Opera Canada

Opera Canada (Opera in Canada until issue 14, May 1963). An English-language magazine published in Toronto by Opera Canada Publications. From a four-page newsletter dated February-March 1960 Opera Canada has developed into one of Canada's most lavishly produced music periodicals, reflecting the growing popularity of opera in the country. A strong advocate of Canadian operatic enterprise, it also features regular reports from other parts of the world. Opera Canada was published until 1966 by the Canadian Opera Guild, then by the Canadian Opera Association (Toronto). In January 1976 it became independent, and Ruby Mercer, its founding editor, became its publisher-editor. Mercer was succeeded as editor by Harvey Chusid 1990-2, Cynthia Dann Beardsley circa 1992-3, and Wayne Gooding beginning in Fall 1993.

Until 1974 there were four issues a year, the first devoted to Canadian productions, the second to festivals, the third to Canadian Opera Company productions, and the last to opera abroad. In 1975 six issues were planned but only five appeared. Quarterly publication resumed in 1976, and beginning in 2004 five issues were published annually. In addition to articles Opera Canada has featured news reports from Canada and abroad, reviews, and a calendar of operatic events. A retrospective series of articles was begun in Spring 2009 to mark the magazine's 50th anniversary. The roster of contributors and the readership are international.

The Opera Canada Awards, or "The Rubies," were founded in honour of Ruby Mercer in 2000; inaugural recipients included Maureen Forrester, Stuart Hamilton, and John Cook.

Author Helmut Kallmann, Sarah Church

Bibliography

Gooding, Wayne. "Editor's notebook," Opera Canada, vol 41, iss 1, Spring 2000

"Opera Canada at 50," Opera Canada, vol 50, iss 1, Spring 2009

Links to Other Sites
Opéra de Québec
The Opéra de Québec website offers their current concert schedule, historical notes, director’s biography, and a fascinating “Opera Demystified” feature for would-be opera fans.

Ruby Mercer
A profile of Ruby Mercer, founder of “Opera Canada” magazine. From “La Scena Musicale.”

History of Opera Performance in Canada
An illustrated history of opera performance in Canada. From the Virtual Gramophone website.

Opera.ca
Opera.ca is the voice of opera in Canada. Check their website for news about recent programs, and events of interest to Canada’s opera community. See also Opera.ca's regular e-newsletter “High Notes!” and links to Canada's major professional opera and music theatre companies.

Glossary: Operatic Terms
A glossary of terms associated with opera performance. From the website for the Manitoba Opera.

International Resource Centre For Performing Artists
Check out the International Resource Centre For Performing Artists for the latest news and programs from this innovative cultural organization.