In 2020, Calgary’s performing arts venues sat empty for months. In 2021 and 2022, the arts story was about survival; in 2023, the focus was cautious optimism. This year’s watchword seems to be inclusion as the city’s arts organizations rebuild for broader audiences.
Today, venues citywide are gearing up for world-class performances, with a focus on attracting new audiences and reviving those who stayed home during the pandemic. Artistic directors have promised to unite the community — and audiences are responding in kind.
Several artistic directors told us which shows they look forward to in the 2024-2025 season and why we should be excited.
Calgary Opera
Sue Elliot, the general director and CEO of Calgary Opera, has worked with the institution since November 2023. Throughout her career, she’s commissioned several contemporary operas. “I’ve produced a lot of very dynamic programming for people who consider themselves opera experts and also for people who are coming to operas for the first time,” she says.
To her, opera is an art form that should be available to all, as evident in Calgary Opera’s 2024 lineup. Their season kicks off with “Arias & Ales” on September 15 and November 24, in collaboration with Best of Kin Social, a local pub on 14 Street — a fresh experience that merges outdoor opera with easygoing craft brews.
“I love it because it’s just so, so fun. You don’t have to get dressed; you just come to the pub, have some great food and drink, and listen to a little bit of the best opera.”
Another exciting event is one for the kids’ calendars. “The Witty Squirrel” premieres on November 29, and it’s a family-friendly party for all ages.
“We’re gonna encourage everyone to come in their favourite costumes,” says Elliot. “Whether it’s an animal costume, a prince or a princess, king, queen — we’re going to embrace everyone to come as they are.”
These shows are all aimed at being accessible to everyone. “This year, we’re hosting a sensory-friendly performance for the first time,” says Elliott. “It’s really to serve audiences of all ages who need different performing conditions to enjoy themselves. We will have a different setup for audience members who might need to disengage and decompress.”
Meanwhile, “Don Giovanni” launches on November 2nd and tells a familiar tale of a wolf in gentlemen’s clothing. “Don Giovanni” is iconic for its dramatic score and Italian libretto, and this production will include English translations.
“Arias & Ales,” “The Witty Squirrel,” and “Don Giovanni” seek to prove that opera is not meant to be gate-kept: it’s another avenue to find community through art.
Even More Opera
Beautiful Voices: The History of the Calgary Philharmonic Chorus celebrates the chorus’s repertoire, which includes opera, classical, and pop standards. September 17 at Central Library.
Calgary Concert Opera brings Giuseppe Verdi’s Nabucco to life for two nights this month. September 19 at Lutheran Church of the Cross and the 21st at the Polaris Theatre.
Ammolite Opera, Calgary’s newest opera company hosts its annual Christmas concert, Deck The Halls. December 20 at Grace Presbyterian Church.
