The Cio-Cio Sans of All Cio-Cio Sans

Vancouver Opera is excited to introduce Mihoko Kinoshita to Vancouver audiences for her Canadian debut in Madama Butterfly. Touted by some as "the greatest Cio-Cio San", Kinoshita is an internationally renowned soprano, having sung in Europe, Japan and the US.

Everyone, but everyone is gushing about Kinoshita:

“…Kinoshita’s vocal accomplishment is absolute. …bound up in Kinoshita’s vocal prowess is her stage savvy. Her acting instincts elevate her singing to a devastating naturalism. We believe in this ingenuous Butterfly as surely as she believes in her marriage to the long-departed Lt. Pinkerton.” - The Detroit News

“…gaining strength and richness; dramatically on target, with a wealth of detail in the acting. Kinoshita left quite a vivid mark on the [Butterfly] role…” - Baltimore Sun

“Soprano's brilliant performance carries ‘Butterfly'” - Midland Daily News

Here's a taste to whet your curiosity.



(And yes, that IS James Valenti, who'll sing our Pinkerton, in the video.)

~ Ling Chan, Social Media Manager

Madama Butterfly: The Manga

A love betrayed. Dishonoured and shunned. The ultimate sacrifice. Madama Butterfly IS one of opera's most tragic masterpieces.

Here's Madama Butterfly as seen through the eyes of artist Fiona Meng and editor Roy Husada.













For the supersize version, click here.

~ Ling Chan

Opera Speaks: Nagasaki 1900

Photo credit: Roddy Ouano

How often does one get to hear live koto music? Not nearly enough!

Well, you'll be in for a real treat tomorrow night at Opera Speaks!

We have all sorts of wonderful things lined up for you:

* Explore the fascinating history and culture of 1900's Nagasaki with Japanese historian Midge Ayukawa and UBC Professor of Anthropology Dr. Millie Creighton

* Listen to Madama Butterfly's Mihoko Kinoshita sing Un bel di.


Photo credit: Roddy Ouano

* Hear musician Kozue Matsumoto play the koto. (she's been playing since she was three years old!)

Admission is free. Seating is limited. Arrive early!

Tuesday May 11th @ 7pm
Central Branch of Vancouver Public Library, Alice MacKay Room
In Partnership with Vancouver Public Library.

~ Ling Chan

Fare Thee Well Figaro

You made us smile. You made us laugh. You gave us the warm and fuzzy feelings. And Figaro was pretty good too!

The response was unanimous. Everybody had a wonderful time at The Marriage of Figaro. (for who doesn't love Mozart?)

As we say goodbye to Figaro and hello to Madama Butterfly, here's a look back at the past couple of weeks: all the fashions and all the behind-the-scenes photos for your enjoyment. We love to take your pictures and lucky for us, you love to have your pictures taken!







A big thanks to everybody who helped make Figaro a smashing success!

~ Ling Chan

Figaro Unplugged

Not only are the cast of The Marriage of Figaro talented, but they love giving back to the community as well!

This past Monday, Vancouver Opera paired up with Health Arts Society to bring some mid-morning singing to the fine folks at Youville Residence.

Health Arts Society (ArtsWay) has been organizing musical performances to over 100 BC long-term health care facilities since 2006.

With VO's repetiteur Kinza Tyrrell at the piano, the cast sang Figaro arias and duets for the 40 member audience.

In such an intimate setting, followed by a Q & A session at the end, it may have been more fun than seeing it down at the theatre!



~ Ling Chan

We Got Your Bag

Fashionistas knows that a girl can NEVER have too many handbags. So, on Monday, May 17, these gals are bringing "it" to Vancouver Opera's 2010 PURSEuasion Designer Bag Auction & Luncheon.

Up on the auction block are to-die-for handbags from designers such as:

* Chanel (Chanel Classic Handbag)
* Gucci (Icon Bit Bag)
* Prada (Velluto Jacquard Tote)
* Michael Kors (Hamilton Large Tote)
* Salvatore Ferragamo (Fiammetta)
* Miu Miu (Clutch)
* Max Mara (Glenda)
* Ports 1961 (Zaiwar Doctor Bag)
* Hugo Boss (Pleated Accordian Leather Bag)
* Cole Haan
* 3.1 Phillip Lim
* Boboli
* Leone

Girls can also score hand-baggy goodness from local designers such as:

* John Fluevog
* Ashley Watson
* Ora Bags
* Sienna Ray & Co.

5 pairs of awesome sunglasses from Bruce Eyewear will also be up for grabs in the silent auction and raffle.

Guests will dine on lunch created by Nathan Guggenheimer, the newly appointed Chef de Cuisine at db Bistro Moderne, while watching an elegant fashion show by Christopher Bates. It's going be a feast for the eyes and the palate!

CTV weather personality Tamara Taggart will be back, this time with Vancouver’s favourite man about town Fred Lee to MC the event.

The annual event raises funds for VO’s acclaimed education and community programs.

PURSEuasion 2010
Monday, May 17, 2010
db Bistro Moderne
2551 West Broadway
11:30am – 2:00pm
Tickets for this exclusive event are $250. (tax receipt for $125)

For tickets and further information, please contact Caroline Hay at 604-682-2871 ext.4850 or chay@vancouveropera.ca.

~ Ling Chan

After The Curtain Falls...

The Countess ending up like a desperate housewife?

Count Almaviva bedding his way through Europe?

Susan and Figaro faking it?

Cherubino turning out to be the most adjusted of them all?

Click here to read Vancouver Sun's David Gordon Duke muse about the fates of The Marriage of Figaro characters.

~ Ling Chan