About

Opera on the Avalon was formed in 2007 by Cheryl Hickman, soprano, and Jennifer Matthews, pianist. It is the only program of its kind in Canada, which produces fully-staged operas with professional orchestra for the education and development of its participants and the enrichment of the host city, St. John’s.

Festival Mandate:

The mandate of Opera on the Avalon is to provide emerging operatic artists from around the world with the opportunity to perform and develop under the guidance of some of the most distinguished operatic artists working in the art form today. We believe in education through performance. We are also mandated is to bring the operatic art form to the province of Newfoundland and Labrador.

Artistic Mission Statement:

The mission statement of Opera on the Avalon is to entertain, challenge, and enlighten our diverse audience with operas produced from the Canadian and international repertoires. We are invested in sharing the power of opera with all who are open to receiving it through exceptional performances and meaningful education programs for all ages.

Impact:

Opera realizes the Baroque ambition of integrating all the arts under one umbrella. Music and drama are the fundamental ingredients, as are the arts of staging and costume design; opera is therefore a visual as well as an audible art. Throughout its history, opera has reflected trends current in the several arts of which it is composed. A feature unique to opera, however, is the power of music, particularly that written for the several registers of the human singing voice, which is arguably the artistic means best suited to the expression of emotion and the portrayal of character.

Newfoundland and Labrador has had very little exposure to this art form except on television and in movie theatres. Seldom in this province have we been exposed to the art form as it is meant to be enjoyed – with full sets, orchestra, costumes, lighting, and staging. Opera on the Avalon brings two full productions of mainstage operatic works to the province each year. In addition, we are committed to developing and nurturing the Newfoundland theatrical and musical communities by engaging local artists, designers, musicians, and technicians to participate in creating this music festival that is so relevant to us all.

Opera on the Avalon has been engaging local artists since its’ first festival. We continue to hire local musicians and artists including orchestra members, stage managers, coaches, vocal consultants, pianists, costume designers, set designers, lighting designers, wardrobe assistants, technical directors, and diction specialists. Due to the scale of our large productions, we also work hand in hand with many businesses in the province, which offer support to our productions in terms of marketing, lighting, advertising, and venue rental.

Our festival is also invested in enhancing the province of Newfoundland and Labrador as a tourism destination. Participants, faculty, and guest artists are housed in hotels and university housing, which helps to boost our local economy. Their tourism dollars are also spent in local restaurants, on sight-seeing tours, and other arts venues throughout the province.

Opera on the Avalon also helps to bring an entirely new facet to Newfoundland and Labrador Culture, and adds to our already burgeoning festival atmosphere. Indeed, there is now a festival in our province for practically every art form.

Separately, our internship program is committed to providing young artists with the opportunity to work with experts in the field of conducting, stage management, directing, and artistic administration.

Opera in the Outports and Community Outreach:

Opera on the Avalon believes in the importance of operatic education to young and old audiences alike who have never been exposed to this art form.

Our program, Opera in the Outports has for the last two seasons brought productions and concerts to Brigus and to Ferryland. Tickets sales from these events also went to support local charities and concerns. Opera on the Avalon’s Education and Outreach Program has touched the lives of children, students and community members across Newfoundland and Labrador. The diverse education and outreach programs reached students in the classroom, as well as brought students to actual opera performances for a real-life experience.

Student Dress Rehearsals: Student Matinees allowed students to attend special dress rehearsal performances for an extremely affordable price.

Students and seniors also benefited from reduced tickets prices throughout regular performances.