OPERA BUDDIES

A young man in a red tshirt and grey sweatshirt laughs as he tries on "witches fingers" - black gloves wiht extended black fingernails. A slightly older woman looks on, laughing and takes a photo with her phone.

Opera Buddies participants get “hands on” with costume elements from 2023’s Macbeth.

WHAT IS OPERA BUDDIES?

Whether you’re 17 or 70, if you’ve ever been curious about opera, but unsure where to start or what to listen for, you’re invited to join Opera Buddies - an intergenerational opera discovery program for youth, adults, and older adults. You’ll connect with other lifelong learners of all ages interested in broadening their musical horizons or deepening their love of opera.

Each Opera Buddies session begins with two classes: an introduction to opera as well as a primer on the opera you’ll be going to see. You’ll learn what to expect at the theatre, as well as insights into what to watch and listen for at the show.

Then, come to the opera and watch the performance with a live orchestra, soloists, and chorus.

To make the most of your experience, the final class is a guided reflection on the opera you just saw as well as suggestions for taking your learning further.

Each class is facilitated by a professional opera teaching artist from Calgary Opera.

Opera Buddies is perfect for friends or families who want to explore the arts together and guaranteed to have you talking around the dinner table.

Opera buddies registrations will be on sale June 10, 2024.

Opera Buddies participants pose for a photo after seeing 2023’s The (R)evolution of Steve Jobs.

Opera Buddies participants pose for a photo after attending 2023’s The (R)evolution of Steve Jobs.


2024 - 25 Opera Buddies Sessions

Locations

Classes take place at:
McDougall United Church
8516 Athabasca St. SE

Dress Rehearsals take place at:
Southern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium
1415 14 Ave NE

Session info

Sessions are on Thursdays at 4:30 pm
Dress Rehearsals are on the Thursday before opening night at 7pm

Don Giovanni - October 17 to November 7, 2024

Don Pasquale - January 16 to February 6, 2025

Bluebeard’s Castle & Gianni Schicchi - March 20 to April 10, 2025.

OPERA BUDDIES FAQ:

How many sessions can I sign up for?
You can sign up for as many Opera Buddies sessions as you’d like! Registration is limited to 25 participants.

Do I have to come to all 4 classes?
Because programming is tailored to participants' unique backgrounds and interests, we ask that you commit to attending all three classes and the performance for any Opera Buddies session you register for.

How much does this program cost?
Opera Buddies is $20 for a four-class session.

How do I sign up?
Registration opens June 10, 2024.

For more information about the Opera Buddies Program, please contact

Stephania Romaniuk
Community Ambassador
E-Mail