Edel Rodriguez Work in S.I. Advertising Show

Congratulations to our Golden Anniversary season artist Edel Rodriguez for being honoured at The Society of Illustrators Awards Presentation and Gala last night in New York!

Here are the five amazing pieces that were picked for the best advertising art of the year:


Clockwise from top left: Dellas Graphics calendar artwork, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame 25th anniversary concert artwork, Nixon in China and Madama Butterfly


Vancouver Opera snowboards

Such wonderful recognition! Couldn't happen to a more talented artist!

Congrats from everyone at the VO!

~ Ling Chan

Last Composer Standing

Arts Journal, a website about the best in arts and culture, held a poll last November to determine which modern composer would stand the test of time.

Posing a question to their readers, Twitter and Facebook fans, Arts Journal asked: Which composer will still be played fifty years from now?

The number one choice?



1. John Adams

2. Arvo Pärt

3. Steve Reich

4. Philip Glass

5. Pierre Boulez

5= George Crumb

5= Henri Dutilleux

8. Osvaldo Golijov

9. Thomas Ades

10. Henry Mikolai Gorecki

You too, may well agree after watching Nixon in China.

Call 604.683.0222 to get your tickets today!

~ Ling Chan

Nixon in China: Cast Interviews

Video by Bombshelter Productions & Mike McKinlay

Everything about this production is exciting, new and original. - Michael Cavanagh

People can expect some very exciting music that's very rythmic. - Robert Orth

It has something for everyone. There are things that you've never seen or heard before. If you never been to an opera before, there are enough things to delight all of your senses that you will have a fantastic evening and you'll want to pursue your opera interests forever. - Michael Cavanagh

Don't miss out! Call 604.683.0222 to get your tickets!

~ Ling Chan

Hail To The Chief

More Nixon sightings!

Yesterday afternoon Richard Nixon was spotted at CBC Studios. Par for the course, as soon as Nixon arrived, he was eagerly whisked away for an interview with a CBC reporter.

But it was not too long before Nixon got back to doing what he loved best and that was to get out there with the people. Always the outgoing guy, he waved and flashed double-fisted victory signs to everyone walking on the street or driving in their cars. He continues to cause quite the stir!

Nixon shook the hands of several Vancouverites who sidled up to him and said those magic words, "News Has a Kind of Mystery."

In return, these Nixon fans were given buttons, posters, flash drives, t-shirts and more importantly, the reply secret code phrase that they can then tweet or email back to VO headquarters. Everyone is then entered into a grand prize draw for 2 tickets to Nixon in China plus $150 gift certificate to Chambar Restaurant.

Here's some pictures of Nixon on Day 2 of his jam-packed campaign trail:


The calm before the storm


Kudos to my fabulous hosts


All work and no play make Dick a dull boy


Getting some Vancouver love


All that schmoozing is making me thirsty


Safety first, people


'Wish You Were Here' postcards for the peeps back home


The best seat in the house. Come join me!

For more pictures of Nixon's shenanigan's, click here.

~ Ling Chan

Nixon Sightings!

Today marks the first day of a series of Nixon appearances on Vancouver streets!

During the lunch hour, Richard Nixon was found checking out one of Vancouver's most eye-catching monuments, the Vancouver Public Library. Causing quite the stir, many people did double-takes, while others stopped and greeted Nixon with "It's Tricky Dick!" One person even came up to Nixon to let him know that he was glad that the authorities still haven't caught up with him since Point Break.

Seeing Nixon on the streets means you can be entered to win a Nixon in China Grand Prize consisting of 2 tickets to the Nixon in China opera and dinner at Chambar Restaurant, as well as a bunch of swag.

When you see Nixon on the streets in the next few days, come up and give him the secret phrase, "News has a kind of mystery." Nixon will then respond with another secret phrase you then tweet back to VO's twitter or emailed to VO's Facebook. Then we'll enter you in the draw to win the perfect evening out!

We promise Nixon's 2 handlers will be gentle.

Here's some pictures of Nixon's first day in Vancouver:


Hanging with the everyday people


Playing tourist


Keeping up with current affairs


Singing along to karaoke TV


Nixon's bull


Being the good samaritan


Puppy love


See you at the opera!

For more pictures, click here.

~ Ling Chan

Nixon in China: The Set

So what will China in 1972 look like?

Will the presidential jet, The Spirit of '76, take up the whole stage?

Are there going to be live animals when Pat Nixon makes a visit to the pig farm and zoo?

Rumour has it that people will climb onto tabletops in drunken revelry and furniture will be toppled...

How many dancers will dance in the Ballet of the Regiment scene?

Will there be a fight scene involving the President and the Chairman?

While we can't disclose all the surprises (you'll have to see for yourself!), we can show you the set models for Nixon in China.


Nixon in China Act 1 Scene 1


Nixon in China Act 1 Scene 2


Nixon in China Act 1 Scene 3


Nixon in China Act 2 Scene 1


Nixon in China Act 2 Scene 1


Nixon in China Act 2 Scene 1


Nixon in China Act 2 Scene 2


Nixon in China Act 2 Scene 2


Nixon in China Act 3

Tickets are going fast! Call 604.683.0222 to get yours today!

If you're between 18-29, you can purchase tickets for $25 with our Get O.U.T.! program. When you call, give our folks PROMO CODE 2257.

If you're coming for Twitter/Facebook Fan Night on Thursday March 18, give 'em PROMO CODE 2439 to get 20% off any seat in Sections A-E.

Twitter/Facebook Fan Night sponsored by The Georgia Straight:



~ Ling Chan

Who Wants In?

Hail Chairman Mao. The people from every tribe praises Chairman Mao

Raise your hands if you'd like to come to the Nixon in China Fan Night on Thursday March 18?

If you have tickets for the March 18 performance already, email lchan@vancouveropera.ca to be put on the exclusive Twitter/Facebok Fan Night guestlist. You'll be invited to the special pre-show chat as well as given access to the VIP lounge during the intermissions. And yes, there will be nibblies and swag.

If you want in on the Twitter/Facebook Fan Night and don't have your tickets yet, call 604-683-0222 and give our good folks PROMO CODE 2439 to get 20% off any seats in sections A-E.

*This offer is not valid on previously purchased tickets and cannot be combined with any other offer.

Sale ends noon Wednesday. Don't miss out! Call now!

Twitter/Facebook Fan Night sponsored by The Georgia Straight:



~ Ling Chan