had the well-rounded tones to test the Queen Elizabeth’s new sound upgrade, and both could be given high marks." The Tyee

props to the tyee for debunking opera myths with their awesome 10 (bad) reasons to hate opera list!

Tuesday, December 1, 2009

Blogger Love For Norma

Here are some pics of our wonderful bloggers from the opening night of Norma:


from left to right: Gus Fosarolli, Emme Rogers, Crew Mantle, John Biehler and Kelsey Dundan.





Despite some technical difficulties, we were pleased as punch to have them join us in blogging and tweeting our big nite. I think they liked us too.

To read all about their experiences, go here:

Gus Fosarolli

Emme Rogers

John Biehler

The Anthology

And our special guest blogger, Crew Mantle, who flew all the way in from Ottawa (yes, the one in the carnivale mask)

CommandOpera

Many thanks and mad props to all our bloggers!

~ Ling Chan

So What Did YOU Think Of Norma?

Wonderful. Fabulous. Amazing. Absolutely incredible. Very powerful.

These were some of the adjectives to describe what theatre-goers thought of Norma, the opening opera of our Golden Anniversary season.

Some more words would be:

That was totally outstanding. In every way.

This was the best production of Norma that I've seen in a long time.

The set was fantastic. The lighting, the way that it changed to suit the mood was brilliant.

I love the duet between the 2 women. The soprano and the mezzo. I thought they were fabulous together.

The singing was flawless. The music was flawless. A great cast. A great production. Great scenary. It was a beautiful show.

Press play for all the blush-inducing audience feedback from Norma.


Video by Bombshelter Productions & Mike McKinley

Get your tickets now! Only 3 performances left! Call 604-683-0222 to speak to our box office.

And see you down at the theatre!

~ Ling Chan

Monday, November 30, 2009

To love thy enemy


Photo by Tim Matheson

Norma may be a bit park and bark-ish, what with the uber-dramatic hand raising with fingers splayed and the Gloria Swanson bulging eyes from Sunset Boulevard, but that's because it's ALL about the singing.


photo by tim matheson

I think we got a hit, kids.

"Here we find the operatic archetypes: a stout tenor of formidable volume; the diva...who has long owned the title role; the young mezzo-soprano on the rise." - The Globe and Mail


"Norma is all about a trio of principals— soprano Hasmik Papian, in the title role, mezzo Kate Aldrich as her rival Adalgisa, and tenor Richard Margison as the object of both their affections." - Vancouver Sun


"People think Celine D. puts lots of extra and difficult notes into the song line! Ha! They should listen to Bellini. Lots of technical work here—for the females especially. Always in Bel Canto." - The Vancouver Observer

"The backdrop was transformed via projected images a number of times during the performance, and by the end of the opera became a decimated forest, and, ultimately, a funeral pyre." - Review Vancouver

"Not only does it look great, it sounds great, thanks to some masterly acoustical redesign. The sound blooms with presence. I couldn’t believe my ears." - Georgia Straight

Wednesday, November 25, 2009

Norma: The Manga

What you surely have been waiting for...

Feast your eyes on the Norma Manga, illustrated by the brilliance that is Jerry Cai and Roy Husada.

To supersize the manga, see it on Operalive.ca.













~ Ling Chan

The Opera Ninja Army Is Growing!



Ninjagirl is off at a secret location training more ninja warriors for the upcoming season.

But don't you worry, dear readers! You'll still get all the backstage secrets with our newest member, Ninjaboy Ami, as he utilizes his skills of espionage while stealthly scaling up to the rafters and hiding in the shadows.

So follow along tomorrow night at the Norma dress rehearsal with Ninjaboy Ami on Twitter: Operaninja.

But don't get in his way or you may see of shower of shurikens coming right at you.

~ Ling Chan

Saturday We Blog!

Meet our bloggers for Blogger Night at the Opera this Saturday!


clockwise from top left: Kelsey, Gus, Emme and John.

And a special guest blogger who's flying in all the way from Ottawa to join us - Crew Mantle of Command Opera. We are most thrilled to have such a well respected authority on ALL things opera joining us for our Golden Anniversary opener!

Stop by and say hi to our bloggers on opening night in the main lobby of the QET! Or follow along the sidebar to the right here as we post their thoughts on the evening.

~ Ling Chan

Tuesday, November 24, 2009

Brand New Seasons, Brand New Theatre

We are just about to burst, we're so excited for everyone coming to see Norma at the newly renovated Queen Elizabeth Theatre.

Last week, the staff went on a tour of the QET and were delighted by the changes, mainly to the lobby and the mezzanine.

When you're at the theatre, you'll notice:

~ the lobby ceiling has been removed completely! instead, there's now a 3 story atrium and white seashell-like chandeliers
~ there are 12 more stalls in the women's restroom (always a good thing)
~ a bar on the mezzanine and the balcony levels
~ HDTV screens throughout the lobby









Inside the house, you'll notice:

~ dark wood stepped floors in orchestra seating area (instead of the concrete decline)
~ brand new staggered seats WITH more leg room
~ 100 wide bodied seats along the aisles
~ handicapped seats and companion seats have doubled
~ fabric rolldowns sound reflectors on the ceiling
~ bamboo sound reflectors on the wall that will bounce music back to the audience

The biggest change would be that to the mezzanine seating. Patrons will have to get to the mezz seating from the mezzanine level only. No longer can you access through the lobby stairs inside the house. Not that people would mind, as sitting in the new mezzanine will make one feel like they're watching a performance in the royal box.





Of course, pictures don't do it justice. You'll just have to come down to the opera and see it for yourselves!

~ Ling Chan

Hear What The Stars Have To Say About Norma

If the stars have this to say about Norma, imagine what it'll be like to WATCH it!

I just think it’s absolutely gorgeous music. It’s something not to be missed because Bellini is not done that often and I don’t think done often enough. - Richard Margison

I think the singer who can sing this role is blessed because it’s a wonderful part-dramatically, musically, vocally. There’s everything there. - Hasmik Papian

It’s got the greatest singing minds. It’s got wonderful orchestral score. It’s got great drama. It’s something which moves people. - Maestro Richard Bonynge

Oh, the anticipation! Have you got your ticket yet?


Video by Bombshelter Productions & Mike McKinley

~ Ling Chan

Monday, November 23, 2009

Golden Anniversary Gala: The Photos


Photos by Brian Dennehy Photography

On November 6, Vancouver Opera's Golden Anniversary Gala reflected the past, present and future of opera in BC with a special concert and dinner at the Orpheum Theatre and Commodore Ballroom. Internationally renowned artists and special guests enthusiastically shared in this once in a lifetime event.

The evening highlights included performances from Sally Dibblee, Brett Polegato, Kathleet Brett, Kimberly Barber, Tracy Dahl, Benjamin Butterfield, Alain Coulombe, Yulan Zhang, John Arsenault, Barb Towell and Heather Pawsey, as well as Sawagi Taiko and Tiqilap drummers and a silk artist aerialist.

When it came down to dinner, the evening's delicious menu was created by Chef Oliver Beckert from the Four Seasons Hotel, while the wines were provided by Mission Hill Family Estate.

It was definitely a night to remember!

Vancouver Opera would like to thank everyone for coming out to celebrate the start of what will sure to be an exciting and memorable season.

A special thank you to Scotiabank Group, Martha Lou Henley, Couverdon, Goldcorp for their extraordinary support of our Golden Anniversary season.

~ Ling Chan

Friday, November 20, 2009

Operabot Winners!



The Operabot screening party was held at Rainmaker Studios this past Tuesday evening and for those of you who missed out, it was a great screening in Rainmaker's 50 seater HD theatre!



The 15 Operabot submissions came in from Vancouver, Eastern Canada and the US and can be viewed on our Youtube. Of course, nothing beats viewing the shorts on the big screen.


clockwise: Laura Charlton's The Marriage of Figaro, Kristie Nutter's Madama Butterfly, Stephanie Basque's Madama Butterfly, John Landry's The Marriage of Figaro


clockwise: Brad Lamey's Madama Butterfly, Christine Cornell's Madame Boterfly and Arron Robinson, Olaf Miller & Curt Spurging's Fragile (Madama Butterfly)

After the screening, guests got to enjoy platters of sushi and bevvies in Rainmaker's staff lounge.


huge picture windows, 2 balconys with a view of downtown and yes, that is a foosball table!

After careful deliberation between the judges, here are the winners for our first Operabot contest!

First place: Brandon Cathey, Art Institute of Colorado



Second place: Gabriela Meijia and Chris Holbrow, Vancouver



Third place: Arron Robinson, Olaf Miller and Curt Spurging, Vancouver



Public vote: Brad Lamey, NBCC Miramichi New Brunswick



Thanks to the judges, Rainmaker Studios for hosting the party and our sponsor, The Georgia Straight!



And a BIG thank you to all the talented artists who made Operabot such a success!

~ Ling Chan

Wednesday, November 18, 2009

Listen, Watch and Read with Maestro Darlington

Can't get enough of VO's Music Director Maestro Jonathan Darlington?

Well then, tune in tomorrow at 11am PST to listen to the live broadcast of the 3rd Philharmonic Concert on German radio station WDR3.

Click on the link "Stream" under the right hand column, sit back and be swept away.

And if that's not enough, (and we know it's not) watch the Maetro interview organist Wayne Marshall:



Last but certainly not least, read Jonathan Darlington’s programme notes for the 3rd Philharmonic Concert with the Duisburg Philharmonic Orchestra, Wayne Marshall and the Mercatorhalle concert hall’s new organ.


Photo by Christoph Müller-Girod

~ Ling Chan

Saturday, November 14, 2009

Operabot Screening Party



Operabot Screening Party, presented by The Georgia Straight and hosted by Rainmaker Studios will take place Tuesday, November 17.

If you would like to come for the screening, have some bevvies and eats, shoot me an email at lchan@vancouveropera.ca and I'll add you to the guestlist. But hurry, seating is limited!

~ Ling Chan

Can You Spot The Difference?

If you've been to the Queen Elizabeth Theatre in the past year+, you'd of course notice the renovations going on in and around the 50 year old building.

On November 12, Vancouver Civic Theatres director Rae Ackerman was happy to report that all renovations are now completed!

So what are our opera-loving friends in for when they join us for Norma on November 28?

We don't want to ruin the surprise just yet, but we CAN tell you that the acoustics grading have now be raised from "a D to an A", thus rivaling the Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts in Toronto.

Check out the Georgia Straight video for more details:


Video by Matthew Burrow

~ Ling Chan

Sunday, November 8, 2009

Dress You Up

We got a local celeb in our midst!

Our very own wardrobe supervisor, Parvin Mirhady, is getting featured in BC Business Magazine!

Every month BC Business Magazine spotlights a full page on different businesses or industries at work. For the November issue, Vancouver Opera was selected!

The Assistant Art Director, Ben Oliver met Parvin at the wardrobe department and spent half a morning taking pictures on the preparations for the upcoming Norma production.

Here are a couple of shots taken of the photoshoot:





Thanks to Parvin who's makes sure that the outfits everyone wears on stage stand out and look absolutely amazing!

~ Ling Chan

Friday, November 6, 2009

Vote Now For Operabot


Vote Here on the blog for your favorite Operabot video!

Through midnight, November 13th, we'll be hosting the Operabot popular vote contest right here on our blog.

View all the entries HERE ON OUR CONTEST SITE.

Then come back and choose your favorite!

One of four prizes will be given to the video with the most votes. Another three videos will be awarded prizes based on the choices of our judges from the animation industry here in Vancouver.

Big thanks to Wacom for a donation of a Intuos 4 Tablet! Wacom rules!

News on our Operabot screening party to come.

Vote now for your favorite!

Operabot sponsored by The Georgia Straight



~ Ling Chan

Big Norma Is Watching You

If you happen to be on the corner of Robson and Granville, take a look skywards at the giant screen of the Future Shop building.

And wait for it...wait for it...

Vancouver Opera's flaming Norma head looking out at you! Oh, the wonders of technology!


Illustration by Edel Rodriguez / Video by Tim Matheson

If you like that, you're going to LOVE our Norma opera!

Tickets to Norma can still be purchased online or call our box office at 604-683-0222.

~ Ling Chan

Monday, November 2, 2009

7 More Operabots. All in a Row.

Just as the clock struck midnight on November 1, Operabots #10, #11, #12, #13, #14 and #15 made like stealth ninjas, storming the Vancouver Opera office and making their presence known.

A big thank you to the final Operabot submissions:


The Marriage of Figaro by Amanda Pierce, Beverly De Moss and Kim Chang Fatt


Madama Butterfly by Brandon Cathay at Art Institute of Colorado


Madama Butterfly by Irene Ha


Madame Boterfly by Christine Cornell


Madama Butterfly by Olaf Miller, Curt Spurging and Arron Robinson


Madama Butterfly by Gabriela Mejia and Chris Holbrow


Madama Butterfly in a Nutshell by Mary & Sacha of SimpleSwitchDesign.com

Operabot has now officially closed! Vancouver Opera would like to thank everyone for their Operabot submissions. Really, we are totally amazed at all the creativity and effort.

Three winners will be chosen by a panel of judges from Vancouver's leading animation studios. One winner will be chosen by popular vote. The judging will take place at a special screening party we'll be hosting! (details to come!)

So tell your friends and make sure to vote for your favourite animated shorts!

Operabot contest is sponsored by The Georgia Straight



~ Ling Chan

Friday, October 30, 2009

Operabot #8 Has Landed!

The Mirimichi blitzkrieg continues!

Up for your consideration as master of the universe is John Landry's animated short on The Marriage of Figaro. Don't you just love the heavy rock guitar riff when the credit rolls? Good work.



Contest runs until November 1, 2009.

Three winners will be chosen by a panel of judges from Vancouver's leading animation studios. One winner will be chosen by popular vote. The judging will take place at a special screening party we'll be hosting! (details to come!)

So tell your friends and make sure to vote for your favourite animated shorts!

Operabot is sponsored by The Georgia Straight



~ Ling Chan

Operabot #7 Has Landed!

Another day, another invasion!

Boy, the advancing army of Operabots from NBCC Mirimichi just won't stop. It's an onslaught, I tell ya.

But we got a Norma! Kudos to Jessica Bannister and Steve Cyr for their submission. And like any good animator, they have a blog y'all can check out:

www.stevesdrawingboard.blogspot.com
www.jaysdoodlez.blogspot.com

Don't you just love them big-as-saucers eyed cartoon figures?



Contest runs until November 1, 2009.

Three winners will be chosen by a panel of judges from Vancouver's leading animation studios. One winner will be chosen by popular vote. The judging will take place at a special screening party we'll be hosting! (details to come!)

So tell your friends and make sure to vote for your favourite animated shorts!

Operabot contest is sponsored by The Georgia Straight



~ Ling Chan

Thursday, October 29, 2009

Operabot #6 Has Landed!

Resistence is futile. We will be assimilated.

The Operabot collective from the east continue their rampage on the Vancouver Opera office!

Operabot #6 comes from Stephanie Basque, Year 2 animation student from Mirimichi NB.

Will we ever see the sun rise again from the east?



Contest runs until November 1, 2009.

Three winners will be chosen by a panel of judges from Vancouver's leading animation studios. One winner will be chosen by popular vote. The judging will take place at a special screening party we'll be hosting! (details to come!)

So tell your friends and make sure to vote for your favourite animated shorts!

Operabot is sponsored by The Georgia Straight



~ Ling Chan

Operabot #5 Has Landed!

The eastern skies are still thick with Operabot invasions! It's unrelenting!

Operabot #5 comes from Curtis Carey from Mirimichi, NB. Oh, and this Operabot has a blog too! A double threat in this war of the 'bot worlds!



Contest runs until November 1, 2009.

Three winners will be chosen by a panel of judges from Vancouver's leading animation studios. One winner will be chosen by popular vote. The judging will take place at a special screening party we'll be hosting! (details to come!)

So tell your friends and make sure to vote for your favourite animated shorts!

Operabot is sponsored by The Georgia Straight



~ Ling Chan

Operabot #4 Has Landed!

Unstoppable. VO is being taken over by Operabots from NBCC Mirimichi in a big way! They're coming in hard, fast and heavy.

In the words of the deep and ever prolific Neo from The Matrix, "Whoa."

Bow down in submission to our fourth Operabot from Laura Charlton and her animated short about The Marriage of Figaro.



Contest runs until November 1, 2009.

Three winners will be chosen by a panel of judges from Vancouver's leading animation studios. One winner will be chosen by popular vote. The judging will take place at a special screening party we'll be hosting! (details to come!)

So tell your friends and make sure to vote for your favourite animated shorts!

Operabot is sponsored by The Georgia Straight



~ Ling Chan

Operabot #3 Has Landed!

A definite invasion is going on. Operabots are fast approaching Vancouver Opera.

Our third submission comes from Brad Lamey from NBCC Mirimichi in New Brunswick.



Something is cooking over in the east coast, me thinks. Operabot #3 and Operabot #2 are from NBCC Mirimichi. They're combining forces to take over Vancouver Opera. This could be trouble.

Contest runs until November 1, 2009.

Three winners will be chosen by a panel of judges from Vancouver's leading animation studios. One winner will be chosen by popular vote. The judging will take place at a special screening party we'll be hosting! (details to come!)

So tell your friends and make sure to vote for your favourite animated shorts!

Operabot is sponsored by The Georgia Straight



~ Ling Chan

Wednesday, October 28, 2009

Operabot #2 Has Landed!

Our second Operabot submission has just been uploaded onto our Youtube channel!

Congrats to Kristie Nutter from Mirimichi, NB who is our very first Canadian submission. (a full-scale Operabot attack from both the Canadian and American side has begun)



Contest runs until November 1, 2009.

Three winners will be chosen by a panel of judges from Vancouver's leading animation studios. One winner will be chosen by popular vote. The judging will take place at a special screening party we'll be hosting! (details to come!)

So tell your friends and make sure to vote for your favourite animated shorts!

Operabot is sponsored by The Georgia Straight



~ Ling Chan

Operamania 101: The Attack of the Killer Bees!

There just SOMETHING about The Flight of the Bumblebee! Not only do we recognize it from the Green Hornet tv series from yesteryear, but various artists such as jazz artist Al Hirt, rockabilly Brian Setzer and heavy metal band Manowar have put their own unique spin on the tune.

And if you can believe it, Brazilian Tiago della Vega absolutely shredded his guitar breaking the 2008 Guiness World Record for fastest guitar playing with The Flight of the Bumblebee at 320 beats per minute.

And perhaps not quite as exciting, this score has also been used in adverts for butter, mobile phones and allergy medications.

This little humble tune is the orchestral interlude from Russian composer Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov's opera, The Tale of Tsar Saltan, which was based on the Alexandr Pushkin poem of the same name.



The tune, written in 1899, closes Act III, Tableau I. This little frantic piece of music is such a challenge for musicians to play, with its uninterrupted runs of chromatic sixteenth notes.

And exactly how it makes one feels, there is a sense of urgency with the piece, as the magic swan-bird transforms Prince Gvidon Saltanovich into a flying insect so that he can visit his father, the Tsar. (who doesn't know he's still alive) It is interesting to note that in the actual opera, there are lyrics to this tune, which the swanbird sings.

Most recently, The Flight of the Bumblebee have been tied to women who absolutely kick butt.

In 2003's Kill Bill movie by Quentin Tarantino, it's used in the pivotal scene where Uma Thurman boards an airplane to Japan to have the ultimate showdown with Lucy Liu. The tune was given a trumpet treatment, for that kitschy and swingin' 60s feel that's prevalent in Tarantino's other movies, such as Pulp Fiction.



But what's even more butt-kickingly awesome is Shanghai cellist Tina Guo's heavy metal take on the bumblebee. You can also check her out without the gold bodypaint, as she plays the tune in the studio here.



Guo has played as a soloist with San Diego Orchestra, but has crossed over into other musical genres by playing with Foo Fighters, Stevie Wonder, Josh Groban, John Legend, Chris Isaak, Il divo and her own progressive metal band, Off the Deep End.

She has performed at the Grammys, MTV Movie Awards, the Jimi Hendrix tribute concert in Rio and Comic-Con where she played with the Battlestar Galactica Orchestra. Guo is also featured as cellist for both the Iron Man 2 and Sherlock Holmes scores.

And all by the age of 23.

From the humble little beginnings of being just a musical interlude to "I am woman, hear me roar", The Flight of the Bumblebee sure packs a sting!

~ Ling Chan

Attack of the Killer Bees

There just SOMETHING about The Flight of the Bumblebee! Not only do we recognize it from the Green Hornet tv series from yesteryear, but various artists such as jazz artist al hirt, rockabilly brian setzer and heavy metal band manowar have put their own unique spin on the tune.

And if you can believe it, brazilian Tiago Della Vega absolutely shredded his guitar breaking the 2008 Guiness world record for fastest guitar playing with the Flight of the Bumblebee at 320 beats per minute.

And perhaps not quite as exciting, the score has also been used in adverts for butter, mobile phones and allergy medications.

This little humble tune is the orchestral interlude from Russian composer Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov's opera, The Tale of Tsar Saltan, which was based on the Alexandr Pushkin poem of the same name.



The tune, written in 1899, closes act III, tableau I. This little frantic piece of music is such a challenge for musicians to play, with its uninterrupted runs of chromatic sixteenth notes.

And exactly how it makes one feels, there is a sense of urgency with the piece, as the magic swan-bird transforms Prince Gvidon Saltanovich into a flying insect so that he can visit his father, the tsar. (who doesn't know he's still alive) it is interesting to note that in the actual opera, there are lyrics to this tune, which the swanbird sings.

Most recently, The Flight of the Bumblebee have been tied to women who absolutely kick butt.

In 2003's Kill Bill movie by Quentin Tarantino, it's used in the pivotal scene where uma thurman boards an airplane to Japan to have the ultimate showdown with Lucy Liu. The tune was given a trumpet treatment, for that kitschy and swingin' 60s feel that's prevalent in Tarantino's other movies, such as Pulp Fiction.



But what's even more butt-kickingly awesome is Shanghai cellist Tina Guo's heavy metal take on the bumblebee. You can also check her out without the gold bodypaint, as she plays the tune in the studio here.



Guo has played as a soloist with San Diego orchestra, but has crossed over into other musical genres by playing with the Foo Fighters, Stevie Wonder, Josh Groban, John Legend, Chris Isaak, il Divo and her own progressive metal band, Off the Deep End.

She has performed at the Grammys, MTV Movie awards, the Jimi Hendrix tribute concert in Rio and Comic-Con where she played with the Battlestar Galactica orchestra. Guo is also featured as cellist for both Iron Man 2 and Sherlock Holmes scores.

And all by the age of 23.

From the humble little beginnings of being just a musical interlude to "I am woman, hear me roar", The Flight of the Bumblebee sure packs a sting!

Thursday, October 22, 2009

The 'Bots Are Coming!

Our Operabot animation contest just got its first submission! Kudos to the good folks at Art Institute of Colorado for uploading it on our Youtube Channel today.



Contest runs until November 1, 2009.

Winners will be awarded a plethora of prizes.

Three winners will be chosen by a panel of judges from Vancouver's leading animation studios. One winner will be chosen by popular vote. The judging will take place at a special screening party we'll be hosting! (details to come!)

So tell your friends and make sure to vote for your favourite animated shorts!

Operabot is sponsored by The Georgia Straight



~ Ling Chan

Wednesday, October 21, 2009

Operamania 101: You Will Be Converted

The start of the season is almost upon us. With the Golden Anniversary Gala & Concert just around the corner and our first opera of the season opening up November 28, the office has been buzzing with activity. Most of us will be working around the clock to ensure that everything runs seamlessly.

We are now rushing headlong into our busy season, which typically runs from November to May. For me, that means that my dance card is full. Get togethers often take a backseat as I work nights and weekends during productions.

Friends have often asked me what's all the big hullabaloo over opera? What's the appeal? Why do people, season after season, buy tickets to watch such a grandiose form of entertainment? And wondering why and if they could ever get into such a thing?

These questions bring me back to that famous scene in 1993's Philadelphia, starring Tom Hanks and Denzel Washington. Aids ravaged Hanks, preparing for his courtcase with his lawyer Washington, is suddenly overwhelmed with emotion when he catches the aria from Umberto Giordano's verismo opera, Andre Chénier playing in the background.

Like a man possessed (and over-acting), Hanks sways rapturously (with IV unit in tow) as he translate for Washington, the words soprano Maria Callas is singing in La mamma morta. Washington who doesn't know anything about opera is moved and transformed by Hanks explaining the meaning of the aria and his obvious passion for the art form.



I dare say, Washington may have just become a convert right then and there.

Andre Chénier is an opera about the French Revolution with the age old subject of the indifference of the aristocracy and the suffering of the imporverished. High emotions, most definitely.

Based loosely on the real life poet and revolutionary activist, Chénier and Maddalena are so madly in love, they pledge their eternal troth to each other. Gérard, who presides over the revolutionary tribunal, is also in love with Maddalena.

Wanting to get his competition out of the picture, Gérard falsely signs Chénier's death warrant.

Maddalena, having just lost her mother and home to the revolution is now faced with losing Chénier. She sings the heartbreaking La mamma morta.



Gérard has a change of heart and tries to halt the execution of Chénier, but is ultimately unsuccessful.

Maddalena, literally, will not live without her love. She then becomes a condemned woman and joins Chénier to die by guillotine.

With such universe emotions such as love, honour and sacrifice, it's no wonder that people are taken by opera. Some even become hard-core "fanatics." Opera's themes is all about the human condition. The music expresses all the emotions that everybody feels.

Asked why I've come to appreciate opera, I would tell my friends that it's the beauty of the costumes and sets, the intensity of the drama unfolding on the stage, the dedication of all those involved and of course, the music and the singing that reaches to the rooftops and beyond.

I am a believer.

~ Ling Chan

You will be converted

The start of the season is almost upon us. With the golden anniversary gala & concert just around the corner and our first opera of the season opening up November 28, the office has been buzzing with activity. Most of us will be working around the clock to ensure that everything runs seamlessly.

Friends have often asked me what's all the big hullabaloo over opera? What's the appeal? Why do people, season and season, buy tickets to watch such a grandiose form of entertainment? And wondering why and if they could ever get into such a thing?

These questions bring me back to that famous scene in 1993's Philadelphia, starring Tom Hanks and Denzel Washington. Aids ravaged Hanks, preparing for his courtcase with his lawyer Washington, is suddenly overwhelmed with emotion when he catches the aria from Umberto Giordano's verismo opera, Andre Chénier playing in the background.

Like a man possessed (and over-acting), Hanks sways rapturously (with IV unit in tow) as he translate for Washington, the words soprano Maria Callas is singing in La Mamma Morta. Washington who doesn't know anything about opera is moved and transformed by Hanks explaining the meaning of the aria and his obvious passion for the art form.



I dare say, Washington may have just become a convert right then and there.

Andre Chénier is an opera about the French Revolution with the age old subject of the indifference of the aristocracy and the suffering of the imporverished. High emotions, most definitely.

Based loosely on the real life poet and revolutionary activist, Chénier and Maddalena are so madly in love, they pledge their eternal troth to each other. Gérard, who presides over the revolutionary tribunal, is also in love with Maddalena.

Wanting to get his competition out of the picture, Gérard falsely signs Chénier's death warrant.

Maddalena, having just lost her mother and home to the revolution is now faced with losing Chénier. she sings the heartbreaking La Mamma Morta.



Gérard has a change of heart and tries to halt the execution of Chénier, but is ultimately unsuccessful.

Maddalena, literally, will not live without her love. She then becomes a condemned woman and joins Chénier to die by guillotine.

With such universe emotions such as love, honour and sacrifice, it's no wonder that people are taken by opera. Some even become hard-core "fanatics." Spera's themes is all about the human condition. The music expresses all the emotions that everybody feels.

Asked why I've come to appreciate opera, I would tell my friends that it's the beauty of the costumes and sets, the intensity of the drama unfolding on the stage, the dedication of all those involved and of course, the music and the singing that reaches to the rooftops and beyond.

I am a believer.

Tuesday, October 20, 2009

Sparkly Raffle Prizes at Golden Anniversary Gala!



Holidays coming up and you're wondering what to get for your one and only?

Well, if you're at the Golden Anniversary Gala on November 6, you could have a chance to win a sparkly raffle prize or two. Or even three.

Did I mention that the raffle prizes are from Tiffany & Co.?

Wanna take a peek at what the prizes will be? (of course you do)


Third Prize:
From Tiffany's Somerset range comes a medium-sized modern yet elegant wide mesh bracelet in sterling silver accented with round brilliant diamonds.
Retail value $1650


Second Prize:
Style has a name with this large round dome watch from the Atlas Collection. This watch with a black leather strap was designed with a Swiss quartz resonator movment in sleek stainless steel.
Retail value $2500


Grand Prize:
A pair of Tiffany & Co. earrings from the iconic and stylish Atlas Collection. Diamonds really are a girl's best friend with these open hoop earrings with exquisite round brilliant diamones set in 18 karat white gold.
Retail value $4600

So join us for a swanky night of dining and hob-nobbing with opera lovers, listening to the best voices in the business and a chance to win these fab prizes! Your earlobes and wrists will thank you!

To get in on the full Gala Package, call our Ticket Centre at 604-683-0222. Tix $650 each ($300 tax receipt)

~ Ling Chan

Friday, October 16, 2009

Music At The Click Of A Mouse



They say music calms the savage beast.

Well, we're all about the music so you've come to the right place!

Didja know that Operalive.ca has podcasts and audio clips of our upcoming Norma, Nixon in China, The Marriage of Figaro and Madama Butterfly?

(pssst. Operalive.ca also showcases our much talked about manga series, audience feedback, artwork and photo gallery)

You can also link on here to our podcasts:

Norma

Nixon in China

The Marriage of Figaro

Madama Butterfly

Still in the mood for more? How about some featured audio tracks?


Norma:
Casta Diva

Oh, di qual sei tu vittima

Qual cor tradisti


Nixon in China:
The people are the heroes now

News has a kind of mystery

Ladies and gentlemen, Comrades and friends

Cheers


The Marriage of Figaro:
Non piu andrai

Dove sono

Contessa perdone


Madama Butterfly:
Vogliatemi bene

Un bel di

Muore Butterfly

So when you're having "one of them days" at work or at home, click on any of these links to help tame that raging beast within and turn it into a flower loving Ferdinand the Bull.

~ Ling Chan