Opera
Werther by Massenet at Place des Arts
Montreal, QC 254
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Opera in Canada
Opera in Canada runs from September to May, a few productions per company. The Canadian Opera Company plays the Four Seasons Centre in Toronto, where Toronto Operetta Theatre also stages its operettas at the Jane Mallett Theatre. Opéra de Montréal sings at Salle Wilfrid-Pelletier and the Maison symphonique at Place des Arts (Montreal). Out west, Calgary Opera plays the Southern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium (Calgary), Edmonton Opera the Jubilee and the Citadel Theatre (Edmonton), Vancouver Opera the Queen Elizabeth Theatre (Vancouver) and Pacific Opera Victoria the Royal Theatre (Victoria). The big titles rotate through: La Traviata, Rigoletto, Tosca, La Bohème, Turandot, The Barber of Seville, Così fan tutte. Every performance is surtitled in English, and in French in Montreal. Spectaculos lists each date with the "from" price and the seller.
Frequently asked questions
Answers to the most common questions.
Is The Phantom of the Opera an opera?
No: it is an Andrew Lloyd Webber musical, sung in English with microphones. You will find it under Theatre, not here.
Do I need to understand Italian or German?
No. Every Canadian company projects surtitles above the stage, in English everywhere and in French in Montreal. The synopsis is also in the programme.
How much is an opera ticket?
The cheapest seats start around $30 to $50 depending on the company, often in the balcony; the best seats run above $200. Several companies offer discounted tickets to patrons under 30.
When should I buy?
Subscriptions open in spring, single tickets in late summer. Productions run only four to eight performances: Saturdays sell out first.