We invite you to join us on October 5th for our annual Sidgwick Salon fundraiser in support of the Orpheus Choir and our emerging vocal artists.

This much-anticipated event features an afternoon recital by our 2025-26 Sidgwick Scholars and Sidgwick alumni Danlie Rae Acebuque, followed by a sumptuous high tea and the opportunity to meet Artistic Director Thomas Burton and the Scholars

Danlie performs the role of Angelotti and Jailer with Saskatoon Symphony Orchestra.

“I lived for art…I lived for love”

Romance and tragedy meet face to face in Puccini’s epic masterpiece Tosca.

With the SSO and Saskatoon Opera now being one, this night allows you to hear one of the most deeply moving operas as it was meant to be heard – stunning voices and your SSO in full flight.

This semi-staged production features Maestra Judith Yan and the full orchestra in a partnership with the National Arts Centre Orchestra, Edmonton Opera, and the Yukon Arts Centre.

Directed by renowned director Joel Ivany featuring rising star voices, and with its lush romantic orchestral score, Tosca promises to be a night to remember!

Semi-staged opera is a hybrid performance that features the full orchestra on stage, with the singers performing in front of them. While sets are scaled back to allow the audience to see both singers and orchestra, the action and staging remain key to the production.

Danlie Rae performs the role of Angelotti and Jailer at the Yukon Arts Centre.

Co-produced by The National Arts Centre, Edmonton Opera, and Yukon Arts Centre

Featuring the Problematic Orchestra and the Yukon Community Choirs.

Conductor – Judith Yan
Stage Director – Joel Ivany

Tosca tells the intense story of a passionate singer, Tosca, and her lover, the painter Cavaradossi, whose lives are torn apart by the manipulative and cruel chief of police, Scarpia. As love, power, and betrayal collide, the characters must confront impossible choices with deadly consequences.

Cast:
Tosca: Leila Kirves
Scarpia: Nicholas Borg
Cavaradossi: Zachary Rioux
Sciarrone: Layne Spencer
Spoletta: Elias Theocharidis
Sacristan: George Theodorakopoulos
Angelotti/Jailor: Danlie Rae Acebuque

Artistic Director Longest Night Society: Hannah Mazurek
Artistic Director Whitehorse Community Choir: C.D. Saint
Assistant Repetiteur: Rebecca Klassen-Wiebe
Assistant Stage Director: Vivien IIion
Assistant Stage Manager: Claire Thornton

Danlie Rae will perform the roles of Angelotti and Jailer at the Yukon Arts Centre’s dress rehearsal of Tosca.

Due to popular demand, we are opening the dress rehearsal of Tosca to an audience. While the intention is to perform the opera in its entirety, the creative team may pause the rehearsal to make final adjustments. This offers a rare opportunity to experience the full staging, music, and drama while also witnessing the production in its final stage of preparation.

Co-produced by The National Arts Centre, Edmonton Opera, and Yukon Arts Centre

Featuring the Problematic Orchestra and the Yukon Community Choirs.

Conductor – Judith Yan
Stage Director – Joel Ivany

Tosca tells the intense story of a passionate singer, Tosca, and her lover, the painter Cavaradossi, whose lives are torn apart by the manipulative and cruel chief of police, Scarpia. As love, power, and betrayal collide, the characters must confront impossible choices with deadly consequences.

Danlie Rae will perform the roles of Angelotti and Jailer in Puccini’s Tosca at the National Arts Centre in Ottawa.

A tale of art, politics, and dangerous romance set in early 19th-century Rome, Giacomo Puccini’s Tosca has left audiences swooning since its premiere 125 years ago.

At the centre of the opera is Floria Tosca—the prima donna of Rome, who risks her own life to save her rebellious lover Mario Cavaradossi from persecution by the corrupt chief of police, Baron Scarpia. Will she pledge her love to Scarpia to save Cavaradossi from the firing squad, or will she do whatever it takes to save both of their lives?

Experience an evening of intense drama and heartbreaking melodies when Tosca takes over Southam Hall in a semi-staged production led by conductor Alexander Shelley and director Joel Ivany. Soprano Ailyn Pérez—praised worldwide for her “luscious voice, dazzling stage presence, and great acting” (Opera News)—takes on the title role of Tosca, joined by an outstanding lineup of Canadian singers including tenor Matthew Cairns as Cavaradossi, bass-baritone Nathan Berg as Scarpia, and members of Edmonton Opera’s Emerging Artist Program.

Danlie Rae will perform the roles of Angelotti and Jailer in Puccini’s Tosca at the National Arts Centre in Ottawa.

A tale of art, politics, and dangerous romance set in early 19th-century Rome, Giacomo Puccini’s Tosca has left audiences swooning since its premiere 125 years ago.

At the centre of the opera is Floria Tosca—the prima donna of Rome, who risks her own life to save her rebellious lover Mario Cavaradossi from persecution by the corrupt chief of police, Baron Scarpia. Will she pledge her love to Scarpia to save Cavaradossi from the firing squad, or will she do whatever it takes to save both of their lives?

Experience an evening of intense drama and heartbreaking melodies when Tosca takes over Southam Hall in a semi-staged production led by conductor Alexander Shelley and director Joel Ivany. Soprano Ailyn Pérez—praised worldwide for her “luscious voice, dazzling stage presence, and great acting” (Opera News)—takes on the title role of Tosca, joined by an outstanding lineup of Canadian singers including tenor Matthew Cairns as Cavaradossi, bass-baritone Nathan Berg as Scarpia, and members of Edmonton Opera’s Emerging Artist Program.

Danlie Rae will perform the roles of Angelotti and Jailer in Puccini’s Tosca at the National Arts Centre in Ottawa.

A tale of art, politics, and dangerous romance set in early 19th-century Rome, Giacomo Puccini’s Tosca has left audiences swooning since its premiere 125 years ago.

At the centre of the opera is Floria Tosca—the prima donna of Rome, who risks her own life to save her rebellious lover Mario Cavaradossi from persecution by the corrupt chief of police, Baron Scarpia. Will she pledge her love to Scarpia to save Cavaradossi from the firing squad, or will she do whatever it takes to save both of their lives?

Experience an evening of intense drama and heartbreaking melodies when Tosca takes over Southam Hall in a semi-staged production led by conductor Alexander Shelley and director Joel Ivany. Soprano Ailyn Pérez—praised worldwide for her “luscious voice, dazzling stage presence, and great acting” (Opera News)—takes on the title role of Tosca, joined by an outstanding lineup of Canadian singers including tenor Matthew Cairns as Cavaradossi, bass-baritone Nathan Berg as Scarpia, and members of Edmonton Opera’s Emerging Artist Program.

ICAV. Danlie is debuting his role as Papageno in Mozart’s Die Zauberflöte.

Musical Direction : Christopher Gaudreault
Staging : Nathalie Deschamps

An unforgettable evening where the magic of Mozart meets the pinnacle of the Montreal Vocal Arts Festival. Featuring the Orchestre de la Francophonie, conducted by Christopher Gaudreault, and semi-staged by Nathalie Deschamps.

Salle Claude Champagne is the main Concert Hall at the Music Faculty of Université de Montréal : 220 Avenue Vincent d’Indy, Outremont.

ICAV.

Staging : Hélène Rassendren

Attend an exceptional opera gala with the international & local participants of the Canadian Vocal Arts Institute 2025, performing the most celebrated opera scenes, staged by our intern in staging Hélène Rassendren. Come and discover the rising stars of opera singing in an unforgettable evening celebrating excellence and passion for opera.

12 singers, 4 pianists, 4 conductors and a string quintet

On the program : excerpts from operas by Mozart, Donizetti, Rossini, Verdi, Massenet, Puccini and more!

Salle Claude Champagne is the main Concert Hall at the Music Faculty of Université de Montréal : 220 Avenue Vincent d’Indy, Outremont.

ICAV.

With the Orchestre de la Francophonie

Get a behind-the-scenes look at an opera audition with the Orchestre de la Francophonie. A unique experience where talented young singers perform before an international jury likely to hire them. This unique audition offers participants of the Canadian Vocal Arts Institute an exceptional opportunity for development and recognition.

Salle Claude Champagne is the main Concert Hall at the Music Faculty of Université de Montréal : 220 Avenue Vincent d’Indy, Outremont.

ICAV.

FREE - reservations required

Come assist to a masterclass with the expert in stress management and mental preparation, Claude Webster.

Salle Serge-Garant and Salle Claude-Champagne are the two main Concert Halls at the Music Faculty of Université de Montréal : 220 Avenue Vincent d’Indy, Outremont.

Arts and Letters Club Toronto. Danlie Rae will be joined by German-Canadian pianist, Pascal Menke for an evening of recital at the Arts and Letters Club in Toronto.

Featuring various operatic and art song repertoires by Rossini, Korngold, Felipe de Leon, Santoliquido, Bolcom, Moore etc.

More details to follow!

Vancouver Opera. Danlie Rae is appearing in the role of Imperial Registrar and understudying the role of Prince Yamadori.

Stunning visuals, transcendent melodies, and a timeless tale of love and loss make Madama a must-see season finale. Puccini’s sublime masterpiece closes out our celebratory 2024–2025 season in grand style, with five performances conducted by VO’s Music Director, Maestro Jacques Lacombe. This extended run boasts a double cast bursting with world-class talents, including Tokyo-born soprano Yasko Sato. Praised for her “disarming, honest, refined and authentic” approach, she makes her VO/Canadian debut as Cio-Cio-San, having previously explored the role’s complexities in performances throughout Italy, the US, Belgium, Slovenia, Greece, Spain, and Japan.

The story of Pinkerton, an American Lieutenant stationed in Nagasaki, who marries a young Japanese girl, Cio-Cio-San. For him, it’s a marriage of convenience, a touristic fantasy abroad before he finds himself a “real” (American) bride. For Cio-Cio-San, it begins her story of tragically unrequited love.

One of the greatest works in operatic history, Puccini’s poignant, deeply emotional music steers Madama Butterfly through love, heartbreak, hope, and tragedy.

Vancouver Opera. Danlie Rae is appearing in the role of Imperial Registrar and understudying the role of Prince Yamadori.

Stunning visuals, transcendent melodies, and a timeless tale of love and loss make Madama a must-see season finale. Puccini’s sublime masterpiece closes out our celebratory 2024–2025 season in grand style, with five performances conducted by VO’s Music Director, Maestro Jacques Lacombe. This extended run boasts a double cast bursting with world-class talents, including Tokyo-born soprano Yasko Sato. Praised for her “disarming, honest, refined and authentic” approach, she makes her VO/Canadian debut as Cio-Cio-San, having previously explored the role’s complexities in performances throughout Italy, the US, Belgium, Slovenia, Greece, Spain, and Japan.

The story of Pinkerton, an American Lieutenant stationed in Nagasaki, who marries a young Japanese girl, Cio-Cio-San. For him, it’s a marriage of convenience, a touristic fantasy abroad before he finds himself a “real” (American) bride. For Cio-Cio-San, it begins her story of tragically unrequited love.

One of the greatest works in operatic history, Puccini’s poignant, deeply emotional music steers Madama Butterfly through love, heartbreak, hope, and tragedy.

Join Vancouver Opera and the Vancouver Public Library for an evening exploring one of the most beloved works in the operatic repertoire: Puccini’s Madama Butterfly.

Hosted by Vancouver Opera’s Engagement Curator Nicholas Burns, this Opera Adventures event invites audiences to dive into the music, story, and cultural legacy of Madama Butterfly. Through live performance and guided conversation, soprano Chloe Hurst will bring key moments from the opera to life, offering insight into Puccini’s gorgeous score and the emotional depth of its unforgettable heroine, Cio-Cio-San.

Together, we’ll reflect on what makes Madama Butterfly such an enduring work, while also considering the opera’s historical context and its resonance with contemporary audiences. Whether you’re new to opera or a longtime fan, this is a unique opportunity to experience Madama Butterfly in an intimate, welcoming setting. Opera Adventures is a series by Vancouver Public Library and Vancouver Opera that celebrates the power of the human voice.

Please note: this event will happen in the Alice MacKay Room. Registration is required to attend, as it will help us ensure that everyone registered has a seat.

Members of Vancouver Opera'‘s Yulanda M. Faris Young Artist will perform various operatic hits as well as excerpts from Jonathan Dove’s opera, Flight.

FREE! Date: January 29, 2025

Time: 7:00PM

Location: Vancouver Public Library, Central Library, 350 West Georgia Street, Vancouver, BC V6B 6B1

Join us on January 29 at the VPL Central Library for Opera Adventures: Flight! Hosted by Nicholas Burns, this engaging evening dives into Jonathan Dove's celebrated opera Flight, a poignant, comedic, and deeply human story inspired by the true tale of an Iranian refugee who lived in an airport for 18 years. With a vibrant score and unforgettable characters, Flight explores themes of connection, love, and longing, set in the liminal space of an airport terminal.

Featuring Vancouver Opera's Yulanda M. Faris Young Artists—soprano Heidi Duncan, mezzo-soprano Simran Claire, tenor Lyndon Ladeur, baritone Danlie Rae Acebuque, and pianist Derek Stanyer.—this free event offers captivating performances, insights, and a behind-the-scenes look at this modern operatic gem. Perfect for newcomers and opera lovers alike!

Chorus Niagara. Danlie Rae will appear as the bass soloist for Handel’s Messiah with Chorus Niagara, conducted by Robert Cooper.

Gather family and friends for TWO special presentations of Handel’s festive Messiah. For Messiah in ALL its glorious splendour, attend our evening complete performance of Handel’s supreme masterpiece and ‘rejoice greatly’ in what makes this one of the most enduring choral works of all time. 

Be part of the afternoon magic with our Children's Messiah, a one-of-a-kind relaxed and interactive 75-minute concert, designed to ignite the love for music in young audiences, with stunning solo arias, glorious orchestral sounds and powerful choruses – over 100 singers and players!

Chelsea Kolić, soprano, Alex Hetherington, mezzo-soprano, David Walsh, tenor, Danlie Rae Acebuque, bass, Concordo Orchestra (Valerie Sylvester, concertmaster)

No·Chamber. Danlie Rae will perform with the musicians of No·Chamber Music Society.

You are invited to join Danlie Rae Acebuque (baritone), Michael Rush (bass), Jeremy Berkman (trombone) and Janelle Nadeau (harp) in a delightful evening where opera, art song, music theatre and pop songs converge through melody, harmony, and improvisation to celebrate lyrical storytelling.

Admission is FREE but donations are welcome!

Vancouver Opera. Danlie Rae is understudying the role of Dr. Falke in Strauss II’s Die Fledermaus.

Join the party: Strauss’ most-beloved operetta kicks off a celebratory 65th anniversary with laughter and mischief.

With a title that translates to “The Bat” (sometimes even presented as “The Revenge of the Bat”), you’d be forgiven for expecting some ominous dark fluttering while gravel-strafed voices say intense things indecipherably. But with its huge chorus, boisterous party scene, and rousing songs like “King Champagne”, Strauss’ beloved operetta absolutely radiates charm, wit, and good-natured mischief!

An audience favourite since its 1874 premiere, Die Fledermaus remains the most-performed operetta in the world for good reason. This vaudeville and farce-inspired comedy masterwork revels in effervescent odes to drinking, dancing, dining, laughing, and, well, more drinking, while a madcap plot pinballs through masquerade and mistaken identities, romantic dalliances, pranks and payback.

Ashlie Corcoran returns to direct her second Vancouver Opera season opener in a row, having helmed the fantastical Magic Flute in 2023, while the high-spirited score is conducted by Vancouver Opera Music Director Jacques Lacombe. (Sharp-eyed audience members might recognize some special guests during the gala scene...but we’ll say no more for now!)

Vancouver Opera. Danlie Rae is understudying the role of Dr. Falke in Strauss II’s Die Fledermaus.

Join the party: Strauss’ most-beloved operetta kicks off a celebratory 65th anniversary with laughter and mischief.

With a title that translates to “The Bat” (sometimes even presented as “The Revenge of the Bat”), you’d be forgiven for expecting some ominous dark fluttering while gravel-strafed voices say intense things indecipherably. But with its huge chorus, boisterous party scene, and rousing songs like “King Champagne”, Strauss’ beloved operetta absolutely radiates charm, wit, and good-natured mischief!

An audience favourite since its 1874 premiere, Die Fledermaus remains the most-performed operetta in the world for good reason. This vaudeville and farce-inspired comedy masterwork revels in effervescent odes to drinking, dancing, dining, laughing, and, well, more drinking, while a madcap plot pinballs through masquerade and mistaken identities, romantic dalliances, pranks and payback.

Ashlie Corcoran returns to direct her second Vancouver Opera season opener in a row, having helmed the fantastical Magic Flute in 2023, while the high-spirited score is conducted by Vancouver Opera Music Director Jacques Lacombe. (Sharp-eyed audience members might recognize some special guests during the gala scene...but we’ll say no more for now!)

Vancouver Opera. Danlie Rae is understudying the role of Dr. Falke in Strauss II’s Die Fledermaus.

Join the party: Strauss’ most-beloved operetta kicks off a celebratory 65th anniversary with laughter and mischief.

With a title that translates to “The Bat” (sometimes even presented as “The Revenge of the Bat”), you’d be forgiven for expecting some ominous dark fluttering while gravel-strafed voices say intense things indecipherably. But with its huge chorus, boisterous party scene, and rousing songs like “King Champagne”, Strauss’ beloved operetta absolutely radiates charm, wit, and good-natured mischief!

An audience favourite since its 1874 premiere, Die Fledermaus remains the most-performed operetta in the world for good reason. This vaudeville and farce-inspired comedy masterwork revels in effervescent odes to drinking, dancing, dining, laughing, and, well, more drinking, while a madcap plot pinballs through masquerade and mistaken identities, romantic dalliances, pranks and payback.

Ashlie Corcoran returns to direct her second Vancouver Opera season opener in a row, having helmed the fantastical Magic Flute in 2023, while the high-spirited score is conducted by Vancouver Opera Music Director Jacques Lacombe. (Sharp-eyed audience members might recognize some special guests during the gala scene...but we’ll say no more for now!)

Vancouver Opera. Danlie Rae is understudying the role of Dr. Falke in Strauss II’s Die Fledermaus.

Join the party: Strauss’ most-beloved operetta kicks off a celebratory 65th anniversary with laughter and mischief.

With a title that translates to “The Bat” (sometimes even presented as “The Revenge of the Bat”), you’d be forgiven for expecting some ominous dark fluttering while gravel-strafed voices say intense things indecipherably. But with its huge chorus, boisterous party scene, and rousing songs like “King Champagne”, Strauss’ beloved operetta absolutely radiates charm, wit, and good-natured mischief!

An audience favourite since its 1874 premiere, Die Fledermaus remains the most-performed operetta in the world for good reason. This vaudeville and farce-inspired comedy masterwork revels in effervescent odes to drinking, dancing, dining, laughing, and, well, more drinking, while a madcap plot pinballs through masquerade and mistaken identities, romantic dalliances, pranks and payback.

Ashlie Corcoran returns to direct her second Vancouver Opera season opener in a row, having helmed the fantastical Magic Flute in 2023, while the high-spirited score is conducted by Vancouver Opera Music Director Jacques Lacombe. (Sharp-eyed audience members might recognize some special guests during the gala scene...but we’ll say no more for now!)

Highlands Opera Studio. Danlie Rae making his Highlands Opera Studio debut and is reprising his role as Figaro in Il Barbiere di Siviglia!

From Bugs Bunny cartoons to movie soundtracks, Il barbiere di Siviglia (The Barber of Seville) is one of the worlds most popular and recognizable Italian comic operas.

A Spanish nobleman, Count Almaviva, is in love with the beautiful and rich Rosina. However, she is the ward of the old, conniving, and extremely protective Doctor Bartolo, who wishes to marry the girl himself in order to get his hands on her money. Almaviva, unable to reach Rosina, turns to the wily Barber, Figaro, for help. Join us for the hilarious antics that follow!

(In Italian with English Surtitles; approximately 3 hours with one intermission; first performed February 20, 1816, Teatro Argentina, Rome)

Venue:

Northern Lights Performing Arts Pavilion

5358 Haliburton County Rd. 21
Haliburton, Ontario K0M 1S0 Canada

Highlands Opera Studio. Danlie Rae making his Highlands Opera Studio debut and is reprising his role as Figaro in Il Barbiere di Siviglia!

From Bugs Bunny cartoons to movie soundtracks, Il barbiere di Siviglia (The Barber of Seville) is one of the worlds most popular and recognizable Italian comic operas.

A Spanish nobleman, Count Almaviva, is in love with the beautiful and rich Rosina. However, she is the ward of the old, conniving, and extremely protective Doctor Bartolo, who wishes to marry the girl himself in order to get his hands on her money. Almaviva, unable to reach Rosina, turns to the wily Barber, Figaro, for help. Join us for the hilarious antics that follow!

(In Italian with English Surtitles; approximately 3 hours with one intermission; first performed February 20, 1816, Teatro Argentina, Rome)

Venue:

Northern Lights Performing Arts Pavilion

5358 Haliburton County Rd. 21
Haliburton, Ontario K0M 1S0 Canada

Vancouver Opera. Danlie Rae Acebuque is making his Vancouver Opera debut as Morales in Bizet’s Carmen.

The blood of passion surges and spills in one of the most beloved and widely performed works in operatic history. Animated by an all-star cast and audacious stagecraft, the conflicting worlds and failed romance of the sensual, rebellious Carmen and the possessive military man Don José absolutely burst off the stage.

From the stirring Toreador Song to the tauntingly seductive aria Habanera, Georges Bizet’s enduring and richly coloured melodies transcend the hummable; they don’t just gesture towards emotions, they embody the many shapes and shades of passion, from infatuation to violent jealousy.

Carmen wasn’t well-received when it debuted in 1875, but Bizet’s final masterpiece has since become a perennial audience favourite and a powerful artistic platform to explore class conflict and gender inequality.

Vancouver Opera. Danlie Rae Acebuque is making his Vancouver Opera debut as Morales in Bizet’s Carmen.

The blood of passion surges and spills in one of the most beloved and widely performed works in operatic history. Animated by an all-star cast and audacious stagecraft, the conflicting worlds and failed romance of the sensual, rebellious Carmen and the possessive military man Don José absolutely burst off the stage.

From the stirring Toreador Song to the tauntingly seductive aria Habanera, Georges Bizet’s enduring and richly coloured melodies transcend the hummable; they don’t just gesture towards emotions, they embody the many shapes and shades of passion, from infatuation to violent jealousy.

Carmen wasn’t well-received when it debuted in 1875, but Bizet’s final masterpiece has since become a perennial audience favourite and a powerful artistic platform to explore class conflict and gender inequality.