Opera with a Twist
Introducing Opera Five
by Aria Umezawa
Opera Five is set to change opera as you know it. As a new Toronto-based troupe, Opera Five is ready to challenge your senses – all five of them – with compelling takes on classic stories.
IT’S OPERA WITH A TWIST
Opera Five’s performance arts company follows new industry directions: We’re making opera accessible, we create powerful, emotional experiences and we’re advancing the limits of our art form in imaginative, thought-provoking ways. We’ve already seen this move toward a more user-friendly experience with current trends favouring cheaper tickets, under 30s-themed events and innovative venue options in bars, subway cars and pop-up operas in parks. By re-envisioning classic stories in modern spaces, opera is now resonating with new groups of people.
We aren’t looking to take the shine off opera or detract from its tradition of prestige. But there’s something to be said about an approach to storytelling without airs, one that’s natural and unaffected. We’ll still bring all the glitter and glam. We’re giving opera a makeover, and we’re changing the face of the audience’s experience for good.
HOW WE’RE DOING IT
We call it the Five Sense Experience. We’re integrating the senses through a combination of different mediums. Imagine The Magic Flute as a video game, Bluebeard’s Castle with Bluebeard recast as a fashion photographer and his former wives as aspiring models, Trouble in Tahiti where the singers interact with animations, a Don Giovanni where you are invited to the final feast. This is the direction we’re taking, and this is where Opera Five stands out from the crowd. Each of our productions lets audiences create new emotional connections and gives them lasting sensory memories. Opera’s no longer just a treat for the mind! (cont'd)
We’ve also introduced an online series called Opera Cheats (see links below). Our quick, cheeky two-to-three-minute video synopses of classic operas give our audience the low-down on everything they need to know before a show. From what to wear to the three rules to understanding any opera, we’re making sure you know the difference between Falstaff and falsetto – and we’re making it fun.
Above all, we feel our approach to opera makes theatre more relatable. Despite elaborate plotlines, we believe the stories of operas past are still our stories today.
MAKING OPERA MAKE SENSE
The team behind Opera Five makes our productions special. The founding members all met during their studies at McGill University, and bring with them talented backgrounds and unique perspectives. We are:
Rachel Krehm, General Director – A Toronto native, and accomplished soprano with a keen dramatic sense, and excellent musicianship. Rachel is at the helm when it comes to keeping us on track and getting the word out. Beyond this, Rachel has experience working as a property manager for a local property management company so she knows how to make every penny count!
Aria Umezawa, Artistic Director - Half-Japanese, entirely dedicated. Aria is our stage director and creator/writer of Opera Cheats. Though initially trained as a singer, Aria has spent the last few years travelling North America directing, assisting, or stage managing at every opportunity. She still performs, though mostly afrocentric/gospel music, and brings this eclectic understanding of art and culture to her theatrical work.
Catharin Carew, Production Manager – Our Guildhall graduate, with an interesting case of colour-word synaesthesia. Catharin is no stranger to the full sensory experience. A critically acclaimed mezzo-soprano, Catharin thrives in contemporary opera and brings an intellectual approach to her performances. With a unique visual style, Catharin can make props and sets out of just about anything.
Mai Nash, Music Director – Bringing some Hawaiian attitude, and years of musical experience, Mai is quickly establishing himself as one of the top vocal coaches in Toronto. To think he also had a previous career working for a marketing firm, and gave it all up for the love of vocal music. He truly understands how to create the total package performer.
WHAT’S NEXT?
Get ready for opera with a twist:
guerrilla productions on the streets of Toronto
the world première of Canadian composer Darren Russo’s first opera, Storybook
a secret project for Nuite Blanche
the Piazolla opera Maria de Buenos Aires with an element of tango thrown into the mix
…and plenty more Opera Cheats videos to keep you in the know
See. Smell. Taste. Hear. Feel. Experience.
Opera Five is Opera That Makes Sense.
Aria Umezawa
Artistic Director of Opera Five
The company's Opera Cheats Videos:
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